glossary of health terms

Acupressure is a variation of acupuncture, an ancient Chinese system of healing that was developed from theories that the body has an energy force (known in traditional Chinese medicine as Qi) running through it along specific pathways called meridians. In order to maintain health, the flow of Qi must remain balanced and uninterrupted, and acupressure is one method for correcting imbalances and removing blockages. In acupressure, finger pressure is used at specific points where meridians come to the skin’s surface.

Acupuncture is an ancient Chinese system of healing that was developed from theories that the body has an energy force (known in traditional Chinese medicine as Qi) running through it along specific pathways called meridians. In order to maintain health, the flow of Qi must remain balanced and uninterrupted, and acupuncture is one method for correcting imbalances and removing blockages. In acupuncture, very fine needles are inserted into the skin at specific points where meridians come to the skin’s surface.

ADHD is a common condition in which children or adults have difficulty focusing and paying attention. It may begin in early childhood and can continue into adulthood. Without treatment, ADHD can cause problems at home, school, work, and with relationships. The exact cause is not clear, but ADHD tends to run in families.

Three types of ADHD symptoms are:

1. Trouble paying attention.
2. Trouble sitting still for even a short time.
3. Acting before thinking.

Allopathy is a system involving use of medicines that produce effects different from those produced by the disease. In contrast to holistic approaches, allopathy views the body as a set of systems separate from the mind. The allopathic approach introduces drugs and surgery to "fix" the body rather than assisting its natural healing process. This is the most prevalent and well-known form of addressing ill health in Western culture. Allopathic physicians successfully complete a formal medical degree and are trained to diagnose and treat illness and disease from the approaches of medication and invasive surgery. Most physicians follow this medical model of treatment.

Alternative medicine incorporates nontraditional methods of treatment in the overall medical treatment of illness and disease. This includes, but is not limited to, homeopathy, herbalism and bodywork therapy.

Approaches to healing that are not included in the traditional medical model of treatment are considered alternative. These include, but are not limited to, massage therapy, nutritional supplementation, using herbal formulas, guided imagery and hypnotherapy.

Aromatherapy involves the use of unadulterated fragrant essential oils that are extracted from various plants. In nature, these act to protect the plant from parasites and diseases. Distilled, the essential oils are mixed with neutral-scented carrier oil and then may be applied to the skin, sprayed into the air, added to bath water, etc. Some fragrances are stimulating, while others promote relaxation. Aromatherapy is used to promote healing from various physical, mental, and emotional conditions.

Autism is a pervasive developmental disorder (PDD), a group of illnesses that involve delays in the development of many basic skills, most notably the ability to socialize or form relationships with others as well as the ability to communicate and to use imagination (including fantasy play). Children with these disorders often are confused in their thinking and generally have problems understanding the world around them. They have a limited range of interests. In many cases, children are unable to emotionally bond with their parents or other family members.

Ayurveda is India’s traditional health system. Dating back more than 5000 years, it is based on the theory of constitutional body types, or doshas. Everyone has a unique constitution or combination of doshas. Doshas are based on the five elements — fire, water, earth, air and ether. Although there are five elements, there are only three doshas: vata, pitta and kapha. Vata is the combination of air and ether, pitta is the combination of fire and water, and kapha is the combination of water and earth. Each person is a combination of elements and the qualities that are attributed to these elements. Ayurveda, which means "the science of life," takes into account the different stages of life and aging, and includes not only food and herbs, but also diet, exercise, massage, color, light, sound, hygiene and more.

Bach Flower remedies were developed by Dr. Edward Bach, a British medical doctor and homeopath. Bach believed that, beginning in the mind and emotions, illness is initiated by a conflict between a person’s higher self and his or her ego. Flower remedies are used to resolve this conflict and thus allow healing to occur throughout the entire organism. These remedies are chosen based on an individual’s personality characteristics rather than on the specific physical problem. Of the 39 remedies in the Bach repertory, all but one are made from the essences of single flowers. Rescue Remedy – the exception – is a combination that is used in emergency situations.

