D is for...

Dead Sea mud

Deep sea algae

Deep tissue massage

Dosha

Dead Sea mud

Dead Sea (and other) muds are very rich in minerals. Slathered in thick layers onto your skin – body and face – the mud may be left to dry before being removed with warm water. You may also actually bathe in the mud.

Good for: Alleviating pain from arthritis and rheumatism and general muscle tension; drawing out toxins and impurities; soothing and moisturising your skin.

See also: Fangotherapy; Rasul; Serail



Deep sea algae

Rich in chlorophyll and minerals, sea algae and seaweed are applied in treatments to your skin, your body or face. Often used in wraps.

Good for: Detoxifying the skin, energising by stimulating circulation of oxygen in blood around the body; improving skin tone and texture; discouraging cellulite.

See also: Baths; Wrap



Deep tissue massage

This does what it says on the tin. It is a massage technique that works on the deeper layers of muscle tissue. Similar to Swedish massage, deep tissue massage uses slower and firmer strokes and pressure than other treatments; deep finger pressure that concentrates on particular areas, and follows or goes across the fibres of muscles and tendons. Deep tissue massage features in most forms of massage to some degree.

Good for: Unknotting and loosening muscles, refreshing and relaxing, increasing the blood flow and therefore the oxygen flow around your body; getting rid of toxins in very sore and strained muscles, which helps them to strengthen and heal. Often used to treat people who are recovering from accidents, and for sports injuries.

See also: Balinese massage; Polarity massage; Swedish massage; Traegar massage


Read more about Deep Tissue Massage here



Dosha

The central element of the Ayurvedic system of healthcare, a dosha is a unique mix of energies:


"vata" – blood, circulation and healing


"pitta" – heat and metabolism


"kapha" – your spiritual and philosophical make-up.


Every human being has a different blend of these energies and therefore a different dosha. A person's dosha determines the kind of lifestyle that is balancing and healthy for them, including the sorts of food they should eat and exercise they should do.

See also: Ayurveda


 





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