A swollen or inflamed area of body tissue in which pus gathers.

An excessive acidity of body fluids due to either an accumulation of acids or a loss of bicarbonate (the hydrogen ion concentration is increased and thus the pH is decreased). See pH balance.

Acupuncture points throughout the body, along the meridians, which correspond to specific organs. See Meridian.

Based on the principles of acupuncture, this ancient Chinese technique involves the use of finger pressure on specific points along the body to treat ailments such as tension, stress, aches, pains, cramps or arthritis.

A common technique used in traditional Chinese medicine.

A substance with qualities which increase resistance and resilience to stress, enabling the body to adapt around the problem and to avoid reaching collapse. Adaptogens work through support of the adrenal glands.

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.

Amino acids are the basic building blocks of the 40,000 different proteins in the body. Including enzymes, harmones, and the key brain chemical messenger molecules called neutotransmitters. Eight amino acids cannot be made by the body and must be obtained through the diet; others are produced in the body but not always in sufficient amounts. The body's main "amino acid pool" consists of: alanine, arginine, aspargine, aspartic acid, carnitine, cltrulline, cysteine, cystine, GABA, glutamic acid, glutamine, glycine, histidine, isoleucine, leucine, lysine,methionine, ornithrine, phenylanine, proline, serine, taurine, threonine, tryptophan, tyrosine, and valine.

A pain- relieving substance.

A substance which has the property of destroying or stopping the growth of bacteria.

Any of a variety of natural or synthetic substances that inhibit the growth of, or destroy, microorganisms.

A protein, carbohydrate, or fat carbohydrate complex with the ability to identify cells as harmless and belonging to the body, or as foreign cells to be destroyed. Antigens stimulate the production of antibodies which can neutralize or destroy invading organisms. Antigens on the body's own cells are called autoantigens. Antigens on all other cells are called foreign antigens.

A substance which soothes inflammation or reduces the inflammatory response of the tissue directly. Anti-inflammatories work in a number of different ways, but rarely inhibit the natural inflammatory reaction.

Antimicrobials help the body destroy or resist pathogenic (disease-causing) microorganisms by helping the body strengthen its own resistance to infective organisms.

Antispasmodics ease cramps in smooth and skeletal muscles. They alleviate muscular tension and, as many are also nervines, ease psychological tension as well.

Any substance which bears the properties of opposing the action of a virus.

A diagnostic technique and therapy developed in the 1960s by a chiropractor (George Goodheart). Applied kinesiology posits that organ or gland dysfunctions show up as weaknesses in certain muscles. Using gentle pressure, applied kinesiologists test muscle strength to identify health problems and nutritional deficiencies. After diagnosis, treatment may involve exercises to strengthen a muscle, hands-on manipulation of the muscles and bones, and vitamin or mineral supplements.

A treatment involving the use of essential oils or plant extracts to ease stress on the body and mind. Oils may be inhaled, used with massage therapy, or dropped in bath water.

Astringents have a binding action on mucous membranes, skin, and other tissue. They reduce irritation and inflammation, and create a barrier against infection that is to wounds and burns.

Is the science, which is able to interpret the influences of the heavenly bodies on human beings and their affairs. Just as it is known that the moon has a profound influence on our oceans’ tides, so are humans affected in a similar way. We are, after all, about 80% water. Using the birth or natal chart, which maps the positions of the planets at the time of birth, is each individual's information derived. The interpretation of the chart includes the understanding of the relationships between planets and the signs of the zodiac. Including the area of the chart in which they will fall, symbolic factors, the location of birth, which assists in the examination of the different levels of the emotional and spiritual psychology, and physiology of the individual. Astrology can help someone to explore deeper individual potential and meaning, to see how aspects of the personality may be integrated. This facilitates an understanding of the cycles of life and creation, thus promoting ways to achieve the greatest practical application and fulfillment from the energies symbolized in the chart.

Drawing equally from ancient Hindu beliefs and the work of modern psychic healers like Edgar Cayce, aura or color healers look for a dark or grayish area in a multi-colored aura field surrounding the body to indicate potential health problems. Color healers apply remedial colors where they notice a color deficiency.

