New Worlds of Body, Mind & Spirit Since 1901
The fibrous tissue that connects the calf muscle to the heel.
A form of traditional Asian medicine, probably derived from Indian Ayurveda, that is based on the theory that balanced energy within the body produces health and a lack of balance produces illness. This energy flows through certain paths, called meridians, and that this energy can be enhanced or reduced to balance the overall energy through the application of pressure on certain points along the meridians. It differs from acupuncture in that insertion into the skin of fine needles is not used.
The Anterior Fornix Erotic zone is an area in the vagina opposite the G-spot which is sexually highly responsive in many women.
A group of almond shaped nuclei located within the temporal lobes of the brain. The amygdala is involved in the processing of memory and emotional reactions.
2. (Psychology – Jungian) The Woman in every man. In Jung’s psychology, it is mythic ideal of the feminine that a man projects on to women. It manifests in fantasy, romance, sexual behavior, the estrogen hormone, and in feminine energy.
3. (Eastern Thought) A siddhi or magickal power developed through Tantric techniques, it is the ability to shrink to the size of an atom.
2. (Psychology – Jungian) The Man in every woman. In Jung’s psychology, it is mythic ideal of the masculine that a man projects on to men. It manifests in fantasy, romance, sexual response, the testosterone hormone, and in masculine energy.
An experience in a dream, vision, trance, hypnosis, etc. where you observe things from a first-person perspective, as if seeing it through your eyes. The opposite of dissociated.
Within spontaneous astral projection, the therapeutically planned encounter with long-term growth barriers with the intention of dismantling them.
2. The "lower intelligence" that safely runs the body functions without conscious awareness.
The complex of "feelings" that defines the way we perceive reality. Also see "Feelings" and "Operating System." Belief is also described as "Faith" that filters our perception of reality as defined by religious institutions.
Suggested Reading – Braden: The Spontaneous Healing of Belief, Shattering the Paradigm of False Limits
2. The use of instrumentation to measure the effects of various mental processes including imagery and suggestion on such biological functions as brainwave patterns, finger temperature, and galvanic skin response.
The genetic constitution of the physical body, to include dominant and recessive genes. See Cosmic Genotype.
5. Disk or wheel. Chakras are energetic centers in the body that can be used as a kind of inner roadmap in Tantric practice. Dr. Mumford defines a chakra as, "a whirling vortex of energy, the meeting point between the body and the mind."
A person whose gender, as defined at birth, anatomy, and self-identification all match. Compare with transgendered.
A cluster of nerves residing at the base of the spine.
The tailbone. The coccyx is comprised of the three to five vertebrae below the sacrum, at the very base of the spine.
A cloth or similar material soaked in some form of liquid, often infused with herbs or other medicines, and applied to the body for healing. In its simplest form it is be used to apply pressure, heat, or cold to an affected area or wound, as when stopping bleeding.
A form of oral sex in which the clitoris and labia are stimulated with the mouth and tongue.
1. The shape of upper lip, a reference to the Roman God of love, an implicit recognition of the erotic appeal of that body part.
2. The shape of upper lip, a reference to the Roman God of love, an implicit recognition of the erotic appeal of that body part.
Term used by Sigmund Freud and now in psychological and general use meaning a drive or desire endings, often involving motivations for self-destruction and a wish for death. The death wish counters the drive for sex known as the libido. It is believed these conflicting desires or drives result in psychological problems.
A sex toy used for penetration; dildos are most often designed to evoke the penis.
An experience in a dream, vision, trance, hypnosis, etc. wherein you observe things from a third-person perspective, as if observing yourself through another person’s eyes. The opposite of associated.
A technique used by hypnotists, NLP practitioners, and salespeople to get you to do something. It provides more than one option for you giving you the appearance of free will, but the choices are only the ones that are desired by the therapist or salesperson. For example, “Do you want to stop smoking now or next week?” A famous sales double bind is, “Will that be cash or charge?”
An ancient Greek word that originally meant "female slave," but now generally means a type of midwife with expanded responsibilities. Usually a woman, a Doula gives mental, physical, emotional, and spiritual support to entire families during the prenatal, birthing, and postpartum period. A non-medical assistant, Doulas also function as pregnancy and birthing coaches.
The practice of remaining at the edge of orgasm for prolonged periods. Not to be confused with edgeplay, a term used by the kink community to refer to boundary pushing activity.
Although hypnosis is falsely seen as a form of sleep, it is more accurately a state of intense, singular focus. As a result, although it is common to have someone “wake” from hypnosis—even hypnotists will use the expression—it is not technically accurate. It is more appropriate to say that a person emerges from a hypnotic state and returns to regular awareness.
