Meditation Glossary

Find clear definitions of key terms related to meditation, sleep and mental wellness. Each definition is written in a factual and accessible way.

Last updated April 1, 2026 · 17 terms

Meditation

Meditation is a mental practice that involves focusing attention on an object, thought or sensation to develop concentration and self-awareness.

Nala offers guided meditations for beginners and experienced practitioners.

Mindfulness

Mindfulness is a form of meditation that involves paying intentional attention to the present moment without judgment. It helps observe thoughts and sensations with detachment.

Nala supports mindfulness practice with guided sessions to reduce stress and anxiety.

Hypnosis

Hypnosis is a modified state of consciousness characterized by focused attention and heightened suggestibility. In a wellness context, it is used to support relaxation and falling asleep.

Nala offers guided hypnosis sessions with Alma, specialized in deep relaxation.

Sophrology

Sophrology is a relaxation method combining controlled breathing, muscle relaxation and positive visualization. Created in 1960 by Alfonso Caycedo, it aims to harmonize body and mind.

Nala includes sophrology exercises guided by Lila.

ASMR

ASMR (Autonomous Sensory Meridian Response) is a pleasant tingling sensation often triggered by soft sounds such as whispering, tapping or rustling. It is used to promote relaxation and sleep.

Nala offers ASMR sessions guided by Zara to support falling asleep.

Yoga Nidra

Yoga Nidra, or "yogic sleep", is a deep relaxation technique practiced lying down. The practitioner remains conscious while entering a state close to sleep, guided by vocal instructions.

Nala includes Yoga Nidra sessions in its sleep meditation catalog.

Cardiac coherence

Cardiac coherence is a rhythmic breathing technique (typically 5 seconds in, 5 seconds out) that synchronizes heart rate and the autonomic nervous system. It contributes to reducing stress and promoting calm.

Nala offers free cardiac coherence exercises with visual animation.

Body scan

Body scan is a meditation technique that involves mentally scanning each part of the body from head to toe, observing present sensations without trying to change them.

Nala guides body scan sessions accessible to all levels.

4-7-8 breathing

4-7-8 breathing is a respiratory technique that involves inhaling for 4 seconds, holding the breath for 7 seconds, then exhaling for 8 seconds. It is known to contribute to relaxation and falling asleep.

Nala offers 4-7-8 breathing among its 6 free breathing exercises.

Box breathing

Box breathing (or square breathing) is a technique that divides the breathing cycle into 4 equal phases: inhale, hold, exhale, hold. Each phase typically lasts 4 seconds.

Nala includes box breathing in its guided breathing exercises.

Progressive relaxation

Progressive muscle relaxation (Jacobson technique) involves systematically tensing and then releasing each muscle group in the body. It helps build awareness of muscle tension and reduce it.

Nala offers progressive relaxation sessions to support falling asleep.

Guided meditation

Guided meditation is a form of meditation where an instructor accompanies the practitioner through voice, providing step-by-step instructions. It is particularly suited for beginners.

Nala offers guided meditations with narrators specialized in different approaches.

White noise

White noise is a uniform sound containing all audible frequencies at equal intensity. It is often used to mask ambient sounds and contribute to better sleep.

Nala offers white noise and 35+ mixable ambient sounds for free.

Pink noise

Pink noise is a sound whose intensity decreases with frequency, producing a softer, more natural effect than white noise. It evokes the sound of rain or a distant waterfall.

Nala includes pink noise in its sleep sound mixer.

Visualization

Visualization is a mental technique that involves creating positive or soothing mental images. In meditation, it is used to support relaxation, build confidence or prepare for sleep.

Nala uses visualization in its sophrology and guided meditation sessions.

Grounding

Grounding is a mindfulness technique that involves reconnecting to the present moment using the senses: touch, sight, hearing, smell, taste. It helps calm anxiety and intrusive thoughts.

Nala offers grounding exercises in its anxiety SOS sessions.

Mantra

A mantra is a word, phrase or sound repeated mentally or aloud during meditation. It serves as a focal point to calm the mind and deepen concentration.

Nala supports mantra practice in its guided meditations.