Tension Dictionary

ACUPRESSURE

Acupressure is an ancient healing art that uses the fingers to press key points on the surface of the skin to stimulate the body’s natural self-curative abilities. When these points are pressed, they release muscular tension and promote the circulation of blood and the body’s life force (sometimes known as qi or chi) to aid healing.

Acupuncture and acupressure use the same points, but acupuncture employs needles, while acupressure uses the gentle, but firm pressure of hands (and even feet). There is a large amount of scientific data demonstrating why and how acupuncture is effective. But acupressure, the older of the two traditions, was neglected after the Chinese developed more technical methods for stimulating points with needles and electricity.

Acupressure, however, continues to be the most effective method for self-treatment of tension-related ailments by using the power and sensitivity of the human hand. Foremost among the advantages of acupressure’s healing touch is that it is safe to do on yourself and others - even if you’ve never done it before - so long as you follow the instructions and pay attention to the cautions. The only pieces of equipment needed are your own two hands. You can practice acupressure therapy anytime, anywhere.

Acupressure can be effective in helping relieve headaches, eye strain, sinus problems, neck pain, backaches, arthritis, muscle aches, tension due to stress, ulcer pain, menstrual cramps, lower backaches, constipation, and indigestion. Self-acupressure can also be used to relieve anxiety and get better sleep at night. There are also great advantages to using acupressure as a way to balance the body and maintain good health.

The healing touch of acupressure reduces tension, increases circulation, and enables the body to relax deeply. By relieving stress, acupressure strengthens resistance to disease and promotes wellness. In acupressure, local symptoms are considered an expression of the condition of the body as a whole. A tension headache, for instance, may be rooted in the shoulder and neck area. Thus, acupressure focuses on relieving pain and discomfort, as well as responding to tension, before it develops into a disease - before the constrictions and imbalances can do further damage.

The origins of acupressure are as ancient as the instinctive impulse to hold your forehead or temples when you have a headache. Everyone at one time or another has used their hands spontaneously to hold tense or painful places on the body. More than 5,000 years ago, the Chinese discovered that pressing certain points on the body relieved pain where it occurred and also benefited other parts of the body more remote from the pain and the pressure point. Gradually, they found other locations that not only alleviated pain, but also influenced the functioning of certain internal organs. (Definition in part from the book Acupressure’s Potent Points, by Michael Reed Gach, director of the Acupressure Institute.)

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

JIN SHIN DO

Developed by psychotherapist Iona Marsaa Teeguarden, Jin Shin Do combines gentle, yet deep finger pressure on acu-points with simple body focusing techniques to release physical and emotional tension. The client determines the depth of the pressure.

Jin Shin Do promotes a pleasurable, trancelike state during which the recipient can get in touch with the body and access feelings or emotions related to the physical condition. This body/mind approach, performed on the fully-clothed client, is a synthesis of a traditional Japanese acupressure technique, classic Chinese acupuncture theory, Taoist yogic philosophy and breathing methods, and Reichian segmental theory. The client lies on her back on a massage table while the practitioner holds “local points” in tension areas together with related “distal points,” which help the armored places to release more easily and deeply. A typical session is about 11?2 hours.

Jin Shin Do acupressure is effective in helping relieve tension and fatigue, stress-related headaches and gastro-intestinal problems, back and shoulder pain, eye strain, menstrual and menopausal imbalances, sinus pain, and allergies. (With medical problems, the client is asked to consult a doctor.) Over a period of 10 or more sessions, armoring is progressively released in the head, neck, shoulders, chest, diaphragm, abdomen, pelvis, and legs.

After sessions, clients typically feel deeply relaxed and may even feel euphoric. If the client is responsive, there will be significantly less tension and pain together with an increased sense of well-being for hours or days. This response will tend to extend after further sessions. In the case of chronic fatigue, initially the client may feel more tired after a session, because the body is demanding rest. It is advisable to schedule sessions with time to rest and relax afterward. On the other hand, Jin Shin Do can be used before athletic events to improve performance, for horses as well as for people. “The Way of the Compassionate Spirit” is based on the eight “Strange Flows” that regulate the entire body/mind energy.

