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 Glossary of Natural Healthcare Terms A - M
If you aren’t familiar with natural health care, here is a list of commonly used terms associated with a number of different natural health care topics. | A | B | C | D | E | F | G | H | I | J | K | L | M |
A.O.B.T.A.: American Association for Bodywork Therapies of Asia Acupressure: Type of Chinese medicine that uses direct stimulation by a therapist’s fingertips, knuckles, or hands or from blunt-tipped instruments to stimulate specific points on energetic meridians and points on a patient’s body (1). Acupuncture: A branch of ancient Chinese medicine that treats many conditions including diseases, drug or alcohol addiction, and sinus problems by stimulation of needles to directly manipulate a network along 12 major pathways or energetic meridians, connecting specific internal organs with energetic points on the network. Acupuncture regulates, or disperses Ki (also referred to as Chee, Chi, Ki, Qi, and Qui), the vital life energy that animates all living organisms, and results in a correcting and rebalancing Ki to relieve pain and restore health (1). Alexander Technique: A method of changing everyday movement habits to improve freedom of movement, balance, coordination and posture, and to reduce tension (4). Allopathy: The conventional method of medicine that combats disease by using active techniques specifically against the disease (1). Alternative therapies: Interventions for improving, maintaining and promoting health and well being, preventing disease, or treating illness. Encompassing over 200 modalities and more than 10,000 uses, alternative and complementary therapies are not part of the standard North American biomedical regimen of health care or disease prevention. Standard refers to practices commonly taught in U. S. medical schools, covered by major insurers, or referred to as allopathic or Western medicine (1). Anthroposophic medicine: Based on the principles of anthroposophy, developed by philosopher and spiritual scientist Rudolf Steiner, PhD (1861-1925); this medical system takes into account the spiritual and physical components of illness. A treatment regime may include herbal and homeopathic medicines as well as dietetics, art and movement therapies, massage, and hydrotherapy (1). Antioxidant: A substance capable of protecting other substances from oxidation; some are made by the body to inhibit the destructive actions of chemicals called free radicals; some, such as vitamins C and E, are nutrients (1). Applied kinesiology: Can determine health imbalances in the body's organs and glands by identifying weaknesses in specific muscles. By stimulating or relaxing these key muscles, an applied kinesiologist can diagnose and resolve a variety of health problems (6). Aromatherapy: Therapeutic use of essential oils extracted from flowers, stems, leaves, roots, or fruits of a plant or tree. Physiological and psychological benefits of treatment are achieved by absorption through massage, hydrotherapy, and inhalation (1). Art therapy: A type of therapy in which a person is encouraged to express feelings through a nonverbal process, using a variety of materials to create art. By observing the process, form, color, content, interests and comments, an art therapist makes a comprehensive [assessment] of a client’s needs and determines treatment plans to restore, maintain, or improve an individual’s physical and mental health (1). Aston-Patterning: Is the application of the Aston paradigm (perceptions about our bodies' natural form and function, our processes of learning and self-expression, and our interaction with the physical properties of the planet and our environment) to human movement, bodywork, and ergonomics, matching human function to its environment. As a form of therapy, its uniqueness lies partly in its comprehensive approach to the whole individual rather than seeing the body as separate parts. The understanding of a specific problem or interest is evaluated in relationship to the whole, taking into consideration the entire person, including the body, character expressions, personal beliefs, and movement habits. There is no set recipe for managing a problem (6). Ayurvedic medicine: Five thousand-year-old system of holistic and preventive medicine from India that treats illness as an imbalance or stress in the awareness of the individual, along with an imbalance of the doshas. The ayurvedic tradition employs diagnostic procedures such as reading the pulse and observing the tongue. Nutrition counseling, yoga, massage, herbal medicine, meditation, and other modalities are used to treat a broad spectrum of ailments in reaching a balanced state of inner harmony, health, and natural well-being (1).
Bach Flower Remedies: Are a set of 38 different herbal remedies (plus one combination remedy) made from the specially prepared, "potentized" essence of the petals and heads of flowers. Each essence is made from a particular type of flower and preserved in unflavored brandy to prevent spoilage. Bach flower remedies are non-toxic, non-addictive, and utilize the mood-altering properties of the plants to harmonize and balance emotional sensitivities. The remedies act as catalysts to alleviate the underlying causes of stress. They are related to homeopathy in terms of application, this system was developed by British physician Edward Bach (1886-1936) (6).
