D

• Data - a collection of information

• Dehydrated skin - skin lacking water, caused by, not drinking sufficient water, the environment or alcohol

• Depilation - removal of superfluous hair

• Dermal papilla - a projection of the papillary layer of the dermis, that may contain blood vessels or nerve endings

• Dermatitis - an inflammation of the skin,in most cases the early signs are dry itchy skin however when the condition becomes acute it results in crusty scales and blisters that ooze fluid. It is also called eczema

• Dermis - the sensitive connective tissue layer of the skin between the epidermis and subcutaneous layer. It consists of the superficial papillaey layer and the deep reticular layer. It contains nerve endings, sebaceous glands, sweat glands, blood and lymph vessels, collagen and elastin

• Dermatology - A branch of science dealing with the skin, its structure, functions, and diseases.

• Dermis - a layer of dense connective tissue beneath the epidermis

• Desincrustation - deep cleansing treatment using the effects of a galvanic current

• Desquamation - shedding of dead skin cells in the epidermis

• Detoxification - Cleansing the body of accumulated toxins

• Diabetes - a metabolic disorder charaterised by abnormally high levels of glucose in the blood causes excessive thirst and an excessive discharge of urine

• Diastolic pressure - arterial pressure of the blood during the interval between heartbeats

• Diathermy - production of heat in a part of the body using a high frequency current

• Digestive system - the means by which the body takes in (ingests), breaks down (digests) and absorbs food

• Dilated capillaries - enlarged, expanded or widened blood vessels that are evident in the skin

• Direct current - a constant electrical current flowing in one direction using batteries or a rectified, smoothed alternating current

• Disease - a condition affecting the body as a result of infection, genetic defect, or environmental stress and characterised by an identifiable group of signs or symptoms

• Disinfectant - chemical agent which completely destroys bacteria

• Disorder - an ailment affecting the function of the mind or body

• Distal - furthest from the point of origin

• Doshas - ayurvedic mind and body principles which create an individuals mental and physical characteristics; vata for blood circulation and healing, pitta for heat and metabolism and kapha for spiritual and philosophical self

• Dry brushing - brushing of the skin with a dry bristle brush to remove dead skin cells and stimulate circulation in preparation for further treatment such as body wraps, masks and massage

• Dry skin - a skin that is deficient in natural oils and moisture

• Dysmenorrhea - painful menstruation