The Metaphysical Dictionary

Image by chrisdlugosz.

It's easy for me to go on talking about energy work and not realize that I'm using a rather weird vocabulary. So, a metaphysical dictionary is in order.

I will try to keep this page as current and expansive as I can. Some words may have meanings outside the context of energy healing. For our purposes, I'm only putting the in-context meaning.

If you would like me to add a term to the metaphysical dictionary, if you have a correction or any other comments, please do use the contact page to let me know. I write for you.

• Acupressure: A technique using pressure on specific points of the body to regulate and restore the proper flow of energy. See: Acupuncture, Meridian.
• Acupuncture: A technique using the tips of fine needles on specific points on the body to regulate and restore the proper flow of energy. See: Acupressure, Meridian.
• Chakra: Nexus or junction of multiple meridians. There are many chakras throughout the body. However, in the West, only the 7 large ones are commonly discussed. See: Meridian.
• Chi Kung:See Qi Gong.
• EFT: An easily learned and applied technique using specific acupressure points with a rapid tapping motion. See: Acupressure.
• Energy: Vital life force. The body circulates energy just as it does blood. The impedance or scarcity of energy leads to emotional and/or physical hardships, including but not limited to illness. Energy healing seeks to restore the body's circulation and abundance of energy, thus helping the mind, body, and spirit to heal.
• Energy Starvation: A state where your energy is depleted, often from neglect to continue to gather Prana. Dangers include physical ailments such as headache, chills, and fatigue. Emotional symptoms include short temper, and undefinable longing. Most dangerously, energy starvation lowers your awareness, so you may not realize what's going on until you gather Prana. See: Energy, Prana.
• Meditation: A practice for quieting the mind and making connection to the source of life. Basic meditation practices often are as mundane as sports, reading, or creative work. More advanced meditation techniques typically rely on non-thought. Meditation is commonly used to calm the mind, to receive guidance, to explore non-physical reality, and (not least), to gather Prana. See: Prana, Non-Thought.
• Meridian: Pathway of energy in the body. There are many of them, and when they intersect, the intersection is known as a Chakra. See: Chakra
• Non-Thought: State of mind wherein there are no words as part of the thinking process. All cognition happens without words. This is a necessary skill for advanced energy work, as words are too slow and inaccurate to handle the subtlety of energy work. Contrary to the normal definition, this state does not show a lack of mental activity, just thought without using words as we tend to do by default. See: Meditation.
• Prana: Vital force all around us. Many energy work techniques revolve around drawing in Prana. Considered by some the life force of the Universe itself. For any kind of spiritual work it's advisable to take in Prana, so as not to deplete yourself. See: Meditation, Energy, Energy Starvation.
• Pranic Healing:See: Pranayama.
• Qi Gong: Also known as Chi Kung. A breathwork and stretching technique, it uses movement and breath work to become a moving meditation. Used to gather Prana and regulate the flow of energy in the body. Often compared (even confused!) with Taiji (Tai Chi). See: Meditation, Prana.
• Reiki: Healing technique going back to 1880s Japan, believed by many to have been inspired by teachings from India. Works by the practitioner acting as a conduit, moving healing energy into the body of the recipient. Advanced practitioners can send Reiki energy across time and space.

This metaphysical dictionary is still in early form, so please forgive the rough edges. On the other hand, please DO let me know what you think, including (even especially) how to improve it.

New! Comments

Have your say about what you just read! Leave me a comment in the box below.

Don't forget to sign up for the monthly newsletter!