Alternative Healing Dictionary

A help for you and me

Sometimes when reading about healing and other
esoteric arts I come across words that I would like to
know what they stand for. I have now tried to
compile a dictionary/glossary that includes different
forms of healing, esoteric words, religions and
information about the organs in the human body.
This is by no means a complete alternative healing
dictionary and some of you might even have an
objection to my interpretation of certain words. Feel
free to let me know your views and also if you would
like to add a new word.
Send me an e-mail.

ABCDEFGHIJKLMNOPQRSTUVWXYZ

Absent healing (distant healing, remote healing): A

form of healing that involves the projection of
healing energy over a distance.

Acupressure: A treatment that involves the surface

stimulation of acupoints digitally, manually, or with
tools held in the hand.

Acupuncture: An ancient Chinese medical system

over 5000 years old, recently revived in China and
becoming popular in the West. It deals with subtle
energy flows (chi) in the body related to the cosmic
principles of Yin and Yang. The balance of these
energies in the human body affects health and
disease. Acupuncture therapy alters these energy
flows by inserting fine needles at key pressure
points, for varying periods of time. Anesthesia for
surgery can also be effected by acupuncture.

Adept: An individual highly experienced and

proficient in a particular magical craft ie. an esoteric
master.

Adrenal glands: Each kidney has an adrenal gland

located above it. The adrenal is divided into an inner
medulla and an outer cortex . The medulla
synthesizes amine hormones. The cortex secrets
steroid hormones. Stimulation of the cortex by the
nervous system causes the "fight or flight" response.

Aikido: Spiritual discipline and self-defense method

that uses grappling, throws, and non-resistance to
debilitate opponents.

Alexander Method: A means of integrating one's

mental, physical, and spiritual aspects. According to
its theory, maintaining alignment of the head, neck,
and back leads to optimum overall physical
functioning. Fredrick Matthias Alexander concluded
that faulty posture was responsible for diverse
symptoms.

Amulet: An object charged with personal energies

through ritual or meditation, often used to ward off a
certain force or person.

Angel: A spiritual being, especially in Persian, Jewish,

Christian and Islamic theologies, that is commonly
portrayed as being winged and as serving as God's
messengers. The spiritual guide of an individual.

Archangel: An angel of high rank.

Aromatherapy: Herbal medicine, use of essential oils

from plants, flowers, trees and herbs to achieve
health, vitality and rejuvenation of the body, mind
and spirit.

Astral Plane: A plane parallel to the physical world,

traveled through by the astral body during
projection.

Astral Travel: The experience, whether spontaneous

or induced, of traveling through the astral realm in
the form of the astral body

Astrology: An ancient system of divination that uses

the position of the planets, moon and sun in the
twelve Zodiac positions at the moment of one's birth
to gain knowledge of the future.

Atlantis: A legendary island/continent said to have

sunk beneath the ocean. It was located straddling
the Mid-Atlantic Ridge and was broken up as a result
of continental drift or a major natural disaster. It is
supposed to have had a highly advanced civilization.

Alternative Medicine: Any form of medicine or

healing other than the type approved by medical
doctors and hospitals.
( A question worth thinking about is why Modern
Western Medicine—which is five hundred years old at
most—has come to be seen as traditional, whilst
Indian Ayurvedic or Traditional Chinese Medicine—
which both boast rich histories spanning thousands
of years—have been deemed alternative, or at best
complementary?!)

Attune: To open up bring different psyches into

harmony. See also Reiki Attunement.

Aura: An energy field which surrounds living beings.

An aura is most often visible only to those born with
the skill to see it, or those who developed this ability.
A visible aura contains various colors and tells about
the spiritual and emotional persona of the plant,
human, or creature surrounded by it. An aura can
also be felt, heard, or sensed through other means.
Read more one my Aura page.

Aura analysis: Direct or indirect examination of the

vital energy that envelops each human. To some the
aura is perceptible others can analyze it through
Kirlian photography. The colors of the aura reveal the
personal traits of the subject. One can also associate
auric colors with glands, organs, organ systems, and
psychological states such as anger and boredom.

Aura balancing: (aura cleansing, aura clearing, aura

healing, auric healing): Multiform method
characterized by treatment of the aura around a
person's head or body.

Aurasomatherapy : A variation of color therapy and a

form of aura balancing and chakra healing.
Avatar: An earthly manifestation of one of the gods
in human or animal form, e.g., Krishna is an avatar of
Vishnu, Jesus is an avatar of Jehovah. A being
through whom God manifests himself. The spiritual
founder of an age or a dynasty. Such a one has
supposedly progressed beyond the need to be
reincarnated.

Ayurveda: (ancient Indian medicine, Vedic medicine):

Ancient Hindu medical-metaphysical healing science
based on the harmony of body, mind and universe
through diet, exercise, herbs, and purification
procedures. It emphasizes the capability of the
individual for self-healing using natural remedies to
restore balance.

Allegedly, the most complete system of natural

medicine and the mother of all healing arts.
Ayurvedic theory includes a subtle anatomy that
includes: nadis, canals that carry prana (cosmic
energy) throughout the body; chakras, "centers of
consciousness" that connect body and soul; and
marmas, points on the body beneath which vital
structures (physical and/or subtle) intersect.
Ayurvedic diagnosis involves examination of the
eyes, face, lips, tongue, nails, and pulse. The pulse is
important because of the belief that the heart is the
seat of the underlying intelligence of nature ie
human consciousness.

Bach flower therapy: (Bach flower essence method,

Bach flower essence system): Homeopathic system
of diagnosis and treatment developed in the 1930:s
by British physician Edward Bach (1886-1936). Bach
held that disease was essentially beneficial and that
its design was to subject the personality to the Divine
will of the soul. He psychically discovered the specific
healing effects of 38 wildflowers. The life force ("soul
quality" or "energy wavelength") of each of these
flowers is transferable to water and thence to
humans.

Bardo: A human soul between the stages of after-

death and rebirth.

Biorhythm: The system that deals with the three

biological cycles of humans, the body's physical,
emotional and intellectual energy based on date of
birth. Used to determine the patterns of a person's
critical days and periods of high and low energy.

Bladder: Organ that stores urine after its formation

by the kidneys. Average normal capacity of the adult
bladder is about half a liter.

Bodhisattava: A being who has supposedly earned

the right to enter into Nirvana or into illumination,
but instead voluntarily turns back from that state in
order to aid humanity in attaining the same goal. The
Christ is said to be a Bodhisattva.

Buddha: Sanskrit meaning Enlightened One. There

are many who have attained Buddhahood, or
supreme enlightenment. The best known is
Siddhartha Gautama Buddha (586-511 BC). He was
born in northeastern India and received spiritual
enlightment through meditation. During his lifetime,
his spiritual insights and teachings became a major
alternative to Hinduism throughout India.

