Complementary and Integrative Health Flashcards

A set of vocabulary flashcards covering the concepts, therapies, and specific interventions within complementary and integrative health as defined by the ATI Engage Fundamentals materials.

Conventional Medicine

Also known as mainstream, western medicine, biomedicine, allopathic, or orthodox medicine; predominantly practiced by MDs, DOs, registered nurses, and other healthcare professionals.

Complementary and Integrative Health (CIH)

An approach to health and wellness through a broader, nontraditional lens that is combined with conventional medicine.

Biological therapies

Substances found in nature, nonprescriptive, herbal or botanical medicines that are often sold over the counter.

Mind-body therapies

Focus on interactions of the mind, the body, and the brain to positively affect physical functions and health promotion.

Manual therapies

A hands-on focus of the structures (bones, joints, soft tissue) and systems (circulatory, lymphatic) of the body.

Bioenergetic therapies

Practices involving manipulation of human energy fields.

Alternative systems of care

Whole medical systems developed over time and in different cultures, such as Ayurveda or traditional Chinese medicine.

Integrative Therapies

Approaches that gather and use conventional, complementary, and alternative therapies, integrating practices to treat the client through mind, body, and spirit.

Holos

The Greek word meaning "whole," which is the root for the terms holistic and holism.

Deep breathing

Involves conscious control of breathing by rate, depth, and body part.

Mindfulness

Paying close attention to immediate experiences and being mentally present.

Meditation

The art of contemplative thinking to promote mental relaxation and psychological balance.

Prayer

Communicating through inward conversation or communion with a higher power of choice.

Aromatherapy

Breathing in the scent of a natural plant extract in topical creams, lotions, essential oils, or aromatic diffusers for wellness improvement.

Acupuncture

A professional procedure using long, thin, sterile needles to penetrate the skin and stimulate anatomical points in the body.

Hypnotherapy

An altered state of consciousness achieved through relaxation and focused attention to suggestions made by a hypnotist.

Biofeedback

A mind-body regulation of bodily functions assisted by electronic devices to regulate breathing and heart rate.

Massage

An ancient therapy of manipulating soft tissue with the human hands for relief from pain.

Reflexology

A method of massaging or manipulating the feet and hands’ reflex systems to positively influence body functions.

Chiropractic care

Uses manual therapy and spinal manipulation, focusing on the relationship between the body's physical structure and functionality.

Osteopathic medicine

Focuses on structural and anatomical abnormalities that cause disease, with treatment based on rebalancing structure and function.

Healing touch

A hands-on, energy-based therapy developed from numerous healing philosophies.

Therapeutic touch

Developed from the practices of Dora Kunz, focusing on sensitivity to human energy systems and sensing obstructions in a client's energy field.

Dietary supplements

Products that must be assessed by nurses for efficacy, reactions, and interactions with a client's current health regime.