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macrobiotic counseling: Conducer to adoption of a macrobiotic diet
of whole grains, vegetables, edible seaweed, and seeds. The purported
design of macrobiotic principles of cooking is to "synchronize"
one's eating habits with the "cycles of nature." (See
"macrobiotics.")
macrobiotic diagnosis (macrobiotic Oriental diagnosis):
Part of macrobiotics that encompasses astrodiagnosis (see "astrologic
medicine"), chiromancy (see "medical palmistry"),
facial diagnosis, and pulse diagnosis.
macrobiotics (formerly called "Zen Macrobiotics"):
Quasireligious movement and health-centered lifestyle whose centerpiece
is a mystical form of vegetarianism. The thrust of macrobiotic
nutrition is regulation of the intake of two alleged elementary
forms of energy: yin and yang. Cate gorizing a food as yin or
yang depends largely on characteristics directly cognizable by
the senses and is unrelated to nutrient content. Proponents ascribe
the modern version of macrobiotics either to Ishizuka Sagen (1850-1910),
a Japanese physician and author of A Chemical Nutritional Theory
of Long Life, or to George Ohsawa (1893-1966), whose names
included: Georges Ohsawa, Nyoichi (also spelled "Nyoiti")
Sakurazawa, and Yukikazu Sakurazawa. The leading exponent of macrobiotics
is Michio Kushi, according to whom "Natural and Macrobiotic
Medicine" encompasses: (a) astrological diagnosis; (b) aura
and vibrational diagnosis, allegedly based on the color, frequency,
"heat," and intensity of a one's "radiating aura"
and "vibrations"; (c) consciousness and thought diagnosis,
a variation of so-called mind reading; (d) environmental diagnosis,
whose theory posits "celestial influences"; (e) meridian
diagnosis, which purportedly reveals valuable information about
"internal energy flow"; (f) pressure diagnosis, which
supposedly reveals "stagnation of the streaming energy";
and (g) spiritual diagnosis, an apparent variation of aura analysis
(probably rei-so).
macroreflexology: Any form of reflexology that concerns
"reflex areas" throughout the body. Acupressure and
acupuncture exemplify macroreflexology.
magical aromatherapy: Offshoot of aromatherapy expounded
by author Scott Cunningham (1956-1993) and distinguished by the
following attributes. (a) Self-administration is preferable. (b)
Aims need not relate to health. (c) Visualization of a needed
change accompanies inhalation of a scent. (d) "Bioelectrical
energy," which Cunningham described as "non-physical"
and "natural," merges with the scent and is programmable
by visualization.
magical diet (magical diets): System of "food magic"
devised by Scott Cunningham (1956-1993), author of more than a
dozen books on magic and/or witchcraft. Its postulate is that
different foods "harbor" different "magical energies."
For example, Cunningham recommended canned chili, Coca-Cola, Pepsi,
and iced tea for magical and physical "energy," and
Seven-Up and fast-food fish sandwiches for "psychic awareness."
He advised: "Avoid all fad diets."
magical healing: Form of "healing" whose purported
basis is magic -- alleged supernatural swaying of the course of
events or supernatural prediction of events.
magical herbalism (herbal magic): Branch of herbalism expounded
by freelance writer Scott Cunningham (1956-1993), who defined
herbs as "magical substances, infused with the energy of
the Earth." For the removal of warts, pimples, and other
blemishes, Cunningham recommended a proce dure that involves digging
a hole, dropping into it a bean for every blemish, and saying
something like: "As this bean decays, so my wart will go
away." Magical herbalism encompasses clairvoyant diagnosis,
absent healing, and the use of amulets.
Magical Mind, Magical Body: Audiocassette program developed
by endocrinologist Deepak Chopra, M.D., the author of more than
a dozen books. Its premises include the following. (a) Within
one's body is a "universe" as boundless as the "outer
universe." (b) All bodily cells have genius. (c) This genius
holds the key to perfect well-being. (d) One can command this
genius.
Magnetic healing: Type of "healing" that supposedly
involves the flow of "vital energy" to the patient through
the mind and body of the practitioner. The expression "Magnetic
healing" stems from mesmerism.
magnet therapy (biomagnetics, biomagnetic therapeutics,
biomagnetic therapy, biomagnetism, Electro-Biomagnetics, electro-biomagnetics
therapy, magnetic energy therapy, magnetic field therapy, magnetic
healing, magnetics, magnetic therapies, Magnetic Therapy, magnetotherapy):
Variation of self-healing purportedly based on "natural laws."
