Theory Dictionary

iridology (eye analysis, iridiagnosis, irido-diagnosis, iris diagnosis): Ostensibly diagnostic system whose principle is that every bodily organ corresponds to a location on the iris (the colored portion of the eye surrounding the pupil). According to iridology theory, the iris serves as a map of the body and gives warning signs of physical, mental, and spiritual problems. Proponents ascribe modern iridology to Hungarian physician Ignatz von Peczely (1826-1911), author of The Discovery in Natural History and Medical Science, a Guide to the Study and Diagnosis from the Eye (1881). , von Peczely discovered the iris-body connection in his childhood, when he broke the leg of an owl and a black stripe spontaneously appeared on the owl's iris. Probably the leading proponent of iridology in the United States is author and nutritionist J. Bernard Jensen, D.C., Ph.D.

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

EVOLUTION

For the past hundred years or more a war has been going on in academic circles between the theory of evolution and the belief in Creation. Darwinian evolution, however, must not be applied to history. Nor must we think of Creation as anything less than ongoing at all times, including the present moment.

Every plant, every animal, even matter itself is conscious, not merely sentient. Consciousness, however, assumes many modalities, each having the same goal, which is self-transcendance. The difference between an elephant and a fly is not that the one is more conscious or transcending than the other, but that the fly's attention is focused and fixed, whereas the elephant's is generalized and reprogrammable for adapting to new circumstances. Everything is creatively evolving upward in an infinite spiral. All Being necessarily undergoes many transitions and existence must encompass all experience.

Ultra-Darwinist theories no longer see biological evolution as "survival of the fittest" nor as random happenstance. Alien cells tend, if given time, to merge cooperatively with their host. Variations of species are not preceded by steps, but by quantum "leaps" (punctuations) that suggest recognition of environmental exigencies and co-evolutionary trends. There is also macro-evolution. The entire world is approaching its own evolutionary acme (Moksha). When the Bodhi-culmination transpires, Nirvana will become available to all.

(See also: EVOLUTION , Magick, Mysticism, Mysticism Dictionary, Body Mind and Soul,)

BINDEGEWEBSMASSAGE

This technique is based on the theory that any disruption or imbalance in any portion of the body affects the entire system, specifically the autonomic, central nervous, and hormonal systems. Any disruption in any of the body systems will affect the entire organism, both physiologically and psychologically.

Bindegewebsmassage is a specific, advanced technique intended to assist in the rehabilitation of pathologic conditions. The theory of this technique extends to the belief that certain areas on the body’s surface correlate to specific internal organs manifesting the disruptions with an increased sensitivity of certain skin areas called points. See also Connective Tissue Massage.

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

ELEMENTS

The four principles of reality. They derive their nature from the phases of the Moon (Waxing, Full, Waning, Disappearing) and can be associated with the four points of the compass (see TETRAMORPH), but we should be wary of trying to assign a logical progression to them. For instance, science tends to see them merely as matter, energy, space and time. But contemporary scientific rationalism does not apply to ancient intuitional philosophy.

The ancients were correct to advise us not to try to separate the elements from one another (the "unified field" theory, however, doesn't apply to this aspect either). They take their being from the context of one another acting in unison. Thus Earth is the materialized, magnetic form which seeks contraction (coagula) and Air is the medium of space, freedom and dispersion (solve). Water is the dual flow of involution and evolution, the End and the Beginning, quicksilver-like Creation and Dissolution, Surface and Depth. The waters are divided into the upper waters of the potential and the lower waters of the actual. Water is the element of transition between the other elements. Fire, the plasmic state of transmutation, is the energy behind all things.

Each element is unique in its relationship to the others and in fully exercising that uniqueness, disappears. Water confluences the elements into a duality, Earth contains them all and is their united totality. Air is the separation in which they individuate themselves and vanish, while Fire is the uniqueness itself that extracts anything from its context, particularly the separation of "something" from Nothing, or vice-versa.

The quartering of the elements takes innumerable forms. Eliphas Levi, for instance, even gives a tetramorphic quaternity to Alchemy (Salt, Sulphur, Mercury and Azoth) and to the Qabalah (Macroposopus, Microposopus and the 2 "Mothers").

In Facing the Sphinx, Marie Farrington gives the number of elements as seven: earth, water, fire, air, ether or vapor, blossom (the seminal principle) and the Wind of Purpose (or Ghost). Amongst the Hindus the sixth was Bala-Rama, "the representation of masculine virility, the semen virile. The 7th was the summit and soul of the rest." In Ancient China, we observe earth, water, fire, wind and space (wood is only a physical element). The seven Latin verbs are Velle, Audere, Scire, Tacere, Revelare, Resurgere, Renunciare.

