Vedic Astrology: Ancient Indian system of astrology, termed “Jyotish” in Sanskrit. Vedic Astrologers interpret the observed conditions of the cosmos at the time of our birth to understand what experiences activate joy or sorrow in every area of life, and offer measures that can help lessen suffering and enhance well-being. The ultimate goals of Vedic Astrology are to help us lead lives more in harmony with our deepest nature, and enhance our awareness of the light of consciousness.

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

astrologic medicine (astral healing, astrological healing, astromedicine, medical astrology, medicinal astrology): System based on cosmobiology,a science whose principle is that specific mental and physical conditions correspond to the relative positions of celestial bodies. Astrologic medicine involves horoscopic astrology and the zodiacal man doctrine. The principle of horoscopic astrology--also called genethliacal astrology, horoscopy, natal astrology, popular astrology, and sun sign astrology--is that the relationship between the positions of planets and stars and the moment of one's birth determines lifelong personality. According to the zodiacal man doctrine, each of the twelve signs (houses) of the zodiac--constellations named Aries, Taurus, etc.--governs a different part of the human body. Proponents associate these zodiacal signs (sun signs) with bodily parts (e.g., organs) and systems and with predisposition to disease in different bodily parts. Certain planetary configurations can trigger disease in susceptible persons. Some proponents further posit a correlation of (a) sun signs and particular herbs, and (b) sun signs and the twelve cell salts of the Schuessler biochemic system of medicine. Astrologic medicine includes astrodiagnosis (see astrological diagnosis), prognosis, selection and timing of treatments (especially homeopathic remedies), and preventive medicine.

(See also: Astrologic medicine , Alternative Health, Body Mind and Soul)

astrology (star-gazing): means of obtaining information that can provide individualized insights regarding emotional, professional, and health matters. Its principle is that stars and planets influence humans and earthly occurrences by their aspects and relative positions. (See astrologic medicine.)

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

psychological astrology (astro-psychology): Combination of horoscopic astrology (see astrologic medicine) and Jungian psychology. psychology of evil: Nascent Christian psychological philosophy endorsed by M. (Morgan) Scott Peck, M.D.

Peck is the author of The Road Less Traveled: A New Psychology of Love, Traditional Values and Spiritual Growth (Simon & Schuster, 1979), People of the Lie: The Hope for Healing Human Evil (Simon & Schuster, 1983), Further Along The Road Less Traveled: The Unending Journey Toward Spiritual Growth (Simon & Schuster, 1993), In Heaven as on Earth: A Vision of the Afterlife, and The Road Less Traveled and Beyond: Spiritual Growth in an Age of Anxiety (Simon & Schuster, 1997).

In The Road Less Traveled (p. 273), Peck equated laziness with original sin,a condition that Christianity ascribes to the first human's act of disobedience to God. Peck stated that the lazy part of the self...may actually be the devil. In People of the Lie, which he called a dangerous book, Peck claimed that he had met Satan. He stated: As well as being the Father of Lies, Satan may be said to be a spirit of mental illness. In Further Along The Road Less Traveled, he asserts (pp. 186-187): Spiritual/religious ideas and concepts are necessary in the treatment of many people....I realized that there was no way to treat...people (with phobias) effectively without trying to convert them to a more benign worldview: a view of the world...as...at least...a place in which they....had some kind of protection in the form of God's grace.

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

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)

Planetary Ailments

The Planets and their Corresponding Ailments

Sun

Circulatory deficiencies, Anaemia Indigestion

Moon

Circulatory disorder, Lunacy

Mars

Constipation, Flatulence, Liver trouble, Blind piles, Skin Trouble

Mercury

Nervous Disease, Ulcers, Acidity, Blood Pressure, Restlessness, Irritation

Venus

Bronchial disorder, Whooping Cough, Asthma, Dyspepsia, Sexual ailments, Delirium, Obsessions

Saturn

Neurosis, Neuralgia ,Sciatica, Rheumatism, Excretory disorders

Jupiter

Jaundice, Biliousness, Colic Problems Palpitation, Toothache ,Insomnia

Rahu

Hyperacidity ,Burning Sensations, Brain Disorders, Sexual Excesses ,Drinking Problems

Ketu

Skin Disorders, Nervous Debility,Small Pox, Urinary Tract Infections

Herbs to the Rescue

To counter these negative planetary influences, Ayurveda suggests the use of multi-faceted herbs that not only provide curative relief to various physical afflictions but are also endowed with the preventive power to combat planetary interference.