Buddhism: World religion based on the spiritual

teachings of Siddhartha Gautama Buddha. There are
a number of versions or sects of Buddhism generally
teaching paths to Nirvana (enlightenment or bliss)
though the four noble truths (recognizing existence
and source of suffering) and the eight fold path
(correct understanding, behavior and meditation).

Centering: Grounding your energy through

meditation or other means often before rituals or
healing treatments to help harness and direct the
balanced energy.

Chakras: Energy centers in the body which are best

cleansed, opened, and balanced. Too much or too
little energy in one chakra can be the cause health
problems or frustrations in everyday life. See my
chakra page.

Chakra healing (chakra balancing, chakra energy

balancing, chakra therapy, chakra work): Any
method akin to aura balancing and relating to
chakras.

Channeling: Transmission of information or energy

from a nonphysical source through humans. These
persons called "channels," "channelers," or
"mediums" are sometimes in an apparent trance
during the communication. Sources include angels,
discarnate former humans, extraterrestrials, and
levels of consciousness.

Chant: Repetition of magical phrases, syllables, or

words to produce a desired effect as well as bring the
chanter to a deeper meditative state. See also
Mantra.

Chi: A Chinese term for the all-encompassing

universal life force that flows in and around our body.
Also called Ki, Prana, Mana and many other names in
other belief systems.

Chinese medicine: originated over 3,000 years ago,

but it became dogmatic and stagnated for centuries;
overall its development has been slow. It probably
stems from shamanism. The basis of Chinese
medicine is Taoism, a religion according to which
spirits (shen) inhabit the human body and take care
of its functions. The foundational text of Chinese
medicine—known as the Classic of Internal Medicine,
the Huangdi Neijing, the Inner Classic, the Inner
Classic of the Yellow Emperor, the Neiching, the Nei
Jing, The Yellow Emperor's Classic, The Yellow
Emperor's Classic of Internal Medicine, and the
Yellow Emperor's Inner Canon — was completed by
the first century C.E.

Chiropractor: Healer using therapy that attributes

disease to neural malfunction with treatment
primarily based on manipulation of the spinal
column. Originally, a healer who used his hands to
manipulate the body.
Christ: (Greek) Pure, perfect, ideal, or anointed. The
only begotten Son of God, the creator or essence of
all that can be known.

Clairvoyance: The paranormal ability to see psychic

information, including historical or future events or
other phenomena, that cannot be discerned naturally
through the five material senses. Also called ESP.

Cleansing: Purification through a ritual bath or

through meditation to cleanse the psyche.
Traditionally performed before every ritual.

Color therapy: (chromopathy, chromotherapy, color

healing): Method that states that colors — e.g. of
light, food, and clothing — have wide ranging
curative effects. Supposedly, cures result from
correction of "color imbalances." Color therapy often
is a form of chakra healing.

Confucius: (551-479 BC) The most famous

philosopher of ancient China. According to tradition,
he was born in Lu, China. Author of the Ch'un Ch'iu
(Spring and Autumn Annals) and possible compiler of
some early poetry.

Conversion: Turning from one religion (or no religion)

to a particular religion.

Crystal Ball: A ball made of quartz crystal or glass

that is used for scrying.
Crystal Healing: The therapeutic application of
crystals and gemstones for healing the mental,
physical, emotional, and spiritual bodies. See also
Gem Therapy and Gemstone-Reiki Therapy.

Crystalomancy: Divination or fortune telling by

gazing into a crystal rock or crystal ball.

Dalai Lama: Spiritual leader of Tibetan Buddhism,

considered an emanation of Avalokiteshvara, an
enlightened being who embodies the compassion of
past, present, and future Buddhas. Each Dalai Lama,
regarded as a reincarnation of the previous one, is
identified through a combination of oracles, dreams,
and visions. The present and fourteenth Dalai Lama,
born in eastern Tibet in 1935, has lived in exile in
India since 1959, nine years after the Chinese
takeover of Tibet. He received the Nobel Peace Prize
in 1989 for peaceful efforts to preserve Tibetan
culture in his homeland and among refugee
communities. He has worked to democratize the
Tibetan government in exile, and is considering new
methods for choosing the next Dalai Lama.

Dharma: The ultimate law, or doctrine, as taught by

Buddha, which consists of the Four Noble Truths and
the Eightfold Path.

Diaphragm: Wide muscular partition separating the

thoracic, or chest cavity, from the abdominal cavity
(just below ribs). Contraction and expansion of the
diaphragm are significant in breathing and in
stimulating digestion.

Diamond Sutra: A Mahayana Buddhist scriptural text

that expounds the doctrine of the Perfection of
Wisdom. The Diamond Sutra was written in India in
Sanskrit and then carried into East Asia, where it was
translated into Chinese (ca. 400) and became one of
the most revered summaries of the teachings of
Mahayana Buddhism.

Digestive System: A series of connected organs

whose purpose is to break down, or digest, the food
we eat. Food is made up of large, complex
molecules, which the digestive system breaks down
into smaller, simple molecules that can be absorbed
into the bloodstream. The simple molecules travel
through the bloodstream to all of the body's cells,
which use them for growth, repair and energy.

Divination: Method of inquiring into a situation

through tools, some examples of divination are
scrying, tarot and runes. See dowsing below.

Dowsing: (divining, questing, water witching): The

skill of divining for underground sources of water or
other practical and spiritual matters by means of a
divining rod or variety of other means, such as the
pendulum, or even by device less techniques. Used
to locate people, objects, or substances, and to
diagnose illnesses.

Dream Changing: Form of visual therapy. Dream

Changing is a technique that involves attempting to
turn unsatisfactory dreams into satisfying
daydreams.

Dreamwork: Any systematic inquiry into or use of

dreams with the purpose of healing or self-
development.

Druidism: An ancient Celtic religion which has

undergone a modern revival.

Electroacupuncture (electric acupuncture, electric

acupuncture therapy, electrical acupuncture):
Application of electricity to acupoints, with or without
needles.

5 Elements: The 5 major elements in nature and

magic. Earth, water, fire, air, and spirit that
encompasses all of the other elements and is not
visible.

Embodyment: Form of aura balancing and chakra

healing that combines inner child work, sacred touch
(a variation of CranioSacral Therapy), Toning, and
other methods.

Empowerment: An individual's assertion of personal

power, energy, force, and strength in all fields:
spiritual, physical, mental and magical. See also Reiki
Attunement.

Energy Healing/Balancing: Healing technique that

involves working in the body's energy field to
promote mental, emotional, physical, or spiritual
healing.

Esoteric: Hidden or deeper knowledge or teachings

that are possessed or understood only by a few.

ESP: Acronym for Extra Sensory Perception. It

encompasses most paranormal abilities such as
telepathy, precognition, and clairvoyance.

Eternal life: 1. To be immortal, 2. To live with God

(Eternal being one of God's names).