(See also: ELEMENTS , Magick, Mysticism, Mysticism Dictionary, Body Mind and Soul,)

psionic medicine (psionics): Derivative of medical radiesthesia and radionics developed by physician George Laurence. It is a variation of telediagnosis.

Its theory embraces the homeopathic concept of miasms: three hereditary sources of all diseases resistant to homeopathic treatment. Miasms hinder vital energy flow in the body. Psionic medical practitioners place: a sample of blood from the patient on one part of a chart below the pendulum; samples (in homeopathic potency) of tissues, organs, and diseases in another part; and proposed homeopathic remedies in another. The way in which the pendulum moves determines whether such a remedy is appropriate.

The word psionics also refers to radionics and to applied psi (applied parapsychology), a field whose focus is the application of psychic abilities to ordinary living.

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

Evolution

The teaching that life developed its complexity through the process of genetic change and natural selection. First propounded by Charles Darwin in the early 1800's, the theory has undergone a number of modifications since its inception.

The Bible does not speak against evolution but instead indicates that God created all things through the process .

(See also: Evolution , New Age Spirituality, Body Mind and Soul)

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.

Shiatsu, which literally translates to finger pressure, is a gentle, yet powerful healing technique from Japan which relies on senitivity of touch to locate and release imbalances within the body. 

Theory of Shiatsu

Shiatsu focuses on the natural bioenergy or Qi (pronouced Ki) 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 Shiatsu

Shiatsu is a combination of many different techniques including pressing, hooking, sweeping, shaking, rotating, grasping, vibrating, patting, plucking, lifting, pinching, rolling, and brushing. A series of gentle stretches, joint manipulations, and noninvasive pressure applied to the points will 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 are used. But these are merely the physical techniques. With an awareness of psychological and spiritual implications, shiatsu has become a kind of dance between giver and receiver. A unique rapport develops between the practitioner and client because shiatsu relies on the simple but powerful experience of touch to awaken the client's own self-healing powers. This "touch communication" between practitioner and client is the foundation to all healing methods. The practitioner uses gentleness, fluidity, and rhythmical motion to work with the imbalances in the client's Qi to restore the natural healing flow.

Although Shiatsu 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.  Shiatsu also works directly on the central nervous system promoting relaxation, calmness, and a sense of well-being.

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

tongue diagnosis: Mode of ostensible diagnosis whose theory posits Qi (pronounced chee). , Qi - often called energy, life-force, and vitality - is that which defines life. Chinese-medicine theory assigns areas of the tongue to internal organs, and various lingual conditions to visceral conditions. For example, lateral tooth marks signify a Spleen Qi deficiency.

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

Alphabiotic Alignment - Unification Process: A hands-on procedure of Alphabiotics that proponents have described as a necessary crutch. According to its theory, those who experience discomfort the first time they undergo the Process especially need to undergo it.

(See also: Alphabiotic Alignment - Unification Process , Alternative Health, Body Mind and Soul)

Celestial Buddha (sambhogakaya): in Mahayana Buddhism's Triple Body (trikaya) theory, these are heavenly or god-like Buddhas, the most famous of which is Amita; by showing devotion to Celestial Buddhas they assist us in our quest for enlightenment.

 (See also: Celestial Buddha , Eastern Philosophy, Body Mind and Soul)

Sex, Sexual Dreams

Interpreting sexual dreams

Sexual dreams are not about sex exclusively. Often they are about how we perceive people and how we think others are perceiving us. To construct a framework for interpreting sexual dreams, it is important to identify who is with us in the dream and how we feel about the experiences being had while dreaming.

Certain dreams are simply romantic. Boy and girl meet in the dream state and find themselves enjoying one another. This scenario commonly involves an attractive acquaintance and a generally pleasing environment. There is no violation of taboo, except for a sense that perhaps things are moving a little fast in the nocturnal relationship. Often, the dreamer has simply acted upon a desire for a relationship with a particular person - Freud's theory of wish-fulfillment is a sufficient explanation.

Other dreams begin to press on the boundaries of our taboos. These include dreams with sexual content the dreamer would consider inappropriate in waking, but participates in during the dream. These dreams can be very troubling. One can wake up feeling as though a rape was committed, a fidelity violated, or that innocence has been stripped away. Dreams of this nature may require some more thorough examination.

Identifying the 'who' or 'what' that has generated discomfort is an important first step. Was it a boss, co-worker, friend? Someone much older or younger than you with whom you have an affectionate, but platonic relationship? Or was it the nature of the encounter - coerced, cheating, public, or whatever - that is the most distinct feature of the dream? Who was forcing whom? Was it a stranger who reminded you of someone you know? Representation and displacement relationships are often components of sexual dreaming.

Some of these dreams indicate our own ambivalence about taboos. There is, after all, something exciting about what is forbidden. In other cases, we are expressing our own frustration with a sex life that is not satisfying. Still other times, others have violated our boundaries and we respond by thinking they have taken unmerited favours from us.

