|
A
|
| Abdomen |
the part of the body between the chest and the pelvis. |
| Abhyanga |
An oil massage of warm, "cured" sesame oil applied ten
to fifteen minutes before showering. This type of massage is an essential
part of ayurvedic (Indian) medicine. |
| Abortion |
spontaneous or abrupt termination of a pregnancy before full term. |
| Abscess |
localized collection of pus caused by micro-organisms, usually with
redness, heat, swelling, and pain. |
| Accelerated Processing Interventions |
Spans several new methodologies developed over the past decade that
address the brain and its processing of emotional and cognitive information.
Among these therapies are Eye Movement Desensitization Reprocessing,
Time Line Therapy, and Thought Field Energy Synchronization. All of
these therapies are aimed at releasing blockages. |
| Acquired (Postnatal) Essence |
The Essence transformed from air, food, and fluid by the
Lung and Spleen, the surplus of which is collected and
stored by the Kidney, supplements and to some degree offsets
and postpones the attrition of prenatal Essence due to the
process of aging. |
| Acrid |
irritating, excoriating, bitter. |
| Acupuncture |
An ancient Oriental medical art where small needles are inserted
in the skin at meridian points to regulate the flow of Qi (chee).
Acupuncture is
one of the oldest, most commonly used medical procedures in the
world. Originating in China more than 2,000 years ago, acupuncture
became widely known in the United States in 1971 when New York
Times reporter James Reston wrote about how doctors in Beijing,
China, used needles to ease his abdominal pain after surgery. Research
shows that acupuncture is beneficial in treating a variety of health
conditions.
|
| Acupuncture Point |
Sites along the skin where the channels of Qi come closest
to the surface of the body. Access to Qi occurs through gateways
or acupuncture points along the channels that traverse the body to
carry the Qi. These points provide a communication system,
connecting the outside with the interior. Acupuncture points are stimulated
to encourage the circulation of Qi and Blood, to provide
analgesia, to affect particular Organ Network function, and
to influence the equilibrium of the organism as a whole. |
| Acute |
of sudden onset and brief duration. |
| Adrenal Cortex |
Part of the adrenal gland that produces corticosteroid hormones. |
| Adverse Climates |
The internal or external pathogenic agents of Wind, Heat, Cold,
Dryness, and Dampness. |
| Aggravation |
symptoms become worse. |
| Alexander Technique |
Developed by nineteenth-century actor Frederick W. Alexander, who
lost his voice on stage. As he learned ways to relax, his voice returned.
His techniques were developed to correct harmful tension in the body. |
| Alkaloid |
Highly active plant constituent containing nitrogen atoms, usually
in a ring-shaped molecule. |
| Alpha State |
When the brain oscillates between nine and thirteen cycles per minute;
the same state the brain reaches during REM sleep and meditation. |
| Altrrative |
Cleansing, stimulating efficient removal of waste products. |
| Anabolism. |
The anabolic process of metabolism in which food is converted into
tissue. In the context of Chinese medicine, anabolic processes correspond
to Yin categories of assimilation and storage of Qi, Moisture,
and Blood (known as the material substance of the organism
that is the expression of Jing or Essence). |
| Analgesic |
Relieves pain. |
| Anchor |
Through its power to consolidate Qi (Essence), the Kidney
is able to "grasp" or "hold on to" the Qi,
thus giving the organism a root, a lower center of gravity, which
stabilizes the organism much the way an anchor keeps a ship from drifting.
If the Kidney loses this capacity, problems such as shortness
of breath, dizziness, and hot flashes may arise. |
| Anodyne |
Reduces pain. |
| Antibiotic |
Destroys or inhibits the growth of microorganisms. |
| Anticoagulant |
Hinders blood-clotting. |
| Antihydrotic |
Limits the production of water-based fluids, including sweat. |
| Antimicrobial |
Destroys micro-organisms. |
| Antispasmodic |
Reduces muscle spasm and tension. |
| Anti-Tussive |
Inhibits the cough reflex helping to stop coughing. |
| Apbrient |
Mild laxative. |
| Appendicitis |
inflammation of the appendix. |
| Archetype |
A psychological idea articulated by Carl Jung that describes universal
human characteristics as symbolized in the figures and characters
that appear in myths and dreams. In our discussion, we have constructed
archetypal figures who embody the essential physical, psychological,
and social characteristics of the Five Phases. They are the
Pioneer (Wood), Wizard (Fire), Peacemaker (Earth), Alchemist (Metal),
and Philosopher (Water). |
| Aromatherapy |
he use of subtle, volatile essential liquids distilled from plant
sources. This therapy may be used separately or in conjunction with
other therapeutic techniques. It is one of the oldest forms of natural
healing known to man. |
| Asanas |
oga term for body postures |
| Ashwaganda (withania somnifera) |
n ayurvedic medicine long used to treat male sexual deficiencies.
The herbal compound is available in health-food stores. |
| Astringent |
Precipitates proteins from the surface of cells or mucous membranes,
producing a protective coating; has a binding and contracting effect. |
| Attention deficit hyperactivity disorder |
A syndrome primarily found in children and teenagers that is characterized
excessive physical movement, impulsiveness, and lack of attention.
|
| Aversion |
intense dislike, usually referring to food and drink. |
| Ayurveda [eye-your-VAY-da] |
An ancient medical system based on the concept that health is dependent
on harmony between body and mind, and that prevention and treatment
encompasses herbs, meditation, exercise, and diet to balance the three
doshas. Traditional system of Indian medicine, which literally means
"a science of life." |