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Aarti Also spelt arati, Sanskrit word from 'aa' (towards) and 'rati' (highest love for god), a Hindu ritual where lights made from wicks soaked in ghee are offered to deities. It also refers to the song sung during this ritual.

Abhyanga Ayurvedic oil massage where two therapists perform a gentle, rhythmic and synchronized massage with pressure suited to the client's dosha.

Acupressure A treatment which puts physical pressure on different points of the body to improve the ftow of chi, release muscle tension and promote healing.

Acupuncture Ancient Chinese healing technique using needles to balance chi, following diagnoses by the tongue, pulse and personal history.

Aikido Japanese martial arttechniques include spherical movements to turn the opponent's energy back on himself.

Alexander technique Devised by Australian actor Frederick Alexander, a simple, practical method that teaches how to recognize and overcome habits that cause unnecessary body tension, so improving movement, balance and body awareness.

Ama Sanskrit for toxins blocking the body. Anusara yoga Founded by American yoga teacher John Friend in 1997, a hatha yoga system backed by an uplifting philosophy that looks for the good in all people and all things.

Applied kinesiology Alternative medicine that claims to be able to diagnose imbalances in the body by using tools such as gentle non-intrusive muscle tests. Massage, nutritional advice and counselling are then used to stimulate the body's own healing ability.

Aquawellness Deep relaxation using a form of shiatsu with the body supported in warm water.

Aromatherapy Ancient healing art using essential plant oils to aid circulatory and digestive problems, act as sedatives or stimulate the nervous system. Containing antibacterial and therapeutic qualities, the essences are used in massages, can be inhaled, or used as a relaxant in the bath.

Asana Literally 'seat' in Sanskrit, the word originally referred to the sitting position used for meditation. Yogis started to experiment with different body postures, and the term now refers to any physical posture used in yoga.

Ashram Place of solace where a community drawn by a common (usually spiritual) goal lives together.

Ashtanga (or Astanga) yoga The yogi's code of practice, ashtanga (Sanskrit for 'eight limbs') is the eight-limbed path set out by the Indian sage Patanjali in his Yoga Sutras.ln theory any yoga taught according to these principles may be called ashtanga yoga, but it usually refers to the ashtanga vinyasa style of yoga taught by Sri K Pattabhi Jois in Mysore. This is a cleansing, moving meditation using a dynamic breathing technique with three progressively more difficult series of asanas (primary, second and advanced). The system was discovered in an ancient palm leaf manuscript in the 1930s by the grandfather of modern yoga Sri T Krishnamacharya, whose students were Sri K Pattabhi Jois and BKS Iyengar. To teach ashtanga vinyasa, a teacher must have trained with Sri K Pattabhi Jois in Mysore and have been given permission to teach by him.

Astral Body A subtle body corresponding to the physical body through which our vital energy, or prana, ftows.lt contains our emotional, mental and intellectual faculties. When we die, the astral and physical bodies separate.

Autobiographical work Self assessrnent process to identify issues or events in your life that have formed your needs, desires or behavioural patterns.

Ayurveda Indian holistic system of health dating back over 5000 years.
Bandhas Internal muscular locks used in yoga. Bastis Oil enemas used for detoxing.

Belly dancing Ancient art of self-expression for women of all ages.

Bentonite clay Sedimentary, swelling clay composed of weathered volcanic ash that opens like a sponge when mixed with water. Often used during detoxing to help absorb and dislodge toxins.

Bhagavad Gita Ancient Sanskrit text revered as one of the most sacred by most Hindu traditions. Its teachings embrace all aspects of human actions searching to resolve the eternal struggle between the material and the spiritual.

Bikram yoga Created by Bikram Choudhury, this 'hot' yoga, a series of 26 postures practised in a temperature of 37"C (1 08'F).

Bio dancing Style of dance which stimulates the mind and body with music, rhythm and emotion. It focuses on the 'five lines ofthe Vivencia' (living experience): vitality, sexuality, creativity, affectivity and transcendence. Has been used to treat depression and promote a fuller enjoyment of life.