Etheric Body: A term sometimes used to refer to the

Astral Body, but which actually refers to that vehicle
or body whose density lies between that of the astral
and physical bodies.

Exorcism: Any method to expel from an individual or

place: 1. Satan, 2. some other demon, 3. multiple evil
spirits, or 4. an offensive ghost (discarnate human).
Exorcism may include commanding the alleged
offender, attempts at persuasion, rituals, special
prayers, spells, or symbolism.

Fallen Angels: Jewish, Christian, and Muslim legends

concerning the rebellion of Satan/Lucifer/Iblis and his
band against God, usually prompted by the creation
of the first human being in the divine image and the
command that the angels give it homage. In
punishment, they are expelled from heaven.
Faith healing (spiritual healing): 1. Any method
wherein one makes an appeal to God or a spirit to
participate in healing others, typically a combination
of prayer, meditation, and utilization of faith in God.
2. An ill-defined group of methods that encompasses
absent healing, Christian Science, the laying on of
hands, mesmerism, and shamanism.

Fate: The destined result of life after a sequence of

fated events. Kismet, Karma, destiny are other
names.

Feng Shui [pronounced: foong shway or fung shway]:

Ancient Chinese art of orienting objects and towns to
promote a healthy flow of chi. Its postulate is that all
areas, large and small, have a distinctive energy that
is guidable by rearranging objects (e.g., removing an
ornament from an apartment, or adding one to a
particular corner of a room). To be avoided is: clutter,
dark corners, gloomy colors, low ceilings, and sharp,
pointed objects. Feng Shui literally means "wind and
water" and is translatable as "vital energy" or
"geomancy".

Foot Reflexology: A cousin of acupuncture. It involves

pressing reflex areas on the feet. These areas
correspond to organs and systems of the body. Foot
Reflexology cleanses the mind and body and
revitalizes energy. A common theory of reflexology
holds that massaging certain areas of the feet
restores health by breaking up and dispersing
"crystals". (Sometimes also called Zone Therapy.)
Fire walking: A ritual means of demonstrating an
individual's possession of extraordinary powers by
appearing unharmed after walking barefoot over a
series of fires or across a bed of hot coals. Fire
walking serves as a religious ordeal or test.

Flower Essences: A modality that uses extracts from

flowering plants in homeopathic proportions as
catalysts for healing. Each liquid preparation carries
the imprint of a specific plant that speaks a subtle
language that works on the root causes of disease.
See also Bach Flower Therapy.

Fortune telling: A form of divination in which a person

attempts to predict the future using paranormal
powers

Four Noble Truths: The essential teaching of early

Buddhism. According to tradition, after attaining
enlightenment, the Buddha proclaimed his liberating
insight into the nature of existence in his first sermon
through the topic of the Four Noble Truths:

1. Suffering, declares the nature of all phenomena

comprising ordinary unenlightened experience as
suffering, impermanent, and lacking in any enduring
or substantial self or essence.
2. The Origin of Suffering, states that suffering has a
cause, namely, craving.
3. The Cessation of Suffering, asserts that despite
the fact of universal suffering in a totally conditioned
universe proclaimed by the first two truths, there is
liberation through the Cessation of Suffering, which is
the nirvana, experienced by the Buddha.
4. The Path leading to the Cessation of Suffering,
proclaims that this liberation is accessible to all who
follow the way set forth by the Buddha.
G

Gall bladder: Muscular organ that serves as a

reservoir for bile. It is a pear-shaped membranous
sac on the under surface of the right lobe of the liver
just below the lower ribs. The function of the
gallbladder is to store bile, secreted by the liver. The
gallbladder, when functioning normally, empties into
the duodenum to aid digestion.

Gassho (Japanese): A Mudra (hand posture) seen in

Bodhisattvas or lesser Buddhist personages. The
Gassho Mudra is formed by placing the palms and
fingers of the hands together in a prayer like position
in front of the mouth - with the fingertips at a point
just short of the bottom of the nose. Used in saying
the Usui Reiki Principles.

Gem therapy: The wearing of precious and

semiprecious stones for healing, for example,
bloodstones for hemorrhages and rubies for chills.

Gemstone-Reiki Therapy: Variation of Reiki. One of

the postulates of Gemstone-Reiki Therapy is that
gemstones concentrate "light-filled powers" and
"color vibrations" into chakras.

Geomancy: Divination by the earth. A widespread

system of divination either by means of designs
drawn randomly on the ground with sand, pollen, or
other similar powders or by detecting, through
calculations and signs, the hidden forces present in
the landscape. See also Feng Shui

Grounding: Sending excess energy generated during

a ritual into the earth back to the God or the Goddess
from which it came.

Guardian Angel: A supernatural being that acts as a

guide and protector for individuals or nations.

Guardian Spirit: A supernatural helper.

Guru: Literally a teacher or spiritual advisor.

However, in India and Tibet it means one at a very
high level of consciousness. In fact, worship of Guru
is done to develop devotion or adoration, because
the teacher is the highest expression of God we know
on Earth in our personal experience.

Halo: Light, usually in the shape of a circle, around

head of a supernatural being or holy person. It a ring
that forms around the brow chakra as it exits the
back of the head.

Hand reflexology: Form of reflexology whose focus is

the hand. It is one of the two basic modes of zone
therapy.

Hatha yoga: One of the major Hindu disciplines. Akin

to kundalini yoga, hatha yoga involves pranayama
and the adoption of various bodily postures (asanas).
The word "hatha" combines two Sanskrit words: ha,
which means "the breath of the sun" (prana), and
tha, "the breath of the moon" (apana).

Heart: Hollow muscular organ that pumps blood

through the body. The heart, blood, and blood
vessels make up the circulatory system which is
responsible for distributing oxygen and nutrients to
the body and carrying away carbon dioxide and other
waste products. The heart is the circulatory system's
power supply. It must beat ceaselessly because the
body's tissues — especially the brain and the heart
itself — depend on a constant supply of oxygen and
nutrients delivered by the flowing blood. If the heart
stops pumping blood for more than a few minutes,
death will result.

The human heart is shaped like an upside-down pear

and is located slightly to the left of center inside the
chest cavity. About the size of a closed fist, the heart
is made primarily of muscle tissue that contracts
rhythmically.

Hara: The vital energy center of the human body. It

is located at the second chakra, (2 fingers below the
navel) internally.

Healing Crisis: As you move toward better health

with any natural healing system or better nutrition, a
part of the healing process is that the body will begin
to discard toxic residues that have built up in your
body over the years. The healing process usually
does not occur without repercussions. During the
initial phase of healing, as your body begins to clean
house, (detoxify) and your vital energy begins to
repair and rebuild internal organs, you may
experience headache, tiredness, flu-like symptoms,
fatigue or other symptoms.

Higher Self: Non-physical, true self. The enlightened,

"actual" persona of the individual as opposed to what
the person seems to be or thinks they are.

