ZONE THERAPY

another name for reflexology. (See reflexology.)

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

Shiatsu

Shiatsu arose from the original Chinese massage, Amma. There are significant differences in this Japanese form, however. Shiatsu practitioners focus on the pressure points along meridians with the fingers, hands, elbows, knees, or feet. There are various forms of Shiatsu. Some practitioners manipulate the meridians with two hands, or with burning herbs (moxibustion).

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SHIATSU

a form of acupressure, used in Japan for over 1,000 years to treat pain and illness and for general health maintenance. Practitioners apply finger pressure at specific points on the body in order to stimulate chi, or vital energy. Used to treat stress, circulatory problems, depression, asthma, headaches, diarrhea, bronchitis.

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SUBLUXATION

in chiropractic, a misalignment of bones within joints said to interfere with the flow of nervous impulses and diminish the body’s ability to stay healthy.

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THERAPY

treatment and care of someone to combat disease, injury, or mental disorder.

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

TONIC

herbal remedy made from herbs taken to maintain health or ward off illness, rather than to treat an illness. Also known as a normalizer.

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

TRAGER BODYWORK

movement-education approach that gently rocks, cradles, and moves the client’s body. Meant to promote relaxation, increase mobility and mental clarity. Used by athletes for performance enhancement and by people with musculoskeletal and back problems.

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

unmanas

higher mind, that form of conciousness with no basis in form of any kind, pure awareness, infinitely subtle and universal.

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ANIMISM

belief that a spirit or force resides in every animate and inanimate object, every dream and idea, giving individuality to each. The related Polynesian concept of mana holds that the spirit in all things is responsible for good and evil.

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

apana

inhaling, ascent aspect of the prana-shakti.

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Aromatherapy, Flower Remedies

Relatively new to this country, this technique was used in ancient Egypt and other cultures. It involves specialized knowledge of how various essences affect the body and psyche by purportedly altering brain activity. Often combined with massage or esthetics, or used alone, various essences are claimed to be able to affect many physical ailments.

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Astrology

Foretelling future events (divination) through the specific positions and aspects of the stars, and their possible influences upon human affairs and terrestrial events.

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

BIOENERGETICS

holds that repressed emotions and desires affect the body and psyche by creating chronic muscular tension and diminished vitality and energy. Through physical exercises, breathing techniques, verbal psychotherapy, or other forms of emotional-release work, the therapist attempts to loosen this character armor and restore natural well-being.

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

Acupressure

Based on the principles of acupuncture, this ancient Chinese technique involves the use of finger pressure (rather than needles) on specific points along the body to treat ailments such as tension and stress, aches and pains, or arthritis. The system is also used for general preventive health care.

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

Acupuncture

In acupuncture, fine needles are inserted at specific points to stimulate, disperse, and regulate the flow of chi, or vital energy, and restore a healthy energy balance. Often used for pain relief, acupuncture is also used to improve well-being and treat acute, chronic, and degenerative conditions.

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

agyana

without knowledge

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ahimsa

non-violence, absence of jealousy

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ajna

pituitary, like master

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Anahata chakra

The forth spinal centre, heart chakra; non-stop breath

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Spiritual Counselor/Consultant

A practitioner who uses one or more spiritual and/or psychological techniques in rder to achieve holistic healing.

(See also: Spiritual Counselor/Consultant, New Age Spirituality, Body Mind and Soul)

integral counseling psychology: A form of psychotherapy taught at the California Institute of Integral Studies, in San Francisco. It encompasses bioenergetics, Gestalt therapy, holotropic therapy (see Holotropic Breathwork), Integral Yoga, psychosynthesis, spiritual mind healing, Taoism, and Theosophical Therapy. One of its principles is that one can help humans to contact and activate their inner organizing center for holistic living.

(See also: Integral counseling psychology, Body Mind and Soul, Alternative Health, Alternative Health Dictionary)

2005-04-23