Chapter 15: Complementary And Alternative Medicine

What is conventional Medicine?

Biomedically based medicine as practiced by holders of the MD or DO degrees and their allied health professionals

What is Osteopathic Medicine?

A form of medical practice that provides all the benefits of conventional allopathic medicine, including prescription drugs and surgery, and emphasizes the interrelationship between the structure and function of the human body

What is alternative Medicine?

A broad range of health care practices that are not taught in medical schools, not generally used in hospitals, and not usually reimbursed by insurance companies

What is Complementary Medicine?

The use of "alternative medicines" in conjunction with rather than instead of regular medicine

What is whole person Medicine?

A biopsychosocial approach to medicine that helps people improve and restore their health in multiple, interconnected domains - biological, behavioural, social and environmental

What is integrative medicine?

Multidisciplinary approach to medicine that involves traditional biomedical interventions, as well as complementary and alternative medical practices that have been proven both safe and effective

What is Vitalism?

The concept of a general life force, popular in some varieties of comlementray and alternative medicine

What is traditional Chinese Medicine?

An acient, integrated herb and acupuncture-based system of healing founded on the principle that internal harmony is essentail for good health

What is self-limiting conditions?

A condition that tends to improve with the passage of time, even in the absence of treatment

What is nocebo?

A harmless substance that nevertheless creates harmful effects in a person who takes it

What is meaning response theory?

The theory that health care interventions are imbued with symbolism that conveys their meaning and determines their efficacy

What is Acupuncture?

A component of traditional chinese medicine in which fine needles are inserted into the skin to relieve pain, treat addiction and illness, and promote health

What is hypnosis?

a social interaction in which one person (the hypnotist) suggests to another (the subject) that certain perceptions, feelings, thoughts, or behaviors will spontaneously occur

What is mindfulness meditation?

The practice of paying nonjudgmental, in the moment attention to changing perceptions and thoughts

What is tai chi?

A form of moving meditation that blends exercise, dance, and concentration, and is a component of traditional chinese medicine

What is yoga?

A moment based form of relaxation and meditation that combines diet, physical postures, and breathing to promote physical and spiritual well-being

What is chiropractic?

A complementary and alternative medicine approach to healing that is concerned with the disgnosis, treatment, and prevention of disorders of the neuromusculoskeletal system

What is acupressure?

The application of pressure rather than needles to the point used in acupuncture; shiatsu is a major form

What is naturopathic medicine?

The system that aims to provide holistic health care by drawing from several traditional healing systems, including homeopathy, herbal remedies, and tradintional chinese medicine

What is probiotics?

Bacteria that help maintain the natural balance of organisms (microflora) in the intestines and help promote a healthy digestive system