A term given to us by the NIH (National Institutes of Health) meaning the electromagnetic field surrounding the human body, as well as any living thing. Measurements of this field are often used in conventional medicine to diagnose illness and disease. Examples of these measurements include Electroencephalograms (EEGs), Electrocardiograms (EKGs) and magnetic resonance imaging (MRI). This electromagnetic field around the body can be detected by a healer or an intuitive, and sometimes can be learned through training or schooling. Research has shown some individuals are able to see beyond the normal visual spectrum and can see this field.

The human aura is often seen with colors corresponding to each chakra. An imbalance in the auric field can eventually lead to physical disease, emotional stress, or spiritual imbalance. Because all of our systems are related, when one is out of balance, it will in turn cause an imbalance in the other systems. Restoring balance in the field aids in healing of the physical body, and often is accompanied by a sense of "feeling better." The biofield from a practitioner’s hands is joined to the recipient’s biofield in order to treat an illness or to promote health.

(Botulinum toxin A) is a safe and effective way to erase the signs of aging around the eyes and forehead. Botox relaxes facial muscles to give a smoother, more youthful appearance. It is best utilized on the forehead, between the brows (glabella), or on "crow’s feet."

This acronym, often used among healthcare practitioners, means complementary and alternative medicine.

Being fully present, connected to the self and guidance; open and present to the person you are with.

A Sanskrit word meaning "spinning wheel"; (1) Energy centers within our bodies that are the openings for life energy to flow into and out of our biofield. Too much or too little energy in one chakra can be the cause of health problems or frustrations in everyday life; (2) the seven vital energy centers of the body. The chakras extend from the base of spine to the crown of head. Each chakra corresponds to certain colors, emotions, organs, nerve networks, and energies.

Young people with behavior disorders usually have little concern for others and repeatedly violate the basic rights of others and rules of society. Behavior disorders causes children and adolescents to act out their feelings or impulses in destructive ways. The offenses these children and adolescents commit often grow more serious over time. Such offenses may include lying, theft, aggression, truancy, the setting of fires, and vandalism.

Based on the work of Dr. Hahnemann, classical homeopathy adheres to the nine principles set out in Hahnemann’s Organon of Medicine. It addresses the complete person in mind, body and spirit. Classical Homeopathy recognizes that disease is a change of state that is based upon an individual’s genetics, the strength of their vital life force, their life circumstance, and their environment. In classical homeopathy, one remedy is given at a time in the smallest possible dose to affect a response in the chief complaint. Combinations of remedies are not generally used.

Often used interchangeably with the term "alternative medicine," this system of treatment uses traditional allopathic methods as well as alternative approaches to form a complementary medical system.

In constitutional homeopathy the emphasis is placed upon the constitution of the individual, including the underlying psychological issues, motives, personality and physical symptoms. Information about the client is gathered and a picture is pieced together. Remedy selection is based upon the most distinct characteristics of the client matching the characteristics of the remedy which will enhance overall health. In constitutional homeopathy, the selected remedy may not address the chief complaint but fits the overall picture or constitution of the person.

The human body creates and is exposed to many toxins simply through the normal processes of life. Under ordinary conditions, various body systems – including the liver, kidneys, intestines, lymph, and circulatory systems – eliminate toxins without a problem. However, a poor diet and lifestyle habits, as well as excessive exposure to environmental toxins, can sometimes overwhelm the body’s natural processes, allowing toxins to accumulate internally. Signs of a toxic condition include headaches, digestive disorders, increased allergic reactions, and fatigue, among many others. Various methods are used to stimulate detoxification, such as fasting, the use of herbs, and following specific cleansing diets.