Magnet therapy allegedly "reestablishes" order in the
"human energy system." Its theory posits "life
energy" and "meridians" and depicts magnets as
sources of "nature's healing energy." Some proponents
equate "magnetic energy," "energy," "life
force," chi, and prana.
Magno-Therapy: Method advanced by "scientist"
and author Jesse F. Partridge, D.D. Apparently, it is a purported
means of healing many types of disease through "body energy."
Maharishi Ayur-Ved (Ayur-Ved, Maharishi Ayurveda; formerly
called "Maharishi Ayur-Veda"): Brand of Ayurveda founded
in 1980 by Maharishi Mahesh Yogi. The word "maharishi"
literally means "great (maha-) seer (sage, saint)."
Maharishi Ayur-Ved encompasses Gandharv Ved, Jyotish (Vedic
Astrology), panchakarma, Primordial Sound Meditation, Psychophysiological
Integration, pulse diagnosis, Transcendental Meditation, TM-Sidhi,
and yagya. Its postulate is that violation of "natural law"
is the fundamental cause of "imbalance" and disease.
Mahikari: Variation of The Radiance Technique. It is the
product of a 1959 "revelation" to Tokyo businessman
Kotama Okada. Mahikari involves the use of an "Omitama,"
a "divine locket" that supposedly enables one to emanate
"divine true light" from the palms. According to Mahikari
theory, spirits wronged by one's ancestors or by oneself reside
in one and cause more than 80 percent of human illness and unhappiness.
The word mahikari means "true light" or "divine
true light."
makko-ho: Mode of stretching based on TCM. It allegedly
strengthens internal organs.
manifesting (conscious thought manifestation, conscious
manifestation, manifestation): Variable method for wish fulfillment
that involves wholehearted visualization and positive thinking.
Its postulate is that one can "manifest" (materialize)
one's wants by consciously using the powers of the mind to design
the mind's "reality." Its theory posits "Universal
Life Energy."
Mantra Yoga Meditation (MYM, MYM technique): Form of silent
meditation introduced to the West by Swami Guru Devanand and promoted
by the Dr. Guervaz Ayurveda Center, in New York City. MYM purportedly
guides one toward experience with the "innermost part"
of one's "cosmic existence."
MariEL: Method developed by "Reiki Master" Ethel
Lombardi. The expression "MariEL" also refers to an
alleged "transformational healing energy" that works
at the cellular level to help clients discover and "release"
emotional and physical traumas.
Marma Chikitsa (Treatment of Marmas): Variety of
methods characterized by the use of "marmas," also called
Adankals, pressure-points, reflex points,
and vital points. Marmas are hundreds of areas on the surface
of the body that nadis (alleged "pranic" channels,
purported carriers of prana or "bio-energy")
supposedly join to organs and nonadjacent areas.
marma healing (Ayurveda marma healing): A purported complete
system for health, longevity, and beauty. Its roots include Ayurveda
("the science of life") and Dhanur Veda (marma science,
"the science of the battlefield"). The postulate of
marma healing is that blockages in a system of 107 "energy
channels" (marmas) in the human body: (a) unbalance
doshas, the three (alleged) forces that govern health and
longevity, and (b) thus create physical ill ness, chronic
bodily conditions, mental instability, and emotional disorders.
Supposed repair of "marma blockages" depends partly
on herbal preparations.
marma science (Dhanur Veda, Dhanur Veda's science of marmas):
System of pseudodiagnosis and pseudotherapy promoted by Joseph
Kurian. Its theory posits chakras and 107 marmas in the
human body. Marmas are alleged channels that regulate the flow
of information, nutrients, and toxins throughout the body. Supposedly,
damage to the "marma system" (e.g., from diet or stress)
results in susceptibility to disease, and proper stimulation of
marmas enables protection from any environmental threat. Marma
science includes the use of special oils, purportedly to unblock
marmas, and Nadi Sutra Kriya.
marma therapy (Ayurvedic lymphatic massage, Ayurvedic massage,
marma technique): Form of massage that supposedly stimulates marmas
-- 107 alleged vital, epidermal, invisible but palpable "junction
points" between mind and matter.
