Holistic Glossary A to Z

Terminology and Explanation

Aromatherapy is a form of alternative medicine based on the use of essential oils derived from plant parts such as flowers, leaves, bark, and roots. It claims to enhance physical and emotional health, improve sleep quality, help manage pain, aid digestion, and reduce anxiety. Methods of use usually consist of inhalation, topical application, bathing, or compresses.

Acupressure is a traditional Chinese medicine technique that involves applying pressure on specific points of the body to promote relaxation, alleviate pain, aid digestive issues, and may even help to combat anxiety and depression. Acupressure is often used in conjunction with acupuncture and reflexology.

Acupuncture has been a main component of traditional Chinese medicine for centuries. It involves the insertion of specialized thin needles at certain strategic points of the body to stimulate the central nervous system which claims to aid the body's natural healing abilities. The practice is well known for pain management, alleviation of anxiety and promotion of overall well-being.

Adaptive Yoga Should be in the general yoga section.

Angel Guidance is a gentle practice of connecting with your Angelic energies to receive guidance and spiritual insights, usually done with the help of an Angel Card reader. This inspiring practice can help to overcome roadblocks, learn how to read the signs from higher entities and finetune intuition.

Art Healing also known as Art therapy is a therapeutic practice that uses creative processes such as drawing, painting, and clay sculpting to help people to manage their emotions, reduce stress and anxiety and promote overall mental and emotional well-being. It can also be used to help PTSD sufferers to heal the trauma, anxiety and grief.

Ashiatsu Is a deep tissue massage technique in which a practitioner uses his/her feet to deliver deep and consistent pressure to the body. The benefits include the reduction in chronic pains and tension all while increasing the lymphatic circulation and joint flexibility.

Astrology is an ancient practice that uses the positions and movements of celestial bodies such as the sun, moon and planets to determine and reflect the characteristics of each individual human and the key events in his life. Astrologers can offer a guidance in forms of natal charts, sun and moon revolutions and Astro geolocation allowing people to make decisions regarding travel and relocation.

Ayurveda in Sanskrit meaning 'science of life' is one of the most ancient alternative medicine systems with its roots in India originating 5000 years ago. With its strictly natural and holistic approach to whole body healing it is appreciated and practiced all over the world.

Breathwork refers to various breathing techniques that have been employed by thousand year old practices such as Ayurveda and Traditional Chinese medicine. It usually involves to mindfully changing breathing patterns with or without guided meditation to help reduce the anxiety, aid the relaxation, sharpen the focus and soften the symptoms of depression.

Career Guidance is a process led by a career councellor or a mentor that helps individuals understand and develop their interests, skills and goals in order to make an informed decision towards their education, training and career path. It can be useful at any stage of life, whether just starting out, transitioning between careers or an advancement in a current role.

Chakras is a Sanskrit word meaning 'wheel' or 'disk' referring to 7 focal points of energy around the body. They are mainly referred to in a variety of ancient meditation practices such as Tantra and Yoga. It is strongly believed that these energy points help regulate different aspects of physical, mental and emotional well-being.

Chromotherapy also known as Colour Therapy, is a type of alternative medecine that uses colored lights to restore and promote the balance of body and mind. It can also be used for pain management as it is believed that implementing the right colour can influence and promote healing.

Counselling and Therapy is a therapeutic process where a trained professional (councillor) works with individuals, couples or groups to explore personal challenges, emotional difficulties, trauma, or life issues. The goal is usually to enhance mental well-being, improve relationships, or promote personal growth. While councelling tends to be more focused on specific issues, such as stress, relationship problems, or grief, therapy generally involves a deeper exploration of emotional and mental health issues.

Courses Holistic courses focus on teaching practices that address the whole person-mind, body and soul-rather than just one aspect of their well-being. These courses often include subjects like alternative medicine, mindfulness, yoga, energy healing, meditation and other alternative practices.

Cryotherapy is a therapeutic treatment that involves exposing the body to extremely cold temperatures for a short period of time. The process is believed to promote healing, reduce inflammation and enhance recovery. Cryotherapy can be applied locally (to a specific body part) or systematically (to the whole body). Cryotherapy is a growing trend in wellness and recovery, offering potential benefits for pain relief, muscle recovery and skin health.

Detox Programs also known as detox diets or cleanses are more popular than ever before. These are believed to aid the body in cleansing itself from toxins and unnecessary waste thus promoting weight loss, high energy levels, glowing complexions and improved general well-being. There are also holistic detox programs available to cleanse the body from the harmful effects of drugs and alcohol.