(See also: JIN SHIN DO , Alternative Health, Massage, Bodywork, Body Mind and Soul)

ASTON-PATTERNING

Aston-Patterning is an educational process, developed by Judith Aston in 1977, combining movement coaching, bodywork, ergonomics, and fitness training. It can be helpful to individuals seeking relief from acute or chronic pain or for those wishing to improve their posture and increase the efficiency of their movement patterns either in activities of daily living or complex activities, such as athletics or the performing arts.

The movement work neurokinetics has two divisions. The first part involves instruction in the most efficient way to perform the simple activities of daily living, and then progresses to complex activities. The second part teaches the client how to use movement to decrease accumulated tension in the body.

The bodywork includes Aston massage, myokinetics, and arthrokinetics. The massage is a specialized form based on Swedish massage (not compressive) utilizing a three-dimensional touch which helps to release functional holding patterns (muscle tension being maintained by the nervous system and not yet creating a physiological change in the connective tissue) from surface to bone. Myokinetics is a form of myofascial release that unleashes deeply embedded structural holding patterns from the fascial network.

Arthrokinetics addresses structural holding patterns at the joint surfaces and along the bone. The bodywork is used to make new movement options available, and the sessions are followed with a movement lesson to assist the client in understanding how the tension had been created and how to maintain the changes achieved. The ergonomic training demonstrates to the client how environment affects their body’s alignment, dimensional integrity, and degree of effort required to perform activities, as well as identifying the role their environment has played in their current complaint. The client is trained to modify or negotiate with less-than-optimal situations, such as sitting in their office, home, or car, or shoes offering a less-than-optimal alignment while standing, walking, or running.

The Aston Fitness training includes vertical and horizontal loosening, toning, stretching, and cardiovascular fitness. The loosening moves are done lying and standing to address specific areas of tension which, when released, assist the client in achieving their best alignment and dimensional integrity before working out. Toning teaches the client how to address specific areas that are less toned in comparison to the rest of the body - in a way that won’t compromise any other area of the body. This results in an even distribution of muscle tone throughout the body so the workload is shared more evenly. Stretching is taught in a way that doesn’t borrow dimension from an adjacent body segment while working a specific area.

(See also: ASTON-PATTERNING , Alternative Health, Massage, Bodywork, Body Mind and Soul)

RELAXATION

A wide variety of complementary therapies claim to improve health by producing relaxation. Some therapists use the relaxed state as a means of promoting psychological change. Other therapies incorporate movement, stretches, and breathing exercises. Relaxation and "stress management" are found to a certain extent within conventional medicine. They generally overlap with other, more clearly complementary, therapies. Relaxation therapy is appropriate for any ill child who is able to follow verbal directions. It is much easier to relax when provided with specific steps rather than just being told to "relax."

One of the most simple and easily learned techniques for relaxation is Progressive Muscle Relaxation (PMR), a widely used technique that was developed by Jacobson in 1939. One learns to relax the muscles through a two-step process. First, one deliberately applies tension to certain muscle groups, and then stops the tension and focuses on how the muscles relax as the tension flows away.

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

Massage and its remedial effects

Massage reduces muscle-tension and relieves pain, opens the pores of the skin, thus eliminating poisons from the body through sweat. It also speeds up blood circulation.

The literal meaning of 'massage' is manipulation of the soft tissues of the body using the hands. In naturopathy, massage occupies a very important place in the treatment of diseases of all kinds. For centuries, massage has been used as a remedy in India, Greece, Rome, China, Egypt and a host of other countries.

Procedure

According to the modern system of physiotherapy, the process begins with massaging upper limbs (arms) and lower limbs (legs) followed by the chest, abdomen, back and hips, and ending with the face and the head. As far as possible, massage with the hands to derive complete benefit.