Understanding your nutritional needs is followed by furthering your own sense of awareness for your nutrition needs based on a system of eating with awareness. This system goes a long way in assessing whether your cravings are true nutritional or emotional based challenges. Eating with awareness teaches you how to use your own intuition to come to deeper understandings for these nutritional desires and cravings. Using our intuition is a lost art in our modern times as the sugars, chemicals, and stimulants in our foods have deadened our palate and our true ability to "taste" our foods. This is one of the challenges that creates the cravings for food that have little or no nutritional value and leads us into states of poor health.

The energy system has three parts, the Biofield/Aura, the Energy Centers/Chakras and the Energy Tracts/Meridians which act interdependently and influence all life. It is electromagnetic energy and perceptible with the hands.

Feng Shui, an ancient system of environmental and interior design that developed alongside acupuncture and herbal medicine in rural China, can be a powerful tool for supporting the immune system and fostering more radiant health. Like conventional architecture and interior design, Feng Shui recognizes the importance of aesthetics and functionality. However, the main difference is that somatic and energetic qualities are thought to be equally important. There are more than a dozen different styles of Feng Shui throughout the world, including Black Sect Feng Shui, Pyramid School Feng Shui, and Space Clearing Feng Shui.

The dynamic process of becoming whole; movement to highest functional level possible; evolution toward increasing sense of well-being.

Healing Touch is a relaxing, nurturing energy therapy. Gentle touch assists in balancing your physical, mental, emotional, and spiritual well- being. Healing Touch works with your biofield and chakras to support your natural ability to heal. It is for all ages and works in harmony with standard medical care.

The process of collecting patient information, observation and data about the energy system to make holistic decisions in Healing Touch interventions.

Herbalism involves the practice of using plants for healing, food, flavoring, scents and dyes. It is practiced in all forms of traditional healing worldwide. The philosophy of herbalism is directed at support of the body’s healing processes with the use of plants and foods. In traditional herbalism, not only are plants and foods used, but also exercise techniques, breathing techniques, and various mind/body techniques. Herbalism looks at the whole person – mind, body and spirit.

An herbalist is a person who grows, gathers, sells, or uses herbs for healing, food, flavoring, scents or dyes. The aim of a practicing herbalist is to bring the body back into balance by getting to the root cause of the imbalance. An herbalist looks at the whole person – mind, body and spirit.

The study of herbology is one of the oldest sciences in the world. It is the study of plants and their physical attributes as used for healing, food, flavoring, scents, and dyes. Herbologists study the effect of plants upon the body, stressing the use of whole plants. Herbology may include: the study of the part of plant that is used, plant gathering methods, and method of preparation of the plant. Herbology systems in use today include: Western, Native American, Ayurvedic, Traditional Chinese, and European. Herbology has been important to the following professions: herbalism, naturopathy, homeopathy, aromatherapy, botany, nutrition, pharmacy, dietetics, dentistry, midwifery, chemistry and medicine.

This involves viewing individual health in a holistic fashion. Holistic means considering and encompassing body, mind, emotions and spirit. Therefore, factors involving physical wellness/illness, mental/thought patterns, emotional expression and stability, and the individual’s spiritual beliefs all have significant roles in maintaining good health and must be addressed.

Holistic medicine is a medical model that focuses on the whole person, not just the body.

Homeopathy is a system of medicine, developed by Samuel Hahnemann in the late 18th Century and founded on the principle that likes will cure likes. That is, a homeopathic remedy, if given full strength to a healthy person, will cause the same symptoms that the very dilute homeopathic formula will remove. This theory has been supported by experimentation and practice over the past 200 years. Two of the major branches of homeopathy are Classical and Constitutional.

Hydrotherapy involves using water of any temperature or form – hot, cold, steam or ice – in order to promote healing. Depending on the temperature and form of the water, it can address a wide range of problems, including sore muscles, injuries, fevers, burns, skin problems, and so forth. Warm or hot water has a relaxing effect; cold water reduces inflammation; and alternating hot and cold water acts to stimulate the circulatory system. Water may also stimulate the immune system. This simple form of therapy was fundamental to the nature cure – an ancestor to naturopathy – as it developed in 19th century Europe.