A disease produced --the body's normal tolerance of its own antigenic markers on cells disappears. Autoantibodies produced by B lymphocytes and attack cells, whose surface contains a "self' antigen or autoantigen, causing destruction of tissue. Includes diseases such as: rheumatoid arthritis, multiple sclerosis, and Graves' disease.

The autonomic nervous system (ANK) can be likened to your body's automatic pilot. It keeps you alive through breathing, heart rate, and digestion, without your being aware of it or participating in its activities. The ANS has two divisions: the sympathetic, which expends body energy; and the parasympathetic, which conserves body energy. The sympathetic nervous system is associated with arousal and stress, it prepares us physically when we perceive a threat or challenge by increasing our heart rate, blood pressure, and muscle tension. The parasympathetic nervous system shows heart rate and increases intestinal and most gland activity.

Vibratory lines which connect levels of human electrochemical activity with astrobiological circuits that span the solar system and are connected with resonating star systems. The axiatonal lines connect the acupuncture mapping of the human biological system with superior astrobiological analogs.

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,

Dr. Edward Bach, an Englishman, developed his remedies to help an individual with their ailment, and also help raise their conscious awareness. Dr. Bach discovered the Seven Nosodes, which are a type of intestinal bacteria that is used as a vaccine in the approach to helping chronic illness. In essence Dr. Bach realized that "dis-ease" was the result of a conflict between the soul, mind and body. This dis-ease resulted from two very fundamental source errors: 1) Disharmony of the soul and personality, and, 2) Cruelty or wrong done unto others. This conflict, Bach recognized, originated from the ego. The most basic cause of illness and disease are mental-emotional defects, such as: pride, cruelty, hate, ego, ignorance, instability and greed. However, Dr. Bach also knew that these "conditions" were opportunities for soul growth, and this realization helped transmute any "negative," life damaging energy into "positive," life enhancing energy. Dr. Bach studied the great healers, especially Dr. Hahnemann, the creator of Homeopathy, and after much research, finally arrived at the conclusion that the different personalities of the bacteria seem to relate to the different personalities of an individual person. The Flower Remedies help individual personalities (people) deal effectively with ailments at their root cause and also help to elevate them to a higher vibrational frequency of consciousness, in an easy, natural and safe manner.

Stored in both the liver and gallbladder, it is important as a digestive juice due to its emulsifying action which facilitates the digestion of fats in the intestines, as well as stimulating peristalsis.

Holds that repressed emotions and desires affect the body and psyche by creating chronic muscular tension and diminished vitality and energy. Through physical exercises, breathing techniques, verbal psychotherapy, or other forms of emotional-release work, the therapist attempts to loosen this character armor and restore natural well-being.

A technique used especially for stress-related conditions such as asthma, migraines, insomnia and high blood pressure. Biofeedback is a way of monitoring minute metabolic changes in ones body with the aid of sensitive machines.

An energy field that suffuses living bodies and extends several inches beyond the body. This concept is employed in therapies such as healing touch, medical qigong, therapeutic touch, and reiki. In these therapies, the biofield from a practitioners hands is joined to the recipients biofield in order to treat an illness or to promote health. There is no consensus on what biofield is; some say it is spiritual energy, others say it is an electromagnetic field.

BodyTalk (http://www.bodytalksystem.com/) is a simple and effective form of therapy that allows the body's energy systems to be re-synchronized so that they can operate as nature intended. Each system, cell and atom is in constant communication with each other at all times. Through exposure to the stresses of day-to-day life, these lines of communication become compromised, which then leads to a decline in physical, emotional and/or mental health. Reconnecting these lines of communication then enables the body's mechanisms to function at optimal levels, thus preventing disease and rapidly accelerating the healing process. BodyTalk can be used as a stand-alone system to treat many health problems, or seamlessly integrated into any health care system to increase its effectiveness and promote faster healing.

BodyTalk's major assets are its simplicity, safety, and the speed of its results. It is non-invasive, objective in application, and works effectively on humans and animals alike.

