Introduction and links to related topics Plotinus - Plotinus. The noblest, highest and grandest of all the Neo-Platonists after the founder of the school, Ammonius Saccas.
He was the most enthusiastic of the Philaletheans or "lovers of truth", whose aim was to found a religion on a system of intellectual abstraction, which is true Theosophy, or the whole substance of Neo-Platonism. If we are to believe Porphyry, Plotinus has never disclosed either his birth-place or connexions, his native land or his race.
Till the age of twenty-eight he had never found teacher or teaching which would suit him or answer his aspirations. Then he happened to hear Ammonius Saccas, from which day he continued to attend his school. At thirty-nine he accompanied the Emperor Gordian to Persia and India with the object of learning their philosophy. He died at the age of sixty-six after writing fifty-four books on philosophy. So modest was he that it is said he "blushed to think he had a body".
He reached Samadhi (highest ecstasy or "re-union with God" the divine Ego) several times during his life. As said by a biographer, "so far did his contempt for his bodily organs go, that he refused to use a remedy, regarding it as unworthy of a man to use means of this kind". Again we read, "as he died, a dragon (or serpent) that had been under his bed, glided through a hole in the wall and disappeared" - a fact suggestive for the student of symbolism. He taught a doctrine identical with that of the Vedantins, namely, that the Spirit-Soul emanating from the One deific principle was, after its pilgrimage, re-united to It.
Aromatherapy - the art of healing & wellness using essential oils and oil blends. Depending in the remedy, application may be internal, external or as an inhalant.
Alchemy - An ancient "psuedo-science" commonly recalled for experiments to transmute base metals into gold, the formulation of a universal cure to remedy all known diseases, the indefinite extension of life through chemical and magical means, and the production of artificial life forms in a laboratory setting.
Richly illustrated in symbolism and steeped in arcane traditions, the practice of alchemy eventually led to the formation of accepted sciences such as chemistry. Today, sometimes regarded as a symbolic philosophy for the evolution of the human spirit from ''base man'' to ''enlightened man'' through the use of alchemical symbolism and imagery.
Aromatherapy - The art of healing and wellness using essential oils and oil blends. Depending on the remedy, application may be internal, external or as an inhalant
Azoth - Azoth (from Arabic azzaug the metal mercury)
Used by Paracelsus for his universal remedy; mercury was regarded as a sort of common or root-metal contained in all other metals. Such words as mercury, in alchemical language, were generic rather than specific, and gross elements were considered as derivative from subtle ones. Thus a unitary and radical element, the parent of the other elements, is intended; the synthesis of the four elements, one aspect of the astral light.
Also used by Qabbalists, meaning pure air.
Vampire - Vampire While discussions of vampirism generally center on Slavonic and other countries of southeastern Europe, vampirism was known to the Hindus and Hebrews as well as many other peoples.
If was believed that a deceased person whose instincts were very degraded and sensual may leave behind a kama-rupic spook strong enough to be able to suck the blood of the living, especially if the deceased was a sorcerer. In cases of vampirism it was said that if the grave was opened, that the corpse of the vampire was always fresh and rosy.
Isis Unveiled explains that such evil persons may be buried before the astral has entirely separated from the body -- when they are in a state of catalepsy. In this case the part of the astral buried with the body draws back the rest of the astral into the body, and the being either perishes with the natural processes of suffocation or becomes a vampire, and is thus enabled to perpetuate its cataleptic life in the tomb.
The traditional remedy consisted in driving a stake through the heart of the vampire''s corpse, or otherwise destroying it. The meaning of the word can be extended to include other forms of obsession of the living by the astral reliquiae of the dead.
Massage - Massage and its remedial effects
Massage reduces muscle-tension and relieves pain, opens the pores of the skin, thus eliminating poisons from the body through sweat. It also speeds up blood circulation.
The literal meaning of ''massage'' is manipulation of the soft tissues of the body using the hands. In naturopathy, massage occupies a very important place in the treatment of diseases of all kinds. For centuries, massage has been used as a remedy in India, Greece, Rome, China, Egypt and a host of other countries.
Procedure
According to the modern system of physiotherapy, the process begins with massaging upper limbs (arms) and lower limbs (legs) followed by the chest, abdomen, back and hips, and ending with the face and the head. As far as possible, massage with the hands to derive complete benefit.
According to modern therapy, the massage strokes are directed towards the heart. According to Ayurdeva, massage is known as snehan (oleation) and should be given to a patient before panchakarma treatment. Panchakarmas are the five basic principles to clean and detoxify or purify the body. They are:
Vamana (emesis)
Virechana (puragation)
Nruha (medicated anema)
Anuvasana (unctuous anema -
preparation with oil or other unctuous substance)
Nasya (inhalation therapy)
Massage should always be followed by svedana (fermentation). Snehana and svedana are the two purvakarmas that should be given before panchakarma treatment.
Benefits
1. Massage is used to improve blood circulation, to reduce oedema,
adhesions in tissues after injury, reduce muscular spasm and improve
muscle tone.
2. Massage reduces muscle-tension and relieves pain, opens the pores
of the skin, thus eliminating poisons from the body through sweat.
3. It also speeds up blood circulation, hence reducing swelling
(oedema), relieving tension of the nerves and soothing them.
4. It stimulates the digestive system and activates the urinary system.
Rules on massage oil
1. For patients with pains, use Narayan Taila, or Mahanarayan Taila.
2. For weakness, use Narayan Taila, Chandan Bala Lakshdi Taila.
3. For patients with joint pains (rheumatism), use Saindhavadi Taila.
4. For patients with burning sensation problems and sleeplessness, use
Bhringraj Taila and Brahmi Taila.
5. For patients with skin diseases, use Kushthararakshas Taila, Nimba
Taila and Bakuchi Taila.
Massage produces heat. After half an hour of getting a massage done, a hot water bath or shower can be taken. The head should be bathed with lukewarm water.
Contraindications
1. Massage is not recommended in any type of fevers.
2.Massage is not recommended during pregnancy.
3.Abdominal massage should be avoided in case of diarrhoea, ulcers, appendicities and tumours in the abdomen.
Excessive oil after massage should be removed with gram flour (besan) and not with soap. Peeli mitti (Indian yellow clay) is also excellent for washing the body. It has a cooling effect on the skin and nerves.
Applied Kinesiology - A diagnostic technique sometimes called “muscle testing. ” Often patients hold health care products (vitamins, herbs, etc) in their hand while the practitioner pulls or “tests” the reciprocal strength in the finger, arm, etc. to determine the effectiveness or dosage of the remedy.
Alternative - Unconventional approach, treatment, remedy, medicine, or practice designed to promote physical, mental, emotional and spiritual health, happiness and well-being
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