Medical Terms
[A
B
C
D
E
F
G
H
I
J
K
L
M
N
O
P
Q
R
S
T
U
V
W
X
Y
Z]
A
Acupuncture -
Acupuncture is a component of Traditional Chinese medicine that is
recognized all over the world for its effectiveness in treating a
wide variety of ailments. Acupuncture is a non-invasive, natural and
holistic approach for treating many disorders and illnesses. It
works to stimulate the body's natural healing processes. Traditional
Chinese medicine practitioners believe that acupuncture stimulates
the flow of energy (chi) that nourishes tissue stimulates blood flow
and enhances the body's functioning.
Applied Kinesiology - Kinesiology is the study of movement. It is an important tool of diagnosis for appraising the functional health status of a patient, for example, the body is able to freely indicate a forensic area of low or ill function and similarly excesses an abnormal organ behavior.
B
[Top of Page]
Biofeedback
Training - Biofeedback training teaches a person how to change
and control his or her body's vital functions through the use of a
biofeedback machine. Practitioners teach patients how to control and
change such autonomic body functions as blood pressure, heart rate,
circulations, digestion and perspiration. Users learn to monitor
"feedback" using auditory or visual cues.
Bodywork - The term bodywork refers to a family of therapies including massage, deep tissue manipulation and movement awareness which are employed to improve the structure and functioning of the body. Bodywork in all its forms helps to reduce pain, sooth injured muscles, stimulate blood and lymphatic circulation, increase flexibility and promote deep relaxation.
C
Chi/QI
- In Chinese philosophy, chi represents the principle of life.
Living things have chi, non-living things do not have it - whatever
it is that confers life on organic matter, that is chi. Thus, belief
in chi is a form of vitalism, a traditional belief system which
postulates some essential difference between the organic and
inorganic.
Chelation Therapy - First
developed as a treatment for lead poisoning, chelation therapy
removes toxins and heavy metal from the bloodstream. Chelating
agents administered intravenously have been proven to increase blood
flow and remove arterial plaque. Chelation therapy can help reverse
atherosclerosis, can prevent heart attacks and strokes, and it used
as an alternative to bypass surgery and angioplasty.
Chiropractic - Through adjustments of the spine and joints,
chiropractors can influence the body's nervous system and natural
defense mechanisms in order to alleviate pain and improve general
health. Re-establishing correct spinal alignment has been shown to
be effective in the treatment of back problems, headaches, and other
injuries and traumas.
Colon Hydrotherapy - Colon hydrotherapy cleanses the colon
through gentle water infusions. A healthy colon is essential for the
absorption of vital nutrients and the natural elimination of bodily
waste and toxins. Colon therapy promotes normal colon function by
restoring and maintaining the health of the colon.
[Top of Page]
D
Detoxification
- the process of promoting various forms of elimination to rid the
body of unwanted substances
Detoxification Therapy - Detoxification, which is the attempt to
cleanse the body's internal systems and organs by natural means, is
one of the oldest known medical treatments. Historically, it was
achieved simply by fasting, or deliberately abstaining from taking
in food for a certain period of time. In modern times however, with
the growing concern over environmental contaminants of all types,
detoxification is advocated by some as a necessary means of staying
healthy. Naturopaths who hold that illness can be healed by the
natural processes of the body are the most vigorous supporters of
detoxification, since they believe that one primary cause of disease
is the accumulation of uneliminated wastes.
[Top of Page]
E
Ear Candling - Ear candling,
also called ear coning, is a folk medicine practice intended to
remove earwax (cerumen) and "toxins" from a person's ear by means of
a hollow candle placed in the ear. It involves placing one end of a
hollow candle in the ear canal and lighting it. Ear candling has
been shown to be ineffective at creating a vacuum and removing
impurities from the ear, and has resulted in injuries
Ear candling is used primarily for cleaning the ears and to promote
a healthy atmosphere in the ears, sinus cavities and throat. There
are, however, several other benefits. The process can regulate
pressure, assist with post nasal drip, sinusitis, catarrh,
migraines, some forms of hearing loss, and restoration of
equilibrium.
Procedure -- One end of a cylinder or cone of waxed cloth is placed
into the subject's ear, and the other end lighted. Usually the
subject is lying on one side with the treated ear uppermost and the
candle vertical, perhaps stuck through a paper plate or aluminum pie
tin to protect against any hot wax or ash falling down the side. A
typical ear candling session can last up to 45 minutes, during which
time a series of 1 or 2 ear candles may be burned for each ear. The
experience is generally described as being unusual, but pleasant and
relaxing. One may hear some crackling and popping, or feel some heat
during the ear candling session.
Warnings -- Ear candling should not be done to people who have ear
tubes, perforated ear drums, or artificial ear drums.