Marrow Cleansing Chi Gong: Form of Qigong (chi gong)
taught by Warner Chen, O.M.D., L.Ac., Ph.D., of New York City.
Medical Dianetics: Branch of dianetics.
medical graphology (grapho-diagnostics): Purported means
of revealing physical and mental illness, or of pinpointing disease,
by examination of handwriting. The nine basic graphological considerations
are: (1) letter shapes, (2) the shapes and locations of breaks
in letters, (3) the shading of loops in letters or of the central
part, (4) ambiguous letters, (5) extra letters, (6) omission of
letters, (7) relative letter sizes, (8) unconnected letters in
the middle of a word, and (9) variation in the shapes of particular
letters within a text. For example, the letter "f" might
represent the small and large intestines, which might symbolize
the "Minister of Finance": The small intestine sorts
out waste and the large intestine either eliminates or retains
it. Thus, an ink-filled lower loop of the lowercase letter "f"
supposedly is strong evidence of constipation due to a desire
to hoard. Graphologists also consider the height, width, and slant
of letters and the spacing between words and lines.
medical palmistry: Palmistry with the purported goal of
determining the condition of specific organs. An offshoot of fortunetelling,
palmistry comprises chirognomy (cheirognomy) and chiromancy (cheiromancy).
The foci of chirognomy are: (a) the overall shape of hands (the
type of hand); (b) the shapes of fingers, nails, and palms; (c)
the size of the mounts (cushions) of the palm; and (d) skin texture.
Chiromancy centers on the lines of the palm. Palmists (also called
"hand analysts") also examine the hands for other marks
and for colors. Proponents use the terms "chiromancy,"
"hand analysis," "palmistry," and "palm-reading,"
interchangeably.
medical qigong (Yi Jia Gong): Field that includes Qigong
and Qigong therapy.
Medicine Cards: "Divination system" that
draws from Aztec, Cherokee, Cheyenne, Iroquois, Mayan, Seneca,
and Yaqui traditions. It features cards that depict "power
animals." One of its purported aims is to teach "the
healing medicine of animals." Another is to show how to heal
the body, emotions, mind, and spirit.
MediPatch Healthcare System (MediPatch system): Spinoff
of homeopathy developed by Dr. Robert Jordan and characterized
by the use of MediPatch Homeopathic Remedy Kits. Its theory posits
a "chakral energy system" and twelve "acupuncture
meridian pulse points."
mental healing: "Process" whereby one endeavors
to heal another with "conscious intent" alone. The expressions
"mental healing" and "spiritual healing" often
are synonymous.
Mental Medicine (the Medicine of the North, Mental Medicine
path, mental path): Mode of Cherokee healing that includes biofeedback,
the Cross-Over exer cise, visualization, and relaxation techniques.
One of its purported purposes is to calm the spirit.
Mentalphysics (Science of Mentalphysics): Purported practical,
wholistic, futuristic science and "super yoga" founded
in 1927 by Rev. Edwin J. Dingle, an English journalist and publisher
who died in 1972. Mentalphysics supposedly brings out the "hidden
meaning" of the Bible, purportedly includes "astral
travel," and embraces aura reading ("aura study"),
chanting, "Guided Meditation," Jin Shin Jyutsu, pranayama,
Pranic Therapy, reflexology, shiatsu, and individualization of
diet according to "chemical type."
meridian energy diagnosis: Purported way to "determine"
the "flow of energy" throughout acupuncture meridians
and whether "blockages" or "imbalances" exist.
meridian therapy: 1. Method that involves rhythmic
breathing, visualization, and moving one's hands along meridians
(see "tracing"), lines that represent alleged channels
through which chi ("universal life-force energy")
flows. Meridian therapy is related to etheric touch, and its theory
posits chakras. 2. Ching Lo.
mesmerism (animal magnetism, magnetic healing): Form of
hypnotism named after Franz Anton Mesmer (c. 1734-1815), a flamboyant
Viennese physician who had planned to become a cleric. (Writers
also refer to Mesmer as Franciscus Antonius Mesmer, Franz Antoine
Mesmer, and Friedrich Anton Mesmer.) Mesmer coined the expression
"animal magnetism" to refer to his concept of a mysterious,
magnetic "vital fluid" that (a) permeated the
universe and (b) was the agent whereby he induced hypnosis
("mesmeric sleep") in patients. He postulated that an
imbalance between animal magnetism within the body and animal
magnetism in the environment caused many illnesses. Supposed use
of animal magnetism characterizes mesmerism, which apparently
survives only partially, as Magnetic healing (see above).