Venus

Hydrocotyle asiatica (Mandukparni)

Jupiter

Swertia Chirata (Chirata)

Sun

Aegle Marmelus

Ketu

Withania Somnifera (Aswagandha)

Saturn

Nyetanthes arbortristis (Shefali)

Desmostachya bipinnata (Dhuva)

Mars

Hemidesmus indicum (Anantmool)

Rahu

Bacopa monierri (Brahmi)

Mercury

Bacopa monierri (Brahmi)

Moon

Cueumis Satirus

Cucumber (Khirika)

Gemology

In exactly the same manner precious gemstones such as rubies, diamonds, pearls, red corals, sapphires etc. can influence the effects of the planets substantially. Although they can minimise the impact of planetary afflictions, they should always be worn with care and on recommendation of an experienced astrologer. For the wrong stone can aggravate the condition and even cause fresh problems.

PLANET * DISEASE *GEM

Mars, Mercury, Moon

Rheumatism, musculo skeletal

Red coral, emerald, dark blue pearl,

Saturn, Sun

Problems and bone diseases

sapphire, ruby

Mars, Mercury

Digestive diseases, diabetes

Red coral, white coral,emerald

Saturn, Ketu

Diseases of the nervous system

Dark blue sapphire

Mercury, Mars, Ketu

Psychol0ogical diseases, including hysteria

Emerald in the night, red coral in the day

Mars, Saturn, Rahu

Skin diseases

White coral, yellow sapphire

Saturn, Mars, Moon,Venus, Mercury, Jupiter

Urinary and gynecological problems

Pearl, diamond, red coral, yellow sapphire, emerald, topaz

Saturn, Mars

Dental problems

Sapphire, red coral

Saturn, Mars

Ear nose, and throat problems

Yellow sapphire, white coral

Saturn, Mars

Blood-related problems

Dark blue sapphire, emerald, ruby

(See also: Planetary Ailments , Ayurveda, Ayurvedic Dictionary, Alternative Health, Body Mind and Soul)

Meridians , Ching Lo, Jing Luo, Jingluo, Luo, Jing ,  :

Classical loci in acupuncture. They are main and collateral channels, regarded as a network of passages, through which vital energy circulates and along which acupoints (ACUPUNCTURE POINTS) are distributed. The meridians are a series of 14 lines upon which more than 400 acupoints are located on the body. (The Pinyin Chinese-English Dictionary, p. 359; Dr. Wu Lancheng, Academy of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Beijing)

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

Herbal therapy or botanical therapy or herbalism:

employs parts of plants (seed, stem, flowers, root, bark, leaf) for the relief of conditions, ailments, or complaints; the earliest known form of medicine. Some popular herbs and common applications are:

algae (spirulina): the most commonly used variety is blue-green algae. Algae is available in powder, tablet and supplemental fruit drink forms. Used to reduce cholesterol levels and to treat degenerative disorders, including arthritis. Unproven medical benefits include treating obesity, colitis, and diabetes mellitus.

aloe or aloe vera: plant widely used as a skin moisturizer and healing agent, especially in treating cuts, burns, insect stings, eczema, bruises, acne, poison ivy rash, sunburn, and psoriasis.

arnica: used as an external remedy for bruises, sprains, and sore muscles and joints.

astragalus: from a family of peas that benefits digestive processes and the immune system; increases resistance to disease and infections; restores depressed immunity, and is used to treat peripheral vascular diseases and to restore peripheral circulation.

black cohosh: helps relieve sinusitis and asthma; lowers cholesterol levels and blood pressure; relieves pain, morning sickness, hot flashes, and menstrual cramps.

burdock: with diuretic and orexigenic properties, used to treat cutaneous eruptions, rheumatism, gout, anorexia nervosa, and eczema.

calendula: traditionally used to treat gastric and duodenal ulcers, amenorrhea, dysmenorrhea, and epistaxis; varicose veins, hemorrhoids, and conjunctivitis.

capsicum/capsaicin/cayenne fruit: taken orally to improve circulation, digestion, and stop bleeding from ulcers, to relieve nausea, rheumatism, arthritis, and pleurisy. Used externally for painful muscle spasms of shoulder, arm, and spine and to treat arthritis, rheumatism, neuralgia, lumbago, chilblains, intractable pain associated with shingles (herpes zoster), postmastectomy, diabetic neuropathy, and cluster headaches.

