Medicine As the healing art, medicine is as old as thinking man. Before the latent fires of mind were lighted in the third root-race, disease and death were unknown. However, with the physicalization of protoplastic humanity, and the separation of the sexes, the unnatural linking with the animals in the third and fourth root-races disordered the harmonious relations between man and nature. In addition, self-conscious man's continued evolution into matter, with the involution of his spiritual nature, brought about forms of disorder, disease, and physical death. Then, beings from higher spheres descended, and dynasties of divine kings and spiritual guides taught men, leading them to the invention of all the arts and sciences, including the medical use of plants (cf SD 2:364).

Medicine was originally a divine science, providing for the well-being of the spiritual, mental, psychic, astral, and physical man. Archaic medicine included a profound knowledge of genuine astrology, of true alchemy, of occult physiology, of the finer forces vibrating as sound, color, form, thought, and feeling, and whatever related man to his home universe of natural law and order. This was the basis of the natural "magic" which tradition has linked with the medical art. This knowledge was dual in its power to work for life or death, for good or evil ends. Its full comprehension required not only a trained intellect, but the intuitive understanding of a pure spiritual nature. Nevertheless, the Atlanteans acquired enough knowledge of the use of dangerous powers that they became -- albeit with numerous and noteworthy exceptions -- a nation of sorcerers. Then, the white magicians established the Mystery schools in which to safeguard the sacred teachings from evildoers and to protect humanity from their influence. Thus, the deeper truths of the healing art have ever since been entrusted only to pledged disciples and initiates. Such fragments of it as have been rediscovered by intuitive physicians from time to time have usually been in keeping with the general cultural level of their civilization. The exceptions have been men who have frequently been too far ahead of their times to be understood. Such a man was Paracelsus in medieval Europe, persecuted for heretical teachings such as the psychoelectric and magnetic play of sidereal forces which linked man with the stars -- the spiritus vitae in man came from the spiritus mundi.

Of the archaic history of medicine -- as of the race -- little is to be found. However, echoes of the primitive wisdom have survived, and every country having a literature of its ancient periods has some account of the healing art. The Hindu sacred scriptures -- the oldest literature extant -- have treatises upon medicine and surgery, showing a profound and intimate knowledge of the subject. This high standard was not maintained when the Vedic writings became misunderstood and mutilated by later commentators. The exclusive Brahmins' assumption of the right to all knowledge also prevented original thought and research. What writings are available today are of little practical value without the lost key. Even our typically matter-of-fact interpretation of legendary and classical beliefs and customs, and of archaeological findings, overlooks that what is known of ancient medical practice is largely exoteric, symbolic of a deeper teaching than we possess.

Records of ancient medicine in Babylonia, Egypt, Greece, etc., tell of the temples being used as hospitals, with priest-physicians supported by the state giving every care to the sick who came, both rich and poor. In addition to material means of treatment -- many of which we have rediscovered -- these devotees of the gods of healing used special incense, prayers, the "temple sleep," invocations, music, astrology, etc., which we regard as harmless superstition of an earlier day. However, such conditions, intelligently adapted to each case, in making a pure, serene, uplifting atmosphere around the sick person, would invoke the influences of wholeness within and without him. By putting the inner man in tune with his body, his disordered nature-forces manifesting as disease would tend to flow freely in the currents of health. Natural magic is as practical as the unknown alchemy which transmutes our digested daily bread into molecules of our living body.

There is a mystic science attached to the caduceus, the classical emblem of medicine. To the priest-physicians in the temples, this symbol was sacred not only to the god of wisdom and healing, but stood for profound cosmic truths, knowledge of which was held in common by all initiates. It symbolized the tree of life and being. Cosmically this symbol stood for the concealed root or origin of universal duality which manifests as positive and negative, good and evil, subjective and objective, light and darkness, male and female, health and sickness, life and death.

