Glossary - Dictionary - Definitions - Explanations

>Here is a short glossary of some of the terms you may come across on this site, particularly in the therapies section and in the case studies section.

A To F l G To O l P To Z

Acupuncture System
The system of meridians that supports life.

Acupuncture Point
Each acupuncture meridian has a series of points where needles may be applied. These points are numbered.

Body
This term is used to mean several different things depending on the context:

a) the physical body itself,

b) any of the various subtle energy bodies,

and c) the complete individual including all physical and energy components.

Ceremonies & Rituals
These words often have a religious connotation, but many therapists use them with no religious intent at all.

Chakra
The word comes from the Sanskrit for ‘wheel’ and refers to subtle energy nodes on the body.  It is usually accepted that there are 7 major chakras going from the base of the spine to the top of the head. Each chakra is described in terms of colour, emotion, etc., so, for example, the base chakra is related to the colour red, to instinct and survival and to the earth element.
 
Ch’i
The vital life force in the body taken in from the environment. It maintains all living cells. An imbalance of yin or yang can lead to a disruption in the smooth flow of Ch’i. The resulting imbalance may impair the functioning of physical cells. Also known as chi or ki.

Corrections
A term used in kinesiology to describe subtle energy procedures carried out by the practitioner.

Diagnosis
Some professional organisations expressly forbid their practitioners from undertaking medical diagnosis. This does not mean that they do not do any diagnosis at all, but it may be in the form of excess energy in a meridian, for example.

Dysbiosis
Where the microbial colony becomes unbalanced. Can happen in the mouth, the gut or the vagina. Normally harmless bacteria and yeasts can start to cause chronic ill health.

Element
In traditional Chinese philosophy everything is made up from five elements: wood, water, metal, earth and fire. Acupuncture meridians are organised into elements. Each element consists of a yin meridian and a yang meridian.

Energy
This term can be used to refer to physical body energy, or, more commonly in the context of therapies, to subtle energy (see the entry for this term).

Essential Oils
The volatile liquids that are distilled from various parts of plants, including seeds, bark, leaves, stems, roots, flowers and fruit. Read this case study for more information.

Etheric Body
This is a copy of the physical body in energy form. It ensures that the foetus grows correctly and that physical repair and renewal are carried out appropriately.

Flower Essences or Remedies
These can be used during an appointment, or the client may have to take themat home.  They can also be bought in some stores. Flower remedies are prepared in a special way so that only the energetic qualities of the flower remain in the remedy. Taking specific ones can help the client to experience psychological and physical changes. The most famous (and the original) flower remedies are the ones produced by Dr Edward Bach. Also available are remedies made from the energy qualities of other things, such as trees, crystals and geographical locations (earth energies).

Geopathic Stress
It is believed that the earth's energy field is disturbed in some places, and living or working above such a place can cause illness. Read Jane Thurnell-Read's book Geopathic Stress & Subtle Energy to understand more.

Healing Crisis
As a result of energy work, changes occur that may enable the body to release toxic substances, repair and rebuild tissues and utilize previously inaccessible nutrients. This can lead the client to experience temporary symptoms such as tiredness, headaches, digestive problems, increased sweating and aches and pains. Existing symptoms can appear to become worse. These reactions are not harmful, but are part of the body’s healing mechanism.

Homeopathic Remedy
Homeopathic remedies are traditionally prepared by vigorously shaking a sample of a substance in water. The water is then diluted and vigorously shaken again. This is repeated until only the ‘memory’ or recording of its energy pattern remains in the water. The exact number of times this process is repeated gives the different homeopathic potencies. The remedies can also be prepared using a homeopathic potentizing machine. The homeopathic remedy for a particular symptom is the one that would cause the symptom if a physical dose of the remedy were given. See also our interview in the therapy section.

Homeostasis
The dynamic process whereby the internal environment of the physical body is maintained within strict limits in order to ensure correct cellular functioning.

Intrusive Energies
Energies, such as lost souls, that may cause disturbance and distress to living people.

Hot Flushes/Hot Flashes
Both these terms describe the same thing. The first term is English English, and the second is North American English.

Meridian
The traditional pathways of the body containing Ch’i energy. There are twelve bilateral meridians plus two meridians that run up the midline of the body. Most of the meridians are named after an associated organ with which they connect, e.g. kidney meridian. In kinesiology the energy in the meridians is influenced by holding acupuncture points on the surface of the body.

Miasm
A concept from homeopathy in which weaknesses are passed on from generation to generation, and occur as chronic diseases.

Mudra
Symbolic hand movements used in Indian dance.

Muscle Testing
A testing system used by kinesiologists. A part of the body is placed in a specific position, and then pressure is applied. The underlying muscle will either hold or go spongey/weak. The kinesiologist uses this muscle change to interact with the body, the mind and the subtle energy system.

Potentised Remedy
Used in homeopathy where a substance will be given in a very diluted form. Sometimes the dilution is so great that there cannot be any of the physical substance left, but the energy pattern of the substance is still there.

Priority
A term used in kinesiology, meaning the next thing to do. This is not necessarily the thing that will have the most effect. It could, for example, be something that needs doing in order for the the thing that has the most effect to take place.

PSA
A protein produced by both normal and cancerous prostate cells. High levels may indicate cancer.

Subtle Bodies
Everyone recognises that human beings are not just physical bodies, but many traditions and therapies have a complex theory of subtle bodies to explain this additional ‘something’. There is some disagreement about how many subtle bodies there are and what they are called. Most writers on this subject accept that, as well as there being a physical body, there is also an etheric body, an astral or emotional body, one or more mental bodies and a spiritual body. Many systems include additional bodies.

Subtle Energy
Subtle energy is a loose term used to describe any energy that is not recognized and categorized by conventional scientific knowledge. The acupuncture system of meridians is seen to be part of this energy.

Surrogate
In kinesiology and dowsing a surrogate is sometimes used for a small child, a very sick person or an animal. The surrogate person will be tested as the representative of the other person/animal.

TMJ
Short for temporomandibular joint (the jaw joint). Many kinesiologists chiropractors and holistic dentists feel that the incorrect functioning of this joint can affect the rest of the body detrimentally.

Vials
Small bottles used by some therapists. These contain either an actual substance or the energy pattern of the substance, or a homeopathic or flower remedy.

Yang
Yang and yin represent opposite aspects of existence, which in coming together form a unified and balanced whole. Yang qualities include expansiveness, dryness, masculinity, lightness, heat and hollowness, but nothing is entirely yang or entirely yin.

Yin
Yin and yang represent opposite aspects of existence, which, in coming together, form a unified and balanced whole. Yin qualities include femininity, receptivity, darkness, coolness and solidity, but nothing is entirely yin or entirely yang.