Lesson 14: Diagnostic Procedures, Nuclear Medicine, and Complementary Medicine Chapter 3: Complementary and Alternative Medicine

complementary medicine

a general term referring to practices and systems of healthcare other than conventional, or Western, medical practices that are used to supplement conventional practices.

biofeedback (mind-body therapy)

teaches individuals to control muscle tension, pain, body temperature, brain waves, and other bodily functions through relaxation, visualization, and other techniques.

visualization (mind-body therapy)

provides a patient with verbal prompts to envision a specific, peaceful location in detail, in an effort to distance the patient from pain or stress.

mindfulness (mind-body therapy)

is becoming aware of thoughts and emotions and their physiologic responses, as well as accepting them, and maintaining a calm, constant awareness.

acupressure (energy therapy)

traditional Chinese touch therapy using a finger to apply pressure to specific energy-related areas of the body.

acupuncture (energy therapy)

is a traditional Chinese medical practice using very thin needles inserted into specific points in the body.

reiki (energy therapy)

a traditional Japanese technique using visualization or gentle touch to transfer healing energy.

Chiropractic manipulative therapy (hands-on therapy)

the use of mechanical spinal adjustments to correct biomechanical problems in the skeleton.

osteopathic manipulative therapy (hands-on therapy)

uses mechanical spinal adjustment used along with conventional medical therapies.

therapeutic massage (hands-on therapy)

uses touch and pressure to relieve pain.

alternative medicine

general term that refers to practices and systems of healthcare other than conventional or Western medical practices.

ayurvedic medicine

The traditional Hindu system of medicine with a focus on prevention through hygiene, exercise, herbal preparations, yoga, and treatment with herbal medications, physiotherapy, and diet.

traditional chinese medicine

Ancient Chinese treatments including acupuncture, diet, herbal therapy, meditation, physical exercise, and massage.

Kinesiology

Study of body movements and physical activity.

Naturopathy

A combination of nutrition, medicinal supplements and herbs, water therapy, homeopathy, and lifestyle modifications.

Herbal medicine

Use of plants as dietary supplements.

Homeopathy

Use of substances created from plant or mineral products diluted in water or alcohol to treat symptoms and diseases