In all of these cases, the dreams are worth noting and studying. By looking into what you may find abhorrent at first, you will see aspects of your personality and the relationships around you that are mostly unnoticed. Perhaps most importantly, you will become more aware of the various facets of your personality in those relationships.

See also Nudity, bed, out-of-body experience, pregnancy and rape.

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

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

Unani (Unani medicine, Unani system of medicine, Unani Tibb): System based on the ancient Greek theory of four basic elements - air, earth, fire, and water - and four bodily fluids (humors) - blood, phlegm, black bile, and yellow bile (choler). The goal of Unani is the balancing of humors. Temperament stems from the dominant humor and is a determinant of diagnosis and treatment. For example, anger and irritability manifest an excess of yellow bile. Unani is the Arabic word for Greek. Hikmat and Tibe-Unani are synonymous with Unani medicine.

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

Actio in Distans (Latin) Action at a distance. Can force be transmitted across an empty space? On the automechanical theory of the universe, such action is inexplicable and yet inevitable, for if the universe consists entirely of matter made of atoms separated from each other by empty spaces, the transmission of force from one atom to another cannot be explained except by supposing some medium to intervene. If this medium is atomic, the old difficulty reappears; if it is continuous, there is no reason for supposing it, since matter might in the first place have been supposed to be continuous.

Thus if we choose to represent reality as a system of points in space, we must assume actio in distans as an axiom. The difficulty that a body cannot act where it is not, may be gotten over by stating that wherever it can act, there it is. Scientific theories, carried to a logical conclusion, support the idea that all things in the universe are connected with each other, so that whatever affects one part affects every other part. Notions of physical space do not enter to the realm of mind, thought, and feeling.

To meet this difficulty of action at a distance, early European scientists invented various kinds of ethers to bridge the supposed gap of nothingness between atom and atom or body and body. These finally were abandoned, with the exception of the luminiferous or light-carrying ether, which remained until the Michelson-Morley experiment, after which it was abandoned.

Nevertheless, theosophy postulates the existence of atomic and subatomic ethers of various degrees of tenuity, ranging from physical to spiritual. Collectively these ethers are the different planes or ranges of akasa, the fundamental substratum of the universe and the garment in which the kosmic divinity clothes itself -- the various prakritis as outlined especially in the Sankhya philosophy. Any scientific ether is not the akasa or aether, but solely the lowest plane of the akasic plenum, some of the ranges of the astral light, which in one sense is the highest principle of the earth's atmosphere -- a subtle ethereal energy-stuff permeant through and interpenetrating physical matter of all kinds.

See also Aether; Ether

(See also: Actio in Distans , Mysticism, Mysticism Dictionary, Occultism, Occultism Dictionary)

cuy ritual (passing the cuy): Ancient Andean variation of transference treatment. It involves prayer, rubbing a cuy (Andean guinea pig) over the patient, killing the animal with a ritual knife, and purporting to read its entrails. For example, if the subject has a gastric tumor, a tumor or lump will appear in the cuy's stomach. According to cuy ritual theory, damage and fright are the basic causes of disease, and the cuy can absorb the negative energy they generate.

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

Clean-Me-Out Program (Arise & Shine Cleanse Thyself Program): Neo-Christian variation of self-healing developed principally by Richard Anderson, N.D., N.M.D. Two herbal supplements constitute its backbone: Chomper, whose eleven herbs include cascara sagrada (a laxative) and lobelia (ingestion of which is risky); and Herbal Nutrition, whose ten herbs include alfalfa, comfrey, horsetail (a weak diuretic), and licorice root. (In April 1997 the U.S. Food and Drug Administration warned consumers that use of Chomper could cause serious heart problems.) Besides these and other supplements, the program involves enemas and avoiding intake of meat and dairy products.

Its theory posits a life force. In Cleanse & Purify Thyself (1994), Anderson describes a profound Divine experience wherein a female Divine Being filled him with information. He states that purification is a guaranteed entrance into heaven and that people who are willing to purify themselves shall have the help of God's mightiest messengers and, if necessary, legions of angelic beings.

(See also: Clean-Me-Out Program , Body Mind and Soul, Alternative Health, Alternative Health Dictionary)

inner self healing process: System developed by American-born clinical psychologist and author Swami Ajaya, Ph.D.

Its theory posits an authentic (essential, inner, true) self and a false self. , the inner self is an active inner presence, a radiant essence, core energy, the source of abundance, joy, unconditional love, vitality, and wisdom. The false self is a false image resulting from the world's shabby treatment of everyone.

The inner self healing process enables one to rediscover, come home to, and begin to live from one's true self. It involves experiential psychotherapy, complete self attunement, and meditation. Through attunement sessions, one receives the healing light of one's inner self.

