Lungs: A pair of elastic, spongy organs used in breathing and respiration. In humans the lungs occupy a large portion of the chest cavity from the collarbone down to the diapragm a dome-shaped sheet of muscle that walls off the chest cavity from the abdominal cavity.

Air travels to the lungs through a series of air tubes and passages. It enters the body through the nostrils or the mouth, passing down the throat to the larynx, or voice box, and then to the windpipe. In the chest cavity the windpipe divides into two branches, called the right and left bronchi or bronchial tubes that enter the lungs. Although the words breathing and respiration are sometimes used interchangeably, they have distinct meanings.

Breathing is the process of moving oxygen rich air into and out of the lungs. Respiration refers to all of the processes involved in getting oxygen to tissues, including breathing, diffusion of oxygen from the lungs to the blood, transport by the blood, and diffusion from the blood to tissues. Because body cells are constantly using up oxygen and producing carbon dioxide, the lungs work continuously. An adult normally breathes from 14 to 20 times per minute.

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

Aerobes and Anaerobes (from Greek aer air + bios life)

Bacteria which need free oxygen for their sustenance, and those which do not, respectively. Each division includes some forms which can adapt themselves to either condition. When free oxygen is not obtainable, oxygen is obtained by decomposition of the surrounding substance, and the bacteria become destructive -- destruction means recombination, as death is rebirth. Also connected with the processes of fermentation. Pasteur's researches in fermentation are mentioned by Blavatsky as showing how so-called vital processes shade off indistinguishably into so-called inorganic or chemical processes. These physical builders and destroyers are analogous to their prototypes on the higher planes.

(See also: Aerobes and Anaerobes , Mysticism, Mysticism Dictionary, Occultism, Occultism Dictionary)

ACUPRESSURE: Acupressure is a form of acupuncture in which fingers and thumbs rather than needles are used to press chi points on the surface of the body.

Acupressure relives muscular tension, which enables more blood--and therefore more oxygen and nutrients--to be carried to tissue throughout the body. This helps promote physical calmness and mental alertness, and aids in healing by removing waste products. Many researchers now believe that, like acupuncture, acupressure triggers the release of endorphins, the neurochemicals that relieve pain.

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

Oxygen The physical elements are merely the grossest manifestations or reflections on this material plane of invisible, intangible spiritual originants. In this context, all the matter in the universe can be reduced to four substantial elements: carbon, hydrogen, oxygen, and nitrogen. In the first manifested triad -- Mother, Father-Son-Husband, Son -- Oxygen corresponds to Father-Son-Husband; thus, the names of the chemical elements are also used to denote the subtler, more ethereal or spiritual elements from which they proceed.

"We would call hydrogen and oxygen (which instills the fire of life into the 'Mother' by incubation) in the pregenetic and even pre-geological ages -- the Spirit, the noumenon of that which becomes in its grossest form oxygen and hydrogen and nitrogen on Earth -- nitrogen being of no divine origin, but merely an earth-born cement to unite other gases and fluids, and serve as a sponge to carry in itself the breath of LIFE -- pure air" (SD 1:626). Oxygen corresponds to vitality or prana in the lower quaternary of human principles. Moreover, an elixir of life is said to be produced alchemically from ozone, an allotrope of oxygen (SD 1:144).

(See also: Oxygen , Mysticism, Mysticism Dictionary)

LAUGHTER THERAPY:

Laughter is said to be addictive. Given its several health benefits, that is desirable. Firstly it gives a sense of well being because of release of endorphins and neuropeptides. By ensuring the inhalation of more oxygen, the lifeline of the system, it makes people feel better. It decreases stress leading to lowered stiffness of muscles - muscle relaxation easing headaches, body aches and other muscular problems.

As blood vessels get dilated, blood pressure falls by 10-20 mm mercury after 10 minutes of laughter - very useful for patients of hypertension. With levels of antibodies and natural killer cells going up with laughter, it also improves the immunity - evident from thousands of laughter club members have decreased incidences of cough and cold.

Laughter has innumerable other benefits. It proves a potent anti-stress factor, decreases asthmatic attacks, increases stamina, relives arthritic pain, ensures good sleep and elevates mood. Since the serotonin levels go up after laughter, it is an effective antidote for depression too.

