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GLOSSARY
  • Activator Methods (Chiropractic)
    Activator method is a proprietary diagnostic and treatment system based on the belief that differences in leg length indicate the need for spinal adjustments. The technique utilizes a small handheld instrument, called an activator, with a soft rubber tip to deliver a light, circumscribed force to the area deemed in need of treatment.
  • Acupuncture (Acupuncture)
    The practice of acupuncture is based on the philosophy of yin and yang—two opposite forces that govern all aspects of life, including health. Ailments result from an imbalance of these two forces, which is caused by the disruption or blockage of energy, or chi, in the body. Acupuncturists commonly use thin metal needles as a means of stimulation to points along specific energy pathways, or meridians, to help chi flow freely. Massage, heat, lasers and magnets are also used as an alternative to the needles.
  • Aromatherapy (Aromatherapy)
    Aromatherapy refers to the use of essential oils extracted from herbs, trees and plants for therapeutic purposes. Aromatherapists can recommend personally tailored scents for specific ailments, or to promote well-being. Treatment generally involves the mixing of essential oils with a neutral one, such as vegetable oil. Three examples of application include having the mixed oil spread over the body in a massage, added to bathwater or inhaled.
  • Bathing (Aromatherapy)
    Bathing is a form of aromatherapy in which essential oils are added to a bath to allow them to seep into the skin. Aromatherapy bathing combines the regenerative effects of a warm bath with the medical benefits of aromatherapy, allowing the patient to achieve a state of pleasurable relaxation, eliminating stress and depression as well as soothing pain and energizing the body.
  • Botanical Medicine (Naturopathy)
    Botanical Medicine is the use of plant extracts for medicinal purposes. Plant-based remedies have the power to treat many symptoms, with minimal risk of side effects, and can also be used preventively. Many conventional pharmaceuticals contain plant-derived materials or agents. For example, the anti-malarial drug quinine comes from the plant Cinchona pubescens.
  • Chair Massage (Massage Therapy)
    With an ergonomically designed massage chair, a practitioner can perform "seated acupressure." The patient does not need to disrobe and oils are not used. The chair allows the practitioner easy access to the patient.
  • Chelation Therapy (Naturopathy)
    Chelation therapy is a form of naturopathy that removes heavy metals from the bloodstream through the application of chelating agents, chemical compounds that bond with metal ions so that the metals can be easily cleansed from the body.
  • Chiropractic (Chiropractic)
    Focusing on the vital relationship between the nervous system and your health, chiropractic restores health and well being by removing spinal nerve interference known as vertebral subluxation. This is done, without the aid of drugs or surgery, most commonly to help treat various problems involving bones, joints, muscles, ligaments and tendons. Generally, a chiropractor manually applies a controlled force to the problem area, alleviating inflammation, reduced mobility or pain. Chiropractors are also trained to give advice on lifestyle and dietary changes.
  • Clinical Nutrition (Naturopathy)
    Clinical nutrition aims to improve health by assessing a person's nutritional needs to determine an optimal nutrition program. Case histories, laboratory tests, and nutrition/lifestyle analysis are used to assess a patient's needs, and patients are educated on how to improve their diet and life style accordingly.
  • Consultant Dietitian (Nutrition)
    Consultant dietitians work under contract with health care facilities, or in private practice. They perform nutrition screenings for their clients and offer advice on diet-related concerns such as weight loss and cholesterol reduction. Some work for wellness programs, sports teams, supermarkets, and restaurants. They may consult with food service managers, providing expertise in sanitation, safety procedures, menu development, budgeting, and planning.
  • Cosmetic Dentist (Dentistry)
    Cosmetic dentistry enhances the aesthetics of a patient's smile. The procedure modifies the oral cavity and surrounding jaw to fit a desired image. The most common procedure is whitening or teeth bleaching, although other common procedures are enamel shaping (removal of tooth enamel), bonding (dental composites for chipped or cracked teeth), veneers (thin device that closes gaps between teeth or fixing discolorations), and gum lifts (the process of reconfiguring gum lines).
  • Cupping (Acupuncture)
    Cupping is an ancient Chinese practice that helps alleviate pain and soreness. A rounded glass cup is placed on the skin, and pressure is created within the cup. This pressure draws the skin and superficial muscle layers outward, easing acupuncture points deeper in the body.
  • Deep Connective Tissue Massage (Massage Therapy)
    Deep connective tissue massage uses slow strokes and intense pressure on connective tissue (the tissue that binds and strengthens the organs and other tissues, such as muscle). This relieves the patient of chronic tension and knots. Deep connective tissue massage can be slightly uncomfortable. More than one session may be necessary to cure chronic tension.