(See also: Medicine, Mysticism, Mysticism Dictionary)

2005-04-23

Acupuncture:

a branch of ancient Chinese medicine that treats many conditions including diseases, drug or alcohol addiction, and sinus problems by stimulation of needles to directly manipulate a network along 12 major pathways or energetic meridians, connecting specific internal organs with energetic points on the network. Acupuncture regulates, or disperses Ki (also referred to as Chee, Chi, Ki, Qi, and Qui), the vital life energy that animates all living organisms, and results in a correcting and rebalancing Ki to relieve pain and restore health.

(See also: Acupuncture, Alternative Medicine, Body Mind and Soul)

Shabda Yoga: An ancient method that involves chanting, devotional music, and simple hatha-yoga and kundalini-yoga postures and techniques.

Shabda Yoga is a means of dissolving blockages, increasing vitality, and merging with the divine energy of the cosmos. The Sanskrit word shabda literally means sound.

(See also: Shabda Yoga, Body Mind and Soul, Alternative Health, Alternative Health Dictionary)

Siddha (Saiva school of medicine, Siddha medicine, Siddha system, Siddha system of medicine): Tamil system related to Ayurveda and of divine origin. Tamil refers to an ancient tradition of southern India and northern Sri Lanka. Siddha theory posits five mahabhutas (see prakrtika cikitsa). The Sanskrit word Siddha literally means perfect, complete.

(See also: Siddha, Body Mind and Soul, Alternative Health, Alternative Health Dictionary)

AYURVEDIC MASSAGE

An ayurvedic massage is one part of the traditional detoxification and rejuvenation program of India called panchakarma, in which the entire body is vigorously massaged with large amounts of warm oil and herbs to remove toxins from the system.

With the client’s permission, oil is also poured into the ears, between the eyebrows and at specific chakras, or energy points, during techniques known respectively as karna purana, shirodhara, and marma chikitsa. These treatments have been modified to meet the needs of the West and have been powerful in their effects upon the mind and nervous system - calming, balancing, and bringing both a heightened sense of awareness and deep inner peace. The techniques can be done either as stand-alone treatments or in conjunction with the ayurvedic body massage.

The basis for effectively performing all of the various ayurvedic massage techniques is a thorough understanding of the primordial energies of the five elements (ether, air, fire, water, and earth) and of vata, pitta, and kapha - the three basic constitutional types (similar to the ancient Greek method of mind/body classification). This knowledge allows the therapist to determine not only which ayurvedic massage techniques to use, but also how to customize treatments by selecting the proper oils and herbs and the rate and pressure of massage strokes to maximize the benefits for each client.

(See also: AYURVEDIC MASSAGE, Alternative Health, Massage, Bodywork, Body Mind and Soul)

Vedic Astrology (Jyotish, jyotisha): Ancient system that helps to resolve doubts concerning children, health, spiritual growth, and other subjects. Suggestions regarding donations, gemstones, herbs, mantras, yantras (mystic diagrams), and rituals are integral to the system.

(See also: Jyotish, Body Mind and Soul, Alternative Health, Alternative Health Dictionary)

Ma-Uri

Massage treatment using knuckles and elbows. Originates from ancient New Zeland tribe Ma-Uri. The masseur uses knuckles and elbows while maintaining proper body mechanics, keeping the proper pressure needed for each body area and maintaining touch sensitivity with these techniques. Excellent massage for very stressed people. Certain level of non-hypocrisy is needed as the patient is nude.

(See also: Ma-Uri, Alternative Health, Body Mind and Soul)

Feng Shui: This ancient Chinese art holds that arranging one’s environment into certain harmonious patterns can bring a sense of abundance, balance and happiness into one’s life. From the proper placement of the headboard to the addition of water to a garden, Feng Shui combines beautiful design concepts with an underlying sense that a person's space can be an important factor in their psychological and spiritual well-being.

(See also: Feng Shui, Alternative Health, Body Mind and Soul)

LABYRINTHS

A labyrinth (pronounced LAB-ear-inth) is an ancient symbol that relates to wholeness. It combines the imagery of the circle and the spiral into a meandering but purposeful path. The labyrinth represents a journey to one's own center and back again out into the world. Labyrinths have long been used as meditation and prayer tools. A labyrinth is an archetype with which one can have a direct experience. People can walk it. It is a metaphor for life's journey. It is a symbol that creates a sacred space and place and takes one out of the ego to "That Which Is Within." 