Dream Therapy is a type of holistic therapy that focuses on exploring and analyzing a person's dreams to gain insight into their unconscious mind, emotions and unresolved issues. The goal is to help an individual to address underlying phsycological concerns and promote emotional healing and personal growth.

Ear Candling is a form of alternative medicine, believed to be originated in ancient China which involves placing a conical shaped lit candle into the ear canal to help draw out the ear wax and impurities due to the low-level vacuum created by the flame. The benefits include improved hearing and balance, preventions of tinnitus symptoms and earaches.

Energy Work also known as energy healing, is a holistic practice that focuses on manipulating the body's energy fields to promote physical, emotional and spiritual healing. These practices involve techniques such as light touch, visualization, and working with energy channels to bring harmony to the body and mind.

Essential Oils are concentrated extracts derived from various parts of the plants such as leaves, roots, bark or flowers. These are believed to have powerful effects on mental and physical wellbeing due to the natural smell of their source. Essential oils are widely used in holistic therapies and medicine such as aromatherapy, massages, yoga and natural skincare.

Feng Shui is an ancient Chinese practice that focuses on arranging your living or working space in a way that promotes harmony, balance and positive energy flow (known as 'qi' or 'chi'). It is based on the belief that the environment influences well-being, success and happiness.

Group Therapy is a form of psychotherapy where a small group of individuals, typically led by a trained therapist, come together to discuss and work through shared issues, challenges or emotional difficulties. Participants share their experiences, offer support and learn from one another in a safe, confidential environment.

Harmonyni is a community of professional Holistic Businesses and Freelance Therapists mainly based in the United Arab Emirates. You can also find Holistic businesses and freelancers listed from the Middle East region and beyond. Harmonyni community (businesses and freelancers) is at your service to help you reach your health goals, improve your overall well-being, and boost your energy levels.

Herbal Remedies are natural treatments made from plants or plant extracts used to prevent or treat various health conditions. These remedies have been used for centuries in traditional medicine systems, such as Ayurveda, Traditional Chinese Medicine and Native American healing practices among others. Common forms of herbal remedies include teas and infusions, tinctures, capsules or tablets, ointments or creams and essential oils.

Holistic Gym are fitness centres that take a comprehensive approach to health and wellness, focusing on physical, mental, emotional, and sometimes spiritual aspects of well-being. Unlike traditional gyms that mainly concentrate on physical fitness through cardio and strength training, holistic gyms aim to create balance across all areas of life.

Holistic Schools focus on educating students in a way that nurtures the whole person-mind, body and spirit. These schools often take an integrative approach to learning, emphasizing not only academic success but also emotional, physical and spiritual well-being. The goal is to create balanced, self-aware, and socially responsible individuals.

Homeopathy is an alternative medical practice founded in 18th century that uses highly diluted natural substances to treat illnesses, based on the idea that 'like cures like'. It is believed to stimulate body's natural healing response without causing side effects. Remedies are available in various forms, such as liquid drops, pellets or tablets.

Indigenous Healing refers to traditional practices used by Indigenous people to maintain health, treat illness, and restore balance within spirit, body and mind. These practices often involve natural remedies, spiritual rituals, community involvement and a deep connection to nature, passed down through generations and rooted in cultural beliefs and wisdom.

Infrared Sauna is a type of sauna therapy that uses infrared light to heat the body directly, rather than heating the air around you like traditional saunas. This deeper heat can promote sweating and increased heart rate, mimicking the effects of exercise. Infrared saunas are popular for their potential health benefits, including relaxation, detoxification and improved circulation.

Jin Shin Do translates to 'The Way of Compassionate Spirit', and is a form of acupressure therapy that combines traditional Japanese acupressure, Chinese acupuncture theory and Western psychology. It aims to release physical and emotional tension by applying gentle pressure to specific points of the body along energy pathways.

Kinesiology is the scientific study of human movements and the mechanics of the body. It involves understanding how muscles, bones and joints work together to produce movement and how physical activity affects overall health and performance. The goal is to promote optimal health by addressing the root causes of issues rather than just treating symptoms.

Life Coaching is a process where a trained coach helps individuals achieve personal or professional goals and improve their overall quality of life. Life coaches provide guidance, support and motivation to help clients identify their goals, develop strategies and overcome obstacles. This type of coaching can be used for career development, personal growth, improving relationships and achieving work-life balance.

