THE KNOWLEDGE: YOUR HEALTH & WELLNESS GLOSSARY

As you explore the The Arc Circle, you will be confronted by a multitude of different terms, reflecting the variety of therapies and treatments now available to enhance people’s health and wellbeing.

Inspiring though this is, we recognise that it can also be confusing. It is for this reason that we have compiled a glossary of current terms and we will continue to expand the list here for your information and elucidation!

Acupuncture

Chinese complementary medicine where fine needles are inserted along the body to unblock energy channels. 

Aerial Yoga

Yoga poses performed whilst lying in or balancing against a silk hammock suspended from the ceiling. 

Anamnesis

A patient’s account of their medical history. 

Anthropometry

The scientific study of the measurements and proportions of the human body. 

Anti-gravity Yoga

See aerial yoga. 

Antioxidant Drip Therapy

Antioxidants boost the body’s defences, using an intravenous drip ensures 90-100% absorption into the patient’s bloodstream as it bypasses the digestive system (as opposed to around 50% absorption from oral consumption). 

Ashtanga Yoga

A powerful yoga practice that is cardio based and repeats the same sequence of poses in every practice. Good for stress relief and fat burning. 

Autonomic Nervous System

A part of the nervous system that controls muscles of internal organs such as the heart, stomach and intestines and operates without conscious effort. 

Ayurveda

India’s ancient health system of medicine, based on the idea of balance in bodily systems by diet, herbal treatments, meditation and yoga practice. 

Bikram Yoga

A type of hatha yoga where poses and breathing exercises are performed in a room heated to a very high temperature. 

Biological Skin Therapy

Extracts the patient’s own growth factors to create a powerful combination of proteins to be reinjected to regenerate a targeted area of skin. 

Blood Gas Analysis

Measures the amount of oxygen and carbon dioxide in the blood to determine its acidity and lung function. 

Body/Face Contouring

Cosmetic surgery that shapes, sculpts or reshapes the lines of the patient’s face or a part of their body. 

Body Composition/Impedance Analysis

Measures the percentages of bone, fat, water and muscle in the body. 

Botox

A highly purified preparation of botulin that can be injected into specific muscles to cause temporary paralysis and remove wrinkles. 

Bro-Tox

Colloquial term for a specialised technique for relaxing fine lines and wrinkles in men’s faces, while retaining some ruggedness and animation. 

Carboxytherapy

A non-surgical treatment for cellulite, stretch marks and dark under-eye circles that infuses gaseous carbon dioxide into the area using a needle. 

Cardiopulmonary Exercise Testing

A non-invasive method used to assess the efficiency of the heart and lungs, both at rest and during exercise. 

Cell Boost

Removes the patient’s own fat cells, which are filtered and re-injected into targeted areas of the patient’s face to stimulate collagen production. 

Cellular Genomic Detox

A detailed screening of the patient’s DNA and blood to establish any physiological imbalances and prescribe natural supplements to stimulate the body’s natural defences. 

 

Cellular Stimulation

See Cell boost. 

 

Chi Nei Tsang

A traditional Chinese medicine treatment that releases block energy through a gentle abdominal massage. 

CoolSculpting

Commercial name for a non-invasive contouring procedure that uses a device to freeze fat cells under the skin. 

Cryolipolysis

See CoolScuplting. 

Cryotherapy

A technique where the whole or part of the body is exposed to extremely cold temperatures for several minutes to reduce pain, aid injury recovery, improve skin conditions or promote better sleep. 

 

Cupping Therapy

An ancient form of alternative medicine using suction cups on the skin to alleviate pain and inflammation and encourage blood flow and relaxation. 

Dental Aesthetics

Various techniques to improve the appearance, shape, colour, alignment and size of teeth as well as their overall health and function. 

Dental Oil Extraction

An ayurvedic practice that involves rinsing the mouth for up to 15 minutes with oil to help prevent gum bleeding, plaque and halitosis. 

DNA Testing

A technique that usually uses a sample of blood to identify changes in genes, establish genetic conditions and help determine a patient’s risk of developing genetic disorders. 

Duplex Sonography

A test to establish how efficiently blood moves through the patient’s arteries and veins. 

 

ECG

See electrocardiogram 

Echocardiography

A diagnostic test that uses ultrasound waves to investigate the condition of the heart’s chambers, valves and surrounding structures. 