A category of tissue found in the genitalia, nipples, and nose. Erectile tissue becomes engorged with blood during sexual arousal.
Parts of the body that are particularly responsive to sexual touch.
Deriving sexual pleasure from showing off or being watched by others.
A form of non-traditional healing associated with prayer, belief in a deity, or use of techniques proscribed by a superior power.
A form of orgasmic response in which fluid, probably produced by the Skenes glands (which some anatomists now call the female prostate), is expelled through the urethra.
People who have agreed to share sexual fluids and are not using safer-sex protocols.
Sexual stimulation that usually precedes intercourse and is intended to build arousal. The term reflects the prevailing cultural assumption that anything short of genital intercourse is a mere precursor to the main event.
A fast-paced style of lovemaking that usually has achieving orgasm rapidly as the goal.
Rubbing the genitalia on an object or body part for the purpose of sexual arousal.
A sexual response that may include but is not limited to the genital area. See also Energy Orgasm.
2. Not a spot at all, but an area of erectile tissue including the para-urethral glands, which surround the urethra and become engorged with fluid during sexual arousal. It feels like a ridge of rougher textured tissue, and it is located three to four inches inside, on the anterior (front) wall of the vagina.
The way a person self-defines—as male, female, neither, both, or some other category. This may or may not be congruent with biological sex or genitalia.
Gay, Lesbian, Bisexual, Transgender, Queer. An acronym that is widely used to describe people who do not identify with the conventional model of heterosexuality.
A person who has the skill to heal. Often used to describe a person with non-allopathic (i.e. Western) healing skills such as Reiki and Acupuncture.
The cultural tendency to define heterosexual behavior as normal, thereby marginalizing all other forms of sexual expression.
A brain structure located in the medial temporal lobe. The hippocampus is part of the limbic system and is the part of the brain that governs spatial memory and navigation. Damage to the hippocampus can interfere with the ability to form new memories.
1. Fearful of non-heterosexual people and acts.
2. Although the exact translation of the term means “fear of a person who is homosexual” or “fear of homosexual acts,” the significance of the term has expanded to include prejudicial actions or feelings about people who are not heterosexual.
2. The use of hypnosis for therapeutic purposes.
An almond-sized area of the brain located just above the brain stem. The hypothalamus regulates the autonomic nervous system and the pituitary gland, linking the nervous and endocrine systems. It controls body temperature, thirst, hunger, and circadian rhythms.
From the Greek for uterus. Hysteria was believed to be a psychological disorder until 1980, and for most of that time it was considered to be specific to women. Symptoms were said to include conversion of psychological stress into physical symptoms, emotional volatility, and self-dramatizing behavior. In the nineteenth century, the term was applied to what now is commonly called sexual dysfunction.
One of the three parts the mind that form the structural model in Sigmund Freud’s description of the psyche. The id is described as the basic, instinctual drives, including the libido. It is associated with the unconscious. In Transactional Analysis it is associated to the Child aspect of the psyche. The other parts are the Ego and Super-ego.
2. A G∴B∴G∴ practice of "imprinting" an imagined symbol by concentrated visualization and seeing the image on a body part—almost like an imaginary tattoo.
2. The procedures preliminary to the actual hypnosis session, starting with relaxation of the body and calmness of mind, focus on the established intention of the session, and the development of a concise statement of that intention as accomplished.
The sense that pertains to awareness of the body’s position and movements.
4. An energy that is said to reside at the base of the spine. Awakening the Kundalini is one aim of Tantric and Yogic practices. Kundalini literally means coiled, and it also has the implication of a pot. One way to understand Kundalini is to think of it as sexual energy. Another approach would be to define it as the life force that resides within all human beings.
A healing technique, sometimes religious in nature, where the healer puts his or her hand on or near the body of an ailing person.
1. Archaic term for a healer, such as a doctor. Some early doctors believe that there were “evil humors” in the blood, and by draining the blood you could remove the evil humors that caused disease. Sometimes, leeches were used in this process.
A group of brain structures, including the hippocampus, thalamus, hypothalamus, and the amygdala, that control basic emotions and drives.
Earlier in the twentieth century, books which gave advice on how to mentally or spiritually please your husband or wife. More recently, books which describe techniques of sex, including a variety of positions for sexual intercourse.
3. Etheric level channels of energy within the body.
American psychiatrist (1901–1980) whose theories and techniques revolutionized approaches to psychotherapy and hypnotherapy, resulting in the modern acceptance of hypnosis into psychotherapeutic practice. He used indirect hypnotic inductions that did not seem to be hypnotic in nature at all, and made suggestions that were permissive rather than authoritarian.
