For a better understanding of the vast range of natural therapies, you have to understand the lingo.. chi, qigong, tai chi, acupressure, meridians, etc. The following is a glossary outlining some of the major terms within the holistic health world.
A
ACUPRESSURE
Similar to acupuncture but using touch rather than needles, this ancient Chinese technique involves the use of pressure on specific points along the body to treat physical ailments. View our Acupressure Course page.
ACUPUNCTURE
Akin in theory to acupressure but with the use of fine needles (rather than finger pressure) inserted at specific points in order to regulate the body’s energy flow or ‘chi’ and restore balance to the person.
APPLIED KINESIOLOGY
Kinesiology is the study of organ or gland dysfunction causing muscle weaknesses. Developed by George Goodheart in the 1960s applied Kinesiology uses gentle pressure to test the strength of specific muscles in order to determine and diagnose underlying health issues and deficiencies. View our Kinesiology Course page.
AROMATHERAPY
The use of essential oils from flowers, trees, roots, herbs, berries and fruits, to treat disorders and ailments and to promote overall wellness. Aromatherapy can be carried out via massage, topical application, or in conjunction with acupuncture, reflexology, herbology and other holistic healing. View our Aromatherapy Course page.
AYURVEDIC MEDICINE
One of the world’s most ancient medical systems and still a huge part of India’s traditional health care system, ayurvedic medicine uses mainly plant derivatives to rebalance the body. Diagnoses are made by a practitioner understanding the person as a whole, knowing their physical and mental history prior to offering counselling or remedies. Also known as ‘the ancient art of living wisely’.
ASHIATSU
During Ashiatsu a massage therapist applies deep pressure by using their bare feet and body weight. Aids with the relief of chronic tension.
B
BIOFEEDBACK
This technique is used predominantly for stress-related problems such as asthma, migraines, insomnia and high blood pressure. Biofeedback is a way of monitoring and controlling metabolic changes in the body with the aid of sensitive machines.
BREATHWORK
This term is used to describe a variety of techniques using specific breathing patterns to promote physical, mental and spiritual well-being.
C
CHAKRAS
The term ‘Chakra’ refers to specific energy points throughout the body. These points must remain aligned and allow energy to flow freely between them and through them. If this is not the case, physical ailments may present themselves. The chakras extend from the base of spine to the crown of head, each one corresponding to a specific colour which represents its identity in terms of emotions, organs, nerve networks, and energies. View our Aura & Chakra Energy Healing Course page.
D
DREAM THERAPY
During REM sleep there are therapies that can be practiced to unravel the complex mental, as well as physical, health issues of any individual. Monitoring our mental activity whilst we sleep can help us to understand our overall mindset, comparing the dream with the actual meaning of it and henceforth resolve any individual issues. View our Dream Therapy Course page.
E
EAR CANDLING/CONING
The end of a specially-designed candle is placed at the entrance of the ear whilst the other end is lit. This can help to reduce infections, hearing problems and eases wax congestion. Involves placing the narrow end of a specially designed hollow candle at the entry of the ear canal, while the opposite end is lit. Primarily used for relieving wax build up and related hearing problems, ear candling is also used for ear infections and sinus infections. View our Hopi Ear Candling Course page.
ESSENTIAL OILS
Aromatherapists and other holistic therapists will always insist on using essential oils, the meaning of essential doesn’t mean to ‘need’ to have it the term actually refers to the oil being the natural ‘essence of’ the plant in question.
F
FENG SHUI
The ancient Chinese art of optimising our personal environment to promote our health and wellness. The energy flow of a home can strongly affect our wellbeing and so a Feng Shui layout aids to improve the flow of chi. This involves rearranging furniture, placement of plants, and all objects within the home.
H
HERBALISM
The use of plants or plant-based treatments for illnesses and to promote healthy body function. View our Herbalism Course page.