Echography

See Ultrasound. 

EFT

Emotion (or Emotionally) Focused Therapy is a psychotherapy practice that examines patterns, bonding and trust issues in a person’s key relationships in an attempt to improve them. 

Electrocardiogram

Sensors are attached to the skin to check the rhythm of a patient’s heart and detect the electrical signals produced each time the heart beats. 

E-lift

Rejuvenation of the eyelid and eyebrow by removing excess skin and fat through a “mini lift". 

EMDR

Eye Movement Desensitisation and Reprocessing. Attempts to help a person deal with troubling feelings and images by asking them to recall a traumatic incident while following the therapist’s finger moving from side to side in front of their face. Often used for those suffering from Post Traumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD). 

ENT Examination

(Ear, Nose, Throat Exam) An inspection of the face, ears, nose, throat and neck. 

Ergometry

A stress test where the patient exercises on a bicycle or treadmill that monitors performance ability and reserves and can detect latent hypertension, pulmonary disease and cardiovascular disorders. 

Functional Medicine

Determines how and why illness occurs and restores health by addressing the root causes of disease for each individual. 

Hatha Yoga

A relatively gentle form of yoga where poses are generally held for longer, ideal for beginners. 

Heavy Metal Screening

A blood test to determine the levels of potentially harmful metals in the blood such as lead and mercury. 

HIFU/High Intensity Focused Ultrasound

A non-invasive therapy that uses ultrasound waves to thermally ablate a portion of skin, destroying the tissue using intense heat. 

HRCT High Resolution Computerised Tomography

A technique used to create a detailed image to diagnose various health problems, most commonly lung disease. 

Homeopathy

Alternative medicine in which ailments are treated using micro-doses of natural substances that in larger amounts would produce the symptoms of the ailment. 

Hormone Screening

A test to ensure a patient’s hormones, the chemical messengers that travel in the bloodstream and affect many of the body’s processes, are in balance. 

Hyaluronan/Hyaluronic Acid

A natural substance found in skin and connective tissue that keeps them hydrated and can be taken as a supplement or injected into the area to alleviate arthritic pain or reduce fine lines and wrinkles.

Hybrid Energy Lift

Combines ultrasound, infrared, light and laser to regenerate and lift all layers of the face, from the superficial epidermis to the deeper muscular layers. 

HydraGlow Facial

A non-invasive skin resurfacing technology that uses hyaluronic acid, vitamins and antioxidants to exfoliate, cleanse, nourish and hydrate the face. 

HydroColon Therapy

A procedure to flush out toxins from your intestines, using gallons of water streamed into the patient’s body through a tube inserted into the rectum. 

 

Hypnotherapy

Uses hypnosis to treat conditions and change habits, patients are led into a deeply relaxed state but retain awareness throughout. 

Inflammation

The body’s process of fighting against harm such as infections, injuries or toxins in an attempt to heal itself; typically signalled by swelling, heat and pain. Chronic inflammation is associated with conditions such as cancer, diabetes and heart disease. 

Infrared Light Therapy

Uses specific wavelengths of light that penetrate below the skin’s layers to improve acute or chronic pain. 

Infrared Light Body Rejuvenation

A highly advanced technology that uses light energy to heat the dermis below the skin's surface, stimulating collagen production and initiating natural reparative processes to improve texture and elasticity. 

Inner-child Work/Therapy

A psychotherapeutic practice that helps the patient access their childhood experiences and emotions and interpret how they may influence particular issues and challenges they face as an adult. 

Immunological Stool Test

A test for blood in the stool which can be an early sign of colon cancer. 

Immune System

The body’s organs and processes that provide resistance to infections and toxins. 

Implantology

The placing of a surgical component that interfaces with the bone or organ of a patient. In dentistry typically with the jaw or skull to support a crown, bridge, facial prosthesis or to act as an orthodontic anchor. 

IPL/Intense Pulsed Light

A technology that uses a wide range of wavelengths of light for hair removal, treatment of skin pigmentation, sun damage and thread veins as well as to alleviate dermatologic diseases such as acne. 

Integrative Holistic Medicine

An approach that takes into account the lifestyle habits of a patient, treating the whole person rather than focusing on a particular disease or condition. 

