ACUPUNCTURE: A school of medical therapy, which has evolved over many centuries from the initial theories of early Chinese medical philosophers. It primarily involves the insertion of needles into points (areas of decreased electrical resistance) corresponding to nerve plexi, nerve trunks and musculotendinous junctions. Acupuncture therapy often includes Chinese medicines, diet, breathing and exercise in order to relieve pain, create anesthesia, correct dysfunction and prevent disease and addictions. Acupuncture is certified or licensed in many states. See MERIDIAN.
ALLOPATHIC MEDICINE: The mainstream school of medicine whose therapeutic modalities are generally confined to surgery, radiation, and synthetic drug therapies. Allopathic medicine utilizes the principle of opposites and is characterized by specialization according to diagnoses or anatomy. All licensed MD's have a basic education in allopathic medicine.
ANTHROPOSOPHICALLY EXTENDED MEDICINE: A system of therapeutics based upon the theories of Rudolf Steiner developed in the late 1800s. It conceptualizes the human being as being physical, etheric and spiritual and considers each aspect of this three-fold being in the treatment of illness. The therapy is concerned with the patient's environment and lifestyle, proper nutrition, plant and mineral remedies (primarily homeopathic), and psychological counseling.
AROMATHERAPY: The use of essential oils (extracts or essences) from flowers, herbs, and trees to promote health and well-being.
AURICULAR THERAPY: The technique of stimulating acupuncture points on the outer ear to treat pain or other symptoms in various other parts of the body. All areas of the body are related to energetic points on the ear surface.
AYURVEDA: A whole medical system that has been practiced primarily in the Indian subcontinent for 5,000 years. Ayurveda includes diet and herbal remedies and emphasizes the use of body, mind, and spirit in disease prevention and treatment.
BARIATRICS: A branch of medicine that deals with control and treatment of obesity and allied diseases.
BIOFEEDBACK: A method of learning to modify a particular body function such as temperature, blood pressure, or muscle tension by monitoring that function with the aid of an electronic device.
CAM: (Complementary and Alternative Medicine)
CANDIDA (CANDIDA ALBICANS): A yeast-type microorganism that can convert to a fungus-type organism. Although normally present to a small extent on the skin and mucus membranes of people, under certain conditions it may grow excessively and cause illness. It commonly causes vaginal infections in women and can grow in the intestines and give off toxins leading to gas bloating, depression, skin irritations, and other conditions. When the illness involves a wide variety of symptoms it is sometimes called candidacies or chronic systemic candidacies.
CHELATION THERAPY: A therapy utilizing an organic or synthetic agent, which binds with minerals and removes them from the body. Although many chelating agents exist, the one used by most FAIM physicians is ETDA, which is used by many physicians to treat lead poisoning. A more controversial, but highly successful use of EDTA is to treat all forms of arteriosclerosis including heart disease, arterial blockage of the legs, and arteriosclerosis of the arteries to the brain.
CHIROPRACTIC: (D.C. denotes Doctor of Chiropractic) Doctors of Chiropractic are physicians who consider man as an integrated being and give special attention to the physiological and biochemical aspects including structural, spinal, musculoskeletal, neurological, vascular, nutritional, emotional and environmental relationships. Chiropractic is a drug-free, non-surgical science and, as such, does not include pharmaceuticals or incisive surgery. It involves adjustment and manipulation of the articulations and adjacent tissues of the human body, particularly of the spinal column. Based upon the theories of Daniel D. Palmer in the 1890's, that good health depends in part upon a normally functioning nervous system, chiropractic adjustments energize the life force that connects the spine to all parts of the body to promote healing. Some chiropractors may make use of sophisticated techniques involving the meridians of the body. One of these approaches is called APPLIED KINESIOLOGY. Licensed in all states. In most states, a DC may employ ancillary health care procedures commonly referred to as being in the common domain, such as dietary supplements, homeopathy and herbs.
CLINICAL ECOLOGY: The study of an individual's physical, mental, and emotional responses to his environment. The theory is that a wide variety of illnesses, symptoms, and complaints of "unknown cause" actually result from a person's reactions to foods, pollution, chemical substances, or other environmental factors. Clinical ecology is now also called ENVIRONMENTAL MEDICINE. The chief medical organization advocating this approach recently changed its name from the Society of Clinical Ecology to the American Academy of Environmental Medicine.