Understanding that the brain does not produce consciousness but receives it, filters it, and modifies it based its own conditioning. The physical brain is readily modified through its environment and cultural conditioning—including education and religious and social teachings to deny the paranormal experience.
The Chinese name for mugwort. Used in several forms of Asian medicine.
A technique of traditional Asian medicine, often accompanying acupuncture, where the herb moxa (mugwort) is burned in special ways next to or even on the skin.
A disease that infects sheep and cattle. Highly infectious, the word literally means “death” and was used during the Middle Ages with that meaning. It was believed that a need fire could cure it. In some regions of England, the word means “curse,” especially a curse place on livestock or the land itself.
A drug or herb that causes drowsiness, sleep, or a coma-like state. Metaphorically, anything (a speech, book, TV show, etc.) that results in such a state. Some people mistakenly believe that hypnosis is a narcotic. However it induces focus, not sleep.
The connection between one part of the nervous system and another.
Title of a book by Scottish surgeon James Braid wherein he describes the use of induced trance for therapeutic purposes. Neurypnology, or "nervous sleep," also introduced the use of the term "hypnosis."
Hair-like filaments of the olfactory nerve that hang down into the nasal cavity and carry odors to the nerve for processing in the brain. The only part of the nervous system that is directly exposed to the environment.
The components of the brain and nervous system responsible for the sense of smell.
Pertaining to the oral stage of [human] development.
A region of the frontal lobes of the brain. Much remains to be learned about the orbitofrontal cortex, which is involved in planning, decision-making, and sensitivity to reward and punishment.
A neurotransmitting hormone that influences orgasm, bonding, anxiety, and maternal behaviors from childbirth to breastfeeding.
The part of the nervous system that governs rest, relaxation, salivation, the production of tears, digestion, and excretion. See also Sympathetic Nervous System.
A technique that may be used in hypnotherapeutic and NLP therapeutic interventions. Although the mind is actually unitary, it can be conceived of as having multiple aspects, or "parts." During the therapy, a part that is responsible for an undesired behavior or belief is asked to come forward. It may be simply integrated into the personality or it may be asked to change the instructions it is following to better help the body, mind, and spirit of the person it believes it is protecting.
The pubococcygeal muscle group located at the pelvic floor and running from the pubic bone to the tailbone in a figure eight around the genitals. The health, strength, and endurance of these muscles are important in both male and female sexual response. In the male they help produce strong erections and orgasmic control. In the female they are useful for increasing pleasure and helping the orgasmic response. Exercising them consists of tightening or squeezing them.
The muscles and connective tissue that lie at the bottom of the bowl created by the hips. The pelvic floor supports the bladder, intestines, and uterus.
A location on the body about half-way between the anus and genitals. On the male, there is an indentation in this location. Pressing firmly on this location (corresponds to the circulation/sex #1 location in Chinese acupuncture) creates a physiological response preventing ejaculation. Repeated physical use of the spot (sometimes called the "million dollar point") can result in mental control of ejaculation. Without ejaculation, it is possible for males to have multiple orgasms.
The groove that runs from the base of the nose to the top of the upper lip. From the Latin for love potion.
A gland that is housed in the sphenoid saddle or sella turcica at the base of the brain. It is connected to the hypothalamus. It produces a number of hormones and controls the functioning of the entire endocrine system.
A moist collection of items such as items such as various herbs and medicines, spread on a piece of cloth and placed on the skin. Often warmed, it is most commonly used to treat an area that is painful, aching or inflamed. Often used directly on cuts or wounds. A poultice is also a porous object, such as a sponge, that contains a solvent and is used to remove stains from stones such as granite or marble.
4. Most commonly used to mean the breath. Prana is understood as the energy that surrounds us and pervades the universe at all times. Another way of understanding Kundalini energy is to recognize it as each individual's highly concentrated dose of inborn prana.
The front of the brain, including the orbito-frontal cortex. It plays a central role in complex cognitive functions, the expression of personality, and social behavior.
The issue a person tells a therapist, such as a hypnotherapist, as to why he or she is seeking help. Often, a beginning hypnotherapist will try to deal with that issue, assuming it is the actual problem. However, a presenting problem may actually be a symptom of a deeper problem. For full alleviation of the deeper issue(s), a hypnotist may have to use other techniques (such as regression) to find the actual cause. Otherwise, the hypnotherapy may not be as successful as desired.
