Hammam (Turkish bath)
Arabic steam bath or place of public bathing. Muhammad believed that the heat of the hammam, which in Arabic means ‘spreader of warmth’; enhanced fertility and the followers of the faith should multiply.
Hand and Foot Treatment
This often includes a standard manicure and pedicure, followed by a seaweed or paraffin mask to soften and smooth the skin.
Haysack Wrap
Kneipp treatment with steamed hay intended to detoxify the body.
Herbal Wrap/Bath (hot or cold)
The body is wrapped in warm linen or cotton sheets which have been steeped like tea bags in a variety of aromatic herbs, then covered with blankets or towels, preventing the moist heat from escaping. Additionally, a cool compress is applied to the forehead. Herbal wraps help relax the muscles, soothe soreness and soften skin. However, some people find the heat oppressive and the cocoon effect of the wet sheets and blankets smothering. To avoid feeling claustrophobic, the arms may remain outside of the wrap.
Herbology (herbalism)
The use and study of herbs for the purpose of healing and diet. Herbs are prepared for internal and external use in a variety of ways including teas, tinctures, extracts, oils, ointments, compresses, and poultices.
Holistic Health
Also known as wholistic (from whole) A non-medical approach to the healing and health of the whole person that looks to combine physical and mental well being. This philosophy of health views the environmental, physical, mental, emotional and spiritual aspects of life as intricately interwoven and seeks to create balance by attending to all.
Homeopathy
A form of medicine based on the principle that cures. Patients are treated with natural substances in minute quantities which cause symptoms much like those manifested by the disease. In this way the body’s own vital force is stimulated to cure itself.
Hot Plunge
A hot pool for the rapid expansion of the capillaries and is complimentary to a cold plunge.
Hydro Massage
Underwater massage in a deep tub equipped with high-pressure jets and hand-manipulated hose. See also Hydro Tub.
Hydro Therapy
Long a staple in European spas this is the generic term for water therapies using jets, underwater massage and mineral baths such as Balneotherapy, Iodine-Grine Therapy, Kneipp Treatments, Scotch Hose, Swiss Shower, Thalassotherapy, and others. It also can mean a whirlpool bath, hot Roman pool, hot tub, Jacuzzi, cold plunge and mineral bath. These treatments use physical water properties, such as temperature and pressure, for therapeutic purposes, to stimulate blood circulation, dispel toxins and treat certain diseases.
Hydrotub
Underwater massage in a deep tub equipped with high-pressure jets and hand-manipulated hose. See also hydromassage.
Hypnosis
Inducing an altered state that has been compared to a state of deep meditation or transcendence in which the innate recuperative abilities of the psyche are allowed to flow more freely.