Used interchangeably with the term "alternative medicine," this system integrates traditional, allopathic methods with nontraditional methods.

In defining iridology, the International Iridology Practitioners Association (IIPA) states that it is "the study of the iris, or colored part, of the eye. This structure has detailed fibers and pigmentation that reflects information about our physical and psychological makeup. It identifies inherited dispositions (how our body reacts to our environment and what symptoms are most likely to occur), risks (what areas or organ systems are more likely to have symptoms) and future challenges (where we are likely to have more problems as we age). Iridology helps identify inherited emotional patterns which can create or maintain physical symptoms, as well as identify lessons or challenges and gifts or talents available to us."

Massage therapy involves manipulating the soft tissues of the body in order to bring about normalization, which in turn promotes healing. Massage affects blood and lymph circulation as well as muscular tension. In addition, it stimulates or relaxes the nervous system, depending on the technique used. Among the benefits of massage are faster healing from soft tissue injury, healthier skin, and stress reduction. There are many different techniques of massage, including AMMA therapy, Lomi-Lomi, myofascial release, neuromuscular therapy, shiatsu, sports massage, Swedish massage, Ortho-Bionomy®, Thai massage, trigger point therapy and more.

A system of assessing an individual’s bio-chemical makeup to determine their nutritional needs in the aid of creating balance and optimal health.

This involves moving the body from a state of non-health to a state of health using only natural (non-synthetic and non-invasive) means. Examples of this include fasting to cleanse the body of mucous, massage therapy to ease aching and painful muscles and the use of herbal formulas to soothe an irritated throat.

Natural health means maintaining good health, naturally. This takes into account the air you breathe, the water you drink, the diet (food and fluid) you ingest, your daily physical movement and activities, your rest and sleep and your human interactions. In summary, this is how you live in your body on a daily basis.

Naturopathy is a system of therapy that employs natural forces such as light, heat, air, water and massage. This system differs most significantly from allopathy by focusing on building health rather than on treating disease. The techniques used are non-invasive and may include foods, herbs, fasting, nutritional supplements, bodywork, hydrotherapy, forms of exercise or body movement and/or meditation.

After the air you breathe and the water you drink the next most significant fundamental of health is the food you eat. The macronutrients (proteins, fats, and carbohydrates) and micronutrients (vitamins and minerals) as well as the enzyme activity of your nutritional practices has a direct link in every aspect of your being whether this includes your physical, mental, emotional, or spiritual body. The most significant focus is always on the foods you eat with a minor focus on supplementation when needed. Instructions of the best quality foods as well as the healthiest of preparation and cooking methods are always included in a health meal plan as well.

Reflexology is a system of bodywork in which the practitioner applies finger pressure to specific points on the feet and/or the hands. Reflexology is based on the correspondence between reflexes in the feet and hands and the various organs and areas of the body. Pressing on these reflexes aids in healing by stimulating a return to homeostasis.

Reiki is a type of energy work that draws on several techniques of touch and visualization in order to improve the flow of life energy. In fact, the Japanese term "Reiki" translates to "universal life energy." Practitioners are sensitive to – and trained to correct – difficulties of energy flow on all levels: physical, emotional, and spiritual. Reiki practitioners often work directly with clients, and they may also work at a distance. Positive effects of this modality include pain relief, stress reduction, and stimulation of the immune system.

A cosmetic skin filler that restores volume and fullness to the skin to correct facial wrinkles and folds, including fuller lips. Restylane is similar to but safer than collagen. The effects last approximately 4-6 months.

Therapeutic Touch is a non-invasive, and in fact non-touch, system of energy work that was developed in the 1970s by Dora Kunz and Delores Krieger, Ph.D., RN. In Therapeutic Touch, energy is transferred from the practitioner to the energy field of the individual receiving treatment. As with other energy techniques, major effects include relaxation and accelerated healing. It has been found that the autonomic nervous system is quite sensitive to Therapeutic Touch, followed by the lymphatic and circulatory systems, and the musculoskeletal system.