DIATHERMY

deep-heat therapy that uses high-frequency electric currents to produce heat in body tissues. Physical therapists and sports physicians use diathermy to treat arthritis, bursitis, and fractures. It also may help treat gynecological diseases and sinusitis.

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

FENG SHUI

an ancient Chinese practice of configuring home or work environments to promote health, happiness, prosperity. Feng shui consultants may advise clients to make adjustments in their surroundings, from color selection to furniture placement, to promote a healthy flow of chi, or vital energy.

(See also: FENG SHUI, Alternative Health, Healing, Body Mind and Soul)

gunas

Three basic qualities of nature which determine the inherent characteristics of all created things. They are: sattva--purity, light, harmony; rajas--activity, passion; and tamas--dullness, inertia, ignorance.

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

Guru

The Master, the guru is the grace-bestowing power of God who initiates disciples through Shaktipat (Kundalini awakening).

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

gyana

knowledge

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

HIV THERAPIES

practitioners offer a range of therapies that aim to treat the human immuno-deficiency virus, AIDS, or its’ symptoms. Due to the life-threatening nature of this disease, these therapies are often used as complements to conventional approaches to HIV.

(See also: HIV THERAPIES, Alternative Health, Healing, Body Mind and Soul)

Homeopathy

A low-cost, nontoxic system of medicine using dilutions of natural substances from plants, minerals, and animals.

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

Om

The primal sound; the sound or vibration from which the entire universe emanates.

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

PRANA

the yogic concept of a cosmic energy or life force, similar to the Chinese idea of chi, that enters the body with the breath. Prana is thought to flow through the body, bringing health and vitality. It is considered the vital link between the spiritual self and the material self.

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

PROBIOTICS

substances such as acidophilus and bifidus that restore the beneficial bacteria normally present in the intestines. Stress, poor diet, antibiotics, and oral contraceptives can throw off the normal balance of bacteria and fungi. This imbalance may be manifested as a yeast infection, or in symptoms such as diarrhea or gastrointestinal disturbances.

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

Reflexology

Reflexology teaches that every part of the body has a direct line of communication to a reference point on the foot, hand and ear. By massaging these points, reflexologists are helping the corresponding body part to heal itself by stimulating energy in that area.

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

REGRESSION

psychological defense mechanism, viewed as a return to an earlier mode of behavior, thought, or feeling. The unconscious process that helps the mind resolve conflicts or lessen anxiety by returning to forms of gratification previously abandoned.

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

ROLFING

uses deep manipulation of the fascia to restore the body’s natural alignment, which may have become rigid through injury, emotional trauma, and inefficient movement habits. The process, developed by biochemist Ida P. Rolf, involves ten sessions, each focusing on a different part of the body.

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

Shakti

Spiritual power; the divine cosmic energy which projects, maintains and dissolves the universe.

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

mantra

Sacred words or sounds invested with the power to transform and protect the one who repeats them; God in the form of sound. Mantras are the condensed essence of the reality from which they spring. Power in the form of sound.

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

MANTRA

in Hinduism and Buddhism, mystic word used in ritual and meditation. It is believed to have power to bring into being the reality it represents. Use of such mantras usually requires initiation by a guru, or spiritual teacher.

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

Massage Therapy

The manipulation of the superficial tissues of the human body in order to promote deep relaxation, and release tension. Recent research has proven that massage is therapeutic, and can soothe injured muscles, stimulate Blood and Lymphatic circulation, improve structure and function of the body, increase toxic elimination, and more.

(See also: Massage Therapy, Alternative Health, Healing, Body Mind and Soul)

MIDWIFERY

midwives provide education and support during pregnancy, assist the mother during labor and delivery and provide follow-up care. Practitioners of childbirth support include childbirth educators, childbirth assistants and women labor coaches who also provide post-partum home care.

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

NEURAL THERAPY

a form of therapy based on the idea that illness is the result of disruptions in biological energy and that the disruptions are caused by changes in the electric activity of the autonomic nervous system (which controls involuntary functions like breathing).

(See also: NEURAL THERAPY, Alternative Health, Healing, Body Mind and Soul)

YOGA THERAPY

emerging field of practices that use yoga to address mental and physical problems while integrating body & mind. Practitioners work one-on-one or in a group setting.

(See also: YOGA THERAPY, Alternative Health, Healing, Body Mind and Soul)

ZERO BALANCING

method for aligning body structure and body energy. Through touch akin to acupressure, practitioner seeks to overcome imbalances in the body’s structure/energetic interface, which is said to exist beneath the level of conscious awareness. Zero Balancing is often used for stress reduction.

(See also: ZERO BALANCING, Alternative Health, Healing, Body Mind and Soul)