Meta Fitness: Subject of the paperback Meta Fitness
-- Your Thoughts Taking Shape, by Suzy Prudden and Joan Meijer-Hirschland.
Meta Fitness is a purported unique approach to weight loss, "body
shaping," and physical fitness. It allegedly combines the
"strength" of one's mental, emotional, and physical
"energies."
metal and gem therapy: Pseudotherapeutic application of
metals, gems, and gemstones. Its apparent postulate is that different
metals and gemstones affect the body's "electromagnetic field"
differently. For example, emeralds, purportedly, can balance chakras
and can heal and cleanse one's "aura." Obsidian supposedly
can eliminate "negativity" and draw one's "aura"
toward the body.
metamorphic technique (metamorphosis; originally called
"prenatal therapy"): Spiritual variation of zone therapy
developed by English naturopath Robert St. John in the 1960s.
St. John formulated physical, psychological, and temporal maps
of "reflex points" on the feet. He claimed that these
maps involve personal experiences predating conception. Metamorphic
practitioners allegedly communicate with the patient's "life
force" or "innate intelligence" through points
on the feet, hands, and head. They usually focus on the feet and
supposedly catalyze freeing of the "life force" from
ge netic and karmic influences.
Metamorphosis: Method practiced by Jeffery W. Gail. It
involves touching "spinal reflexes" of the feet, purportedly
to release "patterns" that were "blocked"
during gestation. Its postulate is that releasing such patterns
frees one's "true nature." Metamorphosis appears identical
to, or a variation of, the metamorphic technique.
metaphysical hypnosis (metaphysical hypnotism): "Natural"
yet spiritual form of "suggestive therapy" promoted
by Dorothy H. McCrary, Ms.D. ("Doctor of Metaphysics").
Purportedly, it involves autohypnosis, speeds healing, and can
even effect miraculous healing.
Meta-Therapy: Purported synthesis of Gestalt psychotherapy
and "T'ai Chi energy work" originated by John Mastro,
C.S.W. (see "Chi-Therapy").
The Method For Developing Supernormal Powers: Subject of
a booklet of the same name, by E. Caslant. Apparently, it is a
purported means of de veloping clairvoyance and telepathic and
precognitive abilities.
Metta Touch: Apparently, a blend of techniques from acupressure,
reflexology, shiatsu, Swedish massage, Thai massage, and yoga.
One of its purported aims is to "bridge the connection between"
the practitioner, the patient, and the "cosmic life force."
Microcosmic Orbit Meditation (Microcosmic Orbit, Taoist
Microcosmic Orbit Meditation): A foundational component of the
Healing Tao System. It al legedly "awakens" and channels
cosmic, universal, and earthly "forces."
micromovement bodywork: Purportedly down-to-earth form
of bodywork whose theory posits "kinesthetic melodies"
and myriad elusive processes that carry the "pulse of life."
Practitioners supposedly help clients "dance free" of
tension and pain.
microreflexology: Any form of reflexology that concerns
"microsystems" -- compact parts of the body. Microreflexology
encompasses ear reflexology, Foot Reflexology, and hand reflexology.
Middle Pillar technique (Middle Pillar exercise, Middle
Pillar meditation, Middle Pillar practice): "Mental healing
system" expounded by Francis Israel Regardie, a chiropractor,
Reichian Therapist, and writer born in 1907 in London. Its postulate
is that an omnipresent "spiritual force" ("force
of life") constitutes one's "higher self" and is
one's link with "Godhead." Middle Pillar theory posits
telepathy. The Middle Pillar technique involves chanting or humming,
rhythmic breathing, and visualizing balls of light that correspond
to five specific chakras. The meditator imagines these spheres
emitting a beam of light: the "Middle Pillar."
MINDTONICS (MINDTONICS program, Mindtonic training): Component
of FITONICS that supposedly allows union of one's conscious and
one's "subconscious spiritual core." The purported goal
of the MINDTONICS program, in short, is to "cleanse"
the mind. Its theory posits an "indwelling spirit."