Balneotherapy: The treatment of illness by baths (e.g., mud baths). Bioelectromagnetics: The scientific study of interactions between living organisms and electromagnetic fields, forces, energies, currents, and charges. The range of interactions studied includes atomic, molecular, intracellular, up to the entire organism (1). Bioenergetics: A method of studying and understanding the human personality in terms of the body and its energetic processes. Bioenergetic therapists believe that the body and mind are functionally identical and that repressed emotions affect the body and mind by creating chronic muscular tension and diminishing energy. Through movement, breathwork, psychotherapy and emotional release techniques, the person works to resolve these issues; also called Reichian Therapy (1). Biofeedback: The process of furnishing an individual with information, usually in an auditory or visual mode, on the state of one or more physiological variables such as heart rate, blood pressure, or skin temperature; it often enables the individual to gain some voluntary control over the physiological variable being sampled. Biofeedback is used especially for stress-related conditions such as asthma, migraine headaches, insomnia, and high blood pressure (1). Botanical medicine: Another term for herbal medicine--therapies of or derived from plants (1). Bowen Technique: Is an original system of gentle but powerful soft tissue mobilization that affects they body both structurally and energetically to restore its self-healing mechanisms. It is painless, noninvasive, safe to use on anyone, ranging from newborns to the elderly, and provides lasting relief from a wide variety of acute or chronic conditions (6).
Cell therapy: Promotes physical regeneration through the injection of healthy cellular material into the body. It is used to stimulate healing, counteract the effects of aging, and treat a variety of degenerative diseases such as arthritis, Parkinson's disease, atherosclerosis, and cancer. Although not approved in the United States, cell therapy is used throughout Europe and in many countries worldwide (6). Chakras: Sensed by some practitioners of the touch therapies and first elaborated in ancient Indian metaphysics, describes seven major vortices of energy in the human biofield, each associated with a particular nerve plexus and endocrine gland. Chakra balancing is the clearing of energy blocks from the chakras (1). Chelation therapy: Series of intravenous injections of the synthetic amino acid EDTA (ethylene diamine tetraacetic acid), designed to detoxify the body of undesirable heavy metals such as lead, mercury, nickel, copper, and cadmium. Chelation therapy is often used to treat atherosclerosis and arteriosclerosis by dissolving plaque that has built up in the circulatory system (1). Chinese medicine: A variety of ancient and modern therapeutic methods, including acupuncture, herbal medicine, massage, heat therapy, and nutritional and lifestyle counseling-that treats a broad range of chronic and acute illnesses (1). Chiropractic: A system of healing that recognizes the innate healing capacities of the body and seeks, through a variety of approaches, to remove impediments to health. Training includes medical and chiropractic diagnosis, applications of physiotherapeutic modalities, exercise, rehabilitation and nutrition. Acupuncture may be used by some chiropractors. A high priority is placed on preventive health and wellness education. Colonic therapy: Colonic irrigations with fluid under gentle pressure are a method of and therapy for bowel cleansing designed to detoxify the large intestine (1). Color therapy (color healing): The therapeutic use of various forms of color and light for physical, emotional, and spiritual benefit to the human body (6) Complementary Therapies: Commonly refers to those therapies that complement, or are adjunctive to, standard or mainstream medical therapies. Craniosacral therapy: Gentle manipulation of the brain, spinal cord, bones of the skull, sacrum and interconnected membranes--to correct misalignments and distortions in the structure and function of the craniosacral mechanism that surrounds the central nervous system (1). Crystal therapy or gem therapy or crystal healing: Use of quartz crystals, gemstones, and other types of crystals and stones for therapeutic and healing purposes (1). Cupping: A technique of applying suction over selected points or zones in the body. A vacuum is created by warming the air in a jar of bamboo or glass and overturning it onto the body to disperse areas of local congestion. This therapy is used in the treatment of arthritis, bronchitis, and sprains, among other ailments (1).