People often confuse the words "labyrinth" and "maze", thinking they are the same. A maze is like a puzzle to be solved. It has twists, turns, and blind alleys. It is a left-brain task that requires logical, sequential, analytical activity to find the correct path into the maze and out. A labyrinth, however, has only one path and one course. The way in is the way out. There are no blind alleys. A Labyrinth's path leads one on a circuitous path to the center and out again. 

Many are attracted to the labyrinth as a healing tool because it deepens self-knowledge and empowers creativity. Walking the labyrinth clears the mind and gives insight into the life journey. It calms those in the throes of transition, and helps us to see life in the context of a path. It urges actions and stirs creative fires. To those who are in sorrow, it gives solace and peace. The walk is different for everyone, as they bring only themselves to the labyrinth. Each person comes in uniqueness, and often departs with a greater sense of connectedness. All age levels can experience the labyrinth. Parents can carry babies, and caregivers can assist those in wheelchairs.

(See also: LABYRINTHS, Alternative Health, Holistic Health, Body Mind and Soul)

Vedic Hand Analysis: Ancient Indian discipline, termed “Hasta Samudrika Shastra” in Sanskrit. The hand is a mirror of a person’s body, mind, and spirit of the past, present, and future. Understanding the hand helps us identify and change aspects of ourselves that are out of balance so that we can live more harmonious lives.

(See also: Vedic Hand Analysis, Alternative Health, Body Mind and Soul)

CRANIAL OSTEOPATHY: Developed by Dr William Sutherland in the 1930’s, as an extension of the ancient Chinese Tuina and Osteopathic techniques. The process appears to rely on the practitioner’s healing energies directed into the head and neck. Practitioners claim to feel a slight movement in the bones of the skull which sceptics claim is not possible.

(See also: CRANIAL OSTEOPATHY, Alternative Health, Body Mind and Soul)

Jin Shin Do: An ancient art of harmonizing life energy within the body by placing fingertips over clothing on designated areas.

(See also: Jin Shin Do, Alternative Health, Body Mind and Soul)

See also these related archives:

A Course in Miracles, Abhyanga, Abjad, Aboukra, Absent healing, Accupressure, Accupuncture, Acoustic Stimulation, Acrosage, Acro-sage, Active imagery, Actualism, Actualism bodywork, Acu-ball pressure self-treatment, Acu-diet, Acu-meridian energy transmission bodywork, Acupoint bloodletting, Acu-point therapy, Acu-Powder, Acupressure, Acupressure Facial, Acupressure massage, Acupressure touch, Acupuncture, Acupuncture Analgesia, Acupuncture anesthesia, Acupuncture cupping method, Acupuncture energetics, Acupuncture Osteopathy, Acupuncture Points, Acupuncture Therapy, Acuscope therapy, Acu-Stop 2000, Acutherapy, Acu-yoga, Advanced dowsing, Advanced Energy Healing, Advanced Ingham Method, Advanced Kum Nye, Advanced pranic healing, Advanced Rolfing, Adventure Spa, Aerobics, Affirmation, African holistic health, African Traditional Medicine, Agape Quest Program, Agartha Personal Life Balancing Program, Agni, Agni Dhatu Therapy, Agyana, Ahimsa, Ai Chi, Aikado, Aikido, Air pumping cupping method, Ajna, Ajna Chakra, AK/NOT program, Akashic Records, Alchemia, Alchemia Breathwork, Alchemia heart breath, Alchemical Bodywork, Alchemical Hypnotherapy, Alchemical Synergy, Alchemical weight management, Alexander Technique, Algotherapy, Allard Kinetic Systems, Allergen, Alliance method, Allopathic Medicine, Allopathy, Alpha Calm Therapy, Alphabiotic Alignment - Unification Process, Alphabiotics, Alternative 12 Steps, Alternative Medicine, Alternative nutrition, Alternative Therapies, Ama Deus, Amanae transformational bodywork, American macrobiotics, Amma, Amma Therapy, Amplified Energy Therapy, Anahata Chakra, Ancient Christian magic, Ancient Medicine, Angel Chiropractic Care, Angelic healing, Animal Care, Animal Massage, Animism, Annette Martin training,

T’ai Chi: An ancient Chinese meditative and martial art – often referred to as “meditation in motion” – that promotes mental and spiritual development. It involves slow movements and breathing to improve balance, muscle control, breath awareness and concentration. Used to treat back problems, stress, cancer and other chronic conditions.