Intravenous (IV) Therapy

Intravenously delivering nutrients and hydration via a needle, bypassing the digestive system and, therefore increasing the absorption rate to between 90-100% (as opposed to around 50% from orally consumption). 

Iyengar Yoga

A slow, purist style that places great emphasis on precision and alignment and is particularly beneficial for building strength and flexibility. 

Kinetics

The study of human movement and exercise and its impact on health and physical performance. 

Kirlian Photography

A technique for recording photographic images of the patient’s electromagnetic field, also known as their energetic aura, through which their physical, emotional and mental health can be interpreted.   

Kundalini Yoga

A relaxing style that concentrates on meditation, chanting and kriyas, these are postures that are paired with breathing techniques, to encourage the flow of energy and correct any imbalances in the chakras. 

Laser Therapy

A technique using one wavelength and outputs of low-level light beams to combat chronic pain, inflammation and aid recovery from injury. 

LED/Light Emitting Diode Therapy

A light-based technology using wavelengths in the red-infrared spectrum which helps to repair the skin’s protective barrier and smooth fine lines and wrinkles. 

Limelight Illumino Rejuvenation

A technique that uses a broadband pulsed light to combat signs of ageing such as redness, brown spots and sun damage on the face, neck and décolletage. 

LPG Massage

A natural and non-invasive method of body contouring using a device that combines deep tissue massage with suction to help eliminate fat pockets and cellulite around the thighs, buttocks and torso. 

Meditation

Typically a seated practice with a specific duration during which the person focuses inward to increase emotional and mental stability, using awareness of the breath to focus on clearing the mind of all thought. 

Mesoporation

A non-invasive technique that uses alternating current of specific frequency to produce faster and deeper penetration of active ingredients into the dermal layer during facials and promote rejuvenation. 

Mesotherapy

A technique that uses micro-injections of combinations of vitamins, enzymes, hormones and plant extracts to rejuvenate skin during facials. 

 

Metabolic Testing/Diagnostics

A test to measure the rate at which the patient’s body burns calories and uses oxygen during rest and when exercising. 

Microbiome Testing

A test to measure the presence of different species of microorganisms in a fecal sample to establish the richness of the gut microbiome, the collective name for the body’s intestinal bacteria, fungi and other microbes, which play an important role in digestion, immunity and weight management. 

Microneedling Therapy

A procedure that uses a derma-roller with micro needles to prick the skin finely to help generate new collagen and skin tissue for a more toned and smooth complexion. 

Mindfulness

Actively noticing and paying attention to all thoughts, feelings, behaviours and movements. The participant stays focused on the present moment. Mindfulness can be practised informally at any time for any duration. 

MRI/Magnetic Resonance Imaging Scan

A scan that uses strong magnetic fields and radio waves to produce detailed images of the patient’s organs and internal structures to diagnose a variety of conditions from torn ligaments to tumours. Most often used for examining the brain and spinal cord. 

NLP

Neuro Linguistic Programming is used to treat anxiety, depression and Post Traumatic Stress Disorder by the conscious use of language to bring about changes in a person’s thought and behavioural patterns. 

Nutri-DNA Test

A genetic test, usually using a blood sample, to determine the patient’s ability to eliminate toxins from the body. 

Orthopaedic Consultation

Examines and evaluates any issues, diseases, impairments and injuries in the patient’s musculoskeletal system, providing a treatment or rehabilitation plan. 

Oxygen Infusion Facial

A non-invasive procedure using a wand-like device to deliver a stream of high pressurised oxygen to the skin’s surface to reduce the appearance of fine lines and wrinkles, improve blood circulation and promote collagen production. 

Ozonated Autohemotherapy

The treatment of disease by the withdrawal and re-injection of the patient’s own blood after being mixed with ozone, which can stop the growth of harmful bacteria.   

Panchakarma

Ayurveda’s strict five-step detoxification process, which includes herbal oil massages, steam baths, cleansing enemas and a healing diet. It can include induced vomiting and blood letting.  

Pharmacogenomics

The branch of genetics concerned with determining the likely response of a patient to therapeutic drugs, highlighting the risk of allergic responses. 

Photostimulation

The use of light to activate biological compounds, cells, tissues and organs to investigate the relationship between different biological processes. 

Phytotherapy

The study of the use of natural plant extracts in the treatment and prevention of disease. 

