Alternative Health Terms Glossary

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Acupuncture: The insertion of very fine needles on the surface of the body in order to influence the physiological functioning of the body.

Aerobics: Any of various sustained exercises which stimulate and strengthen the heart and lungs, improving the body's utilization of oxygen.

Aikido: A martial art founded by Morihei Ueshiba in this century which utilizes entering and turning body movements and joint locks, pins, throws and strikes. It is a non-competitive art emphasizing cooperation and non-violence.

Alexander Technique: A method of changing everyday movement habits to improve freedom of movement, balance, coordination and posture, and to reduce tension.

Allergist: A physician specializing in the diagnosis and treatment of allergies.

Ayurveda: An Ancient Indian healing science integrating mind, body, and conciousness. Possibly the oldest recorded healing science. Principles are based on restoring balance, innate intelligence and harmony of the individual.

Ballet: A classical form of dance which requires grace and precision, using conventional steps and gestures set in intricate patterns and flowing movements to create expression in movement.

Bioenergetics: A method of understanding personality as a function of the body and it's energetic processes. Bioenergetic Analysis is a type of psychotherapy combining work with the body and the mind to help people resolve emotional problems and correct behavioral patterns, thus improving their quality of life and relationships.

Chi (Ki): Life force or vital universal energy. There are many different types of chi, the understanding of which is part of the foundation of oriental medicine and martial arts.

Chi Kung (Qi Gong): A type of Chinese breath work and exercises designed to stimulate, circulate, strengthen and balance the chi.

Chinese Medicine: Impossible to adequately summarize, but here's an attempt: An ancient and complex medical system. Central concepts include the idea of pairs of opposite influences in balance, (light/dark, male/female, etc.), the flow and balance of chi (vital life force), systems of meridians, or energy pathways in the body, and the influence of external and internal disease causing factors. External factors include wind, cold, fire, damp, heat and dryness. Internal factors include joy, anger, anxiety, thought, sorrow and fear. Diagnosis is based on observation via sight, sound and smell, reading of pulses, and understanding the patient's lifestyle issues. Treatment is based on the use of opposite influences to reestablish balance. Treatment methods include herbs, teas and tablets, acupuncture, moxibustion, Chi Kung, dietary changes, and body manipulation and massage.

Chiropractic: A therapeutic system based on the premise that disease and pain are caused by interference with nerve function due to misalignment of the skeletal structure, primarily the spinal column. Manual manipulation is used to help vertebrae or other joints to return to their normal position of alignment.

Feldenkrais Method: A somatic learning method leading to greater physical ease and awareness which re-patterns the mind and body through the use of non-strenuous movements. Can be practiced one-on-one or in a group class.

Holistics (Holistic Medicine): A system of health care emphasizing the whole person, including physical, environmental, nutritional, emotional, social, lifestyle and spiritual aspects. Personal education and responsibility for health are key elements.

Herbology: The study and application of natural healing herbs, usually as a part of a system of healing, such as Chinese Medicine.

Homeopathy: A system of medicine based on the premise that tiny quantities of certain substances can stimulate the body to heal itself. The substances are greatly diluted, but in greater dosages they would produce exactly the symptoms of the illness afflicting the patient. The body is stimulated to provide a healing response even though the dosage is too small to produce actual symptoms; this healing response then acts on the actual symptoms being experienced.

Hypnotherapy: The treatment of disease or addiction through the use of hypnosis

Karate: "Empty-hand." A martial art using various strikes and blocks with the hands and feet. Forms and sparring and drills are the primary teaching methods.

Kung Fu: A broad category of Chinese martial arts, literally meaning "human effort". It encompasses many styles and forms, with and without weapons.

Meditation: The act of contemplative thinking or directing attention for the purpose of altering a state of consciousness or level of understanding.

Massage: Any of various forms of hands-on manipulation of the body the goal of which is to help relax and cleanse the muscles and promote a general state of well-being.

Macrobiotics: An art and science which studies the relationship between diet, lifestyle and environment, the goal being increased health and longevity.

Midwifery: The art or practice of assisting women in childbirth.

Naturopathy:A method of healing disease using diet, exercise, masssage, heat, and other natural factors.

Pilates: An exercise system founded by Joseph Pilates focused on improving flexibility and strength for the total body without building bulk.

Reflexology: A complementary therapy focusing on massage of the feet to help clear blockages and restore balance in the body.

Reiki: "Universal life force energy". A healing method founded by Dr. Mikao Usui which focuses on the flow of energy in the body.

Rolfing: A holistic system created by Dr. Ida P. Rolf which uses soft tissue manipulation and movement education to organize0 the whole body structurally under the effects of gravity.

Shiatsu: A bodywork therapy originating within the Oriental Healing Arts. It incorporates the theory of acupuncture that energy, known as "Chi" (or "Ki") moves through the body along well defined passageways called meridians.

Shamanism: An ancient, magical/religious practice involving out-of-body experiences in a trance-like state similar to lucid dreaming. May or may not involve the ingestion of toxic and/or psychoactive substances and other ritual actions such as drumming and chanting.

Sauna: The experience of intense heat, usually in a special cedar or redwood room, with or without steam, aromatics and beating with birch switches, alternated with cold water and rest periods. The object is the flushing toxins from the body and attaining a state of body/mind relaxation.

Tang Soo Do: Korean form of martial art, "The Way of the Hand and Foot". Similar to Tae Kwon Do, but the "sport" aspect has been de-emphasized and the focus is more on personal development.

Tai Chi: "Supreme Ultimate" or "Great Breath". An ancient Chinese martial art characterized by slow, fluid movements, grounding, and breath/energy control. Health benefits have been strongly associated with the art.

Trager Method: A bodywork method developed by Milton, Trager, M.D. consisting of active and passive gentle, natural movements designed to release deep-seated physical and mental patterns and promote relaxation, mobility and mental acuity.

Tibetan Buddhism: Predominant religion of Tibet and Mongolia, primarily Mahayana Buddhism combined with native shamanism and Shaivism.

Vegan: A person who, for ethical, health, or environmental reasons, uses no animal or animal-derived products for food or any other purpose.

Vegetarian: A person who, for ethical, health, or environmental reasons, consumes no meat, fish or fowl.

Yoga: "Union" (Sanskrit). Any of various disciplines involving postures, breath control and mental exercises the goal of which is to experience the union of mind, body and spirit, and to experience the Universe as an interconnected whole.

Zen Buddhism: A religious sect of Buddhism. Practitioners follow an approach to life involving harmony between daily life and the absolute nature of reality, the quality of which is realized through intense meditation.