According to modern therapy, the massage strokes are directed towards the heart. According to Ayurdeva, massage is known as snehan (oleation) and should be given to a patient before panchakarma treatment. Panchakarmas are the five basic principles to clean and detoxify or purify the body. They are:

·      Vamana (emesis)

·      Virechana (puragation)

·      Nruha (medicated anema)

·      Anuvasana (unctuous anema -

·      preparation with oil or other unctuous substance)

·      Nasya (inhalation therapy)

Massage should always be followed by svedana (fermentation). Snehana and svedana are the two purvakarmas that should be given before panchakarma treatment.

Benefits

1. Massage is used to improve blood circulation, to reduce oedema,

 adhesions in tissues after injury, reduce muscular spasm and improve

 muscle tone.

2. Massage reduces muscle-tension and relieves pain, opens the pores

 of the skin, thus eliminating poisons from the body through sweat.

3. It also speeds up blood circulation, hence reducing swelling

 (oedema), relieving tension of the nerves and soothing them.

4. It stimulates the digestive system and activates the urinary system.

Rules on massage oil

1. For patients with pains, use Narayan Taila, or Mahanarayan Taila.

2. For weakness, use Narayan Taila, Chandan Bala Lakshdi Taila.

3. For patients with joint pains (rheumatism), use Saindhavadi Taila.

4. For patients with burning sensation problems and sleeplessness, use

 Bhringraj Taila and Brahmi Taila.

5. For patients with skin diseases, use Kushthararakshas Taila, Nimba

 Taila and Bakuchi Taila.

Massage produces heat. After half an hour of getting a massage done, a hot water bath or shower can be taken. The head should be bathed with lukewarm water.

Contraindications

1. Massage is not recommended in any type of fevers.

2.Massage is not recommended during pregnancy.

3.Abdominal massage should be avoided in case of diarrhoea, ulcers, appendicities and tumours in the abdomen.

Excessive oil after massage should be removed with gram flour (besan) and not with soap. Peeli mitti (Indian yellow clay) is also excellent for washing the body. It has a cooling effect on the skin and nerves.

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

Dream Interpretation Factory

Factories and processing plants reflect the worker part of your personality. The conditions around the factory denote the health of your urge to contribute and create. Dreaming of a factory is a good sign, promising business success. If you see yourself working at a factory, it means that life is too hectic for you and full of tension, but you are satisfied with your job.

Source: Dream-Land, http://www.dream-land.info

(See also: Dream Archives, Meaning of Dreams, Dream Interpretation, Dream Dictionary, Dream Dictionary - Factory , Meaning of Dreams about Factory , Dream Interpretation Factory )

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, and arthritis.  Although the older of the techniques, acupressure tends to be overlooked as the Chinese developed more "technological" methods for stimulating points with needles and electricity. However, acupressure is a gentle yet powerful healing technique which relies on senitivity of touch to locate and release imbalances within the body. Acupressure continues to be more effective in relieving tension-related ailments.

Theory of accupressure

Acupressure focuses on the natural bioenergy or Qi (pronounced Chi) flowing through the body. The theory was developed that if a stimulus in the form of heat, pressure, or a needle was applied to specific points on the body, it would relieve the symptoms of many conditions. It was determined that these points were not random but followed energetic pathways along the body, and each one was linked to a particular internal organ.

Technique of accupressure

The practice of acupressure has developed primarily through a combination of instinct and hands-on experience. Its principles and healing techniques have also been influenced by individuals who could feel or see trigger points and meridian pathways. Some healers integrated breathing meditations and mudras (hand positions) while others added herbal remedies and massage. A series of gentle stretches, joint manipulations, and noninvasive pressure to different pressure points will stimulate the corresponding glands of the body to balance the flow of vital energy through the body, thus stimulating the body's natural healing ability. A combination of pressures applied by the palms, thumbs, elbows, and sometimes the knees and feet are used.

Although acupressure is a holistic treatment encompassing the mind, body, and spirit, on a physical level it can have the effect of improving the circulation and the flow of lymph. Acupressure also works directly on the central nervous system promoting relaxation, calmness, and a sense of well-being. This technique is also used for general preventive health care.