Sugar in the form of glucose present in the blood, normally 60 to 100 milligrams/ 100 milliliters of blood. It rises after a meal to as much as 150 milligrams/l00 milliliters of blood, but this may vary.

The maximum amount a person can take in of a substance before experiencing loose stools or diarrhea.

A cancer marker refers to any of a variety of blood tests which measure the level of a protein material or other chemical produced by cancer cells. These numbers become elevated in the presence of a cancer or tumor. There are different cancer markers for different kinds of cancer; CEA (carcinoembryonic antigen), test for colon cancer, AFP (alpha-fetoprotein) test for liver cancer (primary hepatocellular carcinoma), PSA (prostate specific antigen) for prostate cancer, CA (carcinoma) 15-3 or 27.29 for breast cancer, and CA 125 for ovarian cancer, to name a few.

Small, oval budding fungus or yeast that is the primary disease causing organism of the infection moniliasis candidiasis, commonly referred to as candida.

Cancer-producing agents.

There are seven major chakra centers in the human body (Animals also have chakras). These centers correspond to specific aspects of our consciousness and have their own individual characteristics and functions. Each has a corresponding relationship to one of the various glands of the body's endocrine system, as well as to one of the seven colors of the rainbow spectrum.

Typically administered in an osteopathic or medical doctor’s office, chelation therapy is a series of intravenous injections of the synthetic amino acid EDTA, designed to detoxify the body. Often used to treat arteriosclerosis, angina, Alzheimer’s disease. EDTA stands for ethylenediaminetetruacetic acid (an amino acid). FDA approved for removing lead and other heavy metals from the bloodstream. One theory holds that chelation removes the calcium in arterial plaque; another suggests that EDTA works as an antioxidant. Proponents say that chelation also reverses gangrene, relieves the pain associated with lupus and arthritis, and reverses memory loss.

(a.k.a. vital force, ether, ki, prana, vril, and others depending on the culture); Universal energy including heat, light, and electromagnetic energy. A narrower definition of chi refers to the energy circulating in human or animal bodies.

At least 3,000 years old, Chinese Medicine is based on the view that humanity is part of a larger creation, that is, the universe itself; therefore, we are all subject to the same laws that govern nature.The understanding of health, then, begins with an understanding of nature, and the laws that govern it. Principles include the law of yin and yang, awareness and manipulation of life energy (Qi or Chi) which flows through meridians of the body, and the Five Element Theory. Oriental Health systems like acupuncture, shiatsu, acupressure massage, macrobiotics, Do-In, and sotai are based upon Chinese Medicine.

A manual procedure for remedying distortions in the structure and function of the craniosacral mechanism - the brain and spinal cord, the bones of the skull, the sacrum, and interconnected membranes. It is used to treat chronic pain, migraine headaches, TMJ, and a range of other conditions.

Cholesterol is an essential component in cell membranes needed by the body to make bile salts, which help absorb the fat-soluble vitamins (A, D, E, K) and essential fatty acids from the small intestine.

Cholesterol, a steroid, is also at the beginning of the pathway that manufactures steroidal hormones and male and female sex hormones, including pregnenolone, testosterone, estradiol, estrone, progesterone, DEHA, and cortisol. These are critical for the health of the immune system, the mineral regulating functions of the kidneys, and the smooth running of the hormonal systems in men and women.

Cholesterol is not only ontained through the diet, but produced by the liver, which synthesizes about 3,000 mg of new cholesterol in any 24-hour period, a quantity equivalent to the amount contained in ten eggs.

Thes new cholesterol is used to repair cells; when cholesterol levels get too low, depression, lung disease, and even cancer can result.

Present in the nucleus of cells and containing the DNA which transmits genetic information, chromosomes contain the genes or hereditary determiners. The normal number of chromosomes for a human being is forty-six in all somatic cells.

Circulating Immune Complexes (CICs) form in the body when poor digestion results in undigested foods "leaking" through the intestinal wall and into the blood-stream. The immune system treats these foreign substances or antigens as invaders, causing antibodies to form and couple with them. This antigen and antibody combination is known as a CIC. In a healthy person, CICs are neutralized, but in someone with a compromised immune system, they tend to accumulate in the blood where they burden the detoxification pathways or initiate an allergic reaction. If too many CICs accumulate, the kidneys cannot excrete enough of them via the urine. The CICs are then stored in soft tissues, causing inflammation and bringing stress to the immune system. The overload can lead to a variety of chronic health conditions.