Biodynamic food & wines Developed from the anthroposophical teachings of Rudolf Steiner where an ecological and sustainable ethical and spiritual as well as practical considerations.

Bio-resonance Also called bio-magnetic resonance, a therapy based on the idea that the body is made up of energy and has an electromagnetic field, or resonance. Electrodes attached to a specially designed machine measure vibrations emitted by the different meridians of the body to help diagnose and treat conditions such as skin and weight problems, asthma, allergies, viral infections and fibromyalgia.

Body composition Analysis of body mass index (BMI) to discover percentage body fat and help work out a nutrition or exercise programme.
 
Bodywork Therapy using massage or exercise for relaxation or to ease tension and pain. May involve correction of posture or movement, and some methods treat both mind and body.

Body wraps Used to detox the system, soothe aching muscles or hydrate skin, the body is smothered in mud, seaweed, fruit or herbs then wrapped in linen.

Bowen technique Holistic therapy devised by Australian self-taught osteopath Tom Bowen in the 1940s, involving application of gentle pressure on the fascia (connective tissue) to trigger energy release and rebalance the body.

Breathwork Method of continuous, circular breathing to produce a relaxed state and release deep emotions. Also see Pranayama.

Buddhism Practical philosophy of living and a non-theistic religion based on the teachings of the Buddha. A Buddhist aims to overcome the stress of existence and achieve nirvana (the end of suffering). Followers train and purify the mind by following the Four Noble Truths and the Noble Eightfold Path to understand the true nature of everything, and find peace and liberation.

Budokon Fusion of martial arts, meditation and vinyasa ftow yoga.

Burpee Vigorous, fast exercise beginning in a squa' position, kicking feet back to press up position, returning feet to squat position then leaping up as high as possible.

Capoeira Afro-Brazilian martial art.

Chakras From the Sanskrit meaning 'wheel' or 'circle'; each of seven energy centres in the body that are concerned with its psychic energy ftow.

Chakra balancing Energy work using gentle toucr to align the chakras.

Champissage see Indian head massage. Chanting The repetition of a mantra, often used to prepare the mind for meditation. See Kirtan.
Dance therapy Also called dance movement therapy or choreotherapy, the use of rhythm (with or without music) and physical movementto liberate body and soul.
Daoism See Taoism.

Deep tissue massage Firm and deep therapeutic massage using specific techniques to release tensions and knots that have built up over a period of time, and relieve emotional tension.

Detox The removal of toxins from the body. The body does this naturally through the skin, liver and kidneys but many therapists believe the process can be helped by various treatments and activities from sweating in a sauna to undertaking a cleansing fast with or without colonic irrigation.

Dharma Right or wise way of living that leads to liberation, emphasized in the philosophical teachings of Buddhism, Hinduism, Jainism and Sikhism. In yoga philosophy, following your own dharma means acting responsibly and behaving in a manner appropriate to your level of spiritual awareness.

Do-in Acupressure with massage and physical exercise resembling yoga asanas to balance the flow of energy through the body.

Doshas The three bodily energies vata, pitta and kapha, which dictate our individual constitution.

Dru yoga From the Sanskrit 'dhruva', meaning still and unchanging, uses unique Energy Block Release Sequences to release tension and stress from the mind as well as the body, and focuses on increasing the powerful energy of the heart by using flowing movements between postures.

Dry flotation Version of flotation therapy; the body is cocooned and suspended above a water bed rather than in a tank of water.

Dynamic yoga Version of ashtanga vinyasa yoga. Teacher Godfri Dev teaches his own dynamic yoga training method based on the Eight Limbs of Yoga.
 

Ear candling Originally a folk medicine used to remove wax and 'toxins' from the ear, this therapy i~volves placing one end of a hollow candle into the ear and lighting the other end. It is thought to be effective in relieving headaches, tinnitus, sinus problems and stress.