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

Relatives

Relatives are powerful features of both the waking and dreaming worlds. As a consequence, interpreting dreams of relatives is a complex task. There are hundreds of different possible interpretations that originate within the world of the dreamer as well as from classical psychology.

The reason dreams of family are so prevalent is that everyone has a desire to know what "normal" is, and then act that way in the world. Countless times, clients will come to therapy complaining, "I just want a normal family," or "I just want a normal marriage." The definition of this idea comes from our relatives and how well they fit into or detract from our idea of normalcy.

Dreams of family may affirm or undermine "normal" feelings about ourselves. Extended family relations are very significant in developing the family lore and ritual. As you mature and reflect critically on normalcy in your understanding of it, these rituals either affirm or work against the norms of your perspective. Who does what, why and when is often determined by influences in the extended family. The result is that we construct a family story that defines who we are in our family and what our family means in the world around us.

Relative dreams of this type lend themselves to archetypal interpretations that offer insight into how the dreamer sees him or herself in relation to the larger human community represented by the relatives. To interpret dreams of this kind, discern which relatives were in the dream and whether they are still living or dead in waking life. Often, relatives who have passed away are alive in our dreams. Usually, one of two circumstances exist. Either the activity in the dream reminds you of a ritual aspect of the relationship with this relative, or your relationship with the relative is incomplete.

Dreams about relatives are often recurring. These can have both prophetic or historic meaning. This is especially true in cases where the central characters are relatives with whom there is either emotional tension or uncertainty concerning their health. If there is emotional tension, the dream may be identifying the source of the tension to create an opportunity to resolve it. If there are particular relatives with precarious health, the dreams may resolve, or warn of, impending deaths in the family.

The place and occasion for the relatives' appearance in the dream are important to the interpretation of it. For example, if only the women in your family appear with you in a dream of an activity that they have historically participated in together, you may see yourself as joining with the family in new ways. There are numerous variations on this dream:

1. Not wanting to join the activity (ambivalence about traditional expectations).

2. Joining a group of exclusively opposite-gendered family members (confusion about fitting into the family on your terms).

3. Joining a group of family members with something unique in common; i.e., all bald, all with cancer, all widowed, all single, etc. (identifying with or having concern over ending up like others whom you pity).

While family members are powerful dream icons, their meaning can be quite diverse. Often, free association is the key to discerning their impact on your dreams and the meaning of that influence.

Individual family members, especially fathers and mothers (or representations of them) are often prominent in dreams. For better or for worse, they are primary influences in the shaping of our personalities. This includes how we respond to our environmental stimuli, as well as how we value ourselves and our inner nature. Consequently, another significant aspect of relative dreams is what these dreams show about how our individual ego development and personality strength have been influenced by individual relatives, for good or ill.

Personality strengths and weaknesses often express themselves in alternating generations. For example, in one generation, the father is relentless in expressing anger. In the next generation, anger becomes taboo and inexpressible. In this way, dreams of the individual parent often have a compensatory effect.

Often you will have a dream that includes a particular family member in a very unusual situation for that person (for example: scuba diving with Grandma). Often in this type of dream there will be plenty of other symbols and images that point to the true meaning of the dream.

Source: iVillage, http://www.ivillage.co.uk

(See also: Dream Archives, Meaning of Dreams, Dream Interpretation, Dream Dictionary, Dream Dictionary - Relatives , Meaning of Dreams about Relatives , Dream Interpretation Relatives )

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)

Jin Shin Jyutsu (jin shin jitsu): Subject of The Touch of Healing: Energizing Body, Mind, and Spirit with the Art of Jin Shin Jyutsu (Bantam Books, 1997).

Jin Shin Jyutsu is a non-massage form of shiatsu developed by Jiro Murai in Japan. It uses only 26 pressure points, termed energy locks. According to its theory, fatigue, tension, or illness can trap energy in these safety energy locks.