A gland located at the base of the penis. The prostate surrounds the neck of the bladder and the urethra. While it is a gland, it also contains muscle tissue, and is surrounded by nerves. It plays an important role in, erection, arousal, and orgasmic response; not only does it produce prostatic fluid, which comprises 20-30% of semen, its smooth muscles pulse during orgasm and play a significant role in expelling the ejaculate.
Any of a variety of forms of healing using psychic powers. Examples include Reiki, laying on of hands, etc.
The pubic bone is not actually a single bone. Instead, it is the front of the pelvis, where the left and right bones meet. It lies just above the genitals, well below the crest of the hips.
The muscles that form a part of the pelvic floor, also known as the "Kegel Muscles" or "PC Muscles." Learning to work these muscles in various ways is a key part of many Tantric and Yogic practices. More generally, exercising them is very important for urogenital health, in both men and women.
A technique used in NLP where the practitioner gives a client new insights by reinterpreting something for the client. For example, if the client says, "I'm lazy," the reframe might be, "So you're saying that you're so effective and get things done so quickly that you have lots of spare time."
A term used by some Neo-Tantric practitioners to designate the trigger for energetic excitation within the human body. For women this spot is associated with the so-called G-spot. For men it is at or just below the prostate gland at the root chakra.
A technique used by some Neo-Tantrics, it involves a direct massage of the Sacred Spot in a male or female. As this is an internal and perhaps the ultimate personal massage, it can be used to recall and overcome both physical and psychological wounds as well as awaken and release orgasmic energy.
2. The sacrum is usually comprised of five bones in the lower spine that start to fuse in adolescence and have usually become fully fused in young adulthood. These are the spinal bones that pass through the pelvis. The sacrum lies between the bones of the lumbar spine, above, and the coccyx, below.
Sexual practices intended to reduce the risk of spreading or catching sexually transmitted infections. Most commonly this involves the use of barriers—condoms, dental dams, and gloves—for activities in which exposure to sexual fluids would otherwise occur.
Among hypnotists, a script is a written monologue that contains overt or metaphorical suggestions for a hypnotist to give a hypnotized person in order to obtain desired changes in behavior, attitude, thought patterns, etc. Among beginning hypnotists, it is common to memorize or read a script. This "one script fits all who have the same problem" has limited success. Experienced hypnotists uses scripts as a guide to coming up with their own individualized suggestions.
A Japanese bodywork technique that focuses on energetic flows, akin to [Chinese] acupressure.
The sinus that lies at the top and back of the nasal passages, just below the sphenoid saddle, which houses the pituitary gland. Chanting a mantra properly sends vibrations through the sphenoid sinus and into the pituitary.
One of the three parts the mind that form the structural model in Sigmund Freud's description of the psyche. In mystical terms, the super-ego is the higher self. It "punishes" a lack of following one’s higher goals with feelings of guilt. It is associated with the unconscious. In Transactional Analysis it is associated to the Adult aspect of the psyche. The other parts are the Id and the Ego.
The part of the nervous system that is responsible for the "fight or flight" response. It complements the parasympathetic nervous system, and the two must be functioning harmoniously for sexual arousal and orgasm to take place.
A modern, non-religious and scientifically researched version of Laying on of Hands. Developed by Dora Kunz and Dolores Krieger, it assumes that people are complex fields of energy and that we each have the natural ability to enhance healing in others.
Developed by psychiatrist Eric Berne and commonly called T.A., Transactional Analysis is a system of psychotherapy that integrates therapeutic techniques of cognitive, humanistic, and Freudian analytical therapies. It is perhaps most popularly known for its simplification of the Freudian concepts of the id, the ego, and the super-ego, which are respectively called the child, parent, and adult. These terms have been adopted by some "pop" psychologists.
A form of psychology that examines the spiritual aspects of human experience. Topics usually studied in this system include spiritual self-development, peak experiences, trance states, and mystical experiences. Although complementary to parapsychology, it is not the same. Parapsychology investigates the objective reality of paranormal phenomena while Transpersonal Psychology investigates the spiritual meaning of such phenomena. In some ways Transpersonal Psychology overlaps with mysticism.
The nerve that runs along the ulna (one of the bones of the forearm.) The largest unprotected nerve in the body, it produces a sensation commonly called, "hitting one's funny bone" when directly bumped.
The tube that stretches from the bladder to the genitals, and through which one urinates.
One of the nerves responsible for orgasmic response. It is also referred to as the pneumogastric nerve. It regulates heart rate, peristalsis, and sweating, and because it does not reach the lower body through the spinal column, some people whose spinal cords have been severed can still experience orgasm when it is stimulated.
A medication that causes vasodilation and thereby improves erectile function.