EFT (emotional freedom technique) Psycho-therapeutic method based on the beliefthatthere is a link between the body's energy system and our psychology, used to relieve depression, anxiety, stress, addictions, phobias and more. The client focuses on a negative emotion or memory while a therapist taps the fingers on the meridians of the body to restore balance.

Eight Limbs of Yoga Series of steps to purify the body and mind and reach enlightenment written by the indian sage Patan)aJj jn the Yoga Sutras. They are the yamas, or abstentions such as non-violence and non-stealing; the niyamas, or observances such as purity and living with awareness; the asanas, or bodily postures; pranayama, or breath control; pratyahara, or drawing the senses inward; dharana, or concentration; dhyana, or meditation; all of which lead to samadhi, or superconsciousness.

Enema Procedure of introducing liquids into the rectum and colon to loosen and remove the toxic waste. See colonic irrigation.

Esalen massage First developed at the Esalen Institute, a massage using long strokes with other techniques such as shiatsu, acupressure, lymphatic drainage and reflexology to unblock energy and promote deep relaxation.

Essential oils Concentrated oils extracted from plants and flowers used in massage or aromatherapy for their relaxing and rejuvenating properties. There are over 100 types with different therapeutic and antibacterial qualities.

Fasting Abstaining from the intake of food for a period of time to detox the system, one of the oldest healing techniques in the world. A properly supervised cleansing fast may involve some light meals such as soups and broths, supplements such as probiotics, and lots of water and herbal teas.
 

Feldenkrais method Focuses on awareness through movement to improve posture, relieve tension and muscle pain, create greater relaxation and increase vitality.

Feng shui Literally 'wind' (feng) and 'water' (shui); the art of harmonious living, an ancient Chinese practice of arrangement of space to achieve harmony with the environment. Based on the idea that different things contain different energies which affect us physically, emotionally and spiritually.

Five/5 Rhythms Devised by Gabrielle Roth in the 1960s, improvised and expressive movement based on five musical rhythms; flOWing, staccato, chaos, lyrical and stillness. Each has a different energy which enables participants to find their own musical expression and so free the mind, body and spirit.

Flotation therapy First used by NASA scientists to simulate a zero-gravity environment. You float in an enclosed tank full of salt and mineral water heated to body temperature. Being isolated from external stimuli in a weightless environment totally relaxes the muscles and joints, improves sensory awareness and brings about a deep feeling of wellbeing.
Flower remedies Homeopathic form of healing using dilutions of flower essences to treat emotional imbalances. Devised by Englishman Dr EdwardBach in the 1930s, other versions now exist such as Australian Bush Flower Essences.

Flow yoga See Vinyasa yoga.

Four Noble Truths Series oftruths mapped out by the Buddha after he obtained Enlightenment, which now form the bedrock ofBuddhistteachings. They are The Noble Truth of Suffering, The Noble Truth of the Origin of Suffering, The Noble Truth ofthe Cessation of Suffering, and The Noble Truth ofthe Way Leading to the Cessation of Suffering. The last one is the Noble Eightfold Path (see below).

Fusion yoga Melding of different styles of yoga with qigong to produce physical and emotional self-awareness.

Guru Spiritual guide orteacher who has attained complete insight. In HindUism, Buddhism and Sikhism the guru is seen as a sacred path or way to self-realization.

Gyrotonic Exercise using rhythmic, sweeping movements derived from yoga, tai chi, swimming, dance and gymnastics. Based on spherical awareness, it addresses all seven elements of spinal movement, uses breathing techniques similar to those used in Pilates.

Hammam Turkish bath.

Hasya or laughter yoga Simulated laughter which, changing the breath, relaxes the mind, increases the blood flow and strengthens the immune system.

Hatha yoga Derived from ha (sun) and tha (moon), this style of yoga aims to balance and unite these masculine and feminine energies in the mind and body, and was developed by the ancient rishis (sages) of India for purification and spiritual evolution. It has become a generic term for the practice of yoga asanas, pranayama, mudras and bandhas, all of which seek to stabilize the mind and body and harness kundalini energy. Although 'hatha' is sometirnes used to describe a more gentle yoga practice, ashtanga vinyasa, sivananda and iyengar yoga are all examples of hath a yoga.