Locations for Rent are specific spaces to rent out in UAE for just 1 hour or a week and more for specific defined holistic practices.

Locations for Sale are specific spaces, studios or entire buildings that you can buy in UAE and open your well-being business.

Manual Lymph Drainage is a type of gentle massage technique that stimulates the lymphatic system to help the body remove waste and excess liquids more effectively. It involves rhythmic, light pressure applied to specific points on the body to encourage the natural flow of lymph to improve circulation, reduce swelling and enhance the body's immune system.

Meditation is a mental practice that involves focusing the mind, often to achieve a state of calm, serenity and heightened awareness. It can take many forms, but the goal is typically to quiet the mind and reduce distractions, which can lead to a sense of inner peace and relaxation. People meditate for various reasons, such as reducing stress, improving concentration, elevating emotional well-being or seeking spiritual growth.

Modern Ayurveda refers to the contemporary application of traditional Ayurvedic principles and practices, blending them with current scientific knowledge and modern lifestyles. Modern Ayurveda maintains the core values of 3000 years old ancient origins while evolving to meet the needs of today's health-conscious population, providing a more preventative and holistic approach to health and well-being.

Natural Cosmetics/Skincare refers to personal care products made primarly from ingredients derived from natural sources. These products avoid synthetic chemicals, artificial fragrances and harmful preservatives, but instead opt for essential oils, plant extracts and natural butters. Examples include products like organic moisturisers, plant-based claensers and mineral-based makeup.

Natural Hair Care refers to the use of organic, plant-based and chemical-free methods and products to maintain the health and appearance of hair. This approach emphasizes avoiding harsh chemicals, synthetic fragrances and sulfates, and instead focusing on nourishing the hair and scalp using gentle, eco-friendly alternatives.

NLP – Neuro-Linguistic Programming is a psychological approach that explores the connections between neurological processes ('neuro'), language ('linguistic') and behavioural patterns that have been learned through experience ('programming'). It aims to help individuals improve their thinking, communication and behaviour to achieve personal and professional goals.

Nutrition and Diets play a crucial role in maintaining health, supporting bodily functions and preventing disease. While nutrition refers to the intake of food and how the body uses it to support growth, repair and overall health, a diet is a specific plan of eating that an individual follows, which may be influenced by health goals, cultural practices or ethical considerations.

Nutritional Supplements are products designed to add nutrients to your diet or to lower the risk of health problems. They can include vitamins, minerals, herbs, amino acids and other substances. Common types are multivitamins, fish oil, probiotics and protein powders. They are beneficial, especially if you have specific dietary needs or deficiencies.

Organic Foods are produced without synthetic pesticides, herbicides or genetically modified organisms (GMO). It emphasizes natural farming practices, including organic fertilizers and crop rotation to maintain soil health and biodiversity. Many people choose organic foods for their potential health benefits, and environmental impact and to support sustainable agricultural practices.

Organic Skincare see -> Natural Cosmetics and Skincare

Past Life Regression is a process consisting of hypnosis and psychotherapy to help individuals access and explore memories or experiences from what are believed to be previous lifetimes. This practice is based on the idea of reincarnation, suggesting that the soul experiences multiple lives in different bodies over time. The process is usually led by the therapist who helps the individual to reach a deeply relaxed or trans-like state.

Personal Trainer is a fitness professional who helps individuals to achieve their health, fitness or athletic goals through personalized exercise programs, guidance and motivation. They typically work in gyms, fitness centres or independently, providing one-to-one or small-group sessions. Many also offer nutritional guidance on healthy eating to complement fitness goals and maximize results.

Pilates is a physical fitness system developed by Joseph Pilates, the German physical trainer, in the early 20th century. It focuses on strengthening muscles while improving postural alignment and flexibility. The method emphasizes core strength, stability and controlled movements, making it beneficial for people of all ages and fitness levels.

Prana is a Sanskrit word that refers to the vital life force or energy that permeates the universe and all living beings in various spiritual and holistic practices, particularly in Hinduism, Buddhism and Ayurveda. It plays a central role in practices like Yoga, Meditation and Ayurvedic healing, where the goal is to maintain the free flow of prana for holistic health and spiritual development.

Psychic Medium is an individual who claims to have the ability to communicate with spirits of the deceased, as well as perceive information beyond the normal human senses. This practice is often linked to spiritualism and is used to provide messages or guidance from the spirit world to the living. Mediums are believed to act as intermediaries, channeling information from the spirits to the individuals seeking contact.