  • Dentistry (Dentistry)
    The health of your teeth can impact your overall health. Did you know that gum disease has been linked to heart disease, stroke, and diabetes? With nearly a third of Americans susceptible to gum disease, dental health is key to well-being. While daily dental hygiene is imperative, preventive care is just as crucial.
  • Diabulimia (Nutrition)
    a weigh-loss method usually practiced by teenaged girls and young women with type 1 diabetes mellitus. It refers to skipping doses of insulin to avoid gaining weight.
  • Electroacupuncture (Acupuncture)
    Like regular acupuncture, electro-acupuncture uses needles inserted by hand. The difference is that in electro-acupuncture, these needles are connected to electrodes that provide electrical stimulation. Electro-acupuncture is considered quicker than traditional acupuncture, and has a stronger effect. It also allows the acupuncturist to more finely control the amount of stimulus given to a patient. People with cardiac problems should consult their physicians before using this treatment.
  • Endodontics (Dentistry)
    Endodontics is another name for root canal therapy. Inside each tooth is a thread (the pulp) which provides nutrients and nerves to the tooth. When the pulp is diseased or injured, the pulp tissue dies. If you don't remove it, your tooth gets infected and you could lose it. After the dentist removes the pulp, the root canal is cleaned and sealed off to protect it. Then your dentist places a crown over the tooth to help make it stronger. (Source: ADA)
  • Five-Element Acupuncture (Acupuncture)
    Five-Element Acupuncture is an ancient form of acupuncture that treats the mind, body, heart, and spirit. The five elements are fire, earth, metal, water and wood, which correspond to emotions that must remain in balance in order to maintain health. A practitioner using this technique assesses factors such as skin color, vocal sound, body odor, emotional state, and pulse, using the information gathered to diagnose and treat the imbalance.
  • Homeopathy (Homeopathy)
    Homeopathy is a holistic form of medicine that treats illnesses through the use of extreme dilutions of herbs, animal substances and chemical compounds. The term homeopathy comes from the Greek homeo meaning "similar," and pathos meaning "suffering." Samuel Hahnemann, an 18th-century German physician, coined the term in 1796.
  • Inhalation (Acupuncture)
    Inhalation is a form of aromatherapy that's helpful in treating respiratory infection or congestion, in which essential oils are inhaled directly. Inhalation therapy can be used to relieve congestion due to colds, flu, or chronic sinus and bronchitis problems. Practitioners can add essential oils to boiling water so that patients can inhale the therapeutic steam, or they may place oils beneath the patient's nose so that he or she can inhale plant essences directly
  • Joint Mobilization (Massage Therapy)
    Joint mobilization focuses on muscles, ligaments, and joints that have inhibited range of motion. The osteopath manipulates the joints so that certain bone surfaces rub together. Afterward, the patient must learn strengthening and stretching exercises to prevent pain from returning.
  • Manual Adjusting (Chiropractic)
    Chiropractic manual adjustment of the spine uses the force of a chiropractor's hands without the aid of instruments.
  • Massage Therapy (Massage Therapy)
    Therapeutic massage, manipulating body tissue with the hands, heals muscles and promotes better circulation. It is effective for patients who suffer a range of conditions from arthritis to paralysis and is often used to relieve pain and reduce swelling.
  • Molly (Medicine)
    Molly is the powder or crystal form of the pressed pill Ecstasy.
  • Moxibustion (Acupuncture)
    Moxibustion is an analgesic technique in which moxa, a flammable substance derived from the leaves of wormwood plants, is ignited on the skin. The technique is intended to warm regions of the body, as well as stimulating blood circulation and energy toward acupuncture points. It is often used, but not exclusively, as a supplemental treatment to acupuncture.
  • Natural Hormone Replacement (Naturopathy)
    Natural hormone replacement is an alternative treatment designed to enhance a woman's health during menopause. Natural hormone replacement therapy relieves symptoms such as hot flashes and vaginal dryness, which arise from fluctuations in hormone levels, through the administration of calcium, magnesium, Vitamin E, and phytoestrogens such as soy isoflavones
  • Naturopathic Physician (Naturopathy)
    Licensure: Currently, 15 states, the District of Columbia, and the United States territories of Puerto Rico and the United States Virgin Islands have licensing laws for naturopathic doctors. In these states, naturopathic doctors are required to graduate from a four-year, residential naturopathic medical school and pass an extensive post-doctoral board examination (NPLEX) in order to receive licensure. For information about the Naturopathic Physicians Licensing Examination Board (NPLEX) and the North American Board of Naturopathic Examiners (NABNE), please see follow these links as well as see the Association of Accredited Naturopathic Medical College's pages on Naturopathic Medical School (AANMC). Licensed naturopathic physicians must fulfill state-mandated continuing education requirements annually, and will have a specific scope of practice defined by their state's law. The states that currently have licensing laws for naturopathic physicians are: Alaska, Arizona, California, Connecticut, District of Columbia, Hawaii, Idaho, Kansas, Maine, Minnesota*, Montana, New Hampshire, Oregon, Utah, Vermont, Washington, United States Territories: Puerto Rico and Virgin Islands (Adapted from the American Association of Naturopathic Physicians' website: www.naturopathic.org)
  • Naturopathy (Naturopathy)
    Naturopathy is a blend of different therapies, all attempting to restore the body to health in the most natural way possible. Based on the idea that the body has the innate ability to fight disease, its techniques are noninvasive and designed to stimulate the body's natural healing powers.