PRP/Platelet-Rich Plasma therapy

A technique that collects platelet-rich plasma, high in growth factor, from the patient’s blood and injects it in a higher concentration into a targeted area such as the face to promote regeneration and toning or into an injured area to promote faster recovery.  

Power Yoga

A fitness-based style that features faster, more dynamic moves, focuses more on standing poses to build strength and less on meditation and chanting. 

Prenatal Yoga

A yoga style that concentrates on stretching and focused breathing and which can improve sleep for pregnant women. 

Pressotherapy

A massage that stimulates the lymphatic system by compressing and decompressing specific parts of the patient’s body to help eliminate toxins and excess liquid.  A massage that stimulates the lymphatic system by compressing and decompressing specific parts of the patient’s body to help eliminate toxins and excess liquid.  

Radio Frequency Treatment

A non-invasive, gentle technique that uses radio frequency energy to heat the dermis and improve the tone and firmness of the skin by stimulating collagen and elastin production, without damaging the top layer. 

Red Light Body Rejuvenation

A form of low-level wavelengths of light that penetrates the body to stimulate and support the mitochondria, the part of the cell responsible for creating and supplying the body with energy, easing muscle atrophy, speeding up wound healing and assisting with bone density issues. 

Reflexology

A complementary touch therapy based on the theory that points, usually on the feet and lower legs, but also sometimes on the hands, face and ears, correspond to other organs in the body and pressing on these points can bring the body into better balance

Regression Therapy

Focuses on a person’s subconscious mind to resolve significant past events that may have a detrimental effect on their present mental and emotional state. 

Rhinoplasty

A cosmetic surgical procedure to reshape the nose. 

Rosacea Medical Facial

A facial that uses advanced light and laser therapies to treat rosacea, a condition in which facial blood vessels become enlarged, giving the face a flushed appearance. 

Runway Facial

A facial that combines laser, infrared waves, light waves and light stimulation waves to deliver instant lift, hydration and brightness to the complexion.  

Shirodhara

An ayurvedic therapy for which warm, herb-infused oil is gently poured over the third eye on the patient’s forehead to produce a feeling of relaxation and promote good sleep. 

Silhouette Soft Thread Lift

A non-invasive treatment that uses biocompatible, fully absorbable threads to lift and reshape the face of patients who have mild laxity in their lower face. 

Sowa Rigpa

Traditional Tibetan Medicine, an ancient health system, similar to ayurveda, which offers a holistic approach that includes pulse diagnosis, diet, herbal remedies, massage and acupuncture.  

Stem Cell Therapy

Stem cells are extracted from a patient’s fat reserves, purified and re-injected into the patient to renew natural collagen and enhance tissue regeneration. 

Thai Massage

A clothed massage that does not require oil during which the therapist moves the patient into assisted yoga poses and stretches and uses thumbs, palms, elbows, feet and knees to work acupressure points. 

3D Imaging

A technique used to create the illusion of depth to an image and provide an accurate idea of the effect of proposed alterations.

Traditional Chinese Medicine

Ancient Chinese health system that focuses on preventative medicine through use of herbal medicines, acupuncture, massage, exercise such as qigong and diet.  

Triad Facial

A treatment that can help reverse the effects of acne, rosacea, UV radiation and ageing on the complexion. 

Ultrasound

The use of sound or sonic vibrations to create an image of the patient’s internal body structures such as tendons, muscles, joints, blood vessels and internal organs. 

Ultherapy

Micro-focused ultrasound that stimulates collagen production and is used to lift and tighten skin on the neck, chin, brow and décolletage and reduce fine lines and wrinkles. 

Urinalysis

An analysis of a patient’s urine to test for the presence of various diseases including kidney conditions, urinary tract infections and diabetes. 

Vinyasa Yoga/Vinyasa Flow Yoga

A fast-paced style characterised by moving seamlessly from one pose to the next in a ‘flow’, using controlled breath, and featuring different sequences of postures in every class.  

Western Medicine

Also called modern medicine, this is a science-based system that treats symptoms and diseases through drugs, medical equipment and surgery. 

Yin Yoga

A slow-paced, more meditative style in which poses are held for longer durations, targeting the deep connective tissues like fascia, joints and ligaments; promoting calmness, balance and flexibility.

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