D.C.: Doctor of Chiropactic D.Ac.: Doctor of Acupuncture D.H.M.: Doctor of Homeopathic Medicine D.Om.: Doctor of Oriental Medicine Detoxification: The process of eliminating the build-up of wastes and toxins from the body, often accomplished with fasting, adhering to specific diets, colon therapy, vitamin therapy, chelation therapy, and hyperthermia (1). Dietary supplements: Congress defined the term "dietary supplement" in the Dietary Supplement Health and Education Act (DSHEA) of 1994. A dietary supplement is a product (other than tobacco) taken by mouth that contains a "dietary ingredient" intended to supplement the diet. Dietary ingredients may include vitamins, minerals, herbs or other botanicals, amino acids, and substances such as enzymes, organ tissues, and metabolites. Dietary supplements come in many forms, including extracts, concentrates, tablets, capsules, gelcaps, liquids, and powders. They have special requirements for labeling. Under DSHEA, dietary supplements are considered foods, not drugs. Doshas: In Ayurvedic medicine, three basic physiological principles that interact to create health; an imbalance leads to disease (1). Drama therapy: Defined by the National Drama Therapy Association as "the intentional use of drama/theater processes to achieve the therapeutic goals of symptom relief, emotional, and physical integration, and personal growth." Drama therapy is an active approach to behavioral, emotional, and cognitive change that has been found to be effective with the severely disturbed and disables. Yet it is equally applicable to the exploration of human potential in all people (6). Dream therapy: The use of dreams and the dream state to accomplish physical and emotional healing. It involves both the interpretation of information obtained while dreaming and the active participation in the dream process through a technique called lucid dreaming. The various processes associated with dreams have been put under the generalized term of "dreamwork" (6).
Ear candling or ear coning: A treatment for wax build-up, hearing problems, and ear and sinus infections. Treatment involves placing a narrow, specially designed tubular candle at the entry to the ear canal, while the opposite end is lit. The heat from the burning cylinder creates a vacuum and draws debris from the ear canal (1). Eastern medicine: A broad term for Oriental, Indian, Tibetan, Japanese, and Chinese medicine, all of which share philosophies about the energy system of the human body and the necessity of balance and harmony. Practitioners are trained to use a variety of ancient and modern techniques of diagnosis and treatments (1). Electrotherapy: The use of electrical current for a variety of therapeutic purposes including pain relief, reduction of swelling, muscle relaxation, speeding up of the healing process, and stimulation of acupuncture points (1).
Energetic medicine: A group of therapies and approaches that seeks to influence health by working with the energetic field (“non-local consciousness”) of the body. Environmental medicine: Explores the role of dietary and environmental allergens in health and illness. Factors such as dust, molds, chemicals, and certain foods may cause allergic reactions that can dramatically influence diseases ranging from asthma and hay fever to headaches and depression. Virtually any chronic physical or mental illness may be improved by the care of a physician competent in this field (6). Enzyme therapy: Both plant-derived and pancreatic enzymes are employed in enzyme therapy and they can be used independently or in combination. Plant enzymes are prescribed to enhance the body's vitality by strengthening the digestive system, while pancreatic enzymes are beneficial to both the digestive system and immune system. As proper digestive functioning is restored, many acute and chronic conditions may also be remedied (6).
Feldenkrais: A form of movement therapy designed to isolate separate muscles and muscle groups to promote flexibility, release tension, and enhance balance (1). Feng shui: Ancient Chinese practice of arranging home or work environments to promote health, happiness, and prosperity. Importance is placed on color selection and furniture placement in order to promote a healthy flow of chi or vital energy (1). Guided imagery: A technique that involves using the imagination and mental images to promote relaxation, changes in attitude or behavior, and encourages physical healing. Also known as visualization (1). Hair analysis (hair element analysis, hair mineral analysis, hair-shaft analysis): An ostensibly diagnostic technique that involves laboratory analysis of a sample of hair. It allegedly can be a "useful guide" to bodily well-being (5). Hawaiian healing practices: Traditional Hawaiian healing practice incorporates herbal medicines, exercise, therapeutic massage, meditation, and spiritual cleansing (6). Herbal therapy or botanical therapy or herbalism: Employs parts of plants (seed, stem, flowers, root, bark, leaf) for the relief of conditions, ailments, or complaints; the earliest known form of medicine (1). Holistic medicine: Philosophical approach to health care which treats the patient as a whole person, not simply as a disease process or a collection of symptoms. Holistic health care practitioners may combine allopathic medicine with complementary therapies, taking into account the emotional, spiritual, social, nutritional, mental, environmental, and physical aspects of health and illness (1). Homeopathy: Derived from the Greek word homoios meaning similar-and pathos meaning suffering, homeopathy is an alternative medical system that treats the symptoms of a disease with minute doses of a natural substance or remedy. In larger doses, the remedy would produce the same symptoms as the disease or disorder that is being treated (1). Hydrotherapy: Treating a disease with hot or cold water, externally or internally to maintain and restore health. Treatments include full body immersion, steam baths, saunas, sitz baths, colonic irrigation, and the application of hot and/or cold compresses (1). Hyperthermia: The body protects itself from viruses, bacteria, and other harmful substances through the use of numerous defense systems. One of these is fever. Fever raises the body's temperature above normal in an attempt to destroy invading organisms and sweat impurities out of the system. Fever is a highly effective and natural process of curing disease and restoring health, and has been recognized as such for thousands of years. Hyperthermia deliberately creates fever in the patient in order to utilize this natural healing response (6). Hypnotherapy: The clinical use of hypnosis, in which the subject’s powers of consciousness are mobilized and subconscious memories and perceptions are brought into consciousness. Heightened responsiveness to suggestions and commands, suspension of disbelief with lowering of critical judgments, the potential of alteration in perceptions, motor control, or memory in response to suggestions and the subjective experience of responding involuntarily are induced through hypnotherapy (1).
