Category: Holistic
ModalityManual and self-applied acupoint pressure
Acupressure is the application of pressure to acupuncture points on the body, by hand or wristband, without needles.
ComplementaryHolistic
Entry details
- Aliases
- Acupoint massage
- Tradition
- Traditional Chinese medicine (acupoint and meridian framework)
- Related concepts
- Acupoints, Meridians (jingluo), PC6 (P6) wrist point, Self-acupressure, Sham acupressure, Acupressure wristbands, De Qi sensation
Reference record available.
ModalityYoga style: hammock-supported fitness yoga (member of Yoga Styles)
Aerial yoga is a style of yoga in which postures are practiced with a fabric hammock hung from the ceiling.
ComplementaryHolistic
Entry details
- Aliases
- Anti-gravity yoga, Hammock yoga
- Tradition
- Yoga traditions
- Related concepts
- Not assigned
Reference record available.
ModalityMovement and postural education
The Alexander Technique is an educational method in which teachers help people change habitual movement and posture.
HolisticComplementary
Entry details
- Aliases
- The Alexander Technique
- Tradition
- Alexander teaching lineages
- Related concepts
- Primary control, Inhibition, Direction, Use of the self
Reference record available.
ConceptConcept: bliss as the nature of ultimate reality and as a contemplative state in Indian traditions
Ānanda is a Sanskrit word for bliss, used in Indian philosophy for the nature of ultimate reality and for contemplative joy.
HolisticMetaphysical
Entry details
- Aliases
- Ananda, Bliss (Ānanda), Sat-chit-ananda, Saccidananda
- Tradition
- Vedanta (Upanishadic and Advaita texts), Classical yoga (Patanjali's Yoga Sutras), Tantric Yoga (Ananda Marga tradition)
- Related concepts
- Sat-chit-ananda, Brahman, Panchakosha (five sheaths of the self), Samprajnata samadhi, Hedonic and eudaimonic well-being
Reference record available.
ModalityAncestor-focused ritual and lineage-based healing practice
A broad term for ritual, spiritual and counselling practices that relate to ancestors, family lineage or inherited trauma.
MetaphysicalHolistic
Entry details
- Aliases
- Ancestral medicine, Lineage repair work
- Tradition
- Ancestor veneration in Bantu-speaking Africa, Chinese ancestor veneration, Confucian royal ancestral rites (Korea), Mexican festivity dedicated to the dead, Andean Indigenous healing (Taky Samy), Contemporary lineage-based ritual practice, Systemic family constellation work
- Related concepts
- Ancestor veneration, Lineage repair, Ancestral guides, Ritual offerings, Historical trauma, Historical unresolved grief, Intergenerational trauma, Transgenerational epigenetic inheritance, Developmental programming, FKBP5 methylation, Family systems
Reference record available.
ConceptConcept: belief that behavior, trauma or illness patterns are carried across generations of a family
The idea that behavior, trauma or illness patterns are carried from one generation of a family to the next.
MetaphysicalHolistic
Entry details
- Aliases
- Generational Healing, Generational patterns, Intergenerational patterns, Transgenerational patterns, Family-line patterns
- Tradition
- Bowen family systems theory, Psychogenealogy (French-language tradition), Holocaust-survivor family research, Indigenous historical trauma frameworks, Attachment research, Family and systemic constellation work
- Related concepts
- Multigenerational transmission process, Differentiation of self, Intergenerational trauma, Transgenerational trauma, Historical trauma, Historical unresolved grief, Secondary traumatization, Epigenetic inheritance, Developmental programming, Genogram, Family secrets, Attachment transmission
Reference record available.
ModalityHuman-animal interaction therapy
Animal-assisted therapy is a goal-directed intervention in which a trained animal takes part in a professional's therapy.
ComplementaryHolistic
Entry details
- Aliases
- AAT, Pet therapy
- Tradition
- Not assigned
- Related concepts
- Animal-assisted intervention, Animal-assisted activity, Animal-assisted education, Therapy animal, Handler, Equine-assisted activities and therapies, Hippotherapy, Therapeutic horseback riding, Zoonosis, Infection control, Animal welfare
Reference record available.
ModalityDietary pattern described as lowering inflammation
The anti-inflammatory diet is a popular label for eating patterns described as lowering inflammation in the body.
ComplementaryHolistic
Entry details
- Aliases
- Antiinflammatory diet, Anti-inflammatory dietary pattern
- Tradition
- Not assigned
- Related concepts
- Dietary Inflammatory Index, Inflammatory biomarkers (CRP, IL-6), Pro-inflammatory versus anti-inflammatory dietary patterns, Surrogate markers versus clinical outcomes, Risks of unnecessary dietary restriction
Reference record available.
ModalityModern postural yoga style with Tantric philosophy
Anusara Yoga is a style of hatha yoga founded in the US in 1997 that pairs alignment principles with Tantric philosophy.
ComplementaryHolistic
Entry details
- Aliases
- Anusara
- Tradition
- Yoga traditions
- Related concepts
- Mind-Body Connection, Spirituality, Awareness
Reference record available.
ModalityFamily of hands-on bodywork methods done with the receiver in warm water
Aquatic bodywork is a family of hands-on methods in which a practitioner moves and supports a person in warm water.
ComplementaryHolistic
Entry details
- Aliases
- Aquatic bodywork, Water bodywork, Warm-water bodywork
- Tradition
- Zen Shiatsu, Harbin Hot Springs, California, Halliwick Concept, Tai chi and qigong-influenced water exercise
- Related concepts
- Warm-water immersion, Supported floating, Passive stretching and joint mobilization, Breath-synchronized movement, Water Breath Dance, Underwater work with a nose clip, Ten-Point Programme
Reference record available.
ModalityBranded abdominal and pelvic bodywork and self-care method derived from Belizean Maya healing
Arvigo Maya Abdominal Therapy is a trademarked external abdominal bodywork method taught by Rosita Arvigo's students.
ComplementaryAlternativeHolistic
Entry details
- Aliases
- Arvigo Techniques of Maya Abdominal Therapy, Arvigo Therapy, Arvigo Techniques, ATMAT, Arvigo bodywork protocol, Tul'ix Therapy
- Tradition
- Maya healing, Garifuna bush medicine, Naprapathy
- Related concepts
- Apprenticeship lineage, Five systems of flow, Chu'lel, Uterine position, Self-care massage, Pelvic steams, Cultural exchange and appropriation, Branded protocol
Reference record available.
ModalityPosture-based yoga style with fixed sequences and breath-linked movement
Ashtanga Yoga is a posture-based yoga style of set sequences linked to breath, taught in Mysore-style and led classes.
ComplementaryHolistic
Entry details
- Aliases
- Ashtanga Vinyasa Yoga, Ashtanga Vinyasa, Ashtanga yoga method, Mysore-style yoga, Pattabhi Jois yoga
- Tradition
- Yoga traditions, Hinduism
- Related concepts
- Mind-Body Connection, Attention, Awareness, Spirituality
Reference record available.
ModalityParenting philosophy and approach
Attachment parenting is a child-rearing philosophy and brand that emphasizes close contact and responsiveness.
Holistic
Entry details
- Aliases
- AP, Attachment-style parenting
- Tradition
- Attachment theory
- Related concepts
- Responsive caregiving, Babywearing, Breastfeeding, Bed-sharing, Nurturing touch, Positive discipline
Reference record available.
ConceptConcept: initiation rite in spiritual traditions and a relational term in psychology
Attunement is a term for spiritual initiation rites and for emotional matching between people in psychology.
MetaphysicalHolistic
Entry details
- Aliases
- Reiki attunement, Reiki initiation, Reiju, Shaktipat initiation, Affect attunement, Affective attunement, Interpersonal attunement, Therapist attunement
- Tradition
- Reiki, Usui Reiki Ryoho, Western Reiki, Siddha Yoga, Developmental psychology, Psychotherapy research, Interpersonal neurobiology
- Related concepts
- Initiation rite, Reiju, Shaktipat, Affect attunement, Interpersonal attunement, Misattunement, Therapeutic alliance, Responsiveness, Expectation effects
Reference record available.
ConceptConcept: the capacity to know one's experience, across contemplative and psychological settings
Awareness is the capacity to know one's experience, a term used differently in philosophy, psychology and contemplation.
MetaphysicalHolistic
Entry details
- Aliases
- Nondual awareness, Witnessing consciousness
- Tradition
- Indian Buddhist philosophy of mind (Abhidharma and Yogacara), Tibetan Buddhism (Nyingma Dzogchen), Hinduism, Western philosophy of mind, Cognitive neuroscience of consciousness, Social and personality psychology, Mindfulness-based programs
- Related concepts
- Consciousness, Attention, Self-awareness, Objective self-awareness, Private self-consciousness, Rumination and reflection, Reflexive awareness (svasamvedana, rang rig), Rigpa (rig pa), Witnessing consciousness (sakshin), Nondual awareness, Higher-order theories of consciousness, Neural correlates of consciousness, Mindful attention awareness, Meditation-related adverse effects, Self-loss and ego dissolution
Reference record available.
ModalityTraditional medical system of the Indian subcontinent
Ayurveda is a traditional medical system of the Indian subcontinent that combines herbal, dietary and body therapies.
HolisticComplementary
Entry details
- Aliases
- Ayurvedic medicine, Ayurvedic
- Tradition
- Sanskrit medical literature of South Asia, Ayush systems of India
- Related concepts
- Tridosha (vata, pitta, kapha), Agni (digestive fire), Ama (accumulated toxins), Constitutional assessment, Panchakarma, Rasayana, Rasa shastra, Dinacharya (daily regimen), Ashtanga Ayurveda (eight branches)
Reference record available.
ModalityDietary approach within a traditional South Asian medical system
The Ayurvedic Diet is the set of food and eating principles within Ayurveda, framed by doshas, digestion and tastes.
ComplementaryHolistic
Entry details
- Aliases
- Ayurvedic nutrition, Ayurvedic nutritional therapy, Dosha diet, Ayurveda diet, Ayurvedic eating
- Tradition
- Yoga traditions
- Related concepts
- Dosha, Agni, Prakriti, Rasa (six tastes), Ama, Sattvic, rajasic and tamasic foods
Reference record available.
ModalityAyurvedic oil-based self-massage
Ayurvedic self-massage is oil massage applied by a person to their own body, described in Ayurvedic texts as a daily routine.
ComplementaryHolistic
Entry details
- Aliases
- Abhyanga, Nitya-abhyanga, Ayurvedic oil massage, Ayurvedic daily oil massage
- Tradition
- Ayurveda (South Asian medical tradition), Panchakarma preparatory procedures, Kerala household infant oil massage
- Related concepts
- Abhyanga (oil massage), Nitya-abhyanga (daily self-massage), Dinacharya (daily regimen), Vata dosha, Tila taila (sesame oil), Medicated oils (taila), Swedana (sudation), Oiling of head, ears and feet
Reference record available.
ModalityInfant carrying practice using slings, wraps and carriers
Babywearing is the practice of carrying an infant or young child on the caregiver's body in a sling, wrap or carrier.
Holistic
Entry details
- Aliases
- Baby wearing, Infant carrying, Baby carrying, Portage
- Tradition
- Carrying infants in cloth on the back among mothers in Togo, as described by Peace Corps volunteer Ann Moore
- Related concepts
- Supplemental carrying, Skin-to-skin contact, Maternal responsiveness, Infant crying and fussing, Hip-healthy positioning, T.I.C.K.S. checklist, Infant airway safety
Reference record available.
ModalityWater-based bathing therapies
Balneotherapy is the use of bathing in natural thermal or mineral waters, often at a spa, for health purposes.
HolisticComplementary
Entry details
- Aliases
- Spa therapy, Mineral bath therapy
- Tradition
- Greek and Roman bathing and healing sanctuaries, European spa medicine, French thermal cures (cures thermales)
- Related concepts
- Thermal mineral water, Hydrotherapy, Peloids (therapeutic mud), Radon-carbon dioxide baths, Salt baths with ultraviolet B light, Sulphur baths, Dead Sea baths, Spa cure
Reference record available.
ModalityHindu devotional tradition and yoga path
Bhakti is a Hindu tradition of devotion to a personal deity, expressed through song, prayer and worship.
MetaphysicalHolistic
Entry details
- Aliases
- Bhakti yoga
- Tradition
- Hindu devotional traditions, Vaishnava traditions, Shaiva traditions, Tamil alvar and nayanar poet-saints, Gaudiya Vaishnavism
- Related concepts
- Devotion to a personal deity, Kirtan (call-and-response singing), Bhajan, Four paths named in the Bhagavad Gita, Bhakti movement as a historical idea
Reference record available.