DIAPULSE THERAPY: Used to treat all kinds of musculoskeletal conditions such as fractures, sprains, bursitis, arthritis, strained muscles, and surgical sites following surgery. It is named after the primary producer of machines used for this treatment - the Diapulse Corporation. The Diapulse machine delivers pulsed electromagnetic short wave therapy that brings about electrochemical changes in injured cells to promote rapid and more effective healing.
DIETARY SUPPLEMENTS: Congress defined the term "dietary supplement" in the Dietary Supplement Health and Education Act (DSHEA) of 1994. A dietary supplement is a product (other than tobacco) taken by mouth that contains a "dietary ingredient" intended to supplement the diet. Dietary ingredients may include vitamins, minerals, herbs or other botanicals, amino acids, and substances such as enzymes, organ tissues, and metabolites. Dietary supplements come in many forms, including extracts, concentrates, tablets, capsules, gel caps, liquids, and powders. They have special requirements for labeling. Under DSHEA, dietary supplements are considered foods, not drugs.
DRUG: The federal definition is generally adopted by all states: "(A) Articles recognized in the official United States Pharmacopoeia, official Homeopathic Pharmacopoeia of the United States, or official National Formulary, or any supplement to any of them; and (B) articles intended for use in the diagnosis, cure, mitigation, treatment, or prevention of disease in man or other animals; and (C) articles (other than food) intended to affect the structure or any function of the body of man or other animals; and (D) articles intended for use as a component of any articles specified in clause (A), (B), or (C); but does not include devices or their components, parts, or accessories" [21 USC 321].
ELECTRICAL STIMULATION: The use of electrical currents applied to the body to bring about healing. Some devices used to reduce pain are called Tran electrical nerve stimulation, or TENS, instruments. Some physicians utilize computerized TENS type devices that deliver minute electrical impulses through the skin in response to electrical currents received from injured cells of the body. These instruments are used to treat all kinds of musculoskeletal injuries.
ELECTRODERMAL (BIOELECTRIC) TESTING: A diagnostic approach, which uses one of several electrical instruments to measure skin resistance at meridian points for determining energetic blocks to healing.
ELIMINATION DIETS: The elimination of foods that are suspected of causing symptoms of illness in a person. Best used in combination with deliberate food testing. Example: After eliminating the suspected foods for a period of 4 days to a week or two, if the person improves he may then deliberately reintroduce the suspect foods one at a time to see which ones cause a reoccurrence of the symptoms. These foods would then be either eliminated from the diet entirely or for a few months or then reintroduced on a rotation basis if tolerable. See ROTATION DIET.
ENVIRONMENTAL MEDICINE: See CLINICAL ECOLOGY.
HOMEOPATHY: A school of medicine developed by Samuel Hahnemann in the 1780's. Based on the Principle of Similars, the theory that symptoms of disease are relieved by minute doses of substances, which would produce the same symptoms when given in large doses to a healthy person. The proposed mechanism is that through the method of progressively diluting and succussing (shaking) a substance in a medium, the vital ingredient of the substance is released. The resulting remedy stimulates the vital force - the internal defense and repair mechanism of the body. As of 1995 there are separate boards of homeopathic medicine in Arizona, Connecticut and Nevada. Most other states allow the practice of homeopathy by M.D.s, D.O.s, D.C.s and D.D.S.s.
HOMEOPATHY, CLASSICAL: Use of a single substance remedy, one at a time. The prescription is based upon a complete history of the patient's symptoms and characteristics.
HOMEOPATHY, COMPLEX: Use of several remedies or substances in combination. The prescription is sometimes based upon electrodermal testing in addition to a complete history of the patient's symptoms and characteristics.
HYDROGEN PEROXIDE THERAPY: One of the oxygenating therapies. The administration of low doses of hydrogen peroxide intravenously to oxygenate the blood, stimulate the immune system, and oxidize toxins. It has been reported to be useful in a wide variety of acute and chronic infectious conditions. Some patients also take hydrogen peroxide orally and/or use it in baths or other modes of administration.
HYPERBARIC OXYGEN THERAPY: This treatment utilizes gaseous pressure greater than normal for administering oxygen in the treatment of certain diseases.