  • Nutrition and Diet Therapy (Nutrition)
    Nutrition and diet therapies educate people about the connection between food and health. Nutritionists and dietitians promote good eating habits to help prevent disease and to treat preexisting conditions. They work with a patient's unique biological makeup to plan a diet regimen that will facilitate his or her return to optimal health.
  • Oral/Maxillofacial Surgery (Dentistry)
    Oral and Maxillofacial surgery corrects injuries and defects in the neck, face, jaws and the hard and soft tissues of the oral and facial region. Maxillofacial surgeons have usually qualified initially in dentistry, and then undergone further surgical training.
  • Osteopathy (Osteopathy)
    Osteopaths practice medicine just like medical doctors. But osteopaths are distinguished by their holistic philosophy. They believe a proper working musculoskeletal system is at the core of a person's well-being. These physicians use techniques like osteopathic manipulative treatment, to help diagnose illness and injury and encourage healing.
  • Periodontics (Dentistry)
    Periodontic treatments keep healthy the tissues that support your teeth. Periodontal diseases attack just below the gum line, where they cause the attachment of the tooth and its supporting tissues to break down. The two major stages of periodontal disease are gingivitis and periodontitis. Gingivitis is a milder and reversible form that only affects the gums, but it may lead to more serious, destructive forms called periodontitis(Source: ADA).
  • Physical Therapy (Physical Therapy)
    Following extensive assessment and diagnosis of a disease or disability, physical therapy seeks to rehabilitate the body through movement and touch. Exercise and massage are two main applications of therapeutic treatment. Patients of physical therapy include accident victims and sufferers of debilitating conditions such as strokes, lower back pain, head injuries, heart disease and cerebral palsy.
  • Psychotherapy (Wellness)
    Psychotherapy or personal counseling with a psychotherapist, is an intentional interpersonal relationship used to aid a client in problems of living. Psychotherapy may be performed by practitioners with different qualifications, including psychologists, marriage and family therapists, licensed clinical social workers, counselors, and psychiatric nurses.
  • Scalp Massage (Massage Therapy)
    A scalp massage increases blood circulation and promotes healthy hair growth. It also promotes relaxation and can help relieve headaches.
  • Swedish Massage (Massage Therapy)
    Swedish massage is considered the most common form of massage and uses firm pressure to promote relaxation, relieve muscle aches, and improve circulation. The practitioner uses gliding strokes, tapping, kneading, and friction. Massage oil is often used.
  • TMJ (Dentistry)
    TMJ is the name commonly used to refer to pain or dysfunction of the jaw (the Temporomandibular joint). The same disorder is also abbreviated as TMD (Temporomandibular joint disorder). The terms are used to refer to a group of problems involving the TMJs and the muscles, tendons, ligaments, blood vessles, and other tissues associated with them. Some practitioners might include the neck, the back and even the whole body in describing problems with the TMJs.
  • Traction (Chiropractic)
    In chiropractic traction-massage, a system of rollers moves up and down the spine, gently massaging and stretching muscles, while the patient lies face up with a pillow under the knees. Usually performed just before an adjustment, traction-massage is designed to relax the spine, thereby making the adjustment easier to perform and more comfortable and beneficial.
  • Traditional Chinese Acupuncture (Acupuncture)
    Traditional Chinese acupuncture is the form of acupuncture in which the plurality of practitioners are trained, and it remains the most widely practiced form. According to traditional Chinese medicine, the human body is filled with lines or channels through which the energy of the body flows. These channels function as points of entry into the body, called acupuncture points. Acupuncture is the practice of inserting fine sterile stainless steel needles into these points to remove blockages and imbalances in the body's energy flow. Removing these blockages allows energy and blood to circulate smoothly throughout the body, stimulating the body to heal itself.
  • Wellness (Wellness)
    Wellness is a choice: a decision you make to move toward optimal health. It is a way of life: a balanced lifestyle you design to achieve your highest potential for well-being. Wellness is a process: an understanding that there is no end point, but health and happiness are possible in each and every moment. It is the integration of body, mind, and soul: an awareness that the choices we make in one area affect all others.

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Version 1.0.2 (Morpheus-517) -- 30.November.2009