Author: Glossary
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Anandamide
A fatty acid neurotransmitter that’s been called “the bliss molecule.” Named after the Sanskrit word for “bliss,” an endogenous analogue of tetrahydrocannabinol, similar in structure and function to THC. A neurotransmitter that binds to and activates cannabinoid receptors on brain cells.
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Amygdala
The part of the brain (an element of the limbic system) responsible for controlling emotional response. In the structure of the brain, part of the basal ganglia located on the roof of the temporal horn of the lateral ventricle at the inferior end of the caudate nucleus. It is a structure in the forebrain that…
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Alpha linolenic acid (ALA)
An omega-3 fatty acid that bolsters cardiovascular health and curbs inflammation. Alpha-linolenic acid (ALA), a type of polyunsaturated omega-3 fatty acid, is predominantly present in seed oils such as canola oil, flaxseed oil, and walnut oil. It is also found in purslane and other broad-leaved plants, as well as soybeans. ALA is believed to have…
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Adaptogens
A special class of foods that support the endocrine system (the collection of glands that produce and regulate hormones, metabolism, sleep, and mood, among other functions) and the immune system in a natural way; help the body adapt to stress and restore the body’s natural state of balance. A term used by herbalists to refer…
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Worker’s compensation
Insurance that provides medical and disability coverage for employees who sustain job-related injuries. A payment or payments made to an employee injured or disabled on the job. In most states, after a qualifying medical examination, an employee is certified as having specific functional impairments as the result of a documented injury. A predetermined amount of…
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Whole-part method
A learning process in which the individual needs to see the whole picture before visualizing individual concepts.
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Water tempo
An appropriate rate of speed used in the aquatic environment to allow for slower reaction.
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Water-specific movements
Movements that can be performed safely in water but are impossible to perform on land or are considered high risk.
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Water-soluble vitamins
Dissolve easily in water and, in general, any excess is excreted in the urine. Because they are not readily stored, consistent daily intake is important. The groups of vitamins identified as C and B complex and are soluble in water, fat-soluble vitamins. These comprise all the vitamins of the B-group, and vitamin C. Vitamins able…
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Water
Essential nutrient class needed by the body. The ultimate source of water was an Indo-European word pronounced something like wodor, which gave rise to dozens of other words in other languages. In Greek, wodor became hudor, which gave rise in the thirteenth century to the English hydro, now used in words such as hydro-electric. In…