Alternative Medicine Reference Guide – Terms and Definitions

This is an alternative medicine reference guide for terms and other therapies that may be of interest. If certain health issues come up; the reference guide to alternative medicine can answer some questions and become a source for more information and resources.

Acupressure – Based on acupuncture where no needles are used; only the pressure of the fingers on the meridian energy points of the body.

Acupoints – Energy points along the body that corresponds to organs of the body. This is used in acupuncture and acupressure.

Aikido – Japanese martial arts and self defense with a spiritual addition. It balances the chi of the body.

Alterative - A substance that restores proper body function and health.

AMMA Therapy – Bodywork therapy uses oriental medicine to balance chi in the body. Restores health and emotions; founded by Tina Sohn.

Anthroposophic Medicine – Uses herbs, diet, movement, special baths and more to balance and restore the body and spirit. Researched by Rudolph Steiner.

Antibiotic – A natural or synthetic substance that fights and destroys microorganisms.

Astrology – The study of planets positioned in the solar system and their influence on life.

Autoimmune Disease – Includes diseases such as multiple sclerosis and rheumatoid arthritis.

Bioenergetics – Physical exercise, breathing and psychotherapy work to release pent up emotions that are harming the body. Natural wellness is restored when the body’s energy is flowing correctly.

Bodywork – This is a general term that can mean everything from massage to very specific movements and techniques to move the energy of the body and can be worked into any lifestyle.

Breathwork – A general term that can be breathing techniques to induce relaxation and calm. It can help relieve pent up emotions and bring more balance in all aspects of life.

Carbohydrate – A chemical that only contains carbon, oxygen and hydrogen. It is found in plants.

Carminative – plants that are rich in aromatic oils.

Chelation Therapy – Intravenous injections of amino acids or EDTA. This is used to hardening of the arteries and is performed in an osteopath’s office.

Chi – Vital life energy or force that runs through the body.

Chi Stagnation – Any type of blockage of the chi that causes disease and illness.

Colon Therapy – This involved a detoxification and cleansing of the large intestine, usually with warm water.

Craniosacral System – Refers to the brain, spinal fluid and spinal system of the body.

Deep Tissue Bodywork – A general term to force the connective tissue of the muscles to function properly.

Demulcent – An herb that protects irritated and inflamed tissue.

Dentistry, Holistic – Dentists that practice wellness and prevention and many times remove silver fillings, incorporate homeopathy and acupuncture in their treatment.

Detoxification – Removing toxins from the body.

Doshas – Used in Ayuvedic medicine to describe a person’s humor. There are 3.

Ear Candling – Placing a specially designed hollow candle at the ear canal and lighting the opposite end. This removes wax buildup and helps with sinus infections.

Emmenagogue – Refers to affecting a woman’s reproductive system.

Fascia – A fibrous structure that separates and holds together the muscles from the skeleton.

Flower Essences – Edward Bach, M.D. developed the essence of flowers to be placed under the tongue to help with physical and mental conditions.

Geopathic Stress – Stress on the body that comes from earth’s harmful radiation.

Gestalt Therapy – This term looks at wholeness of the body with feelings, perceptions and behavior. It does not dwell on the past, but the present.

Gyrotonics – An exercise that uses circular motion in swimming, yoga, tai chi and more. This is low impact and increases strength and coordination.

Healing Touch – This therapy is used by nurses to aid in the healing of sounds and pain relief. It attempts to restore the balance to the body.

Immunosuppressive – A substance that inhibits the body’s own natural healing response.

Iridology – Based on every organ being connected to the iris of the eye. This therapy is used by naturopaths.

Lymphatic Therapies – A general term for therapies that work with the body’s lymphatic drainage system which affects the immune system.

Macrobiotic Diet - A low fat, high fiber diet that uses natural methods of eating.

Magnetic Therapy – Uses magnets and the natural energy field of the body to restore balance and heal any health issue.

Meridian – 14 channels of the body in which the energy or chi runs through.

Myofascial Release - Restores alignment of the body through hands on manipulation of the fascia of the muscles. This can relieve pain from accidents or congenital problems.

Neuro-Linguistic Programming – NLP is a group of techniques to alter behaviors and patterns based on eye movements, breathing, body language and more.

Nosode – A homeopathic remedy which is diluted material.

Ortho-Bionomy – Involves non invasive touch with movements, walking, sitting, standing etc. Developed by an osteopath, they also work with energy fields of the body for healing.

Osteopathic Medicine – Osteopaths give medical care and preventive care using direct manipulation and hands on diagnosis to treat and prevent illness.

Past-Life/Regression Therapies – A practitioner uses hypnosis to regress the patient back in time to any unfinished business that may come up from another life. This can have a big influence on the person’s life today.

Polarity Therapy – A general term where practitioners use the flow of energy of the body and diet to return the body back to health.

Probiotics – A substance that encourages natural and healthy bacteria in the digestive system.

Rolfing – A technique of deep manipulation of the connective tissues to restore alignment. Ten sessions are involved; focusing on different body parts.

Shamanic Healing – Shamans use spirit guides and animal guides, teachers, angels and the higher self to heal a wide range of emotional and physical problems.

Structural Integration – An approach that relieves stress on the body, and realigns a areas of trauma.

Tonic – used in Chinese and alternative medicine to relieve or prevent illness.

Vibrational Healing – Uses vibrations with the patient’s energy field. This can also be used with homeopathy, acupuncture and other body work.

Watsu – A massage that is performed in water. Movement and pressure is used to release energies and aids in healing.

Yang Deficiency – Yang cannot function without Yin, so this is an imbalance of the chi that runs through the body.

Yang Organs – Organs that are hollow such as skin, intestines and gallbladder.

Yin Deficiency – Yin cannot function without Yang, so this is an imbalance of the chi that runs through the body.

Yin Organs – Organs that are dense such as kidneys, lungs, heart and liver.

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