Benefits -- The hot air is claimed to melt earwax and create a
vacuum that pulls out toxins from the inner ear and the sinuses. At
the end of the treatment the subject can be shown the accumulated
ash and melted wax inside the candle, which are presented as wax and
even fungus drawn out of the ear. Smoke circulating in the ear is
sometimes also claimed to have physically beneficial or even
mind-clearing effects. The benefits claimed for ear candling are
vague and even contradictory, and no scientific studies have been
done to document the health benefits of ear candling. Proponents
claim significant improvements in their hearing, inner ear pain
relief and a reduction in tinnitus symptoms after several ear
candling sessions.
Elimination Diet - useful to identify food allergies, this diet involves removing all suspected foods from the diet for 2-4 weeks, then adding back one at a time and looking for symptoms of illness
Environmental Medicine - Environmental medicine explores the
role of dietary and environmental allergens in health and illness.
Factors such as dust, molds, chemicals, and pollution may cause
allergic reactions that can dramatically influence diseases ranging
from asthma and hay fever to headaches and depression.
Enzyme Therapy - Enzyme therapy can be an important first
step in restoring health and well-being by helping to remedy
digestive problems. Plant enzymes and pancreatic enzymes are used in
complementary ways to improve digestion and absorption of essential
nutrients. Enzymes are particularly important for those with
sluggish or absent gallbladders.
[Top of Page]
F
Flower Remedies - The emotions play a crucial role in the
health of the physical body. Flower remedies directly address a
person's emotional state in order to help facilitate both
psychological and physiological well-being. Flower remedies can
effectively remove the emotional barriers to health and recovery in
a safe, effective and gentle way.
[Top of Page]
G
Guided
Imagery - Using the power of the mind to evoke a positive
physical response, guided imagery can reduce stress and slow heart
rate, stimulate the immune system, and reduce pain. As part of the
rapidly emerging field of mind/body medicine, guided imagery is
being used in various medical settings and can be very helpful in
alleviating anxiety.
[Top of Page]
H
Herbal medicine - The use of plants to
treat disease can be found in every known human culture and period
of history. Extensive scientific documentation now exists concerning
their use for countless health conditions. From St. John's Wort to
treat depression to new scientific research from Germany on
silymarin's effect on the liver, Western herbalism is entering a new
period of intensive activity, interest and growth.
Homeopathy - Homeopathy is a low-cost,
nontoxic system of medicine used by hundreds of millions of people
worldwide. It is particularly effective in treating chronic
illnesses that fail to respond to conventional treatment, and is
also a superb method of self-care for minor conditions such as the
common cold and flu.
Hydrotherapy - Hydrotherapy is the use
of water, ice, steam, and hot and cold temperatures 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. Hydrotherapy is effective for treating a
wide range of conditions and can easily be used in the home as part
of a self-care program.
Hypnotherapy - Hypnotherapy is used to
manage numerous medical and psychological problems. Hypnotic
techniques can help a person stop smoking, overcome alcohol and
substance abuse, and reduce overeating. Hypnotherapy is also
effective in treating stress, sleep disorders, and mental health
problems such as anxiety, fear, phobias, and depressions.
[Top of Page]
I
Integration
- The act or process of unifying or bringing together; (in
psychology) the organization of all elements of the personality into
a coordinated, functional whole that is in harmony with the
environment. It involves the assimilation of insights and
coordination of new and old data, experiences, and emotional
reactions so that an effective change can occur in behavior,
thinking or feeling.
[Top of Page]
J
[Top of Page]
Journaling - is the process of writing down those thoughts and
memories that were stressful or traumatic. This allows us to deal
with these items in a more constructive way
K
[Top of Page]
M
Massage -
The
word “massage” can be defined in its simplest terms as rubbing or
kneading the body for stimulation or relaxation. But this hands-on
ancient therapy has broadened to include more than 100 different
methods. Most fall into five basic categories: traditional;
European; contemporary Western; structural/functional/movement
integration; and Oriental or energetic. Whatever its name, the
primary goal of all massage is the same – encouraging relaxation,
healing and well being through touch. Massage is not only a
preventative bodywork, it is also useful in the treatment of
anxiety, back pain, cancer, circulation problems, colic, depression,
headaches, heart disorders, high blood pressure, hyperactivity,
insomnia, sinusitis and tension.
Meditation - Meditation is
a see and simple way to balance a person's physical, emotional, and
mental states. It is easily learned and has been used as an aid in
treating stress and pain management. It has also been employed as
part of an overall treatment for other conditions, including
hypertension and heart disease.
Mind/Body medicine - Mind/body medicine may soon
revolutionize modern health care. Recognizing the profound
interconnection of mind and body, the body's innate healing
capabilities, and the role of self- responsibility in the healing
process, mind/body medicine utilizes a wide range of modalities,
including biofeedback, imagery, hypnotherapy and meditation.
[Top of Page]
N
Naturopathic Medicine - A
system of medicine that blends the latest advancements in science
with principles taught centuries ago, naturopathic medicine attempts
to find the underlying cause of the patient’s condition rather than
focusing solely on symptomatic treatment. Naturopathic Physicians
cooperate with all other branches of medical science referring
patients to other practitioners for diagnosis or treatment when
appropriate. Licensed Naturopathic Physicians complete 4 years of
post-graduate training and complete 2 years of supervised clinical
training.