Hieroglyph: A pictographic character in the ancient

Egyptian writing system, invented before 3000 BC.
Today almost any pictographic character.

Hinduism: The major world religion that originated

from the ancient religions of India. The ancient gods
(especially the triad of Brahma, Vishnu, and Shiva)
are commonly interpreted as representations of the
various aspects of the divine (Brahman). Human
beings progress to the ultimate realization of their
oneness with Brahman (often called Nirvana) through
Reincarnation according to the law of Karma.

Holistic Healing: A view of health care focusing on

the "whole self" (body, mind and spirit) and natural
or spiritual cures. The system embraces both
traditional and New Age therapy.

Holistic medicine: 1. Alternative medicine. 2. Form of

alternative medicine that focuses on (a) personal
accountability for one's health; (b) the human body's
ability to heal itself; and (c) balancing the body,
mind, and "spirit" with the environment. Holistic
medicine encompasses acupuncture, biofeedback,
faith healing, folk medicine, meditation, megavitamin
therapy, yoga and many more.
Homeopath: A physician who treats disease using
minute doses of natural substances that would, in a
healthy person, elicit the symptoms of the disease
being treated.

Hormone: Chemical messengers produced by the

adrenal, pituitary, thyroid, ovaries, testes and other
glands that have far-reaching effects throughout the
body. Hormones regulate everything from growth
and tissue repair to metabolism, reproduction and
blood pressure.

Horoscope: A chart drawn up through the art of

astrology. See Astrology.

Hydromancy: Divination by liquid, especially water.

Hypothalamus: A region in the brain beneath the

thalamus; consists of many aggregations of nerve
cells and controls a verity of autonomic functions
aimed at maintaining homeostasis.

I Ching (The Book of Changes): Traditional Chinese

divination method that involves tossing three
identical coins or objects six times and using the
patterns they form to receive answers to personal
questions from the I Ching.

Immortality: Life without death anytime in the future.

Not exactly the same as eternal. Eternal means
without being or end, immortal allows for a
beginning.

Initiation: 1. An event, or doorway, that acts as an

expansion or transformation of a person's
consciousness. An initiate's consciousness has to
some degree been transformed so that he now
perceives reality from a higher perspective. There
are many types of initiation, either of spiritual or
social nature. 2. a ritual that elevates an individual to
a higher office in a social or religious organization.
In the case of Reiki also used as a name for the Reiki
Attunements.

Inner Self: Refers to the inner divinity from which the

being and personality evolve. The Unconscious, the
Subconscious and the Higher Self.

Inner Smile (Inner Smile Meditation, "inner smile"

technique): A fundamental component of the Healing
Tao System. Inner Smile is a relaxation technique
that allegedly increases the flow of chi. Practitioners
"smile inwardly" at organs and glands.

Intention: In magic and affirmation, the focus of the

mind, the sense of purpose that leads to action.

Intestine: Also called bowels, the portion of the

digestive tract between the stomach and anus. In
humans the intestine is divided into two major
sections: the small intestine, which is about 6 m long,
where the most extensive part of digestion occurs
and where most food products are absorbed; and the
large intestine, which has a larger diameter and is
about 1.5 m long, where water is absorbed and from
which solid waste material is excreted. Food and
waste material are moved along the length of the
intestine by rhythmic contractions of intestinal
muscles; these contractions are called peristaltic
movements.

Invocation: The bringing of a divine power from the

exterior into a ritual or magical working through
chant or prayer. An invocation is generally an
acknowledgment of the deity and a request that they
be present for the working.

Inward Silence: The silencing of the emotions and

thoughts that disturb the effectiveness of a ritual.

Iridology (eye analysis, iridiagnosis, irido-diagnosis,

iris diagnosis): Diagnostic system that states 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.

Islam: A world religion based on the teachings and

life of Mohammed (570-632 AD) in Mecca and
Medina, Saudi Arabia (then Persia). Islam is the
second largest world religion, and has recently
become the third largest religious body in America.
Islam is composed of two major divisions — the
mainstream Sunni (the largest) and the more radical
Shi'ites. The mystical tradition of sufism includes
many Sunnis and some Shi'ites. The Arabic word
Islam means "submission to the will of God" and a
person who submits is called a Muslim. The Quran
(or, Koran), the Torah, the Psalms of the Old
Testament, and the Gospel of the New Testament are
regarded as holy books. However, only the Quran is
considered uncorrupted.

Jehovah: Incorrect reading of the proper name of

Israel's deity, joining the consonants of YHWH to the
vowels of Adonai. A medieval Christian invention,
Jehovah became popular in some traditional English
translations of the Bible.

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.

Karma: Sanskrit word meaning deed, action, ritual or

result. A concept that binds its followers to an
endless cycle of birth, death, and rebirth and,
according to one's deeds in life, determines the
condition of one's rebirth. This is a central Indian
term with various meanings:

1. Any mental, verbal, or physical action or intention,

especially a morally correct or textually prescribed
activity.
2. The results or consequences of actions or
intentions.
3. The Hindu principle of cause and effect that
determines one's past, current, and future
existences. Everything we do produces some effect,
now or later, on the physical or astral planes.
Representing neither good nor evil, all actions and
events cause corresponding actions and events in
the past or future (including past and future lives.
4. Ritual activity, particularly the ancient Indian rites
propitiating a pantheon of gods as prescribed in the
Vedic texts. Ritual performance might be done to
meet religious obligations, such as initiation into the
community, to honor one's ancestors, or to fulfill
individual desires such as wealth, progeny, or
immortality.
Karuna Reiki™: Form of Reiki named and taught by
Reiki Master William Lee Rand, author of Reiki, The
Healing Touch. It encompasses "guided meditation"
and "healing shadow self-meditation." The Sanskrit
word "karuna" is translatable as "compassionate
action." It supposedly conduces to working closely
with all "enlightened beings," including those present
"in spirit".

Ki: Japanese word for the universal life force,

synonymous with the Chinese term Chi and the
Indian term Prana.
Kidney: Paired organ whose functions include
removing waste products from the blood and
regulating the amount of fluid in the body (ie
producing urine). The kidneys lie against the rear
wall of the abdomen, on either side of the spine.
They are situated below the middle of the back,
beneath the liver on the right and the spleen on the
left. A primary function of kidneys is the removal of
poisonous wastes from the blood. Chief among these
wastes are the nitrogen-containing compounds urea
and uric acid, which result from the breakdown of
proteins and nucleic acids. Urine production begins
with the substances that the blood leaves behind
during its passage through the kidney ie water, salts,
and other substances. In addition to cleaning the
blood, the kidneys perform several other essential
functions. One such activity is regulation of the
amount of water contained in the blood. The kidney
also adjusts the body's acid-base balance to prevent
such blood disorders. Several hormones are also
produced in the kidney.