A group of viruses first isolated in 1948 from two children in Coxsackie, New York. Most coxsackievirus infections in humans are mild, but the viruses do produce a variety of illnesses including aseptic meningitis (inflammation of the meninges not due to microorganisms), herpangina (a benign infectious disease of children), epidemic pleurodynia (disease characterized by pain of sharp intensity in the chest accompanied by fever), acute upper respiratory infection, and myocarditis of the newborn (inflammation of the middle layer of the walls of the heart), among others. It is possible that infection during the first trimester of pregnancy can cause increased incidence of congenital heart lesions in newborns.

A manual procedure for remedying distortions in the structure and function of the craniosacral mechanism - the brain and spinal cord, the bones of the skull, the sacrum, and interconnected membranes. It is used to treat chronic pain, migraine headaches, TMJ, and a range of other conditions.

Dates back to Incan, Egyptian, Mayan, Atlantean, and Lemurian Civilizations. In this healing practice, quartz crystals, and other stones and crystals are placed on and around the body to stimulate and sensitize subtle vibrational patterns, release energy blockages, and harmonize vibrational frequencies. Crystals are used to draw and amplify light and color to the body's aura, thus raising its vibrational frequency, and facilitate healing. The emotional, physical, psychological and spiritual effects of such work are moving and profound. Quartz Crystals can also be used to record dreams and other information when programmed to do so.

An alloy containing mercury, tin, silver, and copper that is used in dentistry to restore teeth.

The process of removing toxins from the body.

A product intended to supply nutrients and other healthful substances that may be lacking in a diet. Term used to apply only to vitamins, minerals, and proteins. Herbs are now classified as dietary supplements, and the definition also includes amino acids, glandulars (processed animal glands), enzymes, fish oils, and various extracts, such as flower essences. While their labels may not make any claims to cure, prevent, treat, or mitigate a disease, they can claim to help a structure or function of the body. Unlike food additives and prescription and over-the-counter drugs, dietary supplements do not require FDA approval to be sold on the market.

Deoxyribo Nucleic Acid (DNA); all plants and animals, including humans, are made up of cells. Each cell contains a chemical called DNA; the 'master blueprint' of the cell; in humans, for example, it is the genetic material that determines how the body is built; specifies traits such as height, hair texture and color, number of fingers on each hand, and blood type.

A clinical trial in which neither the investigator nor the study participant is aware of the treatment received. See also Single-Blind Study.

Dowsing (not to be confused with divination or any spiritual practice); locating subtle time/space/energy/mass harmonics by interaction of resonant lines using one's own living system as an objective, directional locator consisting of its own resonant structure.

Mental activity associated with the rapid-eye-movement period of sleep. Generally consists of visual images and may reflect bodily disturbances or external stimuli. In primitive and ancient cultures, dreams played an extensive role in myth and religion. Freud emphasized dreams as keys to the makeup of the individual and distinguished between the experienced content of a dream and the actual meaning of the dream. Jung held that dreams are not limited to the personal unconscious but may also be shaped by archetypes that originate in the collective unconscious of the human species.

Also called Ear Coning. 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.

Electrolytes are substances in the blood, tissue fluids, intracellular fluids, or urine which conduct an electrical charge, either plus or minus. Examples include acids, bases, and salts, such as potassium, magnesium, phosphate, sulfate, bicarbonate, sodium, chloride, and calcium. Electroytes provide inorganic chemicals for cellular reactions and control mechanisms, such as the conduction of electro-chemical impulses to nerves and muscles. Electrlytes are also needed for key enzymatic reactions involved in metabolism, or the release of energy from food.

The endocrine glands, including the testicies, ovaries, pancreas, adrenals, thyroid, parathyroid, are central to the regulation and normalization of all the body's complex, inter-connected systems, from metabolism and heat production to spermatogenesis and uterine preparations for pregnancy.