HOLISTIC
Holistic medicine or treatments are based on the treatment of a person as a whole, taking into consideration their body, mind and spirit – not only physical health but their emotional, spiritual, social and mental also.
HOMEOPATHY
First conceived by German physician Samuel Hahnemann in 1796, homeopathy is a system of alternative medicine which is based on the belief that the body is capable of healing itself. The healing process is stimulated by giving the patient very small doses of natural, plant or mineralised treatments. View our Homeopathy Course page.
I
IRIDOLOGY
A diagnostic system based on the premise that every organ has a corresponding location within the iris of the eye, which can serve as an indicator of the organism’s health or disease. Used by naturopaths and other practitioners, particularly when diagnosis achieved through standard methods in unclear.
J
JIN SHIN DO
Developed by a psychotherapist, it combines acupressure, Taoist yogic breathing and Reichian segmental theory (addresses how emotional tension affects the physical body) with the goal of releasing physical and emotional tension and armouring. Aims to promote a state in which the patient can address the emotional factors that underlie various physical conditions.
K
KINESIOLOGY
M
MERIDIANS
Another traditional Chinese medicinal concept, the Meridians are a system of lines that run throughout the body through which our energy (or chi) flows. The Chinese use these lines to pinpoint places at which the acupuncture needles will be placed in order to restore the flow of energy and therefore renew balance. View our Meridian Psychotherapy Course page.
N
NATUROPATHY
An alternative system of natural healing which uses only natural treatments and remedies to encourage the body to heal itself. It is based on the prevention of illness and disease by way of a healthy diet and lifestyle.
NLP – Neuro-Linguistic Programming
This is a therapy which provides practices in which we can govern our own minds and take control of our lives. It studies the human psyche by looking at current state of mind, viewing past events, and taking on techniques on how to approach life. View our NLP Course page.
P
PRANA
A yoga term which focusses on our energy, akin to the Chinese concept of ‘chi’. The Prana is the flow of energy through the body which begins with the breath. A healthy Prana means a healthy body and mind and brings vitality whilst connecting the mental and physical self.
PRANAYAMA
This is another yoga term which means to control the breath.
Q
QIGONG (cheegong)
A Chinese technique which utilises breathing methods, meditation and movement to heal the body. Qi means vital energy, breath or spirit.
R
REFLEXOLOGY
This is a practice which focusses on the feet and hands having specific points (nerve endings) which directly correspond to specific organs and tissue throughout our bodies. By applying pressure to these points using finger and thumb massage techniques a practitioner can treat a wide range of illnesses. View our Reflexology Course page.
REIKI
A Japanese technique which can help to reduce stress, promote relaxation and healing. Rei means ‘higher power’, and ki means ‘life force energy’ – combined this means the ‘spiritual guidance of life force energy’. This is an ancient Tibetan healing system where practitioners place their hands lightly on, or above, the patient to pass on their healing energy. View our Reiki Course page.
S
SHIATSU
An ancient Japanese form of bodywork or massage which literally means ‘finger pressure’, whereby a practitioner applies varied pressure on precise points of the body in order to restore the natural energy flow and balance and promote good health. Helps to reduce stress, anxiety, depression, aids in circulatory issues, asthma, headaches and cardiovascular health. View our Shiatsu Course page.
T
TAI CHI
A practice using the combination of movement, meditation and regulated breathing in order to improve the flow of energy and vitality in the body and enhance immune function.
Y
YANTRA
This is an ancient diagram derived from the Tantric traditions in Indian religion. It is used for meditational purposes, inspiration and to help align our energy flow. They are often found in places of worship, or in homes.
Z
ZONE THERAPY
See reflexology.
Over 60 online Holistic Health Courses
The School of Natural Health Sciences offer over 60 holistic health courses – if you are looking for a different course than any we have outlined above, please visit our A-Z Course listing page.
On successful completion of all these courses, you are entitled to practice as a professional in your field. Visit our Accreditation page.
Please contact us with any questions, we’d be delighted to help!
