Somatology

Definition:
A Health and Skin Care Therapist or Beauty Therapist can also be known as a Somatologist.

Somatology is defined as the study or science, of the human body (coming from the Greek roots meaning “body” and “study”). This also includes the study of material substances, as in physics, chemistry, biology, botany which are under the general heading of physicalism.

This term is used in a number of different ways to describe a variety of activities related to studying the body. In one sense, somatology is the study of the body in the sense of anatomy and physiology, to learn about how the parts of the body work together. People who work in this area of somatology study a variety of topics related to the body and how it functions, such as pathology, studying what happens when the body is injured or diseased, and they may also be interested in topics like biomechanics, studying the movement and articulation of the body. Training in this field can also be applied to the practice of physical therapy and many other health and wellness related professions.

Some practitioners of alternative medicine may also refer to what they do as somatology. In this sense, the term is used to refer to the study and treatment of the body as a whole (holistic therapy), with the application of techniques such as massage, herbal medicine, acupuncture, guided imagery, and so forth to patients and clients. Some people in this branch of the field may focus on providing people with sources of relaxation, with some spas and massage studios referencing somatology in their promotional materials.

Today's Somatologists:
Are highly qualified professionals, constantly adapting to a dynamic and fast-moving career. Somatologists use a variety of electronic equipment and highly specialised techniques for both face and body treatments in salons and health spas. There are also strict rules for hygiene and clinical procedures that must be adhered to in the interest of health.

The tasks of somatologists include the following:
Assessment and treatment of skin and figure problems, slimming treatments in conjunction with a diet, cosmetic sales, application of make-up techniques, permanent and temporary removal of unwanted facial and body hair, manicuring, pedicuring, tinting of eyelashes, as well as the application of a variety of electrical equipment and specialised massage techniques such as reflexology, aromatherapy, manual lymph drainage and holistic massage.