| Acupressure |
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Generally known as acupuncture without the needles. Accupressure is the stimulation of the acupuncture points to rebalance the body’s energy. |
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| Acupuncture |
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This is considered to be a healing art of Chinese origin although versions are found in native cultures of South America and India. The Chinese system is more advanced in that it accesses the energy or Chi via the meridians that also communicate with specific body parts. |
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| Affirmations |
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These are positive statements that you can say out aloud or to quietly to yourself to reinforce good thoughts and actions. Some people use packs and select at random and others, devise their own. |
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| Akashic records |
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Some people believe that the akashic records are similar to a cosmic or collective consciousness. Edgar Cayce was best known for accessing the akashic records during his readings, whilst in a trance state. It is thought that these records hold the information on everything and everyone in the past, present and the future. |
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| Alexander Technique |
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Originally developed by Frederick Alexander, as a method of vocal training in the 1890s. He evolved the technique by re-educating people in their breathing habits and later moved into the co-ordination of the body as a whole. |
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| Aromachology |
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The study or science of the effect scent has on our moods and behaviour. It is specifically concerned with the use of essential oils to enhance the psychological sense of well being. Some benefits are reduced stress, improved work performance, heighten moods, reduction in depression and stimulation of memory and alertness. |
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| Aromatherapy |
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Many ancient cultures including the Greeks, Eygptians, Indians and Chinese recognised the holistic benefits of the body absorbing pure essential oils. Aromatherapy is a relative recently term introduced by Rene Maurice Gattefosse in 1930 when he discovered that a burn would heal rapidly when applied with lavender oil. |
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| Auras |
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The subtle energy field of all living forms surrounding the physical body . Everyone can learn to see their aura and we all naturally sense them. You can use technology to see your aura with computerised aura scans and Kirlian photography. |
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| Autogenic therapy |
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Consists of a series of simple mental exercises which link mind and body together, bringing about profound relaxation. Practised regularly, Autogenic therapy enhances mind/body balance, by tapping into our innate healing processes. |
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| Ayurveda |
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A healing system that originated in India thousands of years ago. Each person is governed by three forces called doshas: Vatta, Pitta and Kapha (Air, Fire and Water). If these three are in balance there is harmony in the body and the person feels well. Balance is achieved through a combination of meditation, diet, exercise, massage and lifestyle routines. |
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| Basic grid |
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When laying down, it would appear that your basic grid is the foundation of your energy centres. Each chakra is embedded in the grid, which is the bedrock of all your energy systems. The basic grid looks like a graph of energy lines and the energy is totally contained within the body. |
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| Bi-Aura |
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A system of energy healing which works through balancing the human bio-field. Using a series of hand movements, mainly non-touch, the practitioner locates energy blockages or imbalances in the body and attracts energy to the deficient areas. |
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| Biolumanetics |
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Developed by American engineer Patrick Richards in 1985 whilst desigining an instrument called the Luminator. He discovered that when he photographed people holding their medications that the patient's energy status alters for the better. He went on to develop a unique and sophisticated method of assessing patients and establishing suitable remedies. He called his system VRIC (visual reference of image coherence) and it uses enhanced method of photography to measure the vitality and coherence of any life form. |
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| Biorhythms theory |
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Discovered by Dr Wilhelm Fliess at the beginning of the last century. He noticed identical rhythms in his patients with a physical cycle of 23 days, an emotional curve of 28 days and a mental curve of 33 days. We feel a high in the respective aspect when the cycles are above the midline and likewise, we experience a low when the cycles are below the midline. |
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| Bonding Psychotherapy |
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This method of psychotherapy is very effective for people who are coping with psychological or emotional issues that are based upon a lack of fulfillment of neurobiologically-anchored, psychosocial needs, including the need for attachment. |
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| Bowen Technique |
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Developed by Thomas A Bowen (1916-1982) in Geelong, Victoria. Also known as Bowtech, this therapy allows the body to reset and heal itself. A session consists of a series of gentle moves on the skin (or through clothing), with the client lying down. A session lasts 30-60 minutes with frequent pauses between moves for the body to benefit before moving on to the next move. |
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| Brainwaves |
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There are four brainwave patterns each measured in hertz or cycles per second: Beta (14-27Hz) - our normal waking state; Alpha (8-13Hz)- light relaxation, mental focus; Theta (4-7HZ)- increased immune functions, memory, intuition and enhanced sleep patterns; Delta (0.5-3Hz)- deep relaxation and production of vital hormones. |
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| BSM Method |
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This method was identified by Eugene Uchnast in 1976. It acts directly on the central nervous system by placing one's hand or another part of the body for example forearm, on the head in one of eight positions that relate to the injured part of the body. Each treatment procedure lasts for at least 20 minutes and two to four procedures applied daily until symptoms disappear. The radiation emitted by the applied part of the body arouses sensory centres in the cortex, which initiate self-healing. |
