Page 23 - Terminology-Naturopathy

L referred to as heliotherapy, consists of exposure to daylight
or to specific wavelengths of light using polychromatic
polarised light, lasers, light-emitting diodes, fluorescent
lamps, dichroic lamps or very bright, full-spectrum light.
The light is administered for a prescribed amount of time
Lactifuge: Reduces the flow of milk.
and, in some cases, at a specific time of day. One common
Lapa’au: A Hawaiian healing art practiced for thousands use of the term is associated with the treatment of skin
of years in Polynesia. During the healing session the disorders, chiefly psoriasis, acne vulgaris, eczema and
practitioner becomes a bridge for healing, connecting the neonatal jaundice. Light therapy which strikes the retina of
spirit of one or more Lapa’au Kahunas, the client, and the the eyes is used to treat circadian rhythm disorders such as
energies of the client’s Aumakua (personal guardian spirits). delayed sleep phase disorder and can also be used to treat
The client’s energy is balanced, distorted thought forms seasonal affective disorder, with some support for its use
(that may result in illness) are removed, and energy links also with non-seasonal psychiatric disorders.
draining the client are disconnected. When the client is a
healer, the work takes place under the guidance of a higher Lignum: Refers to the wood or the secondary thickening of
level of Aumakua on multiple planes at the same time. The the stem. This may or may not contain the bark as well.
healer’s energy level is optimized for their own unique Liniment: Extract of a plant added to either alcohol or
characteristics and abilities. vinegar and applied topically to employ the therapeutic

benefits.
Laughter yoga (Hasyayoga): Is a practice involving
prolonged voluntary laughter. Laughter yoga is based Lomilomi massage: Hawaiian for “rub rub”, Lomilomi is
on the belief that voluntary laughter provides the same a massage technique that’s been handed down from ancient
physiological and psychological benefits as spontaneous Hawaiian healers. The stroke used are similar to the shiatsu
laughter. Laughter yoga is a unique exercise routine, which technique of Japan but are gentler and shorter. Pressure with
combines unconditional laughter with yogic breathing. the fingers at certain points is also part of the technique,
Anyone can laugh without relying on humour, jokes or but is it of shorter duration than most acupressure. Two
comedy. Laughter is initially simulated as a physical identifying techniques of authentic Lomilomi are the
exercise while maintaining eye contact with others in the emphasis on spirit-body connection and the use of the
group and promoting childlike playfulness. In most cases forearm and elbow as a massage tool.
this soon leads to real and contagious laughter. Science has
proved that the body cannot differentiate between simulated
and real laughter. Laughter Yoga is the only technique
that allows adults to achieve sustained hearty laughter Low-level laser therapy: See Cold laser therapy.
without involving cognitive thought. It has been proven
scientifically that twenty minutes of laughter is sufficient Lymph drainage therapy: Therapy to drain and improve
to have physiological benefits. This experience leads to the lymphatic vessels, a system of tubes or canals through
release of emotional tensions and joyfulness, which can last which lymph is carried from different parts of the body.
for days. Lymph: Liquid surrounding the muscles and tissues of the
skull, spinal column, and sacrum.
Laxative: Substance that acts to loosen the bowels
contents.
Leech therapy: See Hirudotherapy.

Lifestyle: Describes the particular attitudes, habits or M
behaviors associated with an individual. Lifestyle is
under the control of the individual. And, their lifetime
accumulative effects are theorized by advocates of natural
health to be connected to all lifestyle or degenerative Macrobiotic diet: A macrobiotic diet (or macrobiotics), is
diseases. Individuals improve their health by carefully a nutritional philosophy focused on eating foods based on
changing to a healthier lifestyle. a person’s health status, climate, seasonality of crops, age,
gender, and geography among other considerations. There
Light therapy: Also known as phototherapy, classically is not a singular dietary regimen, as the diet is based on

TERMINOLOGY NATUROPATHY 23