Abhyâsa
constant practice

Acupresure
Based on the principles of acupuncture, this ancient Chinese technique involves the use of finger pressure (rather than needles) on specific points along the body to treat ailments such as tension and stress, aches and pains, or arthritis. The system is also used for general preventive health care.

Acupuncture
In acupuncture, fine needles are inserted at specific points to stimulate, disperse, and regulate the flow of chi, or vital energy, and restore a healthy energy balance. Often used for pain relief, acupuncture is also used to improve well-being and treat acute, chronic, and degenerative conditions.

Agyana
without knowledge

Ahimsâ
non-violence, absence of jealousy

Ajna
pituitary, like master

Ajna chakra
Spiritual center located between the eyebrows, the sixth spinal centre, see also kutastha chakra. The master or the guru who carries out orders from the Soul to the physical level. This is the centre for Satguru and also for chidakasha.

ALLOPATHY
the treatment of disease by creating conditions that are opposite or hostile to the conditions resulting from the disease itself; from Greek roots meaning other and disease. Drugs and surgery are allopathic treatments. The term is sometimes used to refer to conventional Western medicine to contrast it with alternative therapies, particularly homeopathy, which is based on like curing like.

Anâhata chakra
The forth spinal centre, heart chakra; non-stop breath

ANIMISM
belief that a spirit or force resides in every animate and inanimate object, every dream and idea, giving individuality to each. The related Polynesian concept of mana holds that the spirit in all things is responsible for good and evil.

Apana
inhaling, ascent aspect of the prana-shakti.

Aromatherapy/Flower Remedies
Relatively new to this country, this technique was used in ancient Egypt and other cultures. It involves specialized knowledge of how various essences affect the body and psyche by purportedly altering brain activity. Often combined with massage or esthetics, or used alone, various essences are claimed to be able to affect many physical ailments.

Astrology
Foretelling future events (divination) through the specific positions and aspects of the stars, and their possible influences upon human affairs and terrestrial events.

Atma
The Universal Self.

AYURVEDIC MEDICINE
practiced in India for over 5,000 years. Ayurvedic tradition holds that illness is a state of imbalance among the body’s systems and can be detected through such diagnostic procedures as reading the pulse and observing the tongue. Nutritional counseling, massage, natural medications, meditation and other modalities are used to address a spectrum of ailments, from allergies to AIDS.