Hawaiian temple bodywork Also known aslomi lomi (literally, taking everything apart from the heart), a cerernonial four-handed massage originally devised for Hawaiian royalty. Two therapists perform rhythmic movements while you focus on your breathing. As you relax, the massage becomes more vigorous and you are moved and cradled in any direction necessary to release bodily and emotional tensions.

Hellerwork Created by Arnerican Joseph Heller, who trained in rolfing; treatment based on the belief that the body stores the trauma we have experienced in our lives and keeps us stuck in the past. Given as a course oftreatrnents, the often painful deep connective tissue work airns to release built-up stresses and tension. Discussion of feelings that come to the surface during treatment is a key part.

Herbal medicine Also known as herbalism or phytotherapy, an ancient practice using the healing powers of plants and plant extracts as teas, pills, elixirs, creams and oils to prevent and cure illness. Used in many types of complernentary therapies including ayurveda, homeopathy, naturopathy and Chinese medicine.
Holistic From the Greek 'holos' meaning 'whole', a holistic approach to health and fitness seeks to harmonize your lifestyle by looking at your rnental, physical, emotional and spiritual wellbeing, rather than just one elernent in isolation.

Homeopathy From the Greek 'homoios' (like) and 'pathos' (suffering), a holistic health care practice developed by German Dr Hahnemann in the 18th century and based on the concept of treating 'like with like'. The beliefis that disease can be cured by giving patients minute doses of natural substances which, when given in undiiuted form to healthy people, produce symptoms similar to the disease.

Hot-stone therapy Speciality massage using smooth, heated basalt stones on the chakras of the body.
Hydrotherapy Therapeutic use of water ('hydro' in Greek) which may involve exercise, immersion and massage in hot or cold water.

Hypnotherapy Treatment that uses hypnosis to help people understand the underlying causes of their addictions, phobias, insomnia, amnesia, stress, pain, inhibitions and more.

Indian head massage Also known as champissage, an ayurvedic massage of the head, neck, face and shoulders, which manipulates the body's energy channels to reduce muscular and nervous tension.
 
Infra-red sauna Small pod which produces heat from infra-red rays to help detox the body.
Insight meditation See vipassana meditation. Integral yoga Holistic style of yoga originally taught by Indian Swami Satchidananda, incorporating pranayama, asanas, relaxation, visualisation, meditation, chanting, philosophy and spirituality.

Iyengar yoga Highly structured form of yoga devised by BKS Iyengar, who is based in Pune, India. As well as following The Eight Limbs of Yoga, the style uses props such as belts, blocks, ropes, bricks and chairs to assist in performing asanas, with a great attention to detail so that the body is correctly aligned. Iyengar was a student of the grandfather of modern yoga, Sri T Krishnamacharya.

Jamu Traditional Indonesian herbal medicine.
Janzu Warm water therapy similar to watsu; the body is manipulated to unblock physical, emotional and mental energy. Often seen as a rebirthing therapy, with the water representing the amniotic fluid ofthe womb.

Jnana yoga One ofthe four main paths of yoga, the path of self-knowledge or wisdom.

Kalari a specially built practice and worship area used forthe Indian martial artkalarippayattu.

Kalarichikitsa Ancient Indian healing tradition combining ayurveda with marma therapy, which manipulates the energy points of the body to ease pain, Devised by Kalari warriors, who were healers as well as fighters.

Kalarippayattu Ancient martial art from Kerala in Southern India combining body movements with a strong spiritual focus.

Kapha Dosha made up of the elements earth and water.

Karma yoga One of the four main paths of yoga, the path of selfless action. In an ashram or on a retreat, it entails helping the community with practical tasks such as gardening and cleaning. The idea is that during the task you observe how your mind reacts.

Ki Japanese word for 'life force' or 'vital energy'. See Chi.