(See also: Inner self healing process , Body Mind and Soul, Alternative Health, Alternative Health Dictionary)

kahuna healing: The medical phase of Huna, which is a religion or esoteric magical tradition native to the Hawaiian Islands.

The word huna literally means secret or that which is hidden, or not obvious. Kahuna literally means keeper of the secret. Kahunas are Hawaiian witch doctors.

Kahuna healing encompasses colon cleansing, energy field manipulation, Ho'oponopono (spiritual counseling), lomi-lomi, and the use of amulets. Its theory posits an etheric body (aka), a godhead (Kumulipo), and mana. Some proponents use the expressions kahuna healing, Huna, and Hawaiian Huna interchangeably.

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

Alchemical Hypnotherapy (Alchemical work): Powerful transformative process developed by David Quigley. Its design is to assist clients in working with their Inner Guides (archetypes). It borrows from Ericksonian Hypnosis, Gestalt, Jungian psychology, NLP, psychosynthesis, regression therapy, shamanism, Transpersonal Hypnotherapy, and transpersonal psychology.

Its theory posits a collective unconscious, past-life memories therein, etheric plane communication, an inner child, an inner mate, and karma. Alchemical Hypnotherapy appears identical to, a variation of, or the successor to Transformational Hypnotherapy.

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

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)

Deep Emotional Release Bodywork (D.E.R.B. , Deep Emotional Cellular Release Bodywork, Deep Emotional Release Bodywork System): Multi-dimensional system developed and taught by musician Jim Hyman. It includes Chi Kung Empowerment, Deep Emotional Breathwork, and Emotional Release. Its theory posits an energy body with a cellular memory. D.E.R.B. releases, from the body and the subconscious, blocked energy related to cellular memory of trauma. One of its principles is that damaging experiences (including anxieties, fears, phobias, and traumas) can become locked into the cellular structure and emotional centers of the body.

(See also: Deep Emotional Release Bodywork , Body Mind and Soul, Alternative Health, Alternative Health Dictionary)

Talmud (Hebrew) [from the verbal root lamadh to teach, train in learning, discipline]

Study of and instruction in anything (whether by anyone else or by oneself); learning acquired; style, system (as such it is synonymous with Mishnah -- oral tradition -- in one of its meanings); theory in contradistinction to practice; interpretation of the Mosaic law as is apparent on the surface and not requiring further disquisition; the noncanonical tradition (Barayetha'); the oldest commentary on the canonical tradition (Gemara'); the texts of tradition and commentary combined -- this last meaning being the one commonly applied. The Talmud is the body of Rabbinical commentaries on Judaism.

There are two recensions of the Talmud: 1) that of Palestine called the Jerusalem Talmud although the work was prepared by the pupils of Rabbi Yohanan ben 'El`azar in the school of Tiberias situated some 45 miles north of Jerusalem: it was entitled Talmud of the Benei Me-`arba' (of the Sons of the West) by early writers; 2) that of Babylon composed principally in the 5th century from old oral courses by Rabbi 'Ashshei bar Sinai, headmaster of the Academy at Sura' and completed in the 6th century by Rabbi Yosei. These works are not the religious or natural philosophy of the Jews, but oral traditions and discussion of the rabbis upon these legends. Christian Orientalists have given most attention to the Palestinian recension, although the Babylonian is preferred by the rabbis who call it the Shas -- i.e., Shishshah Sedarim -- six books ordered or arranged. The Babylonian is four times as large as the Jerusalem.

The Talmud proved the greatest factor for keeping alive the religious ideas of the Jewish people, especially after the fall of Jerusalem and its temple, together with the Old Testament becoming the Bible of the Hebrews. Both were regarded reverentially, for whereas the Pentateuch was the Torah or written word of Moses, the Talmud was believed to be the prophet's oral teaching transmitted.

(See also: Talmud , Mysticism, Mysticism Dictionary, Body mind and Soul)

Affinity In physics, an unknown force which manifests in cohesion, chemical action, etc. In any particle theory of the universe, affinity has to be assumed, but the assumptions necessary to a mechanical interpretation of nature cannot be defined in terms of mechanism.

In the physical world it is but a manifestation of that universal force which tends to bring diversity into unity, the counterpart of the force of repulsion, the two forces cooperating in cosmic harmony. Fohat in its highest aspect as divine love -- eros, the electric power of affinity and sympathy -- brings spirit into union with subtle nature, producing in man the soul, in nature the first link between the unconditioned and the manifested (SD 1:119).

Leucippus taught that space is filled with atoms -- really monads -- in ceaseless motion, and Epicurus and Lucretius added the idea of affinity, though doubtless Leucippus had the same idea in mind. The life-atoms discarded after incarnation return to the same individuality by affinity at the next rebirth.

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