ModalityHeated postural yoga class with a fixed sequence
Bikram Yoga is a heated-room class built on 26 set postures and two breathing exercises, taught in a fixed order.
ComplementaryHolistic
Entry details
- Aliases
- Bikram Beginning Class
- Tradition
- Yoga traditions
- Related concepts
- Mind-Body Connection
Reference record available.
ModalityBody-oriented psychotherapy
Bioenergetics is a body-oriented psychotherapy founded by Alexander Lowen that combines talk with physical exercises.
ComplementaryHolistic
Entry details
- Aliases
- Bioenergetic analysis, Bioenergetic therapy
- Tradition
- Reichian and post-Reichian body psychotherapy, Psychodynamic and psychoanalytic psychotherapy
- Related concepts
- Muscular armour, Character structure, Grounding, Bioenergy (life energy), Catharsis, Breathing stool
Reference record available.
ModalityFamily of birth support roles, education methods and customs
Birth support is a family of roles, classes and customs that accompany pregnancy, labor, birth and early parenthood.
ComplementaryHolistic
Entry details
- Aliases
- Childbirth support, Perinatal support, Maternity support, Labor support, Birth companionship
- Tradition
- Not assigned
- Related concepts
- Continuous labor support, Antenatal education, Midwife-led continuity of care, Woman-centred care, Shared decision making
Reference record available.
ModalityHands-on stress-release technique with light pressure and guided movement
Body Stress Release is a South African hands-on technique that uses light movements to address stored tension.
ComplementaryHolistic
Entry details
- Aliases
- BSR, BSR technique
- Tradition
- South African complementary health practice, Chiropractic-influenced technique
- Related concepts
- Body stress, Stored tension, Biofeedback, Reflex responses, Nervous system efficiency, Practitioner registration
Reference record available.
ModalityEnergy-based system using muscle-response testing and light tapping
BodyTalk is a practice founded by John Veltheim in the 1990s that pairs muscle-response testing with light tapping.
AlternativeHolistic
Entry details
- Aliases
- Body Talk, BodyTalk System, The BodyTalk System
- Tradition
- International BodyTalk Association, Australian-born alternative health system of the 1990s
- Related concepts
- protocol chart, priority, cortices technique, neuromuscular biofeedback (practitioner term), balancing techniques, innate wisdom, distance sessions, BodyTalk Access
Reference record available.
ModalitySomatic movement education and embodied anatomy
Body-Mind Centering is a somatic movement approach developed by Bonnie Bainbridge Cohen for embodied study of body systems.
HolisticComplementary
Entry details
- Aliases
- BMC, Body Mind Centering
- Tradition
- Somatic movement education and therapy, Dance and movement arts, Occupational therapy and neurodevelopmental therapy (founder's training), Laban/Bartenieff movement analysis (founder's training)
- Related concepts
- Embodiment of body systems, Developmental movement, Somatization (Cohen's term), Centering as balancing, Cellular embodiment, Hands-on re-patterning, Kinesthetic empathy
Reference record available.
ModalityInfant feeding and lactation support
Breastfeeding is the feeding of an infant with human milk from the breast, plus the lactation support around it.
HolisticComplementary
Entry details
- Aliases
- Breast-feeding, Human milk feeding, Lactation support
- Tradition
- Not assigned
- Related concepts
- Exclusive breastfeeding, Complementary feeding, Baby-Friendly Hospital Initiative, International Code of Marketing of Breast-milk Substitutes, Lactation counseling, Peer support, Galactagogues, Wet nursing
Reference record available.
ModalityBreath-regulation practices
Breathwork is a group of practices in which a person deliberately changes the rate, depth or pattern of breathing.
HolisticComplementary
Entry details
- Aliases
- Conscious breathing
- Tradition
- Yoga traditions (pranayama), Tibetan Buddhist practice (g-tummo), Contemporary breathwork schools
- Related concepts
- Slow-paced breathing, High-ventilation breathwork, Hyperventilation, Heart rate variability
Reference record available.
ModalityBreathing retraining method
A breathing-retraining programme devised by Konstantin Buteyko that teaches slower, shallower nasal breathing and breath pauses.
ComplementaryHolistic
Entry details
- Aliases
- Buteyko Breathing Technique, Buteyko Breathing Method, Buteyko technique, Buteyko breathing, BBT
- Tradition
- Soviet-era clinical physiology, Complementary respiratory self-management
- Related concepts
- Chronic hyperventilation hypothesis, Carbon dioxide and airway tone, Nasal breathing, Reduced breathing, Control pause, Breath holding after exhalation, Eucapnic breathing, Dysfunctional breathing
Reference record available.
ModalityGroup ritual drinking of prepared cacao
A cacao ceremony is a group ritual in which participants drink prepared cacao with intention-setting and guided activities.
MetaphysicalHolistic
Entry details
- Aliases
- Ceremonial cacao, Cacao circle, Cacao ritual, Cacao medicine ceremony
- Tradition
- Mesoamerican cacao use (Olmec, Maya, Mexica), Ch'orti' Maya rain ceremonies, Neo-shamanism and New Age practice
- Related concepts
- Theobroma cacao, Ceremonial grade, Theobromine, Cocoa flavanols, Intention setting, Entheogen, Plant medicine, Cultural appropriation
Reference record available.
ModalityReconstructed plant-based and ritual healing tradition drawn from Celtic-language sources
Celtic and Druidic healing is a modern term for plant, ritual and medical lore linked to Celtic-speaking peoples.
AlternativeHolistic
Entry details
- Aliases
- Druidic medicine, Celtic medicine, Druid healing, Celtic herbal medicine, Celtic folk medicine
- Tradition
- Early Irish medicine, Medieval Welsh medical texts, Irish and Scottish folk remedies, Druid Revival, Modern Druidry
- Related concepts
- Mistletoe, Oak, Selago, Physicians of Myddfai, Liaig, Sick-maintenance, Folk plant remedies
Reference record available.
ModalityAdaptive yoga: seated or chair-supported postures, breathing and relaxation
Chair yoga adapts yoga postures, breathing and relaxation to be done seated or standing with a chair for support.
ComplementaryHolistic
Entry details
- Aliases
- Seated Yoga, Chair-Based Yoga
- Tradition
- Yoga traditions
- Related concepts
- Mind-Body Connection, Awareness
Reference record available.
ModalityAntenatal education and birth-preparation classes
Childbirth Preparation is education, usually in classes, that prepares pregnant people and partners for labour and birth.
ComplementaryHolistic
Entry details
- Aliases
- Antenatal education, Antenatal classes, Childbirth education, Prenatal education, Childbirth classes, Birth preparation classes
- Tradition
- Natural childbirth movement, Psychoprophylactic method (Lamaze), Bradley Method, HypnoBirthing (Mongan Method), Antenatal care in health services
- Related concepts
- Fear-tension-pain, Psychoprophylaxis, Breathing and relaxation techniques, Self-hypnosis, Birth companion or coach, Informed consent, Antenatal classes
Reference record available.
ModalityParenting approach and parent self-awareness practice
Conscious parenting is an approach in which a parent's own self-awareness is held to shape how they relate to their children.
Holistic
Entry details
- Aliases
- Mindful parenting, Conscious parent
- Tradition
- Buddhism
- Related concepts
- Mindful parenting, Listening with full attention, Nonjudgmental acceptance, Emotional awareness, Self-regulation in parenting, Self-compassion, Parenting stress, Parental reflective functioning, Intergenerational transmission of parenting patterns
Reference record available.
ModalityWorkplace yoga and mind-body program
Corporate yoga is a set of yoga and mindfulness sessions that employers offer to staff at work or online.
ComplementaryHolistic
Entry details
- Aliases
- Workplace yoga, Yoga in the workplace
- Tradition
- Yoga traditions
- Related concepts
- Mindfulness, Mind-Body Connection, Attention
Reference record available.
ModalitySound practice: instrument-based sound bath and sound meditation
Crystal singing bowls are quartz glass bowls played by rubbing or striking to make sustained tones in sound baths.
ComplementaryHolisticMetaphysical
Entry details
- Aliases
- Quartz crystal singing bowls, Quartz singing bowls, Crystal bowls, Quartz crystal bowls
- Tradition
- New Age spirituality, Yoga traditions
- Related concepts
- Mindfulness, Attention, Spirituality, Mind-Body Connection
Reference record available.
ModalitySuction-based skin and soft-tissue procedures
Cupping therapy is a practice in which cups are placed on the skin and suction is applied, sometimes after skin incisions.
HolisticComplementary
Entry details
- Aliases
- Cupping, Hijama, Hijamah, Al-hijamah, Bá guàn
- Tradition
- Traditional Chinese medicine, Arabic and Islamic traditional medicine (hijama), Unani medicine, Egyptian medical writings, Greek and later European medicine
- Related concepts
- Dry cupping, Wet cupping (bloodletting cupping), Fire cupping (flame-created suction), Moving cupping, Negative pressure, Sham cupping, Reporting standards for cupping trials
Reference record available.
TraditionTradition: Latin American and Mexican American folk healing
Curanderismo is the folk healing tradition of Mexico and Latin America, also practiced in Latino communities in the United States.
MetaphysicalAlternativeHolistic
Entry details
- Aliases
- curanderismo, Mexican folk healing, Mexican American folk healing, Latin American folk healing, Mexican traditional medicine, curandero, curandera, curanderos
- Tradition
- Not assigned
- Related concepts
- Soul, Spirituality, Mind-Body Connection
Reference record available.
ModalityArts-based psychotherapeutic movement practice
Dance therapy is a form of psychotherapy that uses movement and dance as its main medium of expression and change.
ComplementaryHolistic
Entry details
- Aliases
- Dance movement therapy, Dance/movement therapy, DMT, Dance movement psychotherapy, Movement therapy
- Tradition
- Chace method, Authentic Movement, Laban movement analysis, Jungian-influenced movement work, Adlerian-influenced dance therapy
- Related concepts
- Empathic reflection, Mirroring, Movement observation, Active imagination, Functional Technique, Psycho-physical unity, Body image work, Informed consent for touch
Reference record available.
ModalityAboriginal wind instrument used in sound practice and breath training
The didgeridoo, called yidaki by the Yolngu, is a wooden drone horn from northern Australia, now played worldwide.
ComplementaryHolisticMetaphysical
Entry details
- Aliases
- yidaki, yiḏaki, didjeridu, didjeridoo
- Tradition
- Aboriginal Australian traditions, New Age spirituality
- Related concepts
- Attention, Mind-Body Connection, Spirituality
Reference record available.
ModalityFamily of named eating patterns and food-based programs
A family of named eating patterns and food-based programs adopted for health, ethical, religious or cultural reasons.
ComplementaryHolistic
Entry details
- Aliases
- Dietary patterns, Named diets, Eating patterns
- Tradition
- Islam, Christianity
- Related concepts
- Therapeutic diet, Elimination diet, Fasting, Calorie restriction, Dietary pattern, Nutritional adequacy, Dietary misinformation
Reference record available.
ModalityLifestyle regimen within Ayurveda (daily routine)
Dinacharya is the Ayurvedic term for a daily regimen of conduct, covering waking, hygiene, meals, activity and rest.
ComplementaryHolistic
Entry details
- Aliases
- Dinacarya, Dinacaryā, Ayurvedic daily routine, Ayurvedic daily regimen
- Tradition
- Hinduism, Yoga traditions
- Related concepts
- Circadian rhythm, Ritucharya (seasonal regimen), Agni, Dosha, Sleep regularity
Reference record available.
ConceptConcept: archetypal masculine principle in spiritual, Jungian and wellness teachings
The divine masculine is a spiritual concept of an archetypal masculine principle that adherents say is present in any gender.
MetaphysicalHolistic
Entry details
- Aliases
- Sacred Masculine, Sacred Masculinity, Divine Masculine Energy
- Tradition
- Hindu Sankhya and Shaiva thought, Chinese yin-yang cosmology, Jungian analytical psychology, Mythopoetic men's movement, Sacred masculine wellness teachings
- Related concepts
- Purusha, Shiva, Yang, Animus, Archetype, King, Warrior, Magician, Lover, Wild Man, Masculinity ideology, Gender essentialism, Divine Feminine, Green Man
Reference record available.
ModalityNon-clinical perinatal support (pregnancy, labor and postpartum)
A doula is a trained non-clinical support person who offers emotional, physical and informational help around birth.
