Ablutions (Total & Partial)
A washing or cleansing of the body, especially as part of a religious rite.
Accupressure
Finger massage designed to release muscle tension and promote healing by applying pressure to “energy points” or “meridians” in the body. The pressure applied to these vital points (the same points used in acupuncture) was identified by medical practitioners in China centuries ago and is believed to improve the flow of energy (chi) throughout the body. Similar in many ways to Shiatsu.
Acupuncture
An ancient Chinese healing technique based on Taoist philosophy. The aim is to balance the energy meridians to permit the body to “heal” itself. A relatively painless technique, it is administered by inserting fine needles at key points meridians of the body that relate to different organs in order to relieve muscular, neurological and arthritic problems, cure disease and relieve pain.
Affirmation
Similar to visualisation, this technique is used to overcome physical ailments (e.g. backaches) and emotional problems (e.g., family or professional problems) through repetition of a positive statement. For example, a person who is afraid of flying would repeat “I like to fly” and envision a pleasant flying experience.
Alchemical / Alchemy
Essentially a reverence for the material world as being the reflection of a more perfect living transcendent reality.
Alexander Technique
Was developed in 1890’s by an Australian, FM Alexander to teach us how to move with greater ease and co-ordination by focusing on correct posture, the right way to lift objects, the proper position of feet when standing, the angle of one’s shoulders and so forth, thus retaining optimum balance.
Algotherapy
Use of algae (seaweed) in treatments including bath, scrubs, body wraps. Can also see Thalassotherapy.
Alternative Therapies
Treatments based on speculative or abstract reasoning. Such treatments include: Acupuncture, Aromatherapy, Ayurveda Treatment, Colonic, Cranio-sacral Therapy, Electro Therapy, Energy Balancing, Fango, Flotation, Gommages, Homeopathy, Light Treatment, Lymph Drainage, Mud Therapies, Music Therapy, Panchakarma, Phytotherapy, Primordial Sound, Reiki, Spinal Release Therapy and Ultrasound.
Anthotherapy
Treatments in humid caves where the atmosphere is very vaporous (between 30°-42°C / 86°-107°F). In dry caves the atmosphere takes the heat from the spring (between 50°-70°C / 122° – 158°F).
Ayurveda
Ayurveda, a holistic traditional system of medicine, originated in India more than 3,000 years ago. The term Ayurveda is derived from the Sanskrit words ayur (life) and veda (science or knowledge). Thus, Ayurveda translates to knowledge of life.