Kinesiology: Techniques for obtaining and using

information from the position, movement, and
tension of parts of the body, especially from the
nerves, muscles, tendons, and joints. For example,
diagnosis of physical ailments may be obtained from
the subconscious level by naming the ailment, asking
the subject to tense an arm and noting whether the
tension is maintained or released when the arm is
depressed.
Kirlian diagnosis (Kirlian technique): Form of aura
analysis based on Kirlian photography.

Kirlian Photography: A photographic process using a

high voltage, low amperage field of 50,000 volts or
more. Invented by Semyon and Valentina Kirlian. It
picks up radiation around objects and humans that is
not visible to the eye. Often used to photograph the
energy field, the Aura, that surrounds the human
body.

Korean medicine: Form of Oriental medicine that

encompasses acupuncture and moxibustion.

Kundalini: (ahamkara, kundalini shakti): Elemental,

feminine energy that is ordinarily asleep and coiled
at the human coccyx and whose activation can purify
the activator. The word "kundalini" stems from a
Sanskrit term meaning "circular, coiled." The male
and female forces are exactly balanced in the Ida
and Pingala subtle channels. Everyone uses Kundalini
power to think with and to maintain consciousness,
but it very seldom rises up the central spinal channel
of Sushumna beyond the first center. Various
disciplines are used to arouse the "sleeping serpent"
to ascend to the higher centers.

Kundalini yoga (Shakti Yoga, tantra yoga): A means

of activating kundalini. When kundalini is awake, it
enriches human lives emotionally, intellectually,
physically, and spiritually. Moreover, its arousal
allegedly contributes to the cure of many intractable
diseases.
L

Lao-tzu: The "founder" of Taoism. Thought of as the

author one of the most important and influential
Chinese texts: Tao Te Ching.

Laserpuncture (laser based acupuncture, laser

acupuncture): Technique characterized by the
application of a laser beam to acupoints.

Lightbody: A vehicle akin to the spirit

Living Water: Moving water, as in a stream or river,

as opposed to water in a pond or pool.

Liver: Largest internal organ of the human body. The

liver, which is part of the digestive system, performs
more than 500 different functions, all of which are
essential to life. Its essential functions include
helping the body to digest fats, storing reserves of
nutrients, filtering poisons and wastes from the
blood, synthesizing a variety of proteins, and
regulating the levels of many chemicals found in the
bloodstream. The liver is unique among the body's
vital organs in that it can regenerate, or grow back,
cells that have been destroyed by some short-term
injury or disease.

Lomi-Lomi (Ancient Hawaiian Bodywork, Lomi Lomi

Nui): Prayerful type of massage practiced by kahunas
(Hawaiian witch doctors). It includes the laying on of
hands; its theory posits mana, an alleged
supernatural force; and one of its purposes is to let a
person's spirit be more fully present.
Levitation: The supernatural phenomenon involving
suspending a body in midair without physical bolster.

Lithomancy: Divination by stones.

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.

Magnetic healing: Type of "healing" that involves the

flow of "vital energy" to the patient through the mind
and body of the practitioner. The expression
"Magnetic healing" stems from mesmerism.

Magnet therapy (biomagnetics, biomagnetic

therapeutics, biomagnetic therapy, biomagnetism,
Electro-Biomagnetics, electro-biomagnetics therapy,
magnetic energy therapy, magnetic field therapy,
magnetic healing, magnetics, magnetic therapies,
Magnetic Therapy, magnetotherapy): Variation of
self-healing based on "natural laws." Magnet therapy
allegedly re-establishes order in the human energy
system. Its theory posits life energy and meridians
and depicts magnets as sources of nature's healing
energy. Some proponents equate magnetic energy,
energy, life force, chi, and prana.

Mahatma: Sanskrit word for a great man.

Mandala: A design of lines, forms and colors, usually

circular, used in meditation to focus attention to a
single point. Used in Meditation and as an object of
worship.

Manifesting (conscious thought manifestation,

conscious manifestation, creative manifestation,
manifestation): Variable method for wish fulfillment
that involves wholehearted visualization and positive
thinking. Its postulate is that one can manifest
(materialize) one's wants by consciously using the
powers of the mind to design the mind's reality.

Mantra: Ritual sound, word or phrase used as a tool

to focus and quiet the mind. Mantra is a sound or set
of sounds that are believed to have the unique power
to restore us to a state of pristine harmony. Sea also
Chant.

Medicine Wheel: Native American sacred circle

representing the Universe and the balance of all
creation. It is cast to contain, project and raise
energy to transform, balance and heal.

Meditation: The practice of inverting the mind to pay

attention to the inner silence instead of the outer
chaos. Other forms of meditation focus on the outer
chaos instead. The practice of meditation is accepted
in almost all religions, but is encouraged most in
Buddhism.

Medium: A psychic or sensitive living person whose

body is used as a vehicle for communicating with
spirits, as in a séance. Also called channels, or
channelers.

Meridians: Channels within the body where the chi

flows. According to Chinese medicine there are 8
major Meridians. Read more on my Meridian page.

Metaphysics: A field of abstract thought and

philosophy about topics not on the concrete or
physical level of understanding. This includes
subjects like existence, the soul, being, the
supernatural, astral travel, psychicism, and so on.

Moxabustion: Adjunct to acupuncture characterized

by the burning of moxas - preparations of dried
leaves from the common mugwort or the wormwood
tree - at acupoints to stimulate chi. Practitioners
attach moxas to acupuncture needles, place them
directly on the skin in the form of small cones, or
place the cones on a layer of ginger.

Mudra: Hand gestures often depicted on statues of

the Buddha. The gestures symbolize different
meaning and can force the chi flow in directions
wanted (used in meditation and healing). See Mudra
page!

Nadi: In Indian medicine a channel within the astral

body (similar to the meridians in Chinese medicine).

Naturopathy: A healing system acknowledging the

body's natural healing power. Fosters health through
education and the use of natural substances such as
herbs, foods, air and sunshine

Near-death experience (NDE): Any paranormal or

supernatural experience had when a person is near
death, including experiences when a person thinks
he or she has died and returned from death.

New Age: The modern movement that involves

combining metaphysical concepts with the practice
of an organized religion.

Nirvana: Literally meaning "extinction". The ultimate

goal of Buddhists, characterized as the extinction of
both craving and the separate ego. The state of
peace and quietude attained by extinguishing all
illusions.
Numerology: The study of the magical meanings of
numbers and their supposed influence on human life.
Using a calculative means of obtaining information
about one's personality, capabilities, and future.
Numerological considerations include an individual's
full name, birthplace, and birth date.

Occult: Study and science of things esoteric, secret,

paranormal, and supernatural.

Om: A mantra that is said to be the manifest symbol

of the cosmic energy or God. (Pronounced Aum)

Omen: A sudden occurrence that is interpreted as

being a sign of good or evil. Often it will be small yet
significant like a vase falling over or a cup of water
spilling.

