Glossary

Anahata Chakra: One of the energy centers in Yogic metaphysical anatomy. Physiologically, it is related to the thoracic plexus and has a strong connection with the heart.

Asana: Seat, yoga posture

Brain Coherence: Uniform pattern of activity throughout the brain

Breath Coherence: Uniform pattern of activity characterized by steady, deep and long breaths.

Consciousness: Etymologically, to be conscious of something is to share knowledge of it with someone else or with oneself. Consciousness can be thought as the “awareness of awareness”

Coherence: ordered distribution of energy in a waveform, as in oscillatory systems that vary sinousoidally at a stable frequency and amplitude.

Corpus callosum: brain structure that connects both hemispheres.

Ida: The nadi that runs on the left side of the Sushumma nadi. Anatomically, this nadi is connected with the parasympathetic nervous system.


Heart Coherence
: state of stable sine-wave activity in heart rate.  Coupled with emotional balance, alertness, and improved cognitive abilities


Kundalini:
Esoteric term used to refer to the latent spiritual power envisioned in the form of a snake. The activation of this energy leads to transformative experiences including enlightenment


Kriya:
Physical action or exercises

Mitahara: Moderation in diet


Nadi:
Tube that carries prana

Nada: Manifestation of energy currents of the heart as a sound

Nadi Sodhana: Yogic exercise designed to purify the nadis. Consists of alternate nostril breathing


Nauli:
Purification exercise of the abdominal region


One-pointedness:
state of mind characterized by deep immersion in contemplation of the environment or metaphysical energies.


Pingala:
The nadi that runs on the right side of the Sushumma Nadi. Anatomically, this nadi is connected with the sympathetic nervous system.


Prana:
Vital energy. Scientifically, interpreted as nervous currents


Samadhi:
Superconscious state characterized by deep absorption and concentration


Siddhi:
Psychic powers, or extra-sensory abilities that cannot explained by known physical or biological mechanisms.


Sushumma:
Central nadi, through which the Kundalini energy flows


Swara Yoga:
Branch of Yoga which focuses on the alternation of the breath in relation to human energy structures. Etymologically, the Yoga involving the sound of one’s breath.


Tatraka:
Gazing at a particular spot, usually the eyebrows or the tip of the nose


Yoga:
Eastern tradition that promotes deeper states of consciousness, eventually leading to enlightenment


Yoga Nidra:
Yogic sleep. Practice that includes the constant examination of thought patterns, the control of prana, and proprioceptive awareness.