The design of Jin Shin Jyutsu is to harmonize the flow of energy through the body. Jin Shin Jyutsu involves either:

(a)           prolonged, gentle, manual pressing of these points; or

(b)           movements of the practitioner's hands over such areas without contact. The practitioner's hands function like booster cables. Jin shin jyutsu literally means the creator's art through knowing and compassionate man.

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

Jainism: Tension of Opposites Central to Existence

According to Acharya Mahaprajna, opposition is a fundamental rule for existence. "There is no type of existence in which opposites do not co-exist. In a sense, existence may also be defined as the coming together of opposites. It is the principle of the quest for unity between two apparently different characteristics of a substance. It tries to point out that the characteristics which differences have, also have an identicality. Reconciliation, which is a principle of anekant , comes about only with the recognition of the identity principle.''

Read more here: » Tension of Opposites: Tension of Opposites Central to Existence

Amethyst: Amethyst is a regal violet gemstone with whitish stripes. The purple color comes from the presence of manganese during its formation. It is a form of crystallized quartz, composed of silica. It is found mostly in Brazil.

Amethyst is a radiant gemstone, meaning that its energies are expansive. It is said that when you meditate with amethyst you are helping the Earth, because the violet ray will help to transform the entire world into a better place. It is the most highly valued stone in the quartz group. It has many supernatural powers. It is said to bring luck, ensure constancy, protect against magic and homesickness. It has long been known to help against drunkenness.

Violet has a calming effect upon the nervous system. Insomnia may be relieved by gently rubbing an amethyst on the temples or forehead, and can be used for tension and migraine headaches. It is one of the best to use for meditation. It is here to teach the lesson of humility, to “Let go and let God.” Amethyst is very useful for people grieving over lost loved ones, as it subliminally communicates that there is no death. Amethyst is recommended for stimulating greater love, and attunement for healing forces. In directing the energy of the amethyst to the lungs, relief may be obtained for asthma and circulation problems. You can recharge your own energy by holding an amethyst over the crown chakra, third eye, or heart chakra. A very high vibration centered in love, balance, and harmony will be transferred.

(See also: Amethyst , Magic, Shamanism, Paganism, Wicca)

61-points relaxation exercise (61-points exercise, 61-points, shavayatra): Meditative mode of exercise whereby one travels mentally throughout one's body while one is supine and corpselike. Shavayatra means traveling through the corpse. The 61 points are specific parts of the body. , the exercise affects one's pranic field and eliminates muscular tension.

(See also: 61-points relaxation exercise , Body Mind and Soul, Alternative Health, Alternative Health Dictionary)

Muscle Energy Technique

is a means of manually assessing imbalances and distortions in the skeletal system and correcting them, via the soft tissue, using a tiny amount of the patient's own energy (force) applied in a specific direction. Extremely gentle, MET provides dramatic and lasting improvements in flexibility, muscle tension and comfort. MET is not related to work with the Human Energy Field.

(See also: Muscle Energy Technique , Alternative Health, Body Mind and Soul)

energy balancing: means of facilitating the flow of bodily vital forces, rejuvenating the nervous system, and promoting internal relaxation. Its principle is that deep relaxation provides an opening for healing energy, and that permeation with healing energy results in the dissolution of layers of tension and the opportunity for self-acceptance.

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

Network Spinal Analysis (Network, Network Chiropractic, Network Chiropractic Spinal Analysis): Conspicuously vitalistic form of chiropractic founded in 1983 by Donald M. Epstein, D.C.

It embraces the following principles.

(a)           An innate or resident intelligence (inborn wisdom) governs all human biological processes through the nervous system and never harms the body.

(b)           This intelligence directs the life force (vital life energy or vital life force), which bestirs every cell. (c) Malposition of the spinal cord, nerves, and vertebrae can cause mechanical tension that may impede the vital life force.

(c)           Mental and chemical stress can cause such mechanical tension.

(d)           Removing mechanical impediments to the vital life force heightens the operation of innate intelligence naturally.

(e)           The universe and society are intrinsically good.