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| Celtic weave |
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It may have different names but the Celtic weave is universal. It is movement that crosses the energies over from each hemisphere of the brain to the opposite side of the body. |
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| Chakras |
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An integrated system of metaphysical energy centres which affect our physical, mental, emotional and spiritual wellbeing. Chakra is Sanskrit meaning wheels. Chakras move in spirals and correspond to the body’s endocrine system that transports hormones from a series of ductless glands from the base of the spine up to the crown of the head. |
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| Chi Kung |
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A style of stretching exercises that involves virtually no movement. It builds up and releases a flow of natural energy that is dormant inside of us, and raises the body and mind to higher levels of fitness. Practised by millions of Chinese every day, chi kung exercises increase energy and encourage its smooth circulation around the body to improve health on all levels – physically, mentally, emotionally and eventually, spiritually. |
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| Chirology |
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Involves looking at all aspects of the hand - handshape, skin texture, flexibility, size and shape of fingers and thumbs, nails, knuckles, fingerprints, and the patterns, lines and markings on the palm. By analysing and interpreting these features, the reader can put it all together like a jigsaw and build up a picture of the individual. |
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| Chumash healing |
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Chumash healing has been practiced in California for approximately 13,000 years. Healers treat their patients with prayer, laughter, dreaming, phytotherapy, aromatherapy, healing ceremonies and other techniques. Chumash healers still practice the ancient healing arts in California. |
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| Circadian rhythm |
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This is our internal body clock process and it takes 24 hours to complete one cycle. Animals, plants and insects also have circadian rhythms. |
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| Colorpuncture |
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The originator of Colorpuncture is a German scientist and naturopath, Peter Mandel, who has conducted over 25 years of intensive empirical research to develop this unique system of healing. Colorpuncture involves focusing colored light on acupuncture (and other) points on the skin in order to energize powerful healing impulses in our physical and energy bodies. |
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| Colour therapy |
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Colours we are drawn to can make us feel good and heal our bodies. Studies have shown that feeling good raises our endorphin levels and strengthens the immune system. Colour therapy also known as chromatherapy consists of being exposed to certain colours to heal specific parts of the body. In ancient civilisations, the Egyptians and Greeks had healng temples specifically for using colour to rebalance the body. |
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| Craniosacral therapy |
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A gentle, hands-on therapy of enhancing a physiological body system that comprises the fluid-filled sac around the core of the nervous system, protecting the brain and spinal cord. It involves a very subtle rhythmical movement which is transmitted via the muscular, nervous and fascial systems and can be felt anywhere on the body. |
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| Crystal healing |
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Crystals perfect geometric structures enable light to pass through them at a very fast rate, and to penetrate our human energy field. As they were created by Nature, they emit a vital pulse or energy that works harmoniously with us. Minerals are often used as part of crystal healing and have a different order of particles to crystals. |
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| Cymatics |
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The study of wave phenomena, is a science pioneered by Swiss medical doctor and natural scientist, Hans Jenny (1904-1972). He discovered what you see is a physical representation of vibration, or how sound manifests into form through the medium of various materials. |
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| Energy field therapy |
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A modern form of holistic healing from a 3000 year old traditon which recognises that health arises naturally when energy is flowng freely through and around the body. |
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| Feldenkrais Method |
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The Feldenkrais Method is combination of motor development, bio-mechanics, psychology and martial arts. It can improve posture, flexibility, coordination, self-image as well as alleviate muscular tension and pain. It consists of two compelling and versatile applications: Awareness Through Movement and Functional Integration modalities harness the nervous system's ability to self-organize towards more effective and intelligent action. |
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| Feng Shui |
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Feng shui is concerned with arranging things in our lives in the correct order so we can focus Chi (Life Force) in our everyday surroundings to produce positive energy, health and wealth. Feng shui means 'wind and water' - living in harmony with the environment. |
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| Five elements |
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The Chinese sages observed the Earth's rhythms as five energetic processes: fire, earth, metal water and wood. There are associations with each element such as specific body organs, a colour, a sound in the voice, a season, a taste, an odour, a direction and a climate. |
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| Flower essences |
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The Bach Flower Remedies are the most well known flower essences available today. Developed during the 1930's by Dr Edward Bach, there are thirty eight different remedies that are given according to a person's personality type. The energy of the plants is captured in water and applied directly onto the tongue or in a liquid carrier including water, tea or coffee. |
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| Homeopathy |
