Talk to Wooster
Winter 2005
Alternative Therapies: A Glossary
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StoryAcupuncture Traditional Chinese origin, insertion of needles to conduct energy and restore balance
Aromatherapy Uses natural plant essences to restore harmony and promote health
Ayurveda Ancient Indian system, uses diet and herbs, emphasizes role of body, mind, and spirit
Bodywork Hands-on manipulation of the body to relieve tension, restore alignment: massage, Hellerwork, Rolfing
Chiropractic Aligns muscular, nervous, and skeletal systems, especially the spine
Energy healing Belief that "life-force" connects the universe and each person, balances energy fields, focuses energy on specific body part for healing: polarity, Pranic healing, Qi gong, Reiki
Herbal Uses herbs for therapeutic purposes
Homeopathic medicine Belief that like cures like, treats with a diluted form of causative agent
Naturopathic medicine Uses prevention, natural remedies to stimulate body to heal itself
Osteopathic medicine Emphasizes the musculoskeletal system, body as interdependent unit
Reflexology Focuses on reflex areas in the feet, hands, and ears to tap into body’s "vital energy"
Tai chi Traditional Chinese "moving meditation," gentle exercises promote balance, flexibility, fitness
Yoga