Haasya Yoga is a method of group laughter that is based on yogic techniques. The exercises are designed based entirely on yoga stretching, breathing and variety of stimulated laughs, starting with deep breathing. As simulation helps stimulation, exercise induced laughter - that compliments but is not a substitute for natural laughter - increases the capacity for the latter.

Helping individuals increase their capacity to laugh more, be more self-confident and self-expressive. Positive qualities are cultivated, thereby removing negative emotions as jealousy, fear, guilt and anger. The laughter club is in effect a behavioral training institute that spontaneously raises spirits at no cost. The concept of a laughter bank, where people come up with creative ideas for different types of laughter, for instance is to bring in play fullness into the atmosphere. The fun, frolic and childish attitude generated not only reduces inhibitions, but also curtails tensions.

Under certain conditions though laughter therapy is not recommended. Patients with hernia, advanced piles, eye complications, Angolan pain and those who have just undergone major surgery should not venture into this therapy without the explicit advice of a doctor. Pregnant woman should also preferably avoid laughter sessions till some conclusive data regarding the safety is available. Patients suffering from tuberculosis, chronic bronchitis and other respiratory infections where phlegm is produced must take precaution against spread of infection. Finally, even a normal person experiencing discomfort while laughing, must discontinue immediately and seek expert medical help.

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

Definition and meaning of Insurance :

A contract whereby an insurer promises to pay the insured a sum of money or some other benefit upon the happening of one or more uncertain events in exchange for the payment of a premium. There must be uncertainty as to whether the relevant event(s) may happen at all or, if they will occur (e.g. death) as to their timing.

(Source Lloyd's )

Also see these pages: Insurance , Insurance, Insurance Sitemap, Insurance Dictionary - I

Oxygen Treatment: Oxygen is used to cleanse and refresh. In an Oxygen Facial, after cleansing, steaming and exfoliation, your face is sprayed with ozone, which increases circulation and creates a warm, healthy glow. Oxygen facials may prevent breakouts, diminish fine lines and buffer the effects of environmental pollution. They're said to be particularly beneficial for smokers.

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

A dictionary of Parapsycology. Please note that words in grey are hyperlinked to a corresponding archive with articles related to that particular topic.

OXYGEN THERAPY: Forms of oxygen (ozone) have been used in many contexts from water purification to a disinfectant in the bottling industry. As a treatment, it has been recognised that harmful bacteria and viruses can only live in a low oxygen environment. Treatments vary from sitting in a ‘steam’ bath and being surrounded by ozone to treating the blood by passing ozone through it and clearing impurities. Dr Otto Warburg proved that cancer cannot live in a high oxygen environment.

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

BELAVI

A series of massage techniques using acupressure points, lymphatic drainage strokes, and facial massage strokes, Belavi’ Facial Massage is designed to firm sagging skin, stimulate blood and oxygen, release toxins, and soften lines. The treatment also consists of cleansing, exfoliating, hot towel wraps, and a honeylift massage treatment.

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

Definition and meaning of rebreather:

rebreather - an underwater breathing apparatus which is the source of breathing gas for scuba divers. A rebreather "recycles" the exhalation gasses by recovering them from the mouthpieced (and not flushing them into the surrounding water). Since not all of the oxygen in an inhalation breath is used, there is always some left in exhalation, and this gas goes through the breathing loop multiple times until it's converted into carbon dioxide. This exhalation is cycled back into the unit, where the exhaled gas is run through a scrubber, removing carbon dioxide by chemical reaction with soda lime. Oxygen is injected into the loop automatically by a computer-controlled solenoid valve in response to information received from oxygen sensors. In this way the inspiration maintains a constant partial pressure of oxygen throughout the dive. Therefore, the diver only consumes the small amount of oxygen that the body actually needs and metabolizes.. The resulting gas is analyzed by sensors to determine oxygen content and if necessary oxygen is added to the mix for the current depth from a small tank carried with the rebreather. Advantages of a rebreather are many. It allows longer bottom times. Since no bubbles are released into the water, stealth for animal behavior studies and underwater photography is easier to achieve. Another advantage of a rebreather is the much reduced risk of decompression sickness

(Source: US National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA) )

Also see these pages: Oceanography, Oceanography Sitemap, Coral Reef, Environment, Sustainability, Climate Change,

Definition and meaning of oxygen isotope ratio, 18O:

oxygen isotope ratio (18O) - an expression for the ratio of the 18O to 16O atoms in a sample relative to a standard, defined as: ƒÂ18O = (18O/16O sample - 18O/18O standard)/ 18O/16O standard