Oracle: A person or object through which

otherworldly entities can be communicated with
(similar to channeling). People often see oracles to
ask questions or to be given insights to their future.

Ouija Board: A dowsing game board containing all

the letters of the alphabet plus numbers from 0 to 9
and "Yes/No." A sliding pointer held by the player's
fingers, spells out words in answer to questions
asked.

Out-of-Body Experience: Experience which occurs

when the astral body or etheric body leaving the
physical body while the individual is at rest, asleep,
near death, or temporarily dead.

Ovaries: The female gonads, which produce ova

(eggs) and female sex hormones.

Paganism: Any religion other than Christianity, Islam,

or Judaism. Generally categorized as an earth
religion. Most are polytheistic (have more than one
god or goddess). Literally means "country dweller".

Palmistry: Hand Reading. The divination practice of

psychically reading an individual's past, present and
future, as well as health and character, by studying
the lines, shape and texture of the individual's hands,
fingers and wrists.

Pancreas: Located in the abdominal cavity and

secrets digestive enzymes into the small intestine
and also secrets the hormones insulin and glucagon
into the blood: where they regulate glucose levels. A
digestive organ that produces trypsin, chymotrypsin
and other enzymes as pancreatic juices, but which
also has endocrine functions in the productions of the
hormones somatostatin, insulin and glucagon.

Paranormal: Describes events or abilities beyond or

above normal human powers or senses.

Parathyroid: Are four small pea size glands located

behind the thyroid glands. The sole purpose of the
parathyroid glands is to regulate the calcium levels
so the nervous and muscular systems can function
properly.

Past-life therapy (Past Life Regression Therapy, PLRT,

past lives therapy, regression therapy,
transformational therapy): Form of psychotherapy
that emerged in the 1960s and usually involves
hypnotism. Past-life "therapists" purportedly trace
physical and psychological problems to traumatic
events the patient experienced during previous
incarnations .

Pendulum: A tool often used to communicate with

spirits or the divine.

Pineal Gland: A small gland located between the

cerebral hemispheres of the brain that secretes
melatonin.

Pingala: The right astral conduit of the masculine

energies from the Kundalini that is wrapped around
the Sushumna. It ends at the right nasal sinus.

Pitta: The biological fire. Used in Ayurvedic medical

typing

Pituitary Gland: A small gland located at the base of

the brain; consists of an anterior and a posterior lobe
and produces numerous hormones. The master gland
of the endocrine system: the pituitary release
hormones that have specific targets as well as those
that stimulate other glands to secret hormones.
Prana: The life force or energy which animates
material forms. It is also present in breath. Also Chi,
Ki or Mana in other belief systems.

Precognition: Advance knowledge of future events.

Prophet: One who predicts the future, usually

receiving his information from a divine source.

Projective Hand (giving hand): A term often used to

describe your most powerful hand, generally the one
you write with.

Psychic: A general term describing a person with one

or more paranormal abilities such as extrasensory
perception, clairvoyance or telepathy.

Psychic Abilities: Perceiving, receiving, or transferring

information without the use of the 5 common senses
(sight, touch, hearing, taste, smell).

Psychic Awareness: The open state of awareness in

which the conscious mind can tap into the psychic
mind.

Qigong: (also spelled "chi gong," and "chi gung") 1.

(Chi Kung, Chinese Energetic healing, Chinese
Qigong therapy, Chinese yoga, internal Qigong, Kiko,
Qi Gong, Qigong healing) Chinese form of self-
healing whose aim is to stimulate and balance the
flow of qi (chi, vital energy) through meridians
(energy pathways). It involves contemplation,
visualization (imagery), assumption of postures, and
stylized breathing and body movements. "Gong" (or
"kung," as in "kung fu") is a Chinese word that
pertains to skill. The word "qigong" literally means
"breathing exercise," "to work the vital force,"
"practicing with the breath," or "working with the
energy of life." Interpretations of the word include
energy skill and "energy mastering exercise. 2. A
vast group of systems and methods of ancient
Chinese and twentieth-century origin that
encompasses Qigong therapy.

Quarters: The north, east, south, and west parts of

the circle.

The Radiance Technique® (TRT, The Official Real

Reiki®, The Official Reiki Program®, Real Reiki®):
Form of energy balancing advanced by Barbara
Weber Ray, Ph.D., a clairvoyant astrologer who
began using the expression "The Radiance
Technique" in 1986.

Reading: Information given to a person by an

intuitive or psychic in response to questions asked.
May involve past, present and future events.

Receptive Hand: The hand that has less power,

generally whichever hand you do not write with. This
hand is used less in holding and charging ritual
items, however, it receives outside energy which is
used to feed the magic.
Reflexology: 1. Variation of acupressure whose
postulate is that all bodily organs have
corresponding external "reflex points" (on the scalp,
ears, face, nose, tongue, neck, back, arms, wrists,
hands, abdomen, legs, and feet), and that
manipulation of these points can enhance the flow of
energy. 2. Foot Reflexology. 3. Zone therapy. 4.
Macroreflexology and microreflexology. 5. A type of
shiatsu that focuses on the hands and feet.

Reiju: Opening or empowerment (similar effect as in

the Reiki Attunements)

Reiki I: The Reiki 1 attunement seems to mainly

benefit the physical body in opening it up to channel
more Reiki energy. Once attuned one will never lose
the ability to use Reiki. In Reiki 1 the history of Reiki
and the hand positions are taught.

Reiki II: The Reiki 2 attunement gives an even higher

possible level of energy vibrations in the student.
Here one also learns 3 Reiki symbols: The Power
Symbol, The Mental Symbol and The Distance
Symbol these can be used to help focus energy for
specific purposes.

Reiki Attunement: When attending a Reiki course the

participant gets attuned/initiated by a Reiki Master
through a simple process, this opens him/her to
receive and utilize more of the Universal Life Energy.
The attunements have in themselves a very powerful
balancing and healing effect.
Reiki Healing: A Japanese healing technique to tap
the Universal Life Energy and use it to heal and
balance living beings; a tool for personal
transformation, growth and change. Follow the path
through my site and learn more about Reiki.

Reiki Marathon: Conducer to miraculous healing

wherein eight to ten Reiki practitioners continuously
"treat" an individual for eight to ten hours.

Reiki Master: This initiation is given to attune persons

who have Reiki 2 and wish to be able to teach and
initiate others into Reiki. In this process the vibration
level of energy is once again raised and the Master
symbol is taught.

Reiki Meditation: Meditation system that involves the

"healing power of Reiki." It can bring on clairvoyance
and release or transmute "negative energy."