HYPOGLYCEMIA: "Hypo" means low and "glycemia" refers to the glucose, or sugar, in the blood. Low blood sugar causes the brain to receive an inadequate supply of glucose to carry out its energetic functions. Symptoms may include weakness, dizziness, difficulty concentrating, mood swings, and many others. Two forms of hypoglycemia exist. The rare "organic" form is usually due to a tumorous pancreas that is secreting too much insulin. The more common "functional" form results from poor life style. Over ingestion of sugar, white flour, caffeine, alcohol, and tobacco result in its symptoms - vitamin and mineral deficiencies and poor hormonal function.
IMMUNE AUGMENTATION THERAPIES (IAT): A cancer therapy developed by Lawrence Burton, Ph.D., which measures and equalizes four substances in the blood related to the immune system.
INTRADERMAL PROVOCATIVE NEUTRALIZATION TECHNIQUE: An allergy testing and treatment technique used by some clinical ecologists. It involves injecting different concentrations of the same substance into the skin at different times. Some dilutions will induce a skin reaction or symptoms if the person is sensitive to that substance. When a reaction occurs, another dilution of the same substance will shut off the symptoms and give only a very minimal skin reaction. This is the neutralizing dose which can be combined with others and administered to a patient either by injection or under the tongue (sublingually).
KINESIOLOGY: The science of movement, especially of the therapeutic use of physical movements.
LIGHT THERAPY: The use of light, especially bright full spectrum light, to treat patients with seasonal depression.
MASSAGE THERAPY: The manipulation of muscle and connective tissue by a trained massage therapist to enhance the function of those tissues and promote relaxation and well-being.
MEDICINE: The art of preventing or curing disease and the science of all matters relating to disease.
MEDICINE, THE PRACTICE OF: Defined by individual states, but generally requiring an M.D. or D.O. license. Example: New York State education law defines the medical practice as "diagnosing, treating, operating or prescribing for a human disease, pain, injury, deformity or physical condition." This definition is clarified through case law to include therapies "the gamut of those known, whether or not recognized and even those not yet conjured" [People v. Amber, 1973].
MERIDIAN: Channels traversing the exterior surface of the body encompassing the acupuncture points, through which Ch'i, or the life force, flows. Through the meridians, the Ch'i reveals the condition of the internal functions of the body.
MUSCULOSKELETAL: Concerning, involving, or made up of both the muscles and/or the bones.
MYOFUNCTIONAL THERAPY: Involves retraining and conditioning muscles to eliminate dysfunctional swallowing patterns and tongue habits. Used as a supporting therapy in orthodontic treatment, TMJ therapy and myofascial pain syndrome.
NATUROPATHY: (N.D. denotes a Doctor of Naturopathy) A school of medical therapy utilizing only natural treatments including diet manipulation, vitamin, mineral and herbal supplements, exercise, massage, homeopathy and many others. As of 1991 there are two naturopathic colleges in the US (in Washington and Oregon). Naturopaths are licensed seperately from M.D.'s in a few states with most others allowing the practice of naturopathy by M.D.'s.
NEUROLINGUISTIC PROGRAMMING: Originally developed by Bandler and Grinder in the late 1970's, it involves how we communicate with ourselves and others. Has broad applications for learning, peak performance, psychotherapy, business, and communication in general.
OBSTETRICS: The branch of medicine involving the care of the pregnant woman during pregnancy and during the delivery of the baby.
ORGANIC BRAIN SYNDROME: A group of diseases resulting from damage to the brain and usually characterized by loss of memory and confusion. May be acute as in delirium or chronic as in dementia. Alzheimer's disease is an example of a chronic organic brain syndrome.
ORTHOMOLECULAR MEDICINE: The treatment of disease by increasing, decreasing, or otherwise controlling the intake of natural substances, especially vitamins. The term "orthomolecular" was coined by Linus Pauling in 1968 and refers to creating the optimal molecular environment for the cells of the body.
ORTHOMOLECULAR PSYCHIATRY: The treatment of psychiatric disorders by attempting to bring about the optimal molecular environment for the cells of the brain (mind) through the use mostly of natural substances such as vitamins, minerals, amino acids, hormones, etc. Originally called megavitamin therapy, which is now considered an obsolete term.