(See also: T’ai Chi, Alternative Health, Body Mind and Soul)

Vodou (Haitian Vodou, vodoun, vodun, voodoo, voodooism, Voudoun): Fusion of Roman Catholicism and ancient African polytheism and ancestor worship, practiced chiefly in Caribbean countries.

The words Voodoo and Voudoun stem from the West African word vodun (or vodu), which means spirit or deity.

(See also: Voodoo, Body Mind and Soul, Alternative Health, Alternative Health Dictionary)

FOOT ZONE THERAPY

Foot zone therapy is based on the premise that energy flows through the body in meridians from the brain to the feet. Every organ and cell has a representative point.

On the foot, and when pressure is applied, the brain sends a signal to the corresponding part of the body to facilitate healing and restore balance. Temporary pain, defined also as a blockage of energy flow, is felt on areas of the foot which correspond to the affected organ or body part. When the pain is relieved or reduced, the healing process has begun. Positive and apparent results are felt almost immediately.

Foot zone therapy dates back 5,000 years and was used in ancient China and India. Egyptian hieroglyphs and paintings also show the use of this method. But not until the 20th century, when Dr. Erdal of Norway used a form of this therapy to cure himself of paralysis, did foot zone therapy get rediscovered. After 23 years of intensive clinical research, Erdal has codified his findings into a medical science widely respected throughout Europe.

(See also: FOOT ZONE THERAPY, Alternative Health, Massage, Bodywork, Body Mind and Soul)

The Native American Sweat Lodge, Temazcal, is an ancient practice from the native indians of America; a sacred ritual for Healing and Purification. Participants at the Oneness Festival will be able to experience this very powerful ritual both at day time, and, when it is as most powerful, at night time.

Read more here: » Sweat Lodge: Temazcal I/III - The Traditional Mexican Sweat Bath

From the ancient times, music is something that has put people, in touch with their inner most feelings. Different kind of music works upon different emotions of an individual, and releases the various incomplete emotions leading towards a total healing of body and mind.

Read more here: » Spiritual Healing: Bhakthi Sankeertan - Healing through music

In 1999, Bennie LeBeau of the Eastern Shoshone tribe began to experience a torrent of dreams and visions. The visions directed him to set in motion the plans for a massive Medicine Wheel Ceremony. The ceremony is set to take place at High Noon on Saturday, May 8, 2004 at more than 20 sacred sites in the American West, and at many other sacred sites elsewhere around the world, including Australia, Ecuador, Guatemala, and the Middle East.

Read more here: » Native American Spirituality: Native American Medicine Wheel Ceremony on May 8th 2004

Color Energy Therapy

The color therapist sees the universe as a hologram, as a multi-faceted gem, and views the person he/she is working with in a "wholistic," holographic way. The color therapist utilizes light energy that emanates from this Source and is reflective of the full color spectrum. Color is frequency of light. Each color hue and shade vibrates on a specific frequency. Certain rays of color can be used for enlightenment, attunement for healing the body, mind, and the emotions. Color therapy can align the spiritual essence of a being. Its multi-level source of emanation makes it one of the most powerful methods of healing.

Read more here: » Color Energy Therapy: A Newly Emerging, Ancient Healing Modality

Art is a collaboration between God and man, raising him to the exclusive band of creators and taking him deeply within and around his handiwork. It is a unique result of a unique temperament with its beauty derived from mutable disconcern of his environment. Leela Ganapathy, retired Professor of Arts, share her vivid knowledge about the Indian Arts and Dance are recognised as a bridge between the divine and our day to day life and our society.

Read more here: » Spiritual Dance: Dance in Spiritual Indian Art