Holistic Health Vocab 2

A concept from Ayurvedic medicine referring to the body's digestive fire or energy that is responsible for breaking down food and absorbing nutrients.

According to Ayurveda, eating warm, cooked foods can help strengthen your agni and improve digestion.

A type of acupuncture that focuses only on specific points on the ear, believed to connect to different organs and systems in the body.

The clinic offered auricular acupuncture as a way to help patients manage anxiety and sleep problems.

An ancient Indian system of medicine that focuses on balancing the body, mind, and spirit through diet, herbal remedies, yoga, and lifestyle practices.

She became interested in ayurveda and started adjusting her diet and daily routine based on her body type as described in this traditional system.

The healthy regulation of cortisol, the body's main stress hormone, so that it is neither too high nor too low, which is important for energy, sleep, mood, and immune function.

Getting enough sleep, reducing stress, and eating regular meals can all support cortisol balance and help you feel more energetic throughout the day.

A traditional therapy in which special cups are placed on the skin and create suction to improve blood circulation, relieve muscle tension, and promote healing.

After the athlete's intense training session, she had cupping done on her back to help her muscles recover faster.

Natural proteins produced by the body, mainly in the stomach and small intestine, that help break down food into smaller pieces so nutrients can be absorbed.

Some people take digestive enzyme supplements with their meals because their bodies do not produce enough to properly break down certain foods.

An eating plan where certain foods are removed from the diet for a period of time and then slowly reintroduced to identify which foods may be causing allergies or digestive problems.

Her doctor suggested trying an elimination diet to find out whether gluten or dairy was causing her stomach problems.

The process of letting go of stored emotions such as stress, grief, or trauma from the mind or body, often through therapy, movement, breathing, or other healing practices.

Many participants cried during the yoga retreat, and the instructor explained that this kind of emotional release is a natural and healthy part of the healing process.

In traditional and holistic medicine, a disruption or obstruction in the flow of the body's natural energy, which is believed to cause physical or emotional problems.

The acupuncturist said that the pain in his lower back might be caused by an energy blockage along one of the body's main energy pathways.

Foods that have been naturally preserved through a process where bacteria or yeast break down sugars, creating beneficial compounds and a slightly sour taste.

Fermented foods like yogurt, kimchi, and sauerkraut are popular choices for people who want to improve their gut health.

A practice of connecting with the present moment or with the earth to reduce stress and anxiety, such as walking barefoot on grass or focusing on your senses.

When she felt overwhelmed, she used a grounding technique by focusing on five things she could see around her.

A traditional Chinese healing treatment where a smooth tool is scraped across the skin to improve blood flow and reduce pain or tension.

My therapist used gua sha on my shoulders to help relieve the muscle pain I had from sitting at my desk all day.

The two-way communication system between the digestive system and the brain, which means that gut health can affect mood and mental health, and vice versa.

Scientists are studying the gut-brain axis to better understand why people with digestive problems often also experience anxiety or depression.

Live beneficial bacteria found in certain foods or supplements that help maintain a healthy balance of microorganisms in the digestive system.

Her doctor recommended taking probiotics every day to help restore healthy bacteria in her gut after she finished her antibiotics.

A traditional Chinese practice that combines slow, gentle movements, breathing exercises, and meditation to improve physical health and mental well-being.

Many older adults in the park practice qigong every morning because it helps them stay flexible and feel more relaxed.

A Japanese healing practice in which a practitioner places their hands lightly on or near the body to promote relaxation and support the body's natural ability to heal.

After feeling stressed for several weeks, she tried reiki and said she felt much calmer afterward.

An approach to health that focuses on finding and treating the underlying reason for a health problem rather than just managing its symptoms.

Instead of just taking medication for her frequent headaches, she worked with a holistic practitioner who focused on root cause healing to discover that dehydration and poor posture were the real problems.

A network of nerves located in the upper abdomen, often associated in holistic practices with emotions, personal power, and the body's core energy center.

She felt a tight sensation in her solar plexus whenever she was nervous before giving a presentation.

The longest nerve in the body that connects the brain to many organs including the heart, lungs, and digestive system, playing an important role in relaxation and digestion.

Deep breathing exercises can stimulate the vagus nerve and help your body switch from a stressed state to a calm one.

An important acupuncture point located below the knee, used in traditional Chinese medicine to support digestion, boost energy, and strengthen overall health.

The acupuncturist applied pressure to the zusanli point on my leg to help improve my digestion.