ComplementaryHolistic
Entry details
- Aliases
- Birth doula, Labor doula, Postpartum doula, Antepartum doula
- Tradition
- Not assigned
- Related concepts
- Continuous labor support, Non-clinical support, Birth companion, Postpartum doula support, Community-based doula care, Doula scope of practice
Reference record available.
ModalityGroup and individual rhythm-based drumming activity
Drum therapy is the use of group or individual drumming, often in facilitated circles, for wellbeing or rehabilitation.
HolisticComplementary
Entry details
- Aliases
- Therapeutic drumming, Group drumming, Drum circles, Drumming therapy, Recreational drumming
- Tradition
- Jembe (djembe) drumming in Mali and Guinea, Sámi noaidi drum traditions, Core shamanism (contemporary Western), Community music-making, Music therapy (a separate profession)
- Related concepts
- Rhythmic entrainment, Facilitated drum circle, Recreational music-making, Call-and-response, Altered states of consciousness, Shamanic journeying, Neuroendocrine-immune markers, Hand-arm vibration, Noise exposure
Reference record available.
ModalityBarefoot or conductive contact with the ground
Earthing, also called grounding, is contact between the body and the ground, barefoot or through conductive products.
AlternativeHolistic
Entry details
- Aliases
- Grounding, Barefoot grounding, Electrical grounding of the body
- Tradition
- Modern wellness and natural-health movements
- Related concepts
- Free electrons, Antioxidant hypothesis, Conductive mats and patches, Barefoot walking, Electromagnetic hygiene
Reference record available.
ModalityParenting approach: infant toileting
Elimination communication is a caregiving approach in which parents respond to an infant's signals to use a potty.
Holistic
Entry details
- Aliases
- EC, Natural Infant Hygiene, Infant potty training, Baby-led potty training, Assisted infant toilet training, Diaper-free
- Tradition
- Traditional infant toileting practices described in Asia and Africa
- Related concepts
- Infant cues, Caregiver-assisted toileting, Toilet readiness
Reference record available.
ConceptConcept: ability to recognize, name, understand and express emotions
Emotional literacy is the ability to recognize, name, understand and express emotions in oneself and in others.
Holistic
Entry details
- Aliases
- Emotional intelligence
- Tradition
- Not assigned
- Related concepts
- Emotional intelligence, Emotional granularity, Alexithymia, Emotion regulation, Affect labeling, Social and emotional learning, RULER approach, Transactional analysis
Reference record available.
ModalitySupportive care family: psychosocial, spiritual and non-medical support near the end of life
An umbrella term for psychosocial, spiritual and practical supports offered to people near the end of life and their families.
ComplementaryHolistic
Entry details
- Aliases
- End-of-life care support, End-of-life support
- Tradition
- Hospice movement, Palliative care
- Related concepts
- Total pain, Dignity, Meaning-making, Life review, Legacy work, Advance care planning, Death literacy, Spiritual care, Existential distress
Reference record available.
ConceptConcept: study of stable changes in gene activity that do not alter DNA sequence
Epigenetics is the study of stable changes in gene activity that do not alter the DNA sequence itself.
Holistic
Entry details
- Aliases
- DNA methylation, Epigenetic regulation
- Tradition
- Not assigned
- Related concepts
- DNA methylation, Histone modification, Non-coding RNA, Epigenome, Epigenetic clock, Biological age, Transgenerational inheritance, Gene expression, Imprinting
Reference record available.
ModalitySomatic movement education
A movement-based form of somatic education taught in group lessons or one-to-one with gentle touch.
HolisticComplementary
Entry details
- Aliases
- Feldenkrais, Awareness Through Movement, Functional Integration
- Tradition
- Not assigned
- Related concepts
- somatic education, movement awareness, motor learning, Awareness Through Movement, Functional Integration
Reference record available.
ModalityGuided or self-led nature immersion
A slow, sensory time among trees, from the Japanese shinrin-yoku, in which attention rests on sights, sounds and smells.
HolisticComplementary
Entry details
- Aliases
- Shinrin-yoku, Forest therapy, Forest medicine, Nature immersion
- Tradition
- Japanese preventive health programme (shinrin-yoku, 1980s)
- Related concepts
- Nature connection, Mindful attention, Stress reduction, Forest therapy guide
Reference record available.
ModalityReflective and psychotherapeutic practice rooted in religious and philosophical traditions
Forgiveness is a practice of responding to a wrong by relinquishing resentment, taught in religious traditions and in counselling.
HolisticComplementary
Entry details
- Aliases
- Forgiveness therapy, Forgiveness interventions
- Tradition
- Judaism (teshuvah), Christianity, Buddhism, Islam, Counselling and clinical psychology, Moral philosophy
- Related concepts
- Resentment, Decisional and process-based forgiveness, Enright process model, REACH model, Self-forgiveness, Reconciliation, Condoning and excusing, Interpersonal hurt
Reference record available.
ModalityParenting approach (empathic, non-punitive child-rearing)
Gentle parenting is a popular label for empathic, non-punitive child-rearing that combines warmth with limit setting.
Holistic
Entry details
- Aliases
- None recorded
- Tradition
- Not assigned
- Related concepts
- Authoritative parenting, Emotion coaching, Positive parenting, Parental burnout
Reference record available.
ModalitySound-based relaxation and meditation practice using gongs
Gong therapy is a sound practice in which participants listen, often lying down, to gongs played by a facilitator.
ComplementaryHolisticMetaphysical
Entry details
- Aliases
- Gong bath, Gong meditation, Gong healing
- Tradition
- Yoga traditions, Buddhism
- Related concepts
- Mind-Body Connection, Spirituality
Reference record available.
ModalityReflective and expressive appreciation exercises
Gratitude practice is the deliberate noticing and acknowledging of what a person appreciates, often via lists, journals or letters
HolisticComplementary
Entry details
- Aliases
- Gratitude practice, Gratitude journaling, Gratitude exercises, Gratitude interventions, Counting blessings, Gratitude listing, Gratitude letters
- Tradition
- Buddhism (Pali canon), Roman Stoicism, Islam, Positive psychology
- Related concepts
- Counting blessings, Gratitude listing, Gratitude letter writing, Gratitude journaling, Savouring appreciation, Positive psychology interventions, Subjective well-being
Reference record available.
ModalityCounseling and psychotherapy for bereavement and grief
Grief counseling is professional support for bereaved people, offered one-to-one, in groups or in hospice settings.
ComplementaryHolistic
Entry details
- Aliases
- Bereavement counseling, Bereavement support, Grief therapy, Grief support, Bereavement counselling
- Tradition
- Psychotherapy, Palliative and hospice care, Peer support
- Related concepts
- Grief, Bereavement, Mourning, Prolonged grief disorder, Complicated grief, Dual process model, Stage theory of grief, Continuing bonds, Meaning reconstruction, Grief-focused cognitive behavioral therapy, Peer support groups, Risk factors for complicated grief
Reference record available.
ModalityBody-contact practice with the earth or conductive grounding systems
Grounding, or earthing, is direct bodily contact with the earth, such as walking barefoot or using conductive mats indoors.
HolisticComplementary
Entry details
- Aliases
- Earthing, Biological grounding
- Tradition
- Earthing movement of the 2000s and 2010s, associated with Clint Ober and colleagues
- Related concepts
- Direct contact of the body with the earth's surface, Walking barefoot outdoors, Conductive sheets, mats and patches used indoors, Electrons from the earth (proponent hypothesis), Psychological grounding techniques are a separate term
Reference record available.
ModalityManual skin-scraping technique of Chinese and Southeast Asian folk medicine
Gua sha is a technique in which a smooth-edged tool is stroked firmly over lubricated skin until marks appear.
ComplementaryHolistic
Entry details
- Aliases
- Scraping therapy, Coining, Coin rubbing, Cao gio, Kerokan, Spooning, Press-stroking, Guasha
- Tradition
- Traditional Chinese medicine, Chinese folk medicine, Vietnamese folk medicine (cao gio), Indonesian folk medicine (kerokan), Southeast Asian household remedies (coining)
- Related concepts
- Sha (petechiae), Blood stagnation, Petechiae and ecchymosis, Unidirectional scraping, Lubricated skin, Smooth-edged tools, Instrument-assisted soft tissue mobilisation, Microcirculation (proposed mechanism)
Reference record available.
ModalityVoice-led meditation practices
Guided meditation is meditation led by a voice, live or recorded, that directs a person's attention during the session.
ComplementaryHolistic
Entry details
- Aliases
- Audio-guided meditation, Guided mindfulness meditation
- Tradition
- Yoga nidra, Secular mindfulness-based programmes, Contemporary meditation apps
- Related concepts
- Self-guided digital delivery, Facilitator-guided delivery, Mindfulness training apps, Adherence, Meditation-related adverse events
Reference record available.
ModalitySouth Asian yoga system of postures, breath control and cleansing, and a modern postural class label
Hatha Yoga is a system of yoga described in medieval Sanskrit texts and a common label for modern postural yoga classes.
ComplementaryHolistic
Entry details
- Aliases
- Haṭha yoga, Haṭhayoga, Hatha-yoga, Hatha yoga classes
- Tradition
- Yoga traditions, Hinduism, Buddhism
- Related concepts
- Mind-Body Connection
Reference record available.
ModalityIndigenous Native Hawaiian health and healing traditions
Hawaiian Health is an umbrella term for Native Hawaiian ways of understanding health, illness and healing, past and present.
HolisticComplementary
Entry details
- Aliases
- Native Hawaiian health, Native Hawaiian healing, Hawaiian traditional healing, Hawaiian healing traditions, Kānaka ʻŌiwi healing
- Tradition
- Native Hawaiian (Kānaka ʻŌiwi, Kānaka Maoli), Lāʻau lapaʻau (plant-based medicine), Lomilomi (massage), Hoʻoponopono (family reconciliation process), Pule (prayer), Kūpuna councils of traditional Hawaiian healing practices
- Related concepts
- Ola (health and wellbeing), Mauli ola (health and wellbeing, as used by Papa Ola Lōkahi), Lōkahi (harmony), Maʻi (illness, understood as imbalance), Pilina (relationships), ʻĀina (land), Mālama ʻāina (caring for the land), Kūpuna (elders)
Reference record available.
ModalityManual therapy: massage of the scalp, head, neck and face
Head massage is manual massage of the scalp, head, neck and sometimes the face, offered in spas, clinics and care settings.
ComplementaryHolistic
Entry details
- Aliases
- Indian head massage, Champi, Scalp massage, Head and scalp massage, Head and facial massage
- Tradition
- Indian head massage (champi), Ayurvedic head oiling (shiro-abhyanga), Chinese head massage, Thai yoga facial massage, Western spa and beauty therapy
- Related concepts
- Scalp and facial manipulation, Effleurage and petrissage, Marma points, Consultation and contraindication screening, Aftercare advice, Heart rate variability, Stress hormones
Reference record available.
ModalityManual soft-tissue bodywork with movement education and dialogue
Hellerwork is a branded series of structural bodywork, movement education and dialogue sessions.
ComplementaryHolistic
Entry details
- Aliases
- Hellerwork Structural Integration, Heller Method
- Tradition
- Structural integration, Rolfing-derived bodywork, Somatic education
- Related concepts
- Fascia, Structural bodywork, Movement education, Somatic dialogue, Posture, Series of sessions
Reference record available.
ModalityPlant-based medicine (herbalism and phytotherapy)
Herbal medicine is the use of plants and plant extracts, such as teas, tinctures and capsules, for health purposes.
AlternativeComplementaryHolistic
Entry details
- Aliases
- Herbalism, Phytotherapy, Botanical medicine, Western herbal medicine, Western herbalism, Medical herbalism
- Tradition
- Western herbalism, Modern European phytotherapy, Nineteenth-century American botanical medicine (Thomsonianism), Greco-Roman materia medica
- Related concepts
- Materia medica, Plant extract, Individualized herbal formula, Fluid extract and tincture, Herb-drug interaction, Product authentication, Adulteration and contamination
Reference record available.
TraditionTradition: Hmong animist spiritual and healing tradition
Hmong shamanism is the animist spiritual and healing tradition of Hmong communities, centered on the txiv neeb.
MetaphysicalHolistic
Entry details
- Aliases
- Hmong shamanism, Hmong traditional religion, Hmong religiosity, Txiv neeb tradition, Ua neeb
- Tradition
- Not assigned
- Related concepts
- Ntsuj plig (multiple souls), Poob plig (soul loss), Hu plig (soul calling), Ancestor veneration, Spirit world, Reincarnation, Shaman calling, Medical pluralism
Reference record available.