cat's claw bark: used to treat AIDS patients, arthritis, neurobronchitis, allergies, rheumatism, diverticulosis, Crohn's disease, peptic and gastric ulcers, gastritis, parasites, colitis, leaky bowel syndrome, dysentery, hemorrhoids, cancer, herpes, diabetes, and inflammation.

chamomile: often made into a tea and used as a digestive aid, nerve tonic, sleep aid, and appetite stimulant.

cranberry fruit: used for the relief of ladder and urinary tract infections, blood disorders, stomach ailments, liver problems, vomiting, appetite loss, scurvy, and cancer.

dong quai root: used for hot flashes, menopause, premenstrual syndrome, vaginal dryness, anemia with dizziness and palpitation, amenorrhea, dysmenorrhea, constipation, rheumatic arthralgia, menorrhalgia, rheumatalgia, functional bleeding, chest, and abdominal pain.

echinacea herb, also called purple coneflower: bitter herb used for colds and chronic infections of the respiratory tract and lower urinary tract, treatment of Candida albicans infections, prostatitis, polyarthritis (rheumatoid arthritis). Externally, an ointment is used for poorly healing wounds and chronic ulcerations, burns, eczema, psoriasis, and herpes simplex.

evening primrose oil: aids in weight loss, reduces high blood pressure, and helps to treat all skin disorders, female disorders such as cramps and heavy bleeding, hot flashes, multiple sclerosis, arthritis, and alcoholism.

feverfew: used for prophylaxis and treatment of migraine headaches, nausea, vomiting, arthritis, fever, and menstrual disorders. .

flaxseed: used for female disorders, colon problems, inflammation, and tumors. Promotes strong nails, bones, and teeth and healthy skin.

garlic cloves: used in the West primarily for its cardiovascular effects, principally as a support to dietetic measures at elevated levels of lipids in blood and as a preventive measure for age-dependent vascular changes. Garlic is also used for atheroma, prophylaxis of atherosclerosis, hypertension, respiratory infections, and catarrhal conditions and as a natural antibiotic.

ginger rhizome: primary uses of ginger are prophylaxis of the nausea and vomiting of motion sickness, dyspepsia, stomachic. It is also used as a tonic digestant in sub-acid gastritis, for lack of appetite, as a postoperative antiemetic for minor surgical procedures, for colic, for morning sickness, anorexia, bronchitis, and rheumatic complaints.

ginkgo biloba leaf extract: improves memory loss, brain function, depression, cerebral and peripheral circulation, oxygenation, and blood flow. Good for tinnitus, asthma, Alzheimer's disease, heart and kidney disorders, and glucose utilization.

ginseng root: used for impotence, stress, cocaine withdrawal, energy, diabetes, colds, and chest problems. Promotes lung function, enhances immune function, stimulates appetite, and normalizes blood pressure. Varieties popularly used include American ginseng, Asian ginseng, and Siberian ginseng.

goldenseal: used to strengthen the immune system; acts as an antibiotic; has anti-inflammatory and antibacterial properties, potentiates insulin, and cleanses the body. Good for colds, flu, inflammation, glandular swelling, gum disease, morning sickness, diabetes, hypoglycemia, and ulcers.

grape seed extract: used as a dietary supplement for antioxidant and other cardiovascular benefits and for anti-inflammatory actions.

green tea leaf: believed to act as an antioxidant to prevent cancer and possibly other diseases; reduces the risk of stroke; lowers the risk of cardiovascular disease.

kava kava rhizome: used to treat nervous anxiety, stress, and restlessness.Contraindicated in pregnancy, nursing, or endogenous depression.

licorice root: used for catarrhal conditions of the upper respiratory tract and gastric/duodenal ulcers. Licorce is an ingredient in cough drops and syrups, tonics, laxatives, and antismoking preparations.

ma huang: has been used to relieve allergies, asthma, hay fever, colds, and inflammatory conditions. The plant contains two primary alkaloids, ephedrine and pseudoephedrine.

passionflower: said to possess sedative, hypnotic, antispasmodic, and calming effects. Used to treat neuralgia, seizures, hysteria, nervous tachycardia, spasmodic asthma, and insomnia.

saw palmetto berry: used primarily for urination problems in benign prostate hyperplasia stages 1 and 2.

St. John's wort: traditionally used as a muscle relaxant to relieve menstrual problems, as a mild tranquilizer and as a treatment for depression and insomnia.

valerian root: used primarily for restlessness, sleeping disorders based on nervous conditions; also good for headaches, colic, gas, pain, stress, anxiety, muscle cramps, and spasms.