(See also: Network Spinal Analysis , Body Mind and Soul, Alternative Health, Alternative Health Dictionary)

Catatonia (from Greek kata down + tonos tension)

Referred to as tension-insanity, this condition is marked with successive stages of psychological depression, excitement, and stupor; the typical symptoms are peculiar mannerisms, stereotyped movements, a cataleptoid muscular rigidity, and great mental and physical stubbornness.

There may be hallucinations, depressing illusions, or fantastic religious ideas, or sudden impulsions of violence or indecency, and there is always a dulling of the higher emotional and ethical feelings.

After an attack, the person often admits that he has been acting perversely, foolishly, or childishly, but explains that he could not help it. When analyzed in the light of composite human nature, and of the action of different principles during life and after death, the peculiar conditions are explainable.

Evidently the sufferers are overcome by some besieging astral entity of kama-rupic nature; or in certain cases by aggregated or collected thought-impressions of former emotional and lower mental storms, excitements, or passion, which at times of ethical inattention flow back upon the brain-mind and affect the receptive body and its nervous system, so that these cases are really reactional effects of precedaneous causes which may even go back in time to a preceding life or lives.

(See also: Catatonia , Mysticism, Mysticism Dictionary, Occultism, Occultism Dictionary)

Raktamoksha: Ayurvedic form of bloodletting. According to its theory,

á      toxemia is the basic cause of hypertension, thrombotic elements, and repeated acne, eczema, herpetic symptoms, hives, leukoderma, and scabies;

á      pitta (fire plus water, one of the three Ayurvedic humors) is a derivative of disintegrated red blood cells in the liver;

á      an increase of pitta in the blood may cause many disorders; and

á      extraction of a small amount of venous blood relieves the tension caused by pittagenic toxins in the blood.

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

MYOPRACTIC MUSCLE THERAPY

Robert Petteway developed the Myopractic system after 30 years in the healing arts. His experience in structural integration, biomechanics, acupuncture, Oriental medicine, and a wide variety of muscle therapies contribute to the system. He worked with physicians, surgeons, and chiropractors for more than 20 years to develop this therapeutic model.

Myopractic muscle therapy combines three basic techniques: compression stretching, which achieves deep relaxation and relieves tension, spasms, and holding patterns; clearing methods, which use the myopractic covered thumb and framing techniques to clean obstructions from soft tissue (e.g., trigger points, scar tissue, muscle bundles, and old bruise); and separating techniques to release myofascial adhesions, separate fascial planes, and rebalance muscles.

Myopractic muscle therapy integrates its own unique style of energetic work, Swedish, sports, trigger point, myofascial, and even structural integration techniques into one easy-to-learn system.

Myopractic teaches user-friendly, pain-free therapy for both client and practitioner. This is accomplished using the therapist’s body weight and leverage, rather than relying on size and strength. Myopractic posture balancing evaluation identifies the source of chronic pain misalignments in the body’s structure and realigns them.

Myopractic treatments focus especially on misalignments in the lower body, particularly in the feet, ankles, and the hips. Addressing lower-body misalignments often relieves tension injuries in the upper body. Myopractic espouses a therapist can clear their clients only to the degree they themselves are clear. Therefore the seminars focus on clearing the therapist, as well as learning new techniques.

(See also: MYOPRACTIC MUSCLE THERAPY , Alternative Health, Massage, Bodywork, Body Mind and Soul)

ACU-YOGA

Acu-Yoga is a system of exercises integrating the knowledge of two holistic methods of health maintenance - acupressure and yoga. Both relax muscular tension and balance the vital life forces of the body.

Yoga does this through controlling the breath while holding the body in certain postures. Acupressure does this by directly manipulating body energy through a system of points and meridians.

Each Acu-Yoga posture naturally presses and stretches certain nerves, muscles, and acupressure points, awakening the meridians and releasing the tension in the points so that energy (chi) can circulate freely. This energy is the source of all life, and its flow is the key to radiant health. The process balances the body and stimulates it to heal itself.

(See also: ACU-YOGA , Alternative Health, Massage, Bodywork, Body Mind and Soul)