ModalityNative Hawaiian family reconciliation practice and related modern forgiveness and self-help methods
Hoʻoponopono is a Native Hawaiian family process for restoring relationships, also used for later self-directed methods.
MetaphysicalHolistic
Entry details
- Aliases
- Hoʻoponopono, Ho'oponopono, Hooponopono, Self I-Dentity Through Ho'oponopono, SITH
- Tradition
- Native Hawaiian (Kānaka Maoli) family practice, Queen Liliʻuokalani Children's Center documentation (1960s-1970s), Self I-Dentity Through Ho'oponopono (Morrnah Simeona), Popular four-phrase self-help form
- Related concepts
- pono, haku (facilitator), ʻohana, kukulu kumuhana, hihia, mahiki, mihi, kala, ʻoia iʻo, pule wehe and pule hoʻopau, forgiveness
Reference record available.
CategoryCategory: label for approaches that consider the whole person
Holistic is a label for health approaches that consider body, mind, spirit and social setting together, not one symptom.
Holistic
Entry details
- Aliases
- Whole-person approach, Holism in health care
- Tradition
- Holism (Jan Smuts, 1926), Holistic health movement, Holistic nursing, Holistic medicine associations
- Related concepts
- Whole person health, Biopsychosocial model, Body, mind and spirit, Integrative health, Complementary and alternative medicine, Palliative care, Wellbeing
Reference record available.
ModalityWhole-person health concept and approach
Holistic health is a whole-person approach that considers physical, mental, social and spiritual factors together.
HolisticComplementary
Entry details
- Aliases
- Holistic medicine, Whole person care, Ganzheitsmedizin
- Tradition
- Holism (Jan Smuts, 1926), Holistic health movement (1970s-1980s), Holistic nursing
- Related concepts
- Whole person care, Body-mind-spirit, Biopsychosocial model, Mind-body dualism, Reductionism and mechanism, Individual responsibility for health, Wellbeing, Integrative health, Complementary and alternative medicine
Reference record available.
ModalityYoga practiced in a heated, often humid room
Hot yoga is yoga practiced in a heated, often humid room, with studio temperatures usually around 32 to 40 °C.
ComplementaryHolistic
Entry details
- Aliases
- Heated yoga
- Tradition
- Yoga traditions
- Related concepts
- Mind-Body Connection, Mindfulness
Reference record available.
TraditionTradition: school of thought in psychology and psychotherapy
Humanistic psychology is a mid-twentieth-century school of psychology centered on subjective experience, meaning and growth.
HolisticComplementary
Entry details
- Aliases
- Humanistic psychology, Third force psychology, Third Force, Humanistic movement
- Tradition
- Not assigned
- Related concepts
- Self-actualization, Hierarchy of needs, Person-centered therapy, Core conditions, Unconditional positive regard, Empathic understanding, Congruence, Existential-humanistic therapy, Third force, Human potential movement, Growth and becoming, Meaning
Reference record available.
ModalityUmbrella family of distinct Indigenous and traditional healing and ceremonial practices
A family label for many distinct healing, ceremonial and medicinal practices held by Indigenous peoples worldwide.
HolisticMetaphysicalAlternative
Entry details
- Aliases
- First Nations, Native American, Native Canadian, Aboriginal Practices, Indigenous Traditions, Indigenous Health, Amazonian Traditions, Sacred Ceremonies, Ceremonial Practices
- Tradition
- Māori (rongoā), Anangu (ngangkari), Native American Church, Huni Kuin and other Amazonian peoples, Saraguro (Ecuador), Mazatec, Bwiti (Gabon), Native Hawaiian (lomilomi), Sangoma and nyanga (South Africa), Mexican curanderismo, First Nations, Inuit and Métis in Canada
- Related concepts
- Cultural safety, Traditional knowledge, Health equity, Relationality, Land and wellbeing, Ceremony, Plant medicines, Cultural appropriation
Reference record available.
ModalityParent-directed behavioral sleep guidance for infants and toddlers
Infant Sleep Coaching is paid or self-directed guidance for parents on settling babies and toddlers to sleep.
HolisticComplementary
Entry details
- Aliases
- Sleep Coaching, Infant sleep training, Baby sleep training, Infant sleep consulting, Behavioral infant sleep intervention
- Tradition
- Not assigned
- Related concepts
- Graduated extinction, Unmodified extinction, Bedtime fading, Controlled crying, Responsive settling, Safe sleep
Reference record available.
ConceptConcept: state of calm and composure described across traditions
Inner peace is a state of calm and composure that religious, philosophical and psychological traditions describe differently.
Holistic
Entry details
- Aliases
- Peace of mind
- Tradition
- Buddhism, Hinduism, Christianity, Taoism
- Related concepts
- Equanimity, Upekkha, Shanti, Apatheia, Ataraxia, Hesychia, Wu wei, Peace of mind, Low-arousal positive affect, Ideal affect
Reference record available.
ModalityModel of care combining conventional and complementary approaches
Integrative medicine is a model of healthcare that combines conventional treatment with complementary approaches.
HolisticComplementary
Entry details
- Aliases
- Integrative health, Integrative medicine and health
- Tradition
- Academic integrative medicine (United States), Integrative medicine in general practice (Australia), University complementary and integrative outpatient care (Germany)
- Related concepts
- Whole-person care, Patient-centred care, Conventional medicine, Complementary approaches, Multimodal interventions, Coordinated care, Integrative oncology, Lifestyle interventions, Medical pluralism
Reference record available.
ModalitySupportive cancer care field combining complementary and conventional approaches
Integrative oncology is a field of cancer care that uses complementary approaches alongside conventional cancer treatment.
ComplementaryHolistic
Entry details
- Aliases
- Integrative oncology care, Integrative cancer care
- Tradition
- Integrative medicine, Conventional oncology supportive care, Mind and body practices
- Related concepts
- Complementary use alongside treatment, Alternative use instead of treatment, Patient-centred care, Evidence-informed recommendations, Symptom management, Herb-drug interactions, Clinical practice guidelines
Reference record available.
ModalityDietary pattern: eating-window and fasting-day approaches
Intermittent fasting is a family of eating patterns that alternate set periods of fasting with periods of ordinary eating.
ComplementaryHolistic
Entry details
- Aliases
- IF, Time-restricted eating, Time-restricted feeding, Alternate-day fasting, 5:2 diet
- Tradition
- Islam, Christianity
- Related concepts
- Time-restricted eating, Alternate-day fasting, Circadian rhythm, Continuous calorie restriction, Fasting-mimicking diet
Reference record available.
ConceptConcept: judgment or knowing reached without deliberate step-by-step reasoning
Intuition is a judgment or sense of knowing that arrives without deliberate, step-by-step reasoning.
MetaphysicalHolistic
Entry details
- Aliases
- Intuitive judgment, Gut feeling
- Tradition
- Decision research and cognitive psychology, Clinical practice (nursing and family medicine), Anthroposophy, Philosophy (Henri Bergson), Contemporary psychic and New Age teaching
- Related concepts
- Dual-process theory, Heuristics, Naturalistic decision making, Tacit knowledge, Gut feelings, Precognition, Presentiment, Clairsentience, Inner guidance
Reference record available.
ModalityGuided meditation protocol adapted from yoga nidra
iRest is a ten-stage guided meditation protocol adapted from yoga nidra and taught through the iRest Institute.
ComplementaryHolistic
Entry details
- Aliases
- iRest, Integrative Restoration, iRest meditation, iRest yoga nidra protocol
- Tradition
- Yoga traditions
- Related concepts
- Awareness, Mindfulness, Mind-Body Connection, Attention
Reference record available.
ModalityHistorical and contemporary medical traditions of Muslim societies
Islamic medicine is a term for medical learning and practice linked to Muslim societies, used in several distinct senses.
HolisticAlternative
Entry details
- Aliases
- Arabic medicine, Arab-Islamic medicine, Islamic medical tradition
- Tradition
- Classical medicine of the Islamic Golden Age, Prophetic medicine (al-ṭibb al-nabawī), Hijama (cupping) as practised in Muslim communities, Contemporary Islamic bioethics
- Related concepts
- Greco-Islamic medical theory, Bimaristan (hospital), Hadith literature, Honey, Black seed (Nigella sativa), Hijama (cupping), Bloodletting, Spiritual and physical care
Reference record available.
ModalityModern postural yoga method taught with props
Iyengar Yoga is a method of yoga developed by B.K.S. Iyengar in India, taught with props and graded teacher training.
ComplementaryHolistic
Entry details
- Aliases
- BKS Iyengar Yoga, Iyengar method, Iyengar Yoga method
- Tradition
- Yoga traditions
- Related concepts
- Mind-Body Connection, Attention
Reference record available.
ModalityTraditional herbal medicine of Indonesia
Jamu is the herbal medicine tradition of Indonesia, especially Java, made from roots, leaves and spices.
AlternativeHolistic
Entry details
- Aliases
- Indonesian traditional herbal medicine, Jamu wellness culture
- Tradition
- Javanese herbal medicine, Indonesian traditional medicine
- Related concepts
- Hot and cold balance, Jamu gendong (street-sold fresh jamu), Industrial packaged jamu, Jamu saintifik (scientific jamu), Jamu scientification program (saintifikasi jamu), Polyherbal formulas
Reference record available.
ModalityLight-touch energy practice (hand-hold sequences, with a self-help form)
Jin Shin Jyutsu is a Japanese-origin practice in which hands are held on set body points, by a practitioner or oneself.
HolisticAlternative
Entry details
- Aliases
- Jin Shin Jitsu, JSJ, Jin Shin Jyutsu physio-philosophy
- Tradition
- Japanese practice attributed to Jiro Murai (1886-1960), Mary Burmeister's United States transmission (from 1965), Haruki Kato's Japanese line, Jin Shin Jyutsu, Inc. teaching organisation
- Related concepts
- Safety Energy Locks, Energy pathways and flows, Mudras (hand positions), Main Central Vertical Flow, Self-help practice, Tai-eki (body fluids), The Depths
Reference record available.
ModalityYoga style: vinyasa-based method with devotional and ethical teachings
Jivamukti Yoga is a yoga method founded in New York in 1984 that pairs posture classes with five named tenets.
ComplementaryHolistic
Entry details
- Aliases
- Jivamukti, Jivamukti Yoga Method, Jivamukti Method
- Tradition
- Yoga traditions
- Related concepts
- Spirituality, Mind-Body Connection
Reference record available.
TraditionTradition: school of psychology and psychotherapy founded by C. G. Jung
A school of psychology founded by C. G. Jung, built around the unconscious, symbols and a process called individuation.
Holistic
Entry details
- Aliases
- Jungian analytical psychology
- Tradition
- Not assigned
- Related concepts
- Collective unconscious, Archetypes, Individuation, Shadow, Persona, Complexes, Active imagination, Synchronicity, Transference, Dream interpretation, Mandala
Reference record available.
TraditionTradition: Pano-speaking Indigenous healing and ceremonial tradition of Acre, Brazil
The Katukina are a Pano-speaking Indigenous people of the upper Juruá in Acre, Brazil, with shamanic and healing traditions.
HolisticMetaphysical
Entry details
- Aliases
- Katukina, Katukina Pano, Pano Katukina, Noke Koï, Katukina do Campinas
- Tradition
- Not assigned
- Related concepts
- Kampô, Panema (hunting bad luck), Rome (shamanic power), Oni (ayahuasca), Rome poto (snuff), Romeya (shamanic specialist), Shamanic songs, Traditional knowledge, Noke haweti (culture)
Reference record available.
ModalityPlant-based medicine and Pacific Island ceremonial drink (herbal supplement)
Kava is a Pacific Island plant, Piper methysticum, whose root is made into ceremonial drinks and supplement extracts.
ComplementaryHolistic
Entry details
- Aliases
- Kava kava, Awa, Ava pepper, Piper methysticum, Kawa, Yaqona, Sakau
- Tradition
- Pacific Islander traditional kava use
- Related concepts
- Kavalactones, Aqueous (water-based) extract, Organic-solvent extract, Noble cultivar, Herb-induced liver injury, Kava dermopathy, Kava bar
Reference record available.
ModalityTuned chime instrument used in meditation, sound sessions and music making
Koshi Chimes are hand-tuned chime instruments with eight metal rods in a bamboo tube, made in southern France.
ComplementaryHolistic
Entry details
- Aliases
- Koshi chime, Koshi wind chimes, Koshi harmonic chimes
- Tradition
- Not assigned
- Related concepts
- Attention, Awareness
Reference record available.
ModalityYogic energy concept and a modern breath, movement and meditation system
Kundalini is a spinal energy concept in tantric yoga and the name of a modern yoga system of kriyas.