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

Qi (also referred to as Chee, Chi, Qui or Ki):

in Eastern philosophies, the energy that connects and animates everything in the universe; includes both individual qi (personal life force) and universal qi, which are coextensive through the practice of mind-body disciplines, such as traditional meditation, aikido, and tai chi.

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

African traditional medicine , African medicine, , African witch doctor, African witch doctors, Traditional African medicine:

A system of traditional medicine which is based on the beliefs and practices of the African peoples. It includes treatment by medicinal plants and other materia medica as well as by the ministrations of diviners, medicine men, witch doctors, and sorcerers.

(See also: African traditional medicine , Alternative Health, Body Mind and Soul)

Aikado:

self-defense system that uses twisting and throwing techniques and aims at turning an attacker = s strength and momentum against himself.

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

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)

Acupuncture points , Acupoints ,  :

Designated locations along nerves or organ meridians for inserting acupuncture needles.

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

Astrology and Ayurveda: Gemology

In exactly the same manner precious gemstones such as rubies, diamonds, pearls, red corals, sapphires etc. can influence the effects of the planets substantially. Although they can minimise the impact of planetary afflictions, they should always be worn with care and on recommendation of an experienced astrologer. For the wrong stone can aggravate the condition and even cause fresh problems.

PLANET * DISEASE *GEM

Mars, Mercury, Moon

Rheumatism, musculo skeletal

Red coral, emerald, dark blue pearl,

Saturn, Sun

Problems and bone diseases

sapphire, ruby

Mars, Mercury

Digestive diseases, diabetes

Red coral, white coral,emerald

Saturn, Ketu

Diseases of the nervous system

Dark blue sapphire

Mercury, Mars, Ketu

Psychol0ogical diseases, including hysteria

Emerald in the night, red coral in the day

Mars, Saturn, Rahu

Skin diseases

White coral, yellow sapphire

Saturn, Mars, Moon,Venus, Mercury, Jupiter

Urinary and gynecological problems

Pearl, diamond, red coral, yellow sapphire, emerald, topaz

Saturn, Mars

Dental problems

Sapphire, red coral

Saturn, Mars

Ear nose, and throat problems

Yellow sapphire, white coral

Saturn, Mars

Blood-related problems

Dark blue sapphire, emerald, ruby

(See also: Gemology , Ayurveda, Ayurvedic Dictionary, Alternative Health, Body Mind and Soul)

Acupuncture: An ancient element of traditional Chinese medicine. This practice can balance the flow of vital life energy, or qi throughout the body. Practitioners insert special needles into accupoints just below the skin’s surface in order to bring qi into harmony. It can treat a wide range of diseases, help manage pain, and build the immune response.

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

Complementary therapies , Alternative medicine , Alternative therapies, Alternative therapy, Complementary medicine, Complementary therapy:

Therapeutic practices which are not currently considered an integral part of conventional allopathic medical practice. They may lack biomedical explanations but as they become better researched some (PHYSICAL THERAPY; DIET; ACUPUNCTURE) become widely accepted whereas others (humors, radium therapy) quietly fade away, yet are important historical footnotes. Therapies are termed as Complementary when used in addition to conventional treatments and as Alternative when used instead of conventional treatment.

See also: Alternative therapies, Alternative therapy, Complementary medicine, Complementary therapy

(See also: Complementary therapies , Alternative Health, Body Mind and Soul)

BACH FLOWERS: These formulae were developed by Dr Bach as an offshoot of homoeopathic medicine. The usefulness of this lies in the way the remedies can be effective treatment of mood swings and emotional conditions. The remedy for shock and other upsets is considered particularly helpful.

(See also: BACH FLOWERS , Alternative Health, Body Mind and Soul)

ACUPRESSURE: Using the Acupuncture points, pressure from the fingers is applied where appropriate.

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

ACUPUNCTURE: Fine needles are inserted into the body at meridians or energy centres. This ‘unblocks’ or regulates the CHI energy circulating the body, which in turn, stimulates the healing process. There is a mass of Chinese research but Western science does not yet accept the principle.

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

Psychotherapy: Psychotherapists can treat a variety of mental disorders and emotional problems. This form of therapy often involves a patient talking out his or her fears and anxieties with a skilled listener. Psychotherapy is rooted in the work of Sigmund Freud and can treat depression, stress, eating disorders, sexual problems and many other ailments.

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