An energy based approach to healing that may involve the laying on of hands used to influence the human energy system.

Any one of the numerous complex proteins that are produced by living cells and catalyze specific biochemical reactions.

A form of therapy that employs supplements of plant and animal enzymes to improve digestive function and other conditions. During digestion, the body’s own digestive enzymes are not the only ones at work; the enzymes present in raw fruits and vegetables also contribute to the breakdown of food in the stomach. Enzyme therapy advocates supplementation to reduce the work that the body has to do, and because plant enzymes are destroyed in cooking. Since enzymes can’t be synthetically manufactured, supplements are derived from plants or from animal tissues. Some practitioners inject liquid enzymes to treat cancer and multiple sclerosis. Enzyme supplements are available over the counter, singly or in combination, in capsule, tablet, powder, and liquid form.

A female hormone responsible for stimulating the development of female secondary sex characteristics.

Also known as Geomancy, is the art of placement. The meaning of which, is literally, "wind and water." It was studied and developed in China about 4,000 years ago. Everything in creation is "energy." The natural elements have their own electro-magnetic energy field, just like humans do. These magnetic fields interact with each other, and with awareness we can harmonize them, and in this harmony everything can serve its purpose for the highest good of the individual and the whole. Natural elements and electromagnetic energies do affect the quality of people's lives. The ancient Chinese learned how to live in harmony with these forces in order to maximize their health, wealth and harmonious relationships. This art form is used to locate the most suitable site for a new building, to make simple interior adjustments and major architectural choices for homes and places of business. An office with improved Feng Shui can help increase internal and external harmony, productivity and income, more harmonious relationships, resolve conflicts and help one feel more energized in life.

Essences that are intended to alleviate negative emotional states that may contribute to illness or hinder personal growth. Drops of a solution infused with the captured essence of a flower are placed under the tongue or in a beverage. The appropriate essences are chosen, focusing on the clients emotional state rather than on a particular physical condition.

A free radical is an unstable, toxic molecule of oxygen with an unpaired electron that steals an electron from another molecule and produces harmful effects. Free radicals are formed when molecules within cells react with oxygen (oxidize) as part of normal metabolic processes. Free radicals then begin to break down cells, especially the cell membranes, often in a matter of minutes to an hour. A single free radical can destroy a cell. Their work is enhanced if there are not enough free radical-quenching nutrients, such as vitamins C and E, in the cell. While free radicals are normal products of metabolism, uncontrolled free-radical production plays a major role in the development of degenerative diseases, including cancer and heart disease. Free radicals harmfully alter important molecules, such as proteins, enzymes, fats, even DNA. Other sources of free radicals include pesticides, industrial pollutants, smoking, alcohol, viruses, most infections, allergies, stress, even certain foods and excessive exercise.

Friendly bacteria, or probiotics, refer to beneficial microbes inhabiting the human gastrointestinal tract where they are essential for proper nutrient assimilation. The human body contains an estimated several trillion beneficial bacteria comprising over 400 species, all necessary for health. Among the more well known of these are lactobacillus acidophilus and Bifidabacterium bifidum. Overly acidic bodily conditions, chronic constipation or diarrhea, dietary imbalances, consumption of highly processed foods, and the excessive use of antibiotics and hormonal drugs can interfere with probiotic function and even reduce the number of these microbes, setting up conditions for illness.

A cellular organism that subsists on organic matter.

A glandular extract ia a purified nutritional and therapeutic product derived from one of several animal glands including the adrenal, thymus, thyroid, ovaries, testes, pancreas, pineal, and pituitary. It is prescribed by a physician for a person whose corresponding gland is underfunctioning and not producing enough of its own hormone. The various glands are part of the endocrine system which, along with the nervous system, coordinates the functioning of all of the body's systems.

A natural amino sugar found in joint spaces. As a dietary supplement, it is said to stimulate the repair of arthritic joints by building up the protective cartilage that arthritis destroys.

Blood sugar; an intermediate in the metabolism of carbohydrates in the body.

Glyconutrients are nutritional supplements with a blend of specific plant saccharides that provide support for the immune system by enhancing cell to cell communications. The term comes from