N201 - box 32.1

biologically based therapies

natural products

- dietary supplements

- herbal medicines

- macrobioitc diet

- mycotherapies

- orthomolecular medicine

- probiotics

- the "zone"

dietary supplements

used to supplement dietary/nutritional intake by mouth; contain one or more dietary ingredients, including vitamins, minerals, herbs, or other botanical products

herbal medicines

Plant-based therapies used in whole systems of medicine or as individual preparations by allopathic providers and consumers for specific symptoms or issues

macrobiotic diet

Predominantly a vegan diet (no animal products except fish); initially used in the management of a variety of cancers; emphasis placed on whole cereal grains, vegetables, and unprocessed foods

mycotherapies

Fungi-based (mushroom) products

orthomolecular medicine (megavitamin)

Increased intake of nutrients such as vitamin C and beta-carotene; treats cancer, schizophrenia, autism, and certain chronic diseases such as hypercholesterolemia and coronary artery disease

probioitcs

live microorganisms (in most cases, bacteria) that are similar to beneficial microorganisms found in human GI system

the "zone"

dietary program that requires eating protein, carbohydrate, and fat in a 30:40:30 ratio; used to balance insulin and other hormones for optimal health

energy therapies

use or manipulation of energy fields

- acupuncture

- healing touch

- Reiki therapy

- therapeutic touch

- magnet therapy

acupuncture

traditional Chinese method of producing analgesia or altering the function of a body system by inserting thin needles along a series of lines or channels, called meridians; direct needle manipulation of energetic meridians influences deeper internal organs by redirecting qi

healing touch

Biofield therapy; uses gentle touch directly on or close to body to influence and support the human energy system and bring balance to the whole body (physical, spiritual, emotional, and mental); a formal educational and certification system provides credentials for practitioners

Reiki therapy

biofield energy derived from ancient Buddhist rituals; practitioners place hands on or above a body area and transfer "universal life energy" providing strength, harmony, and balance to treat a patient's health disturbances

therapeutic touch

Biofield therapy involving direction of a practitioner's balanced energies in an intentional manner toward those of a patient; practitioner's hands lay on or close to a patient's body

magnet therapy

Bioelectromagnetic therapy; devices (magnets) applied to the body surface, producing a measurable magnetic field; used primarily to alleviate pain associated with musculoskeletal injuries or disorders

manipulative and body-based methods

involve movement of body with focus on body structures and systems

- acupressure

- chiropractic medicine

- massage therapy

- simple touch

acupressure

Applying digital pressure in a specified way on designated points on the body to relieve pain, produce analgesia, or regulate a body function

chiropractic medicine

Manipulating the spinal column; includes physiotherapy and diet therapy

massage therapy

Manipulating soft tissue through stroking, rubbing, or kneading to increase circulation, improve muscle tone, and provide relaxation

simple touch

Touching the patient in appropriate and gentle ways to make connection, display acceptance, and give appreciation

mind-body interventions

honor connections between thoughts and physiological functioning using emotion to influence health and well-being

- art therapy

- biofeedback

- breathwork

- guided imagery

- meditation

- music therapy

- tai chi

- yoga

art therapy

Using art to reconcile emotional conflicts, foster self-awareness, and express patients' unspoken and frequently unconscious concerns about their disease

biofeedback

process providing a person with visual or auditory information about autonomic physiological functions of the body such as muscle tension, skin temperature, and brain wave activity through the use of instruments

breathwork

Using a variety of breathing patterns to relax, invigorate, or open emotional channels

guided imagery

Concentrating on an image or series of images to treat pathological conditions

meditation

self-directed practice for relaxing the body and calming the mind using focused rhythmic breathing

music therapy

Using music to address physical, psychological, cognitive, and social needs of individuals with disabilities and illnesses; improves physical movement and/or communication, develops emotional expression, evokes memories, and distracts people who are in pain.

tai chi

Incorporating breath, movement, and meditation to cleanse, strengthen, and circulate vital life energy and blood; stimulate the immune system; and maintain external and internal balance

yoga

Focuses on body musculature, posture, breathing mechanisms, and consciousness; goal is attainment of physical and mental well-being through mastery of body achieved through exercise, holding of postures, proper breathing, and meditation

movement therapies

Eastern or Western approaches to promote well-being

- Dance therapy

- Feldenkrais method

- Pilates

dance therapy

Intimate and powerful medium because it is a direct expression of the mind and body; treats people with social, emotional, cognitive, or physical problems

Feldenkrais method

A complementary therapy based on establishment of good self-image through awareness and correction of body movements; integrates the understanding of the physics of body movement patterns with an awareness of the way people learn to move, behave, and interact

pilates

a system of stretching and strengthening exercises (ex: mat and special apparatus) and body movement used to strengthen, lengthen, and improve the voluntary control of muscles and muscle groups, especially those used for posture and core strengthening; awareness of breathing and precise movements are integral components

whole medical systems

complete systems of theory and practice that have evolved independently from or parallel to conventional biomedicine

- Ayurvedic medicine

- homeopathic medicine

- Latin American traditional healing

- Native American traditional healing

- Naturopathic medicine

- Traditional Chinese medicine (TCM)

Ayurvedic medicine

One of the oldest systems of medicine practiced in India since the first century AD. Treatments balance the doshas with a combination of dietary and lifestyle changes, herbal remedies and purgatives, massage, meditation, and exercise.

homeopathic medicine

Developed in Germany and practiced in the United States since the mid-1800s. It is a system of medical treatments based on the theory that certain diseases can be cured by giving small, highly diluted doses of substances made from naturally occurring plant, animal, or mineral substances that stimulate the vital force of the body so it can heal itself.

Latin American traditional healing

Curanderismo is a Latin American traditional healing system that includes a humoral model for classifying food, activity, drugs, and illnesses and a series of folk illnesses. The goal is to create a balance between the patient and his or her environment, thereby sustaining health.

Native American traditional healing

Tribal traditions are individualistic, but similarities across traditions include the use of sweating and purging, herbal remedies, and ceremonies in which a shaman (a spiritual healer) makes contact with spirits to ask their direction in bringing healing to people to promote wholeness and healing.

Naturopathic medicine

a system of therapeutics focused on treating the whole person and promoting health and well-being rather than an individual disease. Therapeutics include herbal medicine, nutritional supplementation, physical medicine, homeopathy, lifestyle counseling, and mind-body therapies with an orientation toward assisting the person's internal capacity for self-healing (vitalism)

Traditional Chinese medicine (TCM)

An ancient healing tradition identified in the first century AD focused on balancing yin/yang energies. It is a set of systematic techniques and methods, including acupuncture, herbal medicines, massage, acupressure, moxibustion (use of heat from burning herbs), Qi gong (balancing energy flow through body movement), cupping, and massage. Fundamental concepts are from Taoism, Confucianism, and Buddhism.