Morter HealthSystem: Mode of chiropractic that includes
B.E.S.T, Baby B.E.S.T., a videocassette stress-management program
called "The Twelve Steps to Stress Less," and nutritional
supplementation whose purported design is to restore the body
to its "natural alkaline state."
Motherhand Shiatsu: Form of shiatsu whose main distinction
is that the "giver" and the "receiver" are
"equally clothed" during sessions.
Motional Processing©: Form of bodywork developed by
Alice Rutkowski, Ph.D., R.M.T. ("registered movement therapist").
Its purported design is to transfer people from their heads into
memories "housed" in the body. Motional Processing supposedly
is appropriate for persons seeking to "unlock" their
bodies to "access" more "life energy."
moxabustion: Adjunct to acupuncture characterized by the
burning of moxas -- preparations of dried leaves from the
common mugwort (Artemisia vulgaris) or the wormwood tree
(Artemisia chinensis) -- at acupoints to stimulate chi.
Practitioners attach moxas to acupuncture needles, place
them directly on the skin in the form of small cones, or place
the cones on a layer of ginger.
moxibustion (Jiu, Jiu therapy, moxibustion therapy): 1.
Moxabustion. 2. Application of heat to acupoints either
in the manner of moxabustion or with an electrical heat source.
mucusless diet: Centerpiece of Ehretism. The mucusless
diet consists of all green vegetables and all fruit. In an essay
titled "My Mucusless Diet and Naturopathy," Ehret held
that "internal impurity" ("mucus") was the
only disease, and that "unusable food elements," mainly
from "mucus-forming foods," caused it. "Mucus-forming
foods," according to one of Ehret's articles, include dairy
products, eggs, fats, meat, and all starchy foods. In one of the
25 "lessons" that constitute the text of Mucusless
Diet Healing System, Ehret, citing Genesis, called
fruits and "starchless greenleaf vegetables" the "natural
food of man."
Mucusless Diet Healing System: Subject of Prof. Arnold
Ehret's book of the same name. The Mucusless Diet Healing System
encompasses the mucusless diet, fasting, enemas, eugenics, nude
sunbathing, and "sex psychology." Ehret's "formula
of Life" is "V = P - O," where "V" stands
for "vitality," "P" for the "power"
that keeps one alive, and "O" for "obstruction":
all "internal impurities." The system's theory holds:
(a) that a beard is a "secondary sex organ";
and (b) that "natural" love is the highest form
of invisible nourishment from "the infinite" for body
and soul.
Multidimensional Cellular Healing (MCH): Apparently, a
group of "techniques" that purportedly enables "conscious
connection to other realities" and involves attaining a state
of "Holographic Beingness." Author and "transformational
healer" Ken Page created the method.
Multi-dimentional healing ("unseen" healing):
Field in which "I.H. healers" ("Interdimentional
Healers") are trained. These allegedly are empathic "miracle
healers" who "heal" in and beyond the three-dimensional
"earth realm of reality." Apparently, Multi-dimentional
healing is a form of vibrational medicine that includes distant
healing (see "absent healing"), "hands-on healing"
(see "bodywork"), manifestation (see "manifesting"),
psychic heal ing, and a form or variation of angelic healing.
multi incarnational recall and emotional body balancing:
Mode of energy balancing developed by author Chris Griscom, founder
of the Light Institute of Galisteo, in New Mexico. It purportedly
uses techniques from Windows to the Sky acupressure to remove
"blockages" and to facilitate recall of "multi
incarnations."
Multi-Orgasmic Couple: A purported means of learning how
to prevent the indiscriminate loss of "sexual energy"
while one enhances "spiritual growth." It is related
to Healing Love.
muscle testing {manual muscle testing, Muscle Response
Testing (M.R.T.) technique, "Muscle Response Test" technique,
M.R.T., M.R.T. system, M.R.T. technique, muscle-testing procedure}:
Variety of procedures used with the supposed aim of tapping the
body's "innate intelligence" and thereby determining
the "energy levels" of "life forces" that
control the body. Muscle testing is a component of every form
of kinesiology (see above) and a purported means of discovering
"imbalances."
Myofascial Release: Mode of bodywork that includes CranioSacral
Therapy.
nadi shodhanam (channel purification): Yogic mode
of breathing that supposedly cleanses nadis, the alleged
"subtle vessels" of the "physical and subtle bodies."
The purported result is a reduction of nervous tension.
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