Kinesiology Scientific study of human movement and posture. Not to be confused with applied kinesiology, see above.

Kirtan Devotional chanting.

Kneipp therapy Founded by Bavarian priest Sebastian Kneipp in the 19th century, a hydrotherapy using herbal extracts in alternating hot and cold water treatments including wraps and baths.

Kripalu yoga Founded by Amrit Desai, kripalu yoga focuses on the potential for transformation and fulfilrnent through deep asana practices that emphasize inward focus, meditation and breathwork.
Kripalu yoga teachers are trained at Kripalu in the USA.

Kriya From the Sanskrit for 'action' or 'deed', any technique or practice within a yoga discipline, often used to refer to yoga cleansing techniques such as ja!a net! (sinus irrigation) and kunja! (a system of stomach cleansing using salt and water).

Kriya Yoga A yoga with a strong spiritual element brought into public awareness by Indian yogi Paramahansa Yogananda through his book Autobiography of a Yogi.

Kundalini 'Kunda' is Sanskrit for 'to coil or spiral', and in tantra and yoga this is the energy or life force which lies like a coiled serpent at the base of our spine. It is seen as the link to a higher awareness which, once awakened, calms the mind and turns the body into a vehicle of bliss.

Qigong Also spelt chi kung, a Chinese exercise regime using breathing and movement to develop a strong chi. At its core is the art of wu wei: letting go of habitual striving through simpie movements and standing postures.

Raja yoga One of the four main paths of yoga, the yoga of physical and mental control. Set out by Patanjali in his Yoga Sutras, it's the yoga that most people in the West intend to practise when they take up yoga, though many Westem yoga classes purely focus on bodily control.

Raw food diet Uncooked, unprocessed and usually organic food. Proponents claim that by eating a diet of 80% raw and 20% steamed or flash fried food, the live enzymes that aid digestion are not lost, so boosting the immune system and raising energy levels.

Reflexology Use of fingertip pressure on the reflex zones of the feet, to ease pain and discomfort, relax the body and improve energy flow. The theory is that these reflex zones correspond to particular areas ofthe body, and the manipulation ofthe feet will bring corresponding reliefto the relevant area or organ.

Regression therapy Hypnotherapy going back into a person's past in order to find reasons for behaviour pattems and help the person heal.

Reiki From the Japanese 'rei' (universal) and 'ki' (life force), a healing practice developed by Japanese Christian theologian Mikao Usui from ancient Tibetan teachings. The therapist places their hands over or on the body for a few minutes in 12 basic positions to open up the chakras and balance the body physically, mentally and emotionally. Reiki is passed from teacher to student by particular initiation rites; reiki masters follow a spiritual way of life as well as treat people.

Rinpoche Or Rimpoche, Tibetan word meaning 'the precious one', this is a Tibetan Buddhist honorific title used for inca mate lamas. It is also used as a term of respect for teachers and gurus.

Rolfing Named after Dr Ida Rolf (1896-1979), a biochemist who developed this system of soft tissue manipulation she called Structural Integration. In a course oftreatments, the therapist works on the fascia (connective tissue) to improve posture by helping the body to relax in natural positions rather than fight gravity, so easing pain and stress, and improving everyday movement and activity.

Sangha From the Sanskrit for an assembly, used to refer to a group of ordained Buddhist monks responsible for maintaining and spreading the teachings of the Buddha.

Satsang Sanskrit for 'true company', a spiritual gathering where you chant, meditate and listen to a reading or a talk on an essentiai aspect of yogic philosophy.

Satvik energy therapy Form of healing that works on the electromagnetic field that surrounds the body. By facilitating the flow of this energy, it aims to boost physical, emotional and spiritual health.

Satyananda yoga Style of yoga devised by Paramahamsa Satyananda and taught at the Bihar School of Yoga in India, it combines an effective set of uncomplicated, stretching and meditative movements to exercise every joint and muscle in a methodical way, with practices such as yoga nidra, kirtan, mouna and karma yoga.