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A therapeutic system that treats the whole person rather than a specific illness. Homeopathy as it is known today was pioneered by Dr Samuel Hahnemann at the begining of the nineteenth century. He described three principles: 'like cures like' many medicines that are effective against specific diseases can cause similar symptoms; 'minimum dose' dilution and succussing each remedy to release its energy and reduce potential poison and toxins and, 'single remedy' treating the whole body rather than a specific symptom. |
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| Hypnosis |
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An ancient practice that was known to Hippocrates and is named after the Greek word for sleep. Hypnosis appears in many cultures although by different names for example, trance. Under hypnosis, you are in an altered state of consciousness, deeply relaxed and open to suggestions given by a professional therapist to your subconscious mind. |
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| Indian head massage |
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An ancient tradition from India that was extended by Narendra Metha in the 1980's to include the upper back, shoulders, neck and face. He believed that these were very important energy centres in the body and by treating these the whole body would benefit. A treatment can last anything from 10-45 minutes. |
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| Integrated Energy therapy |
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Integrated Energy Therapy® (IET) is a hands on energy therapy system. It was developed at the Center of Being, by Stevan J. Thayer. IET uses the violet angelic energy ray to work directly with your 12-Strand Spiritual DNA. IET supports you in safely and gently releasing limiting energy patterns of your past, empowering and balancing your life in the present. |
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| Iridology |
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The earliest documented reference to iris analysis was by Pillippus Meyens in 1670 although it was the middle of the nineteenth century before iridology began to create a wider interest in the medical profession. Iridology is the study of the colouration and fibre structure of the eye in order to determine the general condition of the body and the state of each organ. |
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| Karma |
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This is an energy that forces actions, thoughts and feelings into balance. It is a strong tool for growth as it continually pushes us towards a spiritual life through balancing positive and negative forces. Karma can be individual and in groups i.e. family or community where we contribute to the to the group’s karma. |
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| Kinesiology |
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Kinesiology uses muscle testing to communicate directly with the body. It addresses the whole person's structure, chemistry, emotions and energy and uses a range of treatments to balance the body.
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| Kundalini |
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This is an evolutionary energy which enters the physical body through the kundalini gland located between the anus and the genitals. When awakened, it can be forceful and painful as it goes through a person’s system, cleansing and refining the cells and lifting a person to higher consciousness. |
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| La Stone therapy |
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Introduced in 1993 by Mary Nelson who had the therapy channelled to her by her a Native American spirit guide. The therapy uses heated and frozen stones to deliver a deeply therapeutic, relaxing, grounding, deep-tissue and cleansing treatment. A treatment lasts for approximately one hour and fifteen minutes, depending on the client's state of health. |
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| Luscher colour test |
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Originally designed as a functional psychological tet by selecting eight colours in sequence twice. It is named after its inventor, Max Luscher who revised the test in 1990 using only 4 colours. |
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| Mandala |
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A personal mandala is a circular design that you create to understand the innerself, personal truth and realise dreams. Buddhists and Native Americans have long used these tools with meditation to release old beliefs and encourage positive change. |
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| Mantras |
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Mantras are sounds that protect, liberate and heal. In the traditions of the East they have been used for thousands of years to rejuvenate and reach inner peace. In daily Western life, mantras can help heal the body, quiet the emotions, and open the heart. |
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| Medicine wheel |
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Medine wheels vary in size and are sacred to Native Americans who use them for meditation. Each wheel is divided into segments with lines for the road of the spirit and the road to life. In addition there are four seasons and each point has a specific attribute. |
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| Meridians |
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These are energy pathways that channel subtle energy flows around the body. They can be stimulated with needles as in acupuncture or physical pressure to release or redistribute energy within the body. |
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| Metamorphic Technique |
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Developed by Gaston Saint-Pierre in the late 70's. It comprises using a light touch to the spinal reflex points on the feet, hands and head. The Metamorphic practitioner acts as a catalyst to the person's life force. The life force, guided by the person's innate intelligence, will then bring about whatever transformations of the energy patterns are needed. This is not a diagnostic therapy. |
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| Mudras |
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These are hand gestures that direct the life energy through the body and can be used as part of meditation. |
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| Nadis |
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These are thread-like subtle pathways of energy flow from the chakras to the various regions of the body and aura. |
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| Network Spinal Analysis |
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Relatively new to the UK this therapy comprises very gentle touches on specific parts of the body to reconnect the body and the brain. Your nervous systems controls your whole body, sending and receiving signals from every cell. You use this connection to heal yourself and keep your body working at its very best. |
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| Palming |