(Source: US National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA) )

Also see these pages: Oceanography, Oceanography Sitemap, Coral Reef, Environment, Sustainability, Climate Change,

Definition and meaning of oxygen isotopes:

oxygen isotopes - oxygen atoms that have the same atomic number (protons) but different mass numbers (and different numbers of neutrons). The two stable isotopes of oxygen are 16O and 18O

(Source: US National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA) )

Also see these pages: Oceanography, Oceanography Sitemap, Coral Reef, Environment, Sustainability, Climate Change,

Definition and meaning of Chemical Oxygen Demand:

COD (Chemical Oxygen Demand) - a measure of the chemically oxidizable material in water which provides an approximation of the amount of organic and reducing material present. The determined value may correlate with biochemical oxygen demand (BOD) or with carbonaceous organic pollution from sewage or industrial wastes

(Source: US National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA) )

Also see these pages: Oceanography, Oceanography Sitemap, Coral Reef, Environment, Sustainability, Climate Change,

See also these related archives:

Occult medicine, Odyssey Massage, Oelation Therapy, Ohashiatsu, Oki-Do, Okinawan karate, Olfactory aromatherapy, Om, Omar's Touch Therapy, OMEGA, OMNI-FORCE, One Brain, One Light Healing Touch, Onsen, Onsen Technique, On-site Massage, Open Mind programming, Optimum Health Balance, Optometry, Organic Food, Organic process therapy, Organismic psychotherapy, Organotherapy, Orgone therapy, Oriental 7-Day Quick Weight-Off Diet, Oriental body and facial diagnosis, Oriental diagnosis, Oriental massage, Oriental medicine, Oriental Traditional Medicine, Original Cause healing, Original Ingham Method, Orionic Healing System, Ortho-bionomy, Ortho-Bionomy, Orthomolecular medicine, Orthomolecular Therapy, Orthopedic Massage, Orthopractic, Osteokinetics, Osteopathic Manipulation, Osteopathic Medicine, Outer healing, Oxidative Therapy, Oxygen Therapy, Oxygen Treatment

“Daisyworld and the Gaia Hypothesis are controversial because they touch on the definition of what constitutes life. If we think that life is about the selfish gene, competition, and survival of the fittest, then it is hard to see where the Earth fits in. However, it isn't necessary to think that the Earth is alive in order to appreciate that it is a highly complex system. And, if we say it is alive, why is that so threatening? No one doubts that plants are alive, but they don't do anything nearly as complicated as the Earth does.”

A brief introduction to the intriguing Gaia theory, as developed by James Lovelock, Lynn Margulis and others.

Read more here: » Gaia Theory: Gaia Theory - Science of the Living Earth

Although there are many Asanas (8,400,000 according to the scriptures) the practice of the 12 basic yoga postures brings out the essence and all major benefits of this wonderful system.

Read more here: » Yoga Postures: What is Proper Exercise - 12 Basic Yoga Postures

Gaia philosophy is a broadly inclusive term for related concepts that living organisms on a planet will affect the nature of their environment - to make it more suitable for life. This set of theories holds that all organisms on a planet regulate the biosphere to the benefit of the whole. The Gaia concept draws a connection between the survivability of a species, (hence its evolutionary course) and their usefulness to the survival of other species.

Read more here: » Gaia: The Gaia philosophy - an overivew

Deep breathing reduces stress, deepens insight, expands consciousness and increases intuitive perception. Men of wisdom fetch their breath up from deep inside and below, while others breathe with their voice box alone. Great leaders like Mahatma Gandhi, Abraham Lincoln and Nelson Mandela often relied on mind-cleansing meditation combined with deep breathing Ñ to restore their flagging energy and create inner peace whenever stress built up in their lives.

Considering our breathing becomes more and more shallow and ineffective from birth onwards, this is a matter of utmost concern.

Read more here: » Breathing: Take a Deep Breath

Pranayama or breath control signifies stretching, extending and regulating our breathing process. Pranayama can be used as a preparation for meditation wherein it cleanses the body and the mind. It also helps to maximise the benefits of the practice of yogasanas and also focusing the mind.

(See also: Pranayama , God and Religion, Peace on Earth, Peace of Mind, Love and Happiness, Life and Beyond, Body Mind and Soul)

Read more here: » Pranayama: Breathe Some Life Into Your Soul - Pranayama