Integrative medicine: Practitioners of integrative medicine have training and interest in both conventional Western medicine and alternative and complementary therapies, bringing a variety of techniques to their practices (1). Intercessory Prayer: A practice of using prayer as a medium of healing, seeking to invoke spiritual/religious help in assisting or supporting healing. Iridology: A diagnostic technique which uses the markings and patterns of the irises of the eyes to determine the condition of various systems or organs of the body (1).
Currently no terms
L.Ac.: Licensed Acupuncturist L.M.T.: Licensed Massage Therapist Laying-on of hands: Healing technique often practiced in Christian fundamentalist churches. The practitioner is felt to have a God-given gift and is an instrument of God to promote healing (1). Light therapy: Many health disorders are traced to problems with circadian rhythm, the body’s inner clock, and how it governs the timing of sleep, hormone production, body temperature, and other biological functions. Disturbances in circadian rhythm can lead to health problems such as depression and sleep disorders. Natural sunlight and various forms of light therapy can help reestablish the body’s natural rhythm and are becoming an integral treatment for many health-related conditions (1).
Macrobiotic diet: Low-fat, high-fiber diet of whole grains, vegetables, sea algae, and seeds that are prepared in accordance with specific principles; said to synchronize eating habits with the cycles of nature (1). Magnetic field therapy: Also known as biomagnetic therapy; uses magnets or electromagnetic fields, generally for pain control and bone growth stimulation following a fracture. Magnetic waves pass through tissues enhancing blood flow and bringing more oxygen to that area (1). Manipulation: A term used in connection with the therapeutic application of manual force. Spinal manipulation, broadly defined, includes all procedures in which the hands are used to mobilize, adjust, apply traction, massage, stimulate, or otherwise influence the spine and nearby (paraspinal) tissues with the goal of positively influencing the patient's health (1). Massage therapy: Systematic, therapeutic stroking, rubbing, or kneading of the skin and underlying muscle and other soft tissue of the recipient for the purpose of physical and psychological relaxation, improvement of circulation, relief of sore muscles, and other therapeutic effects (1). Meditation: A technique of mind control with the goals of feeling an inner calm and peacefulness, profound experiences of self-realization and transcendental awareness. Meditation is a discipline found in many of the world’s religions, including Buddhism, Hinduism, Islam, and Christianity, but it is also advocated by many practitioners of holistic health for its impact on stress-related disease (1). Megavitamin therapy: Administration of vitamins vastly exceeding the amount recommended for nutritional balance (1). Meridian: In Eastern traditional medicine, it is believed that the body has a channel with 12 parts, or meridians, that loop through the body in an endless circuit, connecting the principal organs and other body parts. Meridians are said to carry ching qi that regulates the relationship between, and the functioning of, various body structures (1). Mind-body techniques: Therapies such as meditation, hypnosis, guided imagery which focus on the interaction between the mind and the body (1). Music therapy: Systematic application of music to produce relaxation and desired changes in emotions, behavior and physiology. Music can also be created by the client, allowing nonverbal self expression (1).
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