MetaphysicalComplementaryHolistic
Entry details
- Aliases
- Kuṇḍalinī, Kundalini yoga, Kundalini Yoga as taught by Yogi Bhajan
- Tradition
- Śākta tantra, Yoga traditions, Tantric Yoga, Ananda Marga (a Tantric Yoga school), Kundalini Yoga as taught by Yogi Bhajan, 3HO (Healthy, Happy, Holy Organization)
- Related concepts
- Kuṇḍalinī as a dormant rising energy, Cakras (energy centres), Central energy channel in the spine, Kriya (a set practice sequence), Pranayama (breath regulation), Mantra and chanting, Meditation, Physio-kundalini (Sannella's term), Kundalini Awakening Scale, Kundalini-like experiences and psychopathology
Reference record available.
ModalityContemplative walking practice on a patterned path
Labyrinth walking is the practice of walking a single winding path to a centre and back, usually as a contemplative exercise.
MetaphysicalHolistic
Entry details
- Aliases
- Walking the labyrinth, Labyrinth walk, Meditative labyrinth walking
- Tradition
- Classical (Cretan) labyrinth design, Medieval Christian cathedral labyrinths, Contemporary labyrinth movement
- Related concepts
- Single winding path, Seven-circuit classical design, Eleven-circuit medieval design, Walking meditation, Facilitated labyrinth walk, Collective walking with a shared intention, Finger labyrinth, Labyrinth versus maze
Reference record available.
ModalityNon-clinical personal-development coaching (umbrella for related coaching practices)
Life coaching is an umbrella term for goal-focused, non-clinical coaching on personal development.
AlternativeHolistic
Entry details
- Aliases
- None recorded
- Tradition
- Inner Game, GROW model, Solution-focused coaching, Cognitive-behavioural coaching, Positive psychology, Humanistic psychology
- Related concepts
- Goal setting, Goal attainment, Coaching agreement, Non-clinical population, Referral to a mental health professional, Well-being, Hope, Strengths, Self-regulation, Core competencies, Code of ethics, Coaching supervision
Reference record available.
ConceptConcept: stable sense of aim and direction that gives a person's life and actions meaning
Life purpose is a sense of aim and direction in life, studied in psychology and framed differently across traditions.
Holistic
Entry details
- Aliases
- Purpose in life, Ikigai
- Tradition
- Hinduism, Buddhism, Christianity
- Related concepts
- Purpose in life, Meaning in life, Logotherapy, Psychological well-being, Ikigai, Dharma, Purusharthas, Calling, Vocation, Life crafting, Demoralization
Reference record available.
ModalityClinical discipline built on health-behaviour change
Lifestyle medicine is a clinical discipline that uses structured changes in daily habits to prevent and manage chronic disease.
Holistic
Entry details
- Aliases
- Lifestyle as medicine, LM
- Tradition
- Preventive medicine, Primary care, Cardiometabolic research
- Related concepts
- Six pillars of lifestyle medicine, Whole-food plant-predominant eating pattern, Physical activity, Restorative sleep, Stress management, Avoidance of risky substances, Positive social connection, Health behaviour change, Motivational interviewing, Type 2 diabetes remission, Social determinants of health, Medication adjustment under clinical supervision
Reference record available.
ModalityNative Hawaiian traditional massage and bodywork
Lomi Lomi is a Native Hawaiian form of massage in which a practitioner kneads and presses the body.
ComplementaryHolistic
Entry details
- Aliases
- Lomilomi, Lomi lomi massage, Hawaiian massage
- Tradition
- Native Hawaiian healing, Lāʻau lapaʻau, Hoʻoponopono
- Related concepts
- Lomi (to knead or rub), Pule (prayer), Kāhuna hāhā, Kāhuna lāʻau lapaʻau
Reference record available.
ModalityDietary system and lifestyle philosophy of Japanese origin
A Japanese-origin dietary system built around whole grains and vegetables and framed by yin-yang ideas.
AlternativeHolistic
Entry details
- Aliases
- Macrobiotics
- Tradition
- Japanese macrobiotics
- Related concepts
- Yin and yang
Reference record available.
ModalityAyurvedic vital-point manual therapy
Marma point therapy is an Ayurvedic practice of stimulating marmas, vital points described in classical texts, by hand.
ComplementaryHolistic
Entry details
- Aliases
- Marma therapy, Marma chikitsa, Marma massage, Marma point massage, Marmacikitsa
- Tradition
- Ayurveda, Yoga traditions, Kalaripayattu
- Related concepts
- Marma (vital points), Prana, Sushruta Samhita, Mind-Body Connection
Reference record available.
ModalityFamily of hands-on soft-tissue manipulation methods
Massage is a family of hands-on methods that apply pressure and movement to the body's soft tissues.
ComplementaryHolistic
Entry details
- Aliases
- Massage therapy, Therapeutic massage
- Tradition
- Swedish (classical) massage, Nuad Thai (traditional Thai massage), Japanese anma, Anthroposophic rhythmical massage, Ayurvedic oil massage, Neuromuscular technique, Vodder manual lymph drainage
- Related concepts
- Soft-tissue manipulation, Effleurage, Petrissage, Friction, Tapotement, Trigger points, Sen lines, Lymph drainage, Pressure intensity, Cautions and contraindications
Reference record available.
TraditionTradition: Maya medical and healing traditions of Mesoamerica
Maya healing is the set of medical and ritual traditions of Maya peoples in Mexico, Guatemala and Belize.
MetaphysicalAlternativeHolistic
Entry details
- Aliases
- Maya healing, Masewal Maya healing in Belize, Maya midwifery, Arvigo Institute and Tul'ix lineage, Maya traditional medicine, Mayan healing
- Tradition
- Not assigned
- Related concepts
- Cosmovision, Fright-related illness, Traditional midwifery, Bonesetting, Medicinal plant knowledge, Intercultural health, Tsak (healing)
Reference record available.
ModalityAbdominal and pelvic bodywork attributed to Maya healing traditions
Mayan abdominal massage is an external abdominal and pelvic massage attributed to Maya healing and midwifery traditions.
HolisticAlternative
Entry details
- Aliases
- Maya abdominal massage, Maya abdominal therapy, Mayan abdominal therapy, Arvigo Techniques of Maya Abdominal Therapy, Arvigo Maya Abdominal Therapy, ATMAT
- Tradition
- Maya healing, Kaqchikel Maya midwifery, Q'eqchi Maya midwifery, Mexican sobada
- Related concepts
- Sobada, Womb repositioning, Chu'lel, Self-care massage, Five systems of flow, Pelvic steams, Uterine position, Apprenticeship lineage
Reference record available.
ModalityMeditation and contemplative
A family of practices that cultivate attention and awareness, with distinct forms across religious and secular settings.
ComplementaryHolistic
Entry details
- Aliases
- Contemplative practice
- Tradition
- Buddhism, Yoga traditions
- Related concepts
- Attention, Mindfulness
Developed article available.
ModalityDietary pattern and regional food heritage
The Mediterranean diet is an eating pattern and food heritage drawn from the cultures of the Mediterranean basin.
ComplementaryHolistic
Entry details
- Aliases
- Mediterranean-style diet, MedDiet, Mediterranean dietary pattern
- Tradition
- Mediterranean regional food heritage
- Related concepts
- Dietary pattern, Cultural heritage, Conviviality, Adherence score
Reference record available.
ConceptConcept: idea that mental and bodily states influence one another
The idea that mental and bodily states influence one another, studied in philosophy, medicine and psychology.
MetaphysicalHolistic
Entry details
- Aliases
- Mind-body relationship, Mind-body interaction, Mind and body connection, Mind-body link
- Tradition
- Seventeenth-century European philosophy, Psychosomatic medicine, Psychoneuroimmunology, Behavioral medicine
- Related concepts
- Mind-body dualism, Problem of mind-body interaction, Biopsychosocial model, Psychoneuroimmunology, Stress response, Allostatic load, Conditioned immune response, Placebo effect, Open-label placebo, Embodied cognition, Persistent somatic symptoms, Mind and body practices
Reference record available.
ModalityAttention-based contemplative practice and structured group programmes
Mindfulness is a family of attention-based practices and group programmes derived from Buddhist meditation.
ComplementaryHolistic
Entry details
- Aliases
- Mindfulness meditation, Mindfulness-based interventions, Mindfulness-based programmes
- Tradition
- Buddhist meditation traditions (Theravada, Zen and Tibetan), Burmese Buddhist reform movements, Secular clinical programmes (MBSR and MBCT), Contemplative science
- Related concepts
- Sati, Bare attention, Mindfulness-Based Stress Reduction (MBSR), Mindfulness-Based Cognitive Therapy (MBCT), Decentering, Body scan, Sitting meditation, Home practice, Relapse prevention, Meditation-related adverse effects
Reference record available.
ModalityReceptive sound and vibroacoustic practice using a multi-string instrument
Monochord therapy is a receptive sound practice in which a person lies on or beside a many-stringed resonant instrument.
ComplementaryHolistic
Entry details
- Aliases
- Body monochord therapy, Monochord music therapy, Treatment monochord, Sound table, Sound bed, Klangliege, Körpermonochord
- Tradition
- Not assigned
- Related concepts
- Mind-Body Connection
Reference record available.
ModalityHeat-based point stimulation in East Asian medicine
Moxibustion is the burning of mugwort herb on or near the skin, usually at acupuncture points, in East Asian medicine.
ComplementaryAlternativeHolistic
Entry details
- Aliases
- None recorded
- Tradition
- Traditional Chinese medicine, Kampo (Japanese traditional medicine), Japanese direct moxa (okyu), Traditional East Asian medicine
- Related concepts
- Moxa (Artemisia vulgaris or Artemisia argyi), Direct moxibustion, Indirect moxibustion, Moxa sticks, Moxa cones, Acupuncture points, Bladder 67 (BL67, Zhiyin), Smokeless moxa, Channels (meridians)
Reference record available.
ModalityChildbirth preparation movement and care philosophy
Natural childbirth is a movement and set of preferences favoring birth with minimal medical intervention, often unmedicated.
ComplementaryHolistic
Entry details
- Aliases
- Natural birth, Unmedicated birth, Unmedicated childbirth, Physiological birth
- Tradition
- Psychoprophylactic method of childbirth, Lay midwifery and home birth movement of the 1970s, Midwifery-led care
- Related concepts
- Physiological birth, Antenatal education, Continuous labor support, Non-pharmacological pain relief, Informed choice, Psychoprophylaxis
Reference record available.
ModalityMulti-modality system of natural and lifestyle-based care
Naturopathy is a system of care built on diet, lifestyle, herbs, water treatments and other non-drug methods.
AlternativeComplementaryHolistic
Entry details
- Aliases
- Naturopathic medicine, Naturheilkunde, Traditional European Naturopathy, Nature care
- Tradition
- German natural healing movement (Naturheilkunde), Kneipp therapy, North American naturopathic medicine, German Heilpraktiker practice, Yoga and naturopathy in India
- Related concepts
- Vis medicatrix naturae (healing power of nature), Tolle causam (identify and treat the cause), Primum non nocere (first do no harm), Docere (doctor as teacher), Tolle totum (treat the whole person), Prevention, Hydrotherapy, Herbal and nutritional medicine, Lifestyle counseling, Tonic remedies
Reference record available.
ConceptConcept: idea that the autonomic nervous system shifts between states that can be steered
A popular term for how the autonomic nervous system shifts between states of arousal and calm.
Holistic
Entry details
- Aliases
- Dysregulation, Vagal tone
- Tradition
- Not assigned
- Related concepts
- Autonomic nervous system, Polyvagal theory, Window of tolerance, Heart rate variability, Vagal tone, Homeostasis, Allostasis, Neuroception, Fight-or-flight response
Reference record available.
ModalityAboriginal traditional healing (Anangu, Western Desert)
Ngangkari healing is the traditional healing practice of Anangu healers of Central Australia's Western Desert.
Holistic
Entry details
- Aliases
- Ngangkari, Ngangkaṟi healing, Anangu traditional healing, Aboriginal traditional healing (Western Desert)
- Tradition
- Anangu, Pitjantjatjara, Yankunytjatjara, Ngaanyatjarra, Western Desert Aboriginal healing
- Related concepts
- kurunpa (spirit), pampuni (touch), mapampa (blowing), marali (spiritual healing and bush medicines), two-way health care, Ngangkaṟiku Tjurkupa (customary law)
Reference record available.