Nurse
Practitioner (NP) -
A nurse
practitioner (NP) is a registered nurse (RN) who has completed a
master’s degree in advanced practice nursing. Nurse practitioners
work as independent practitioners emphasizing health promotion,
disease prevention, management of chronic health conditions, and
treatment of acute minor illnesses. NPs may work under a specialty
such as cardiology or endocrinology. They are required to maintain a
national certification as well as maintain their nursing license in
their home state.
Nutrition - Conventional medicine has finally acknowledged
the central role diet plays in a person's health. But achieving a
good diet is not as simple as it sounds. Eating the right foods no
longer insures proper health due to toxins contaminating the earth's
food supply. Therefore, it is important to pay attention not only to
what food to eat, but to where that food was grown or raised, and to
what chemicals it might have been exposed to before it reaches the
table.
Nutritional Supplements - Recent research has demonstrated
that diet alone may not be sufficient to supply the nutrients
necessary for wellness. While most experts agree that nutritional
supplements are vital for a variety of illness, injuries and
age-related problems, vitamin and mineral supplements can also help
to maintain optimal physical and psychological health, and promote
longevity and chronic disease prevention.
[Top of Page]
P
Physician Assistant (PA) -
A person
trained in certain aspects of the practice of medicine to provide
assistance to a physician. A PA is trained by physicians and
practices under direction and supervision and within the legal
license of a physician. Training programs vary in length from a few
months to 2 years. Health care experience or academic preparation
may be a prerequisite to admission to some programs. Most PA’s are
prepared for the practice of primary care, but some practice
subspecialties. National Certification is available to qualified
graduates of approved training programs.
Prolotherapy -
Prolotherapy or Reconstructive Therapy uses injections of natural
substances to stimulate the growth of connective tissue in order to
strengthen weak or damaged tendons or ligaments. As a simple,
cost-effective alternative to drug and surgical treatments,
reconstructive therapy is an effective treatment for degenerative
arthritis, low back pain, carpal tunnel syndrome, migraine
headaches, and torn ligaments and cartilage.
[Top of Page]
Q
Qigong - Qigong combines
movement, meditation, and breath regulation to enhance the flow of
vital energy in the body, improve blood circulation, and enhance
immune function. Because qigong can be used by the healthy as well
as the severely ill, it is one of the most broadly applicable
systems of self-care in the world. In China, it is estimated that
200 million people practice qigong every day.
[Top of Page]
R
[Top of Page]
Reflexology - a
method of applying pressure or massage to specific points on the
feet to influence the function of other areas in the body
S
Sound Therapy
-
Like music therapy, this ancient energy therapy works on the theory
that constant vibrations or energy waves in the universe affect the
internal organs and overall health. It is said to be useful in the
treatment of anorexia and bulimia, anxiety, behavioral problems,
depression, headaches, heart disorders, manic depression,
schizophrenia and stress. Bells, tuning forks, symphonic gongs,
drums, rattles and Tibetan singing bowls are traditional healing
tools. A related therapy, the Tomatis method, uses the ear to effect
change in both the body and mind through music, mostly Mozart and
Gregorian chants.
[Top of Page]
T
T’ai chi -
One style
of qigong, is a martial art involving meditation and slow, flowing,
self guided movements that follow set forms. It is intended to
affect the flow of chi (energy) and bring about self awareness.
Traditional Chinese Medicine -
Traditional Chinese Medicine is an ancient method of health care
that combines the use of medicinal herbs, acupuncture, food therapy,
massage, and therapeutic exercise. The Chinese view of the body as
an interrelated system of energy and physical matter permeates many
different forms of alternative medicine.
[Top of Page]
V
[Top of Page]
W
[Top of Page]
Y
Yin Yang -
The
concepts of yin and yang have been a part of various forms of
Chinese philosophy since at least 400 BCE, if not earlier. They play
an important role in both Taoism and Neo-Confucianism, along with
various popular folk belief systems. Yin and yang are seen as two
opposing principles, which are basic to everything in reality and to
reality itself. Yin is the feminine power, characterized by
darkness, passivity and cold. Yang is the masculine power,
characterized by light, activity and heat. Together, they make up
chi and, when in equilibrium, govern a person's moral and physical
health.
Yoga - Yoga is among the oldest known systems of health practiced in the world today, and research into yoga practices has had a strong impact on the fields of stress reduction, mind/body medicine, and energy medicine. The physical postures, breathing exercises, and meditation practices of yoga have been proven to reduce stress, lower blood pressure, regulate heart rate, and even slow the aging process.
Yoga/Yoga
Therapy
- Yoga is an ancient holistic Indian system of exercises, postures,
breathing, meditation and relaxation. Classic texts say yoga works
to promote health by increasing the body’s store of prana or vital
energy often blocked by inactivity, stress, emotional troubles, poor
diet and other factors. Yoga is said to relieve various physical
ailments, reduce anxiety and relieve stress.
[Top of Page]
Z
[Top of Page]