Qigong is an ancient Chinese practice that combines movement, breathing techniques and meditation to cultivate and balance Qi, the life force or energy that flows through all living things. Rooted in Traditional Chinese Medicine (TCM), qigong is practised for health, healing and spiritual development. Benefits include physical and mental health improvement, energy cultivation and holistic healing.

Reflexology is a therapeutic practice that involves applying pressure to specific points on the feet, hands and ears, which are believed to correspond to different organs, systems and parts of the body. The holistic healing technique is based on the idea that these reflex points can stimulate the body's natural healing processes, promote relaxation and improve overall health.

Reiki is a Japanese form of energy healing that focuses on balancing the body's life force energy to promote physical, emotional and spiritual well-being. The term 'Reiki' comes from two Japanese words, meaning life force energy (similar to 'Qi' in Chinese or 'Prana' in Indian traditions). Reiki practitioners believe that by chanelling this energy through their hands, they can stimulate the body's natural healing process.

Shiatsu is a form of Japanese bodywork that uses manual pressure, typically applied by the thumbs, fingers and palms, to stimulate specific points of the body, promoting health and well-being. Rooted in Traditional Chinese Medicine principles and Japanese massage techniques, shiatsu is often used to balance the body's energy flow (Qi), alleviate pain, reduce stress, and enhance overall physical and mental health.

Sound Therapy is a holistic healing practice that uses sound vibrations to improve physical, emotional and spiritual well-being. It is based on the principle that everything in the universe, including the human body is in a constant state of vibration. By using specific sounds and frequencies, sound therapy aims to restore balance and harmony in the body and mind.

Spa Retreats are wellness-focused getaways that offer a variety of health, beauty, and relaxation treatments. Typically located in tranquil environments like mountains, coastal areas or forests, they provide services such as massages, facials, body treatments, hydrotherapy, yoga, and meditation. Many spa retreats also offer nutrition and fitness programs, to promote holistic well-being by addressing both physical and mental health.

Stress Management involves techniques and strategies aimed at controlling a person's level of stress, particularly chronic stress, to improve overall well-being. Effective stress management can help reduce physical and mental health issues like anxiety, depression, high blood pressure and cardiovascular problems.

Tai Chi is a traditional Chinese martial art that combines slow, deliberate movements with deep breathing and meditation. Often described as 'meditation in motion', Tai Chi focuses on balance, flexibility and mindfulness, making it both a physical exercise and a mental relaxation technique. It is practised for both its defence training and health benefits, particularly for reducing stress and improving overall well-being.

Tarot is a form of divination that uses a deck of 78 cards to gain insight into past, present and future events or situations. Each card in the tarot deck has symbolic imagery and meaning, which is interpreted by the reader based on the layout used and the question asked. Tarot is often used for personal reflection, guidance and understanding one's inner thoughts and emotions.

Therapeutic Massage is a type of massage aimed at treating specific physical conditions or ailments, rather than just promoting relaxation. It combines various techniques to address muscle pain, tension, injuries or stress and often supports overall health and well-being.

Traditional Chinese Medicine (TCM) also known as TCM, is a holistic system of health and healing that has been practised in China for thousands of years. It is based on the belief that the body's vital energy, called Qi, flows through pathways (meridians) in the body, and maintaining the balance of this energy is essential for good health. TCM is widely practised both in China and around the world, often in conjunction with modern Western Medicine.

Weight Loss Programs are structured plans designed to help individuals lose weight and achieve a healthier body. These programs can vary widely in their approach and may include dietary plans, exercise routines, supplemental support and medical supervision. The main aim is to create a sustainable path to weight loss by addressing various aspects of health and lifestyle.

Wellness Tourism is a type of travel designed to maintain or enhance personal well-being and health through various physical, mental and spiritual activities. It has gained popularity as people seek ways to disconnect from their busy lives and focus on health and rejuvenation, often in serene, natural environments or specialized resorts.

Yantra is a type of holistic practice that involves using sacred geometric diagrams (yantras) as tools for meditation, concentration and spiritual growth. Practitioners believe that yantras can help focus the mind, balance energies and connect with higher states of consciousness. The practice is often combined with mantras (sacred sounds) and specific rituals in Hinduism and Tantric traditions.

Yoga is an ancient physical, mental and spiritual practice that originated in India over 5000 years ago. It involves a combination of physical postures (asanas), breath control, meditation and ethical disciplines. The ultimate goal of yoga is to achieve balance and harmony between body, mind and spirit, leading to spiritual awakening and self-realization.

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