insufflation
/ˌɪnsəˈfleɪʃən/
noun
- The act of blowing a powder, gas, or vapor into a body cavity, especially into the lungs or nose.
- The doctor performed an insufflation of the patient's lungs during the procedure.
- Insufflation of powdered medicine is sometimes used to treat nasal allergies.
- The ancient practice of insufflation involved blowing herbs into a wound for healing.
- In religious contexts, the act of breathing or blowing on a person or object as part of a ritual, especially in baptism or exorcism.
- In some traditions, insufflation is used to bless the holy water.
- The ritual insufflation was meant to drive away evil spirits.
- During the baptism, the priest performed an insufflation to symbolize the Holy Spirit.