ModalityGuided supine relaxation and meditation practice derived from yoga
Nidra Yoga, more often called yoga nidra, is a guided meditation practice, usually done lying down, taught in modern yoga schools.
ComplementaryHolistic
Entry details
- Aliases
- Yoga Nidra, Yoganidrā, Yogic sleep, iRest, Integrative Restoration
- Tradition
- Śaiva and Buddhist Tantras (textual uses of the term), Medieval Haṭha and Rājayoga texts, Bihar School of Yoga (Satyananda lineage), iRest (Integrative Restoration Institute)
- Related concepts
- Yoganidrā, Samādhi, Turīya (fourth state), Saṅkalpa (resolve), Rotation of consciousness, Nyāsa, Pratyāhāra (sensory withdrawal), Śavāsana (corpse pose), Seven-stage Satyananda protocol, iRest 10-step protocol, Non-Sleep Deep Rest
Reference record available.
ModalityDiet and nutrient-based approaches to mental health care
Nutritional psychiatry is a research field and clinical approach studying diet and nutrients in mental health.
ComplementaryHolistic
Entry details
- Aliases
- None recorded
- Tradition
- Academic psychiatry and nutrition research
- Related concepts
- Diet quality, Mediterranean-style dietary pattern, Dietary Inflammatory Index, Nutraceuticals, Adjunctive treatment, Microbiota-gut-brain axis, Omega-3 fatty acids, Probiotics
Reference record available.
ModalityGentle positional-release bodywork derived from osteopathy
Orthobionomy is a gentle bodywork method, founded by Arthur Lincoln Pauls, that uses positions of ease.
ComplementaryHolistic
Entry details
- Aliases
- Ortho-Bionomy, Orthobionomy, Ortho Bionomy
- Tradition
- Osteopathy, Strain-counterstrain, Somatic bodywork
- Related concepts
- Self-corrective reflex, Positional release, Position of ease, Proprioception, Exaggerating the preferred position, Phases of technique
Reference record available.
ModalityVocal technique and sound practice (overtone and multiphonic singing)
Overtone singing is a vocal technique in which one singer sounds a low drone and a separate high melody together.
ComplementaryHolisticMetaphysical
Entry details
- Aliases
- Harmonic singing, Overtone chanting, Throat singing, Diphonic singing, Biphonic singing, Khoomei, Khöömii, Harmonic chant
- Tradition
- Buddhism, New Age spirituality, Tuvan, Mongolian
- Related concepts
- Awareness, Attention, Spirituality, Mind-Body Connection
Reference record available.
ModalityAyurvedic program of cleansing procedures (shodhana) with preparatory and post-treatment phases
Panchakarma is an Ayurvedic program of five cleansing procedures, preceded by oil-based preparatory steps.
ComplementaryHolistic
Entry details
- Aliases
- Pancha Karma, Pañcakarma, Panchashodhana
- Tradition
- Ayurveda, Hinduism
- Related concepts
- Dosha, Agni, Ama
Reference record available.
ModalityFamily of child-rearing philosophies, practices and parent-support programs
Parenting approaches are named philosophies and programs for how adults feed, soothe, put to sleep and guide children.
HolisticComplementary
Entry details
- Aliases
- Parenting styles and philosophies, Child-rearing approaches, Parenting methods, Parenting philosophies
- Tradition
- Attachment theory, Baumrind parenting-style typology
- Related concepts
- Responsiveness and demandingness, Authoritative parenting, Attachment security, Strange Situation Procedure, Social learning theory parenting programs, Skin-to-skin contact, Graduated extinction, Bedtime fading, Corporal punishment, Complementary feeding, Non-coercive guidance
Reference record available.
ModalityIndigenous sacramental plant ceremonies (peyote cactus)
Peyote and the Native American Church covers sacramental use of the peyote cactus by Indigenous peoples of North America.
MetaphysicalHolistic
Entry details
- Aliases
- Peyotism, Peyote religion, Peyote way, Native American Church of North America, Hikuri (Wixárika), Jíkuri (Rarámuri)
- Tradition
- Native American Church, Half Moon (Tipi) way, Big Moon (Cross Fire) way, Wixárika (Huichol) peyote pilgrimage, Rarámuri (Tarahumara) jícuri ceremonies, Navajo (Diné) peyote meetings
- Related concepts
- Peyote (Lophophora williamsii), Mescaline, Roadman, Sacrament, Hikuri, Wirikuta, Peyote gardens, Indigenous stewardship, Cultural appropriation
Reference record available.
ModalityUmbrella term for plant-based healing practices and plant-derived medicines
Plant medicine is an umbrella term for herbal medicine, ceremonial use of psychoactive plants and plant-derived drugs.
HolisticAlternative
Entry details
- Aliases
- Plant medicines, Botanical medicine, Phytomedicine, Phytotherapy
- Tradition
- Herbal systems of Japan, Indonesia, the Himalaya, India and China, Amazonian ceremonial plant traditions, Andean San Pedro tradition (northern Peru), Mazatec mushroom tradition (Oaxaca, Mexico), Bwiti (Gabon), Native American Church (peyote)
- Related concepts
- Ethnobotany, Herb-drug interaction, Herb-induced liver injury, Natural product drug discovery, Cultural appropriation, Free, prior and informed consent, Benefit-sharing, Psychedelic-assisted therapy
Reference record available.
ModalityDietary approach and umbrella term for plant-centered eating patterns
A plant-based diet is an umbrella term for eating patterns that center on foods from plants.
ComplementaryHolistic
Entry details
- Aliases
- Plant-based diets, Plant-based nutrition, Plant-based eating, Plant-forward diet, Whole food plant-based diet
- Tradition
- Not assigned
- Related concepts
- Healthful plant-based diet index, Unhealthful plant-based diet index, Whole food plant-based diet, Appropriately planned diet, Dietary pattern research
Reference record available.
ModalityParenting approach and parent-education program family
Positive parenting is a term for child-rearing approaches built on warmth, clear expectations and non-punitive guidance.
Holistic
Entry details
- Aliases
- Positive parenting approach
- Tradition
- Adlerian psychology
- Related concepts
- Kind and firm discipline, Belonging and significance, Social learning model, Encouragement
Reference record available.
TraditionTradition: school of psychology on well-being, strengths and flourishing
A school of psychology, launched in 1998-2000, that studies well-being, character strengths and flourishing.
Holistic
Entry details
- Aliases
- Positive psychology
- Tradition
- Not assigned
- Related concepts
- PERMA, Flourishing, Character strengths, Subjective well-being, Positive emotion, Positive psychology interventions, Broaden-and-build theory, Positivity ratio, Toxic positivity, Positive institutions
Reference record available.
ConceptConcept: popular self-help idea that a hopeful mental attitude shapes health and success
Positive thinking is a popular self-help idea that a hopeful mental attitude shapes health, success and well-being.
Holistic
Entry details
- Aliases
- Power of positive thinking
- Tradition
- New Thought
- Related concepts
- Affirmations, Optimism, Positive psychology, Cognitive restructuring, Toxic positivity, Mental contrasting, Mind over matter
Reference record available.
ModalityTraditional postpartum rest and recovery customs
Traditional rest and recovery customs observed for a set period after childbirth in many cultures.
HolisticComplementary
Entry details
- Aliases
- Postpartum confinement, Doing the month, Doing-the-month, Zuo yuezi, La cuarentena, Sanhujori, Pantang larang, Postpartum rituals
- Tradition
- Traditional Chinese Medicine, Chinese, Korean, Mexican, Malay
- Related concepts
- Hot and cold balance, Postpartum rest, Dietary restrictions, Social support
Reference record available.
ModalityVigorous Ashtanga-influenced vinyasa yoga exercise class
Power Yoga is a vigorous, fitness-oriented style of vinyasa yoga that emerged in the United States in the 1990s.
ComplementaryHolistic
Entry details
- Aliases
- None recorded
- Tradition
- Yoga traditions
- Related concepts
- Mind-Body Connection
Reference record available.
ModalityYogic breath-regulation practices
Pranayama is the yogic practice of regulating the breath through controlled inhalation, exhalation and retention.
ComplementaryHolistic
Entry details
- Aliases
- Prāṇāyāma, Yogic breathing, Yoga breathing, Yogic breath regulation
- Tradition
- Yoga, Yoga traditions, Patañjali's Yogasūtra, Haṭhapradīpikā
- Related concepts
- Prāṇa, Āyāma, Kumbhaka (breath retention), Pūraka (inhalation), Recaka (exhalation), Nāḍī śodhana, Kapālabhāti, Bhastrikā, Ujjāyī, Bhrāmarī, Śītalī, Slow breathing
Reference record available.
ModalityReligious and spiritual devotional practice
Prayer is a devotional act of communication with God, a deity or the sacred, practiced in many religious traditions.
MetaphysicalHolistic
Entry details
- Aliases
- Petitionary prayer, Intercessory prayer, Distant prayer, Salat, Du'a, Tefillah
- Tradition
- Christianity, Judaism, Islam, Hinduism, Buddhism
- Related concepts
- Petitionary prayer, Intercessory prayer, Distant prayer, Religious coping, Salat, Du'a, Tefillah, Japa, Dedication of merit
Reference record available.
ModalityRoutine maternity and pregnancy care
Prenatal care is routine medical and support care received during pregnancy through scheduled visits.
Holistic
Entry details
- Aliases
- Antenatal care, Routine antenatal care
- Tradition
- Not assigned
- Related concepts
- Antenatal visit schedule, Routine screening tests in pregnancy, Booking appointment, Reduced-visit care models, Tailored prenatal care
Reference record available.
ModalityAdapted yoga for pregnancy (exercise and mind-body class)
Prenatal yoga is yoga adapted for pregnancy, with modified postures, breathing and relaxation.
ComplementaryHolistic
Entry details
- Aliases
- Pregnancy yoga, Antenatal yoga, Yoga for pregnancy
- Tradition
- Yoga traditions
- Related concepts
- Mind-Body Connection, Awareness
Reference record available.
ModalityChinese breath, movement and attention practices
Qigong is a set of Chinese practices that combine slow movement, breath control and focused attention.
ComplementaryHolisticMetaphysical
Entry details
- Aliases
- Chi kung, Qi gong, Chi gong
- Tradition
- Daoyin (guiding and pulling) exercise, Qigong therapy (1950s China), Medical qigong, Baduanjin, Wuqinxi, Yijinjing, Liuzijue
- Related concepts
- Qi, Regulation of mind, breath and body, Daoyin, External qigong therapy, Qigong deviation, Qigong-precipitated psychosis
Reference record available.
ModalityAyurvedic rejuvenation and geriatric care branch
Rasayana therapy is the Ayurvedic branch of rejuvenation and geriatric care, using herbs, foods, conduct and routines.
ComplementaryHolistic
Entry details
- Aliases
- Rasayana, Rasayana chikitsa, Ayurvedic rejuvenation therapy, Rasayana tantra
- Tradition
- Not assigned
- Related concepts
- Ojas, Dosha, Dhatu, Agni, Medhya Rasayana, Achara Rasayana, Naimittika Rasayana
Reference record available.
ModalityDietary approach: uncooked plant-food diets
The raw food diet is an eating pattern built mainly on uncooked, unprocessed plant foods, sometimes called living foods.
AlternativeHolistic
Entry details
- Aliases
- Raw foodism, Raw veganism, Raw vegan diet, Raw vegetarian diet, Living foods diet, Live food diet, Raw diet
- Tradition
- Not assigned
- Related concepts
- Uncooked food, Living foods, Wheatgrass, Sprouted seeds, Detoxification (practitioner term)
Reference record available.
ModalityYoga style: supported, passive, prop-based practice
Restorative yoga is a passive yoga style in which props support the body in a few poses held for several minutes.
ComplementaryHolistic
Entry details
- Aliases
- None recorded
- Tradition
- Yoga traditions
- Related concepts
- Mind-Body Connection, Awareness
Reference record available.
ModalityRespectful infant care and parenting approach
RIE parenting is an infant-care approach founded by Magda Gerber, built on respect for the baby and Emmi Pikler's work.
Holistic
Entry details
- Aliases
- Educaring, Educaring approach, RIE approach, Resources for Infant Educarers, RIE method
- Tradition
- Pikler-Lóczy approach
- Related concepts
- Basic trust, Respectful care routines, Free movement, Uninterrupted play, Sensitive observation, Authentic child
Reference record available.
ModalityIndigenous Māori traditional healing system
Rongoā Māori refers to Māori healing practice in Aotearoa New Zealand, spanning plant remedies, bodywork and spiritual care.