OSTEOPATHIC MEDICINE: (D.O. denotes a Doctor of Osteopathic Medicine) A school of medicine based upon the theory that structure governs function. Involves the attempt to understand the entire patient, physically, psychologically and emotionally in order to uncover the underlying causes of symptoms. Treatment includes musculoskeletal manipulation, recommendations on diet and exercise, and general preventive medicine. Fathered by Dr. Andrew Taylor Still in the late 1800's, D.O.'s are licensed separately from M.D.'s in all 50 states but enjoy duplicate privileges of practice, including performing surgery.
OZONE THERAPY: An oxygenation therapy, which may be used to oxygenate the blood, oxidize (or detoxify) toxic substances and stimulate the immune system. An active form of oxygen gas, ozone can be administered by directly injecting it into a vein or by removing blood, mixing it with ozone, and then reinjecting the blood. It may also be given by rectal insufflation. It has been used in Europe for many years to treat cancer, chronic infections, and more recently, AIDS.
OSTEOARTHRITIS: An arthritis marked by chronic breakdown of cartilage in the joints leading to pain, stiffness, and swelling. The most common form of arthritis seen almost exclusively in the elderly.
PSYCHIATRY: The recognition and treatment of diseases of emotions and the mind. Most mainstream psychiatrists today use one form or another of psychotherapy and/or psychiatric medications, such as antidepressants, antianxiety drugs or antipsychotics. All psychiatrists must first be licensed as M.D.s. See also ORTHOMOLECULAR PSYCHIATRY and CLINICAL ECOLOGY.
PSYCHOANALYSIS: A specialized form of psychiatry in which the patient and the psychoanalyst explore the emotional problems of a patient both past and present.
PSYCHOTHERAPY: Refers to the treatment of emotional disorders through talking and similar forms of communication. The many types of psychotherapy include individual, group, or family psychotherapy. Additionally, there are many styles of psychotherapy such as psychoanalytic, behavioral, gestalt, cognitive and bioenergetics. Utilized by psychiatrists and non-M.D. therapists and counselors such as psychologists and social workers.
Qi GONG: A component of traditional Chinese medicine that combines movement, meditation, and regulation of breathing to enhance the flow of qi (an ancient term given to what is believed to be vital energy) in the body, improve blood circulation, and enhance immune function. (Also spelled Ch'i or Chee)
REIKI: A Japanese word representing Universal Life Energy. Reiki is based on the belief that when spiritual energy is channeled through a Reiki practitioner, the patient's spirit is healed, which in turn heals the physical body.
ROTATION DIETS: A diet in which a person does not eat a given food or member of a given food family more than once every certain number of days. Example: On a 4-day rotation diet, if one eats chicken on a Tuesday, one cannot eat it again until Saturday.
SHIATSU: "Shi" translates as finger and "atsu" translates as touch. A Japanese massage technique that includes the use of acupressure. See MERIDIAN.
TEMPOROMANDIBULAR JOINT (TMJ): Relating to the temporal bone and the mandible, denoting the articulation of the lower jaw. Problems include pain and dysfunctional symptoms of the mouth, jaw, face, head, neck and other parts of the body due to a derangement in the structure and function of the components of the joint. Treatment is often multi-disciplinary involving dentists, physicians, chiropractors, physical therapists, etc.
THERAPEUTIC TOUCH: An ancient technique called laying-on of hands. It is based on the premise that it is the healing force of the therapist that affects the patient's recovery; healing is promoted when the body's energies are in balance; and, by passing their hands over the patient, healers can identify energy imbalances.
TRADITIONAL CHINESE MEDICINE (TCM): The current name for an ancient system of health care from China. TCM is based on a concept of balanced qi (pronounced "chee"), or vital energy, that is believed to flow throughout the body. Qi is proposed to regulate a person's spiritual, emotional, mental, and physical balance and to be influenced by the opposing forces of yin (negative energy) and yang (positive energy). Disease is proposed to result from the flow of qi being disrupted and yin and yang becoming imbalanced. Among the components of TCM are herbal and nutritional therapy, restorative physical exercises, meditation, acupuncture, and remedial massage.
VEGA METHOD: A specific type of electrodermal or bioelectric testing in which electrical skin resistance is measured at specific acupuncture points. With the use of special filters and homeopathic medications, hypotheses can be established as to the kinds of energetic blocks present in the person's body, which are preventing the healing process.