Reiki Plus: Offshoot of Reiki devised by Reverend

David G. Jarrel, founder of Pyramids of Light, Inc., a
nondenominational "Christ-Conscious" church in
Tennessee, and its "educational arm," the Reiki Plus
Institute. Reiki Plus encompasses Physio-Spiritual
Etheric Body healing, Psycho Therapeutic Reiki, and
Spinal Attunement Technique.

Seichim Reiki: Combination of Reiki, Seichim, and

means of "accessing interdimensional planes" and
"empowering" crystals.

Reiki Symbols: There are 4 symbols in the "original"

Usui Reiki. These can be used to focus and amplify
the Reiki energy for specific purposes. Other Reiki
systems have added further symbols to help achieve
the wanted result.

Reincarnation: The rebirth of the soul into other

physical forms from one life (reincarnation) to the
next. The new physical form can be animal or
human.

Runes: A tool of magic and divination. There are

many types of runes, all of them alphabets of some
sort. Anglo-Saxon, Norse, and modern Wiccan runes
are just a few. They are usually tossed randomly
after deciding a subject, and then deciphered based
on their positioning.

Tibetan Reiki: Variation of and extension to Reiki.

Tibetan Reiki is supposedly of ancient Tibetan origin.

Scriptures: The religious writings of any people that

they regard as sacred and authoritative.

Scrying: A form of divination by gazing into

something, usually a reflective surface (ie a crystal
ball).

Séance: A gathering of people seeking

communication with deceased loved ones or famous
historical figures through a medium.

Seichim: Ancient Egyptian healing art "rediscovered"

circa 1992 in New York. Its theory posits seichim:
"activating, ecstatic 'heart' energy". The method
includes "goddess energy visualization."

Seiki-jutsu: Japanese method wherein a therapist

transfers seiki (universal healing energy) to a
patient. Seiki enters the patient through the whorl of
hair at the crown.

Self-healing: An approach to health, or process that

typically involves using affirmations, prayer, and/or
visualization techniques to tap one's innate healing
potential or vital force. Its states that anyone who
does not have congenital or hereditary defects, has
not had exposure to damaging radiation, has not
ingested alcohol or other drugs excessively, has a
nourishing diet, and genuinely wants to enjoy good
health, can do so because each of his or her basic
systems is perfect.

Shaman: A medicine man/woman or witch doctor.

Shamanism: The religion of the ancient peoples of

northern Europe and Asia, generally characterized by
the ability of the Shaman to communicate with the
spirit world. Major facets of Shamanism are animism,
possession, prophecy/revelations, shape shifting, and
soul travel.

Shanti: Calmness, serenity, peace

Shapeshifting: A very esoteric practice involving

changing the human form. This can be practiced
while on the astral plane this alone is a great
accomplishment. It is said that one can also
shapeshift on the physical plane, though
documented proof of this is nonexistent. Few books
are published on the subject as it is an art mainly for
certain people, and teachers prefer to find these
people and teach them their art secretively rather
than let the public know their ways.

Shiatsu (acupressure, schiatsu, shiatsu massage

therapy, shiatsu therapy, shiatzu): Healing art whose
major types are acupressure, shiatsu massage, and
Zen Shiatsu. Its theory posits ki (vital energy),
meridians (energy pathways), and tsubos:
vital"points or "holes" on the body that are
susceptible to healthful stimulation. Shiatsu is the
abbreviation of a Japanese word that literally means
"finger pressure treatment".

Skandhas: Five elements each individual is

composed of.

Sonopuncture: Technique that involves application of

ultrasound to classical acupuncture points.

Soul: The true identity of a human being, the

immortal self that surpasses death and lives on into
the other world.

Spell: A magical action. The ritual direction of

energies towards some certain goal, generally with
the use of spoken words.

Spirit: The true, non-physical part of an individual.

Spirit Guide: A spiritual entity who teaches a medium
or channel and who guides them in their spiritual
work.

Spleen: Flattened, oblong organ that removes

disease-producing organisms and worn-out red blood
cells from the bloodstream. The spleen is situated in
the upper left abdominal cavity, in contact with the
pancreas, the diaphragm, and the left kidney. The
spleen removes iron from the hemoglobin of red
blood cells for use in the body. It also removes such
waste materials as bile pigments for excretion as bile
by the liver. The spleen produces antibodies against
various disease organisms and manufactures a
variety of blood cells.

Stomach: Part of the digestive system. The outer

surface of the stomach is smooth; the inner surface
is folded into numerous complex ridges, which assist
in the mixing of food with digestive juices and
channel this material through the stomach into the
intestines. Only water, alcohol, and certain drugs
seem to be absorbed from the stomach; most food
absorption takes place in the small intestine. In
humans the stomach is situated in the upper part of
the abdominal cavity, mostly to the left of the
midline.

Stupa: A dome, or pagoda, in which sacred relics are

deposited.

Subliminal Messages: Words or messages

communicated at a level below the conscious mind's
ability to perceive. Allegedly, messages can enter
directly into the subconscious mind, thus by-passing
the rational/logical center of the individual's brain .

Sufi healing: Tradition of faith healing based on

Sufism, an Islamic form of mysticism that developed
mainly in Persia (Iran). It is based particularly on the
teachings of one of the largest Sufi orders, the
Chishti order. Sufi healing includes abjad,
breathwork, fasting, and prayer.

Sutra: Literally, "thread" or "string." A scripture

containing the teachings of Buddha.

Symbol: A sign which represents something else.

Symbols are used commonly in rituals to represent
gods, elements, goals, and more. See Reiki symbols.

Tai chi (other names: Tai chi chuan, Tai Ji, tai ji
chuan, Tai Ji Juan, Tai ji quan, Taiqi): Variation of self-
healing. Tai chi is an ancient, yoga-like Chinese
system of ballet-like exercises designed for health,
self-defense, and spiritual development. Practicing
tai chi supposedly facilitates the flow of chi through
the body by dissolving blockages both within the
body and between the body and the environment.
Traditional Tai Chi prescribes about 108 to 128
postures, including repetitions.

Talisman: A magically charged object used to attract

a certain type of energy or a particular type of
person.
Tantra (Tantra Yoga): Mode of lovemaking that
involves breath control, energy exchange
meditations, techniques of sexual healing, and
transformative touch.

Tao: (Chinese, The Way) The continual cosmic

process of harmonious motions and activity between
the yin and the yang.

Taoism: A Chinese religion and philosophy that sees

the universe as engaged in ceaseless motion and
activity. All is considered to be in continual flux. The
universe is intrinsically dynamic. The process is
described in terms of Yin and Yang that should be
balanced or harmonized through yoga, meditation,
etc., to promote spiritual wholeness. According to
legend, Taoism founder Lao-tzu wrote Tao Te Ching
("The Way and Its Power") about 550 BC. His
teaching was developed and spread in the third
century BC by Chuang-Tzu, whose writings inspired
the Tao Tsang, 1200 volumes of Taoist scripture.

Tao Te Ching: Sacred scripture of Taoism.

