Glossary

Abdomen
Area between the pelvis and the chest.
Abreaction
Release of emotional energy, freeing the mind of neurotic energy.
Adrenal Glands
A pair of endocrine glands situated just above the kidneys (in mammals). Involved in the manufacture and distribution of cortisone, epinephrine, and certain steriods.
Afferent Nerves
Nerves that carry messages from the body to the brain.
Agni
Fire. Also the internal fires of the body, often referred to as "tapas," meaning sacred heat.
Agni Kumbhaka
The Yoga "Fire Breath" technique. This complex breathing technique combines kapalabhati, bastrika, dirgha svasam, rechaka kumbhaka, bandha-triya, and intense pratyahara in its more advanced forms.
Agni-Sara Dhauti
Literally, "purging by cascading the fire." One of the six kriyas, agnisara dhauti consists of a rapid series of abdominal lifts or Uddhiyana Bandha. This technique builds great heat (tapas/agni) in the body while it strengthens core muscles.
Ahamkara
the individuation principle, or ego, which must be transcended
Ahimsa
The single most important moral discipline (yama). Living one's life without violence in thought, word, or deed.
Allopathic medicine
The traditional medicine of Western culture, which focuses on a specific disease or problem and treats it.
Amaroli
Yogic tantric practice in which urine is used internally and externally for health.
Amenorrhoea
Absence or stoppage of the menses.