Glossary of Terms
Aromatherapy — Essential oils were mankind’s first medicine and their use has been documented over thousands of years. The term aromatherapy refers to the therapeutic use of aromatic substances (essential oils) to balance, harmonize and promote the health of body, mind and spirit. In a holistic system, aromatherapy can be used as a preventative approach as well as an active treatment component during acute and chronic stages of illness.
Ayurveda – The original ancient system of medicine native to India, upon which the energetic system of Polarity is based. Translates as “Science of Life”.
Chakras – Wheel (or flower) -like energy vortexes. Force centers for energy. Focal point of reception and transmission of energy. There are 7 major charkas: Base / Root, Sacral, Solar Plexus, Heart, Throat, Brow/3rd Eye, Crown. The chakras each relate to an element, a color, a sound vibration, a particular human sense, and more. Together, they comprise the core energy system of the body.
Elemental Reflexology™ — An energetic form of reflexology which combines the energetic principles of Polarity and the elements - Ether, Air, Fire, Water, Earth - with the ancient healing art of reflexology for balance and healing.
Energy Medicine – It proposes that imbalances and blockages in the body’s energy filed result in pain, dysfunction and illness. It has been long recognized in Eastern cultures. It includes polarity, acupuncture, qi gong, reiki, homeopathy, ayurvedic medicine, and therapeutic touch. It also includes magnet therapy, light therapy, radiation therapy and sound therapy.
Holistic Health – The concept that the “whole person” should be treated. That the mind ( mental state), body and spirit all affect the state of an individual’s health.
Meditation — A mental technique for deep relaxation; meditation helps to focus and calm the mind. It may be used to heal the body, quiet the mind, and provide a sense of tranquility and inner balance.
Polarity Training levels – APP, RPP and RPE
There are three intensive levels of Polarity training, all of which meet the requirements and follow the current standards of practice as determined by the American Polarity Therapy Association, the national governing board:
~ Associate Polarity Practitioner (APP) certification is a 160-hour, 4-level program in basic elemental assessment and balancing. This level is completed prior to acceptance into RPP training.
~Registered Polarity Practitioner (RPP) training is a 640-hour, 10-level course of study which builds on the APP foundation, and consists of advanced polarity theory, energetic evaluation and assessment, specialty protocols, communication, energetic food awareness, polarity exercise, basic craniosacral techniques, and energetic anatomy as well as 90 hours of orthodox anatomy and physiology.
~Registered Polarity Educator (RPE) training is an optional 182-hour program for those RPPs who wish to teach Polarity courses within APTA-Approved Training Schools for the purpose of training qualified Polarity Practitioners.
Reflexology — Based on the idea that specific points on the feet and hands correspond with organs and tissues throughout the entire body. The practitioner uses fingers and thumbs to apply pressure to reflex zones to help the self-healing process. Some of the benefits are the relief of pain in the neck, shoulder and lower back, relief of allergic reactions, headaches, upset stomach and colon discomfort.
Reiki – A method in which practitioners use light hand placements to activate and balance the life-force energy (also known as chi or prana). Reiki can be used to treat emotional and mental distress as well as chronic and acute physical pain.
Sacred Geometry – Geometry and mathematical ratios of architecture and art. The premise that basic patterns of existence are sacred and that by studying these patterns insight may be gained into the mysteries of the universe. It is seen in natural forms, for example: sunflowers, snowflakes, chambered nautilus shell, bee honeycomb. It also relates to music. Cymatics is the study of the effects of sound and vibration on matter.
Sound Healing – Comes out of cymatics, the study of the effects of sound and vibration on matter. Based on the premise that sound vibrations affect matter. Exposure to different pitches (vibrations) can have different effects on one’s energy and health.