Tarot: A form of divination using a set of cards,

usually 76 cards.

Telekinesis: A form of psychokinesis which involves

moving objects with the mind without ever physically
coming in contact with them.

Telepathy: Unspoken (psychic) communication

between two minds.
Testicles: The male gonads: produce spermatozoa
and male sex hormones.

Thai Massage: Millennia-old, sacred form of bodywork

that resembles shiatsu and is related to Nadi Sutra
Kriya. It draws from acupressure, passive yoga
therapy, and reflexology. Thai Massage makes
recipients feel more balanced physically, mentally,
emotionally, and spiritually.

Third Eye: The psychic eye: not physically visible but

mental. Located in the middle of the forehead.

Thyroid: The thyroid gland produces hormones that

are essential for normal body metabolism. This gland
is located in the lower part of the neck, below the
Adam's apple. The gland wraps around the windpipe
(trachea).

Tibetan medicine: (Amchi, Emchi): A system that

mostly stems from Ayurveda, Chinese medicine, and
Unani. Tibetan medicine encompasses acupuncture
and moxibustion and heals both the physical and the
psychic being. It includes reincarnation, evil spirits,
tutelary gods, and three physiological principles
(bodily energies): wind, bile and phlegm. According
to Tibetan medical theory, karma strongly influences
101 disorders caused by afflictive emotions (e.g.,
desire or hatred); another 101 disorders caused by
such emotions involve spirits (harmful unseen
forces); and it is appropriate to expose certain
medical substances to the light of the full moon.
Tincture: A liquid usually made by soaking a whole
herb or its parts in a mixture of water and ethyl
alcohol (such as vodka). The alcohol helps extract
the herb's active components, concentrating and
preserving them.

Totem: Non human entity, usually but not always an

animal, that symbolizes the spiritual essence, and
often the first ancestor, of a group.

Trance: One of the most common altered states of

consciousness. It is characterized by extreme
disassociation often to the point of appearing
unconscious.

Transcendental Meditation: Maharishi Mahesh Yogi

founded TM in 1957. TM is a means of experiencing
"pure awareness." It involves sitting comfortably,
with eyes closed, for 15 to 20 minutes twice a day
while one mentally repeats a mantra. In TM, a
mantra purportedly is a "thought-sound" that has a
known vibratory effect but does not have a
designative meaning. The TM teacher chooses a
mantra suitable for the initiate.

Vajra: Sanskrit: One of the channels in the astral

spine

Vedas: 1. The four Vedas of the earliest Sanskrit

hymns and verses: Rig Veda, Sama Veda, Yajur Veda,
and Atharva Veda. 2. Equivalent to shruti,
"revelation," comprising the Vedas, Brahmanas,
Aranyakas, and Upanishads as the eternal and
unauthored source of Hinduism.

Vedic Astrology: Ancient system that allegedly helps

to resolve doubts concerning children, health,
spiritual growth, and other subjects. Suggestions
regarding donations, gemstones, herbs, mantras,
yantras (mystic diagrams), and rituals are integral to
the system.

Vibrational medicine: The expressions "energy

healing," "energy work," and "energetic healing
work" appear synonymous with "vibrational
medicine." Healing philosophy whose main tenet is
that humans are "dynamic energy systems"
("body/mind/spirit" complexes) and reflect
evolutionary patterns of soul growth. Its postulates
include the following. (a ) Health and illness originate
in subtle energy systems. (b) These systems
coordinate the life-force and the physical body. (c)
Emotions, spirituality, and nutritional and
environmental factors affect the subtle energy
systems. Vibrational medicine embraces
acupuncture, aromatherapy, Bach flower therapy,
chakra rebalancing, channeling, color therapy,
crystal healing, absent healing, electroacupuncture,
flower essence therapy, homeopathy, Kirlian
photography, laserpuncture, the laying on of hands,
meridian therapy, mesmerism, moxibustion, Past-life
Regression, Polarity Therapy, psychic healing,
psychic surgery, Reiki, sonopuncture, Toning,
Transcendental Meditation, and Therapeutic Touch.
Virtues: Magical properties of objects like herbs,
stones, and creatures as was assigned to them
during their divine creation.

Visualization: 1. Forming clear mental images often

used in magic to focus and direct energy to a
visualized goal. 2. Imagining a scene, a person, or an
object with intense clarity, this is often done through
a meditation.

Ward: A protection spell.

Wicca: A neo-pagan reconstruction of witchcraft.

Most Wiccans call themselves witches, but not all
witches are necessarily Wiccan.

Witch: A member of the Wicca religion. A practitioner

of witchcraft. There are many types and traditions of
witches. A witch is not necessarily a Wiccan, though
if a Wiccan practices witchcraft they can be called a
witch.

Witchcraft: The practice of spells and magic, often

involving the worship of deities or a god and/or
goddess

Y
Yantra Yoga (Tibetan Yantra Yoga, Yantra Tibetan
Yoga): Tibetan Buddhist variation of hatha yoga. The
benefits of practicing Yantra Yoga include balanced
energy and spiritual development.

Yin/Yang Taoist terms referring to the active and

passive principles of the universe. Yin refers to the
female or inactive negative force; Yang to the male
or active force. These two polar forces continually
interplay with each other. Both are necessary and
both must be harmonized for proper function. Yin
and Yang flows through the human body so that a
balance is required to maintain health.

Yoga (from Sanskrit meaning "discipline," ) Yoga is

an ancient philosophy of life as well as a system of
exercises that encourages the union of mind, body,
and spirit. The ultimate aim of yoga is to achieve a
state of balance and harmony between mind and
body. There is evidence that yoga was practiced as
early as 5,000 years ago, although the first written
description is found in the Yoga Sutras, a book from
the second century B.C. The Yoga Sutras describe a
multifold path to spiritual enlightenment that
includes Hatha Yoga, the system of physical
exercises that is most often followed by Western
yoga practitioners today. The discipline of Hatha
Yoga combines deep breathing, physical postures
known as asanas, and meditation. Practiced widely
by people of all ages, hatha yoga is often
recommended for stress reduction and as a way to
improve overall health and well being.

Z
Zen Buddhism: A Japanese branch of Mahayana
Buddhism believed to have originated in India from
the teachings of a Buddhist master, Bodhidharma,
about 600 BC, but traced back by advocates to the
Buddha himself. Practitioners seek satori (sudden
illumination enabling bliss and harmony), which
cannot be explained but only experienced.
Techniques include zazen (sitting meditation
techniques) and koans, which are short riddles or
sayings. The koans (which number about 1700) are
not designed to have cognitive answers but to
promote the experience of Zen.

Zodiac: The band of twelve constellations along the

plane of the ecliptic through which pass the sun,
moon and planets across the sky. Each constellation,
or sign, is attributed symbolic significance and
associations that describe or affect various aspects
of life on Earth.

Zone Therapy: Reflexology