A–Z REFERENCE
The language of Natural Hygiene, explained.
A quick-reference dictionary for terminology used throughout Natural Body Intelligence. If you are new to the subject, start with What Is Natural Hygiene? for the core principles, then use this A–Z reference for established physiological terms, historical Natural Hygiene concepts and NBI terminology.
A
Adaptation
The body’s ongoing adjustment to changes in its internal and external environment. In Natural Hygiene, many symptoms are interpreted within this wider process of adaptation rather than viewed in isolation.
Apoptosis
A regulated process of programmed cell death used by the body to remove cells that are damaged, unnecessary or no longer functioning appropriately.
Autolysis
The breakdown of cells or tissues by enzymes originating within the body. Natural Hygiene literature commonly discusses autolysis in relation to fasting, although claims about selective tissue breakdown should be distinguished from established physiology.
B
Biofield
A term used in some holistic traditions for proposed fields of energy or information associated with living organisms. It is not an established anatomical body system.
Biogony
A historical term used by Herbert Shelton to describe the body’s efforts to preserve life and respond to adverse conditions. It reflects a Natural Hygiene interpretation, rather than a distinct modern medical mechanism. Read the detailed article →
Bionomy
The study of the laws or conditions of life. Early Natural Hygiene writers used it to discuss how living organisms relate to their environment. Read the detailed article →
C
Cellular Activation Technique
An NBI term for practices intended to support awareness of and engagement with the body’s natural regulatory and restorative processes.
Circadian Rhythm
The roughly 24-hour biological timing system that helps regulate sleep, hormones, body temperature, digestion and many other physiological processes.
D
Detoxification
The body’s biochemical processing and elimination of substances through coordinated activity involving organs including the liver, kidneys, lungs and digestive system. The term is also used more broadly in Natural Hygiene.
E
Elimination
The removal of metabolic waste and other substances from the body through processes including urination, defecation, breathing and normal skin function.
Enervation
A classical Natural Hygiene term for a state of reduced functional energy or vitality, traditionally associated with excessive physical, mental, emotional or digestive demands.
F
Fasting
A period during which food is deliberately withheld. Fasting produces significant metabolic changes and is treated within Natural Hygiene as a form of physiological rest; longer fasts require particular care and may not be appropriate for everyone.
H
Healing Crisis
A term used in Natural Hygiene and other alternative-health traditions for temporary symptoms interpreted as occurring during recovery or lifestyle change. New, severe or persistent symptoms should not automatically be assumed to be a healing crisis.
Healing in Reverse
A Natural Hygiene idea that during recovery some previous symptoms may temporarily reappear in an apparent reverse order. It is a traditional framework rather than an established medical rule.
Healing Response
The coordinated physiological processes involved in protection, adaptation, repair and recovery after stress or tissue disturbance.
Homeostasis
The body’s dynamic regulation of internal conditions such as temperature, blood glucose, fluid balance and pH within ranges compatible with normal function.
L
Law of Vital Economy
A Natural Hygiene principle proposing that the body allocates its available energy and resources according to physiological priorities, particularly during periods of stress, rest or recovery.
Law of Dual Effect
A historical Natural Hygiene principle proposing that stimulation can be followed by a contrasting period of reduced activity. Its broad application should not be confused with a universal physiological law. Read the detailed article →
Laws of Life
A collective name for principles early Natural Hygienists believed governed healthy living. These ideas vary in their scientific support. Read the detailed article →
N
Natural Hygiene
A health philosophy emphasising the conditions that support normal physiology, including appropriate nutrition, sleep, rest, movement, fresh air, sunlight, emotional wellbeing and the reduction of harmful exposures and habits.
O
Orthopathy
A historical Natural Hygiene term meaning, broadly, ‘right suffering’. It expresses the idea that many symptoms can represent purposeful responses by the body rather than simply malfunction.
Orthobionomics
A historical term associated with living in accordance with perceived biological requirements and the conditions that support health. Read the detailed article →
Orthokinesiology
Herbert Shelton’s term for appropriate movement and physical activity as part of a health-supporting lifestyle. Read the detailed article →
Orthotrophy
A historical Natural Hygiene term for nutrition intended to suit the body’s needs, including food choice and eating habits. Read the detailed article →
P
Physiological Rest
Reduction of demands placed upon the body so that fewer resources are required for activity, digestion or other work. Natural Hygiene places particular emphasis on adequate sleep and rest.
Physiological Compensation
The body’s adjustment of resources and functions when demands or limitations change. Specific mechanisms depend on the organ system and circumstances. Read the detailed article →
S
Self-Regulation
The body’s ability to sense change and continually adjust physiological processes through mechanisms involving the nervous, endocrine, cardiovascular and other systems.
T
Terrain
The condition of the body’s internal environment and the many factors that influence physiological resilience. Natural Hygiene often uses the term to emphasise the person and their overall conditions rather than focusing only on a named disease.
Toxaemia
A classical Natural Hygiene concept describing the accumulation or retention of metabolic waste or ‘toxins’ beyond the body’s capacity for elimination. This historical usage is broader than the medical meaning of specific toxins in the bloodstream.
Toxicosis
A term sometimes used within Natural Hygiene for a state attributed to excessive toxic burden or impaired elimination. It should not be confused with specific medically recognised poisonings or toxic exposures.
V
Vital Economy
See Law of Vital Economy: the Natural Hygiene concept that the body conserves and redirects available resources according to physiological priorities.
Vitality
A broad Natural Hygiene term referring to functional capacity, energy and resilience. It is not a single measurable physiological quantity.
Keep Exploring
Use the Learning Centre for structured study, the Body Systems section to explore physiology, or the Symptom Explorer to start with something you are experiencing.