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Developed by Dr William Bates in 1919, this is the practice of covering the closed lids with the palms of the hands as a means of relieving strain, that we all instinctively respond to it at times, and from it most people are able to get a considerable degree of relaxation. |
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| Phyto-sonusTM |
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A study into the background of morphological studies on plant vibrations. Understanding the sound elements of the human voice as a diagnostic tool combined with soul tones of plants and their impact on the human aura. |
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| Pilates |
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Joseph Pilates (1881-1967) developed the Pilates exercise system in the 1920s. He was determined to strengthen his body and improve his health following a sickly childhood. Pilates is a unique sequence of movements that works the mind and muscle in harmony. |
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| Polarity therapy |
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Dr Randolph Stone (1890-1981) was the creator of Polarity Therapy, a system of holistic healing based on an understanding of the flow of life energy. Life energy must flow correctly to maintain optimum health. He believed that all disease results from blocked energy flow within the body and used many techniques to gently free movement of body energy. |
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| Prana |
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Life energy.This energy has inherent intelligence as opposed to atoms and electrons which are considered to be blind forces. The Chinese call this life force chi. |
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| Quantum Touch |
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Quantum-Touch is an easily learnable skill that can provide balance, healing, comfort, and postural realignment. It is a hands on healing modality combined with breathing techniques and was founded by Richard Gordon. |
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| Reflexology |
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An ancient holistic therapy rediscovered and brought to the Western world by Dr. William Fitzgerald in the early 1900's. Later, Eunice Ingham added to the theory and introduced the term reflexology. The feet are representations of the whole body and by applying pressure to specific points toxins are released from the congested area. |
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| Reiki |
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Reiki is the laying of hands on another person to help accelerate the healing process by channelling Universal Energy. A person who has been through the Reiki Attunements or Initiations has experienced a very ancient practice for fine tuning their physical and etheric bodies to a higher vibratory level. |
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| Rolfing |
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Rolfing was created by Dr Ida P Rolf in the mid 1900's. This holistic system of soft tissue manipulation and movement can achieve changes in posture and structure by manipulating the body's myofascial system. Research has shown that it can reduce chronic stress and changes in body structure as well as enhance neurological functioning. |
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| Shamanism |
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Derived from the Tungus word saman meaning person who has mastered the spirits. It is a path to knowledge which is gained through the experience of rituals, ceremonies, prayer and meditation, trials and tests to embark on ancient healing practices. |
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| Shiatsu |
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A form of bodywork that has its origins in traditional Chinese medicine and Japanese massage techniques. The practitioner applies pressure using his/her hands, forearms, knees and feet combined with stretches and joint manipulation to connect with the recipient's internal energy force, mind, body and spirit. |
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| Smudging |
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The North American Indians traditionally used a mixture of sage and cedar to do what is termed 'smudging' and that is prepare people and spaces for sacred ceremony. Today the term is used to also clear negative energy from spaces and people's auric fields. |
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| SomatoEmotional Release |
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A therapeutic process that expands on the principles of CranioSacral Therapy. Joint research efforts by Dr. John Upledger and biophysicist Dr. Zvi Karni led to the discovery that the body often retains (rather than dissipates) physical forces which is often the result of an accident, injury, or emotional trauma. |
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| Syntonics |
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Refers physiologically to a balanced, integrated nervous system. Developed by Dr. Harry Riley Spitler in the 1930's it is defined as an ocular science dealing with selected portions of the visible spectrum. When it is applied via the eyes, Syntonics refelxively affects the body's major supportive functions by bringing them into balance with the enivironment, resulting in improved vision. |
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| Universal Energy |
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Unseen energy ‘bioplasma’ that is freely available to anyone who wishes to access it through bodywork (for example Reiki), crystals, meditation, pressure points, and yoga. |
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| Vortex Alignment |
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A system developed by Jeff Levin whereby Vortex cards are placed on the body's energy gateways or points that access the organs, glands or systems, assisting to harmonise and balance the physical and subtle bodies. |
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| Yoga |
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Derived from the Sanskrit word ‘yoke’ or ‘join together’. It is the uniting of the individual soul with the cosmic spirit through physical postures and meditation and enables you to still the mind. |
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| Zen Shiatsu |
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Zen Shiatsu is a modernized form of the ancient Chinese art of acupressure. Zen is a Japanese word meaning 'meditation' while shiatsu means 'finger pressure.' In actual practice, the practitioner also uses the palms, thumbs, forearms, elbows, knees, and feet in order to apply pressure to the meridians. There is an absolute minimum of talking during the session as Zen Shiatsu is a 'meditative form of healing.' |
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| Zero balancing |
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A hands-on body and mind system designed by Dr Fritz Smith in 1973 to align the body energy with the body's physical structure. The aim is to relieve physical and mental symptons and promote the sense of wholeness and wellbeing. |
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