Scaravelli yoga Based on the style of yoga developed by Vanda Scaravelli (1908-1999), who was a student of BKS Iyengar and TKV Desikachar, and who emphasized the importance ofthe spine, the natural gravity ofthe body and awareness ofthe breath.

Self practice The way yoga was originally passed on from teacher to student, on a one-to-one basis, with the student working on the practice given by the teacher until they were ready for the next stage. Today it is used at the Ashtanga Yoga Research institute in Mysore, India and in group ashtanga classes around the globe, with students working at their own pace and level within a class, and the teacher offering individual heip when n'eeded,

Seva Selfless service, especially in Sikhism, also in Hinduism It specifically means serving others, where Karma Yoga is selfless service which is also done for your own spiritual growth,
Shadow yoga Energetic practice combining hatha, aspects of ayurveda and martial arts, designed by Shandor Remete to prepare Westem students for the more difficult asanas,

Shala Sanskrit word meaning 'school'; refers to a room, pavilion or centre for yoga practice.

Shaman The mediator or interpreter forthe 'universal field of consciousness' or spirit world of which, shamanism understands, we are all a part. It is often said that the shaman walks with one foot in the everyday worid and one foot in the spirit world.

Shamanic healing Practices performed by a shaman or practitioner to help or heal another person, Methods, tools, symbology and medicines will vary across cultures, but primarily the healing is a three-way connection between the client, shaman and the universe or spirit.

Shamanism Ancient spiritual path based on the knowledge of a 'universal field of consciousness' or spirit world through which humans are connected with each other, the earth and all things. Shamanism aims to diagnose and cure human suffering by accessing and controlling the 'spirits' or fundamental energies through a series of practices such as the shamanic joumey, the trance-dance, the vision quest and the puritying ceremony of the sweat lodge. Practitioners understand that all of us come from shamanistic cultures if we look back far enough in time, Similar to animism, which believes everything to have soul or spirit.

Shiatsu Means 'finger pressure' in Japanese, Similar to acupressure, this is a massage technique that appiies pressure to the various acupoints to improve the flow of chi and reiax the body, and is good for treating musculoskeletal problems.

Shirodara Ayurvedic treatment where a continuous stream ofwarmed herbal oil is poured across the forehead for about 25 minutes. Calming and relaxing, it is often used to treat insomnia.
Sitting meditation Meditating in a sitting position, ideally with the knees below the hips by sitting cross"legged, raised on a cushion or a small meditation stool, or seated on a chair.

Sivananda yoga Style of yoga devised by Indian Swami Sivananda and brought to the West in 1957 by his disciple Swami Vishnu-devananda, promoting five easy to understand principles for healthy living, based on the balance achieved by combining the four main yogas, karma, bhakti, raja and jnana, with proper relaxation, exercise, breathing and diet, and positive thinking and meditation. The asana practice is based on 12 postures performed in a specific order with breathing and relaxation between each posture. Sivananda yoga teachers can quality after just one month's training, though most who take this course are extremely devoted to their practice and to liVing a yogic life.

Somatic movement Healing exercise based on the link between our physical movement and nervous system. Becoming conscious of howwe move and being able to express inner feelings through movement and dance is all part of the Somatic process.

Sophrology From the Greek 'sos' (harmony, serenity), 'phren' (consciousness) and 'logos' (science, study), meaning the study ofthe harmony of the human consciousness, created by Dr Alfonso Caycedo in the 1960s.lt is a technique of simple, easy to leam exercises based on relaxation and concentration, which teach you to become more aware of how your body and mind function in harmony,

Sports massage Deep tissue massage aimed at the muscles used in physical activity, to prevent injury, enhance performance, restore muscle tone and relieve stress and muscle pain.

Sufi dance Whirling or spinning meditation practised by the dervishes in Turkey as a symbolic ritual to get rid of ego and desire and thus reach a higher state of being.

Swami Sanskrit word meaning 'owner of oneself. It is used in Hindu as an honorary title meaning 'lord' or 'master' and denotes learning and knowledge of a particular religious or spiritual field.