HolisticAlternative
Entry details
- Aliases
- Māori traditional healing, Traditional Māori healing, Māori medicine, Māori healing, Rongoā, Rongoa Maori
- Tradition
- Māori (Aotearoa New Zealand), Te ao Māori, Mātauranga Māori
- Related concepts
- Rongoā rākau (plant remedies), Mirimiri and romiromi (bodywork), Wairua (spiritual dimension), Te Whare Tapa Whā, Mauri (life force), Whakapapa (genealogy), Whenua (land), Tikanga (customs), Kaitiakitanga (guardianship), Tohunga and kairongoā (practitioners), Whānau (family)
Reference record available.
ConceptConcept: belief that certain shapes and ratios carry symbolic or spiritual meaning
Sacred geometry is the idea that certain shapes and ratios carry symbolic or spiritual meaning.
MetaphysicalHolistic
Entry details
- Aliases
- Sacred Geometry Healing
- Tradition
- Pythagorean and Platonic philosophy, Islamic geometric art, Gothic architecture, Contemporary esoteric spirituality
- Related concepts
- Golden ratio, Platonic solids, Girih patterns, Mandala, Flower of Life, Metatron's Cube, Yantra
Reference record available.
ConceptConcept: modern Western movement treating sexual experience as a spiritual and wellness path
Sacred sexuality is a modern Western spiritual and wellness movement that frames sex as a path to meaning and connection.
MetaphysicalHolistic
Entry details
- Aliases
- Neo-tantra, Tantric sex, Western tantra, Modern tantra
- Tradition
- Tantra, Hinduism, Buddhism
- Related concepts
- Sacred sexuality, Sexual energy, Consent and boundaries, Mindfulness-based sex therapy, Sensate focus
Reference record available.
ModalityAmazonian plant-derived eye drops used in Indigenous and ceremonial settings
Sananga is an Amazonian eye preparation made from Tabernaemontana root or bark, used in Indigenous traditions.
AlternativeHolistic
Entry details
- Aliases
- Colírio da floresta, Forest eye drops, Shane tsamaite
- Tradition
- Huni Kuĩ (Kaxinawá), Yawanawá, Shawanawa, Katukina, Aguaruna, Kichwa peoples of Ecuador and Peru, Forest medicine (medicina da floresta)
- Related concepts
- Panema, Hunting vision (waimatai), Forest medicine, Indole alkaloids, Ocular application, Indigenous science, Biopiracy and knowledge protection
Reference record available.
ModalitySouthern African ancestral-calling diviner and healer tradition
Sangoma is a Southern African tradition in which called and trained diviner-healers consult ancestors.
MetaphysicalHolistic
Entry details
- Aliases
- Isangoma, Izangoma, Igqirha, Ubungoma
- Tradition
- Zulu (amaZulu), Xhosa (amaXhosa), Other Nguni-speaking peoples, Southern African traditional health practitioners
- Related concepts
- Amadlozi (ancestors), Ukuthwasa (apprenticeship), Ubungoma, Ancestral calling, Divination, Muti (herbal remedies), Inyanga (herbalist), Umthandazi (faith healer), Collaboration with biomedical services
Reference record available.
ModalityJapanese manual therapy using sustained finger, thumb and palm pressure
Shiatsu is a Japanese manual therapy in which a practitioner applies sustained finger, thumb and palm pressure.
ComplementaryHolistic
Entry details
- Aliases
- Shiatsu massage, Shiatsu therapy, Japanese finger-pressure therapy, Zen shiatsu (style), Namikoshi shiatsu (style)
- Tradition
- Japanese anma lineage, Namikoshi shiatsu, Zen shiatsu (Masunaga), Serizawa tsubo-focused style, Traditional Chinese medicine meridian theory
- Related concepts
- Finger pressure (shi-atsu), Sustained stationary pressure, Leaning body weight, Meridians, Ki (vital energy), Tsubo points, Whole-body session, Floor-level futon work, Transitional effects
Reference record available.
ModalityAyurvedic forehead liquid-pouring procedure
Shirodhara is an Ayurvedic procedure in which a continuous stream of liquid, often medicated oil, is poured over the forehead.
ComplementaryHolistic
Entry details
- Aliases
- Sirodhara, Shiro dhara, Shirodhar, Shiroseka, Shiroparisheka, Ayurvedic oil dripping, Forehead oil pouring
- Tradition
- Not assigned
- Related concepts
- Dosha, Vata, Mind-Body Connection, Relaxation response
Reference record available.
ModalityTraditional Tamil medical system
Siddha medicine is a traditional Tamil medical system that uses plant, mineral and metal preparations and pulse-based assessment.
AlternativeHolistic
Entry details
- Aliases
- Siddha system of medicine, Tamil Siddha medicine
- Tradition
- Tamil medical tradition of Tamil Nadu, India, Siddhar tradition, Sri Lankan Tamil Siddha medicine, Indian systems of medicine (Ayush)
- Related concepts
- Siddhars, Vali (Vatham), Azhal (Pitham), Aiyam (Kabam), Udaliyal (body constitution), Sapthadhathu (seven body constituents), Enn vagai thervugal (eight-fold examination), Naadi (pulse), Varmam, Parpam and chenduram preparations, Palm-leaf manuscripts
Reference record available.
ModalityPostural yoga system with a five-point lifestyle framework
Sivananda Yoga is a yoga system of the Sivananda Yoga Vedanta Centres, built on five points and a 12-posture sequence.
ComplementaryHolistic
Entry details
- Aliases
- Sivananda Yoga Vedanta, Sivananda yoga
- Tradition
- Yoga traditions, Hinduism
- Related concepts
- Spirituality, Mind-Body Connection, Karma, Reincarnation
Reference record available.
ModalityGroup sound listening session with resonant instruments
Sound Bath is a group session in which a facilitator plays bowls, gongs, chimes or voice while participants lie or sit.
ComplementaryHolistic
Entry details
- Aliases
- Sound bathing, Sound meditation, Sound healing session
- Tradition
- New Age spirituality, Yoga traditions
- Related concepts
- Attention, Awareness, Spirituality
Reference record available.
ModalityOne-to-one spiritual accompaniment and contemplative listening
Spiritual direction is a one-to-one relationship in which a trained person accompanies another's spiritual life.
MetaphysicalHolistic
Entry details
- Aliases
- Spiritual companionship, Spiritual guidance
- Tradition
- Desert Fathers and Mothers (early Christian monasticism), Ignatian spirituality, Benedictine tradition, Celtic Christianity, Protestant pastoral guidance, Multi-faith spiritual companionship
- Related concepts
- Directee, Discernment, Deep listening, Covenant between director and directee, Supervision of directors, Distinction from psychotherapy
Reference record available.
ModalityIslamic mystical devotional and healing practices
Sufi healing is a label for healing practices linked to Sufi Islam, such as dhikr, shrine visits and order-led programmes.
MetaphysicalHolistic
Entry details
- Aliases
- Sufi spiritual healing, Sufi healing practices, Sufi Healing Order healing teachings, Islamic Sufi healing
- Tradition
- Sufism (tasawwuf), Inayati lineage (Chishtiyya), Shadhiliyya, Sufi shrine practices in South Asia, Islamic-Sufi rehabilitation in Indonesia, Sufi psychology (Maktab Tarighat Oveyssi)
- Related concepts
- Dhikr (remembrance), Sama (listening), Muraqabah, Baraka, Shrine visitation (ziyara), Purification of the soul, Teacher and student relationship, Spiritual coping, Medical pluralism
Reference record available.
ModalityIndigenous ceremonial heat practice of many Nations
A ceremony of many Indigenous peoples of North America held in a heated, enclosed lodge under each Nation's own protocols.
HolisticMetaphysical
Entry details
- Aliases
- Sweat lodge, Inipi, Madoodiswan, Sweat ceremony, Temazcal (Mesoamerican parallel)
- Tradition
- Anishinaabe (Ojibway, Saulteaux), Lakota, Dakota and Nakota, Navajo (Diné), Mesoamerican Indigenous peoples (temazcal)
- Related concepts
- Purification, Ceremony, Indigenous cultural healing, Intergenerational trauma, Cultural appropriation, Heat illness
Reference record available.
ModalityChinese martial art and slow movement practice
Tai Chi is a Chinese martial art practiced as slow, continuous sequences of movements coordinated with breathing.
ComplementaryHolistic
Entry details
- Aliases
- Taijiquan, Taiji, Tai Chi Chuan, Tai Ji Quan, T'ai chi ch'uan
- Tradition
- Chinese martial arts, Chen style, Yang style, Wu (Hao) style, Wu style, Sun style, Daoist and Confucian thought (as described by UNESCO)
- Related concepts
- Taiji, Qi, Yin and yang, Push hands (tuishou), Five steps (wubu), Eight techniques (bafa), Form (set routine), Simplified 24-form, Taijiquan classics, Baishi apprenticeship ceremony
Reference record available.
ModalityCultural and contemplative tea-preparation traditions
Tea ceremony is a family of East Asian traditions of preparing and serving tea as a formal, attentive gathering.
Holistic
Entry details
- Aliases
- Chanoyu, Chado, Chadō, Sado, Way of Tea, Japanese tea ceremony, Gongfu cha, Chinese tea ceremony, Darye, Korean tea ceremony
- Tradition
- Buddhism, Zen, Taoism, Japanese tea culture
- Related concepts
- Wabi-cha, Wabi, Wa kei sei jaku, Harmony, Respect, Purity, Tranquility, Iemoto system, Teaism, Gongfu cha, Darye
Reference record available.
ModalityTibetan-language medical system with Buddhist foundations
Tibetan medicine (Sowa Rigpa) is a Tibetan-language medical tradition using examination, diet, medicines and external therapies.
AlternativeHolistic
Entry details
- Aliases
- Tibetan medicine, Sowa Rigpa, Traditional Tibetan medicine, Science of healing, Amchi medicine, Traditional Mongolian medicine
- Tradition
- Tibetan Buddhist medicine, Sowa Rigpa family (Tibetan, Himalayan and Mongolian branches), Amchi medicine of Ladakh and the Himalaya, Traditional Mongolian medicine, Bhutanese traditional medicine, Tibetan medicine in exile (Men-Tsee-Khang)
- Related concepts
- Four Medical Treatises (rGyud bzhi, Four Tantras), Three-part framework: rLung, mKhris-pa, Bad-kan (nyes pa), Pulse examination, Urine analysis, Materia medica of plants, minerals and animal products, Precious pills (rin chen ril bu), Tsotel (processed mercury sulfide), Lum medicinal bathing, Ye shes (practitioners' account of knowledge)
Reference record available.
ModalitySound-based meditation and relaxation practice using metal standing bowls
A sound practice using hand-played metal bowls that are struck or rubbed to produce sustained tones for meditation.
ComplementaryHolisticMetaphysical
Entry details
- Aliases
- Singing bowls, Himalayan singing bowl, Tibetan singing bowls, Sound bowl, Standing bell bowl
- Tradition
- Buddhism, New Age spirituality
- Related concepts
- Attention, Awareness, Mindfulness, Mind-Body Connection, Spirituality
Reference record available.
ModalityOral hygiene practice associated with Ayurvedic daily routine
Tongue scraping is the mechanical cleaning of the tongue surface with a scraper or brush, linked to Ayurveda.
ComplementaryHolistic
Entry details
- Aliases
- Tongue scraping, Tongue cleaning, Jihwa prakshalana, Jihwa nirlekhana, Jihva nirlekhana, Tongue scraper use
- Tradition
- Not assigned
- Related concepts
- Dinacharya, Ama, Tongue coating, Volatile sulfur compounds
Reference record available.
ModalityTraditional medical system and family of related practices
Traditional Chinese Medicine is a family of medical practices from China, including herbal, needle, manual and dietary methods.
HolisticComplementary
Entry details
- Aliases
- TCM, Chinese medicine
- Tradition
- Chinese medicine (China), Chinese, Japanese and Korean traditional medicine as harmonised in ICD-11
- Related concepts
- Qi, Yin and yang, Five Agents (five phases), Patterns (diagnostic categories), Materia medica (bencao), Channels and acupuncture points
Reference record available.
ModalityUmbrella of related Japanese medical, dietary, bathing, nature and exercise practices
Traditional Japanese health is a grouping of related Japanese medical, dietary, bathing, nature and exercise practices.
HolisticAlternativeComplementary
Entry details
- Aliases
- Japanese traditional health practices, Japanese traditional wellness, Traditional Japanese wellness practices
- Tradition
- Kampo, Japanese acupuncture and moxibustion, Anma and shiatsu, Washoku, Onsen bathing, Shinrin-yoku
- Related concepts
- Kampo, Shiatsu, Washoku, Fermented foods, Hara hachi bu, Green tea, Shinrin-yoku, Onsen, Sento, Ikigai, Radio taiso
Reference record available.
ModalityTraditional medical system with massage and herbal practices
Traditional Thai medicine is a Thai healthcare system that includes massage, herbal medicine and midwifery.
HolisticComplementary
Entry details
- Aliases
- Thai medicine, Applied Thai traditional medicine, Traditional Thai healthcare
- Tradition
- Thai Buddhist-influenced healing, Court-type traditional Thai massage, Folk traditional Thai massage, Wat Pho knowledge tradition
- Related concepts
- Sen lines, Four elements (earth, water, wind, fire), Traditional Thai massage (Nuad Thai), Herbal compress, Thai herbal medicine, Thai hermit exercise, Traditional midwifery, Applied Thai traditional medicine
Reference record available.
ModalityGentle rocking bodywork and movement re-education
The Trager Approach is a hands-on method of gentle rocking and movement, paired with self-care exercises called Mentastics.
ComplementaryHolistic
Entry details
- Aliases
- Trager psychophysical integration, Trager therapy, Trager work, Psychophysical integration
- Tradition
- Milton Trager (United States, 20th century), Trager International national associations
- Related concepts
- Psychophysical integration, Hook-up, Mentastics, Habitual tension patterns, Passive table work, Self-care movement
Reference record available.
ModalityHypnosis-based approach combined with transpersonal psychology
Transpersonal hypnosis is hypnosis combined with transpersonal psychology to explore meaning and spiritual experience.
MetaphysicalHolistic
Entry details
- Aliases
- Transpersonal hypnotherapy
- Tradition
- Clinical and academic hypnosis, Buddhism, Transpersonal psychology
- Related concepts
- Spirituality, Awareness, Hypnotic induction, Suggestion, Focused attention, Attention, Mindfulness
Reference record available.
TraditionTradition: school of psychology concerned with spiritual and self-transcending experience
Transpersonal psychology is a school of psychology that studies spiritual and self-transcending experience.
Holistic
Entry details
- Aliases
- Transpersonal psychology, Fourth force in psychology
- Tradition
- Not assigned
- Related concepts
- Self-actualization, Peak experience, Ego transcendence, States of consciousness, Spiritual emergency, Third force and fourth force, Perennial philosophy, Integral psychology, Human transformation
Reference record available.
ModalityYoga-based adaptation for people with trauma histories
Trauma-informed yoga is a set of adaptations to yoga teaching and practice for people with histories of trauma.
ComplementaryHolistic
Entry details
- Aliases
- Trauma-Sensitive Yoga, Trauma Center Trauma-Sensitive Yoga, TCTSY, TSY
- Tradition
- Yoga traditions
- Related concepts
- Mind-Body Connection, Awareness, Attention, Mindfulness
Reference record available.
ModalityManual, needling and injection techniques for muscle pain
Trigger point therapy is a set of manual, needling and injection techniques aimed at tender spots in skeletal muscle.
HolisticComplementary
Entry details
- Aliases
- Trigger Point Therapy, Myofascial Trigger Point Therapy, Trigger Point Manual Therapy
- Tradition
- Physical medicine and rehabilitation, Physiotherapy, Manual therapy
- Related concepts
- Myofascial trigger point, Taut band, Referred pain, Local twitch response, Myofascial pain syndrome, Active and latent trigger points, Peripheral and central sensitisation
Reference record available.
ModalityTraditional Chinese manual therapy (soft-tissue and joint manipulation)
Tuina is a traditional Chinese manual therapy in which a practitioner presses, kneads and mobilises soft tissue and joints.
ComplementaryHolistic
Entry details
- Aliases
- Tuina, Tui-na, Chinese massage, Chinese manual therapy, Chinese manipulation, Chuna (Korean usage)
- Tradition
- Traditional Chinese medicine, Korean Chuna (related practice), Paediatric tuina
- Related concepts
- Viscera and meridian theory, Acupoint-based manipulation, Rolling, kneading and pressing, Joint mobilisation and traction, Paediatric tuina acupoints
Reference record available.
ModalityTraditional medical system (Greco-Arab humoral medicine)
Unani medicine is a Greco-Arab traditional medical system based on humoral theory, practised mainly in South Asia.
AlternativeComplementaryHolistic
Entry details
- Aliases
- Unani-tibb, Unani Tibb, Unani system of medicine, Greco-Arab medicine
- Tradition
- Greco-Arab medicine, Hippocratic and Galenic medical tradition, Persian and Arab medical scholarship, Unani tibb of the Indian subcontinent
- Related concepts
- Mizaj (temperament), Four humours: dam, safra, balgham, sauda, Hot, cold, moist and dry qualities, Regimenal therapy (ilaj bit tadbeer), Dietotherapy, Pharmacotherapy, Hijama (cupping), Preservation of health
Reference record available.
ModalityTraditional Indian architecture and spatial design system
Vastu Shastra is a traditional Indian system of architecture that prescribes site, layout and direction for buildings.
MetaphysicalHolistic
Entry details
- Aliases
- Vastu, Vaastu, Vastu Vidya, Vastushastra, Sthapatya Veda
- Tradition
- Hinduism
- Related concepts
- Sacred Geometry, Spirituality
Reference record available.
ModalityDietary pattern excluding all animal-derived foods
A dietary pattern that excludes all animal-derived foods, followed for ethical, environmental or health reasons.
ComplementaryHolistic
Entry details
- Aliases
- Veganism, Vegan dietary pattern
- Tradition
- Not assigned
- Related concepts
- Veganism, Plant-based nutrition, Well-planned diets, Vitamin B12
Reference record available.
ModalityDietary pattern: plant-centered eating that excludes meat
A dietary pattern that excludes meat, and in some forms fish, eggs or dairy, followed for health, ethical or religious reasons.
ComplementaryHolistic
Entry details
- Aliases
- Vegetarianism, Vegetarian eating, Lacto-ovo vegetarian diet, Lacto-vegetarian diet, Ovo-vegetarian diet, Meatless diet
- Tradition
- Jainism, Hinduism, Buddhism, Christianity, Seventh-day Adventism
- Related concepts
- Ahimsa, Lacto-ovo vegetarianism, Observational confounding
Reference record available.
ModalityBreath-linked flowing postural yoga style
Vinyasa Yoga is a style of postural yoga in which poses are linked by flowing transitions timed to the breath.
ComplementaryHolistic
Entry details
- Aliases
- Flow Yoga, Vinyasa Flow, Vinyasa Flow Yoga, Vinyasa
- Tradition
- Yoga traditions
- Related concepts
- Mind-Body Connection, Mindfulness
Reference record available.
ModalityPassive aquatic bodywork in warm water
Watsu is a form of passive aquatic bodywork in which a practitioner supports and moves a person through warm water.
ComplementaryHolistic
Entry details
- Aliases
- Water Shiatsu, WaterShiatsu
- Tradition
- Zen Shiatsu, Aquatic bodywork, Hydrotherapy
- Related concepts
- Warm-water immersion, Buoyancy, Passive movement and stretching, Acupressure, Qi and meridians (as described by practitioners), Supported floating, Relaxation
Reference record available.
ModalityLight visualization and invocation within spiritual healing traditions
White light healing is the practice of picturing or invoking white light for protection or healing.
MetaphysicalHolistic
Entry details
- Aliases
- White light visualization, White light protection
- Tradition
- Theosophy, Spiritualism, Post-Theosophical New Age
- Related concepts
- Protective thought-forms, Aura, Healing light, Sending healing at a distance, Guided imagery, Distinction from clinical light therapy
Reference record available.
TraditionTradition: Indigenous Panoan people of Acre, Brazil, with ceremonial and healing traditions
The Yawanawá are a Panoan-speaking Indigenous people of Acre, Brazil, with their own ceremonial and healing traditions.
MetaphysicalHolistic
Entry details
- Aliases
- Yawanawá
- Tradition
- Not assigned
- Related concepts
- Shuãnka (healing chant), Xinaya (ayahuasca specialist), Saiti (festival and chant), Mariri (festival), Uma aki (caiçuma festival), Plano de Vida (Life Plan), Shuhu (community center), Cultural revitalization
Reference record available.
ModalitySlow, floor-based yoga style with long passive holds
Yin Yoga is a slow, floor-based style of yoga in which passive poses are held for several minutes at a time.
ComplementaryHolistic
Entry details
- Aliases
- Yin and Yang yoga
- Tradition
- Yoga traditions, Taoism
- Related concepts
- Qi, Mindfulness, Mind-Body Connection, Awareness, Attention
Reference record available.
ModalitySouth Asian physical, breathing and meditative discipline, now mainly taught as postural exercise
Yoga is a South Asian system of physical, breathing and meditative practices, now taught mainly as postural exercise.
ComplementaryHolistic
Entry details
- Aliases
- Modern postural yoga, Asana
- Tradition
- Pātañjalayogaśāstra (Yoga Sutras), Yoga traditions
- Related concepts
- Asana, Pranayama, Meditation, Eight limbs (aṣṭāṅga), Adverse events, Instructor training
Reference record available.
ModalityFamily of named postural yoga styles and schools
Yoga styles are the named schools and formats of mainly postural yoga that differ in pace, props, setting and emphasis.
ComplementaryHolistic
Entry details
- Aliases
- Styles of yoga, Types of yoga, Yoga schools
- Tradition
- Yoga traditions, Iyengar yoga, Ashtanga vinyasa yoga, Sivananda yoga
- Related concepts
- Asana, Pranayama, Vinyasa, Props, Heated practice, Teacher training, Trauma-informed practice
Reference record available.
ModalityIndividualised mind-body and movement practice (professionalised yoga application)
Yoga therapy is the professionalised, individualised application of yoga practices to health-related goals.
ComplementaryHolistic
Entry details
- Aliases
- Therapeutic yoga
- Tradition
- Yoga traditions of South Asia, Yoga traditions, IAYT professional framework
- Related concepts
- Individualised assessment, Therapeutic plan, Asana, Pranayama, Meditation and relaxation, Scope of practice, Referral to licensed healthcare practitioners
Reference record available.
TraditionTradition: South Asian philosophy, practice lineages and modern postural yoga
Yoga traditions are South Asian philosophical and practice lineages of yoga, plus the modern postural yoga linked to them.
MetaphysicalHolistic
Entry details
- Aliases
- Yoga traditions, Haṭhayoga, Modern postural yoga, Mysore tradition, Haṭha yoga
- Tradition
- Not assigned
- Related concepts
- Yoga Sutra, Eight limbs, Samkhya, Isvara, Karma yoga, Jnana yoga, Bhakti yoga, Haṭhayoga, Asana, Pranayama, Kaivalya, Moksha, Vinyasa
Reference record available.
ModalityHerbal steam applied to the genital area
A practice in which steam, often from herbal water, is directed at the vulva and vagina in several regions.
AlternativeHolistic
Entry details
- Aliases
- Vaginal steaming, V-steaming, Yoni steam, Vaginal steam bath, Genital steam bath, Chai-yok
- Tradition
- Afro-Surinamese genital steam baths, Maya household steambathing (whole-body, not specifically vaginal), Lao postpartum steam sauna and steam bath, Western wellness and spa offerings
- Related concepts
- Vaginal steam bath, Postpartum steam practices, Dry sex, Vaginal hygiene practices, Intravaginal practices, Vital warmth (Maya ethnophysiology), Female genital modification discourse
Reference record available.
ModalitySeated meditation within Chan and Zen Buddhism
Zazen is seated meditation in Chan and Zen Buddhism, practised in monasteries, temples and lay groups.
MetaphysicalHolistic
Entry details
- Aliases
- Zazen, Zen meditation, Zen sitting, Seated Zen meditation
- Tradition
- Sōtō Zen, Rinzai Zen, Ōbaku Zen, Chan Buddhism (China), Sŏn Buddhism (Korea), Thiền (Vietnam)
- Related concepts
- Zazen, Shikantaza, Kōan, Silent illumination, Practice-realisation, Kenshō, Makyō, Breath counting, Buddha-nature
Reference record available.
ModalityManual body-mind touch method
Zero Balancing is a touch method in which a practitioner applies brief held pressure to a clothed person.
ComplementaryHolistic
Entry details
- Aliases
- ZB
- Tradition
- Osteopathic medicine, Rolfing (structural integration), Acupuncture, Cranial osteopathy, Esalen Institute body-mind work
- Related concepts
- Fulcrum, Interface touch, Body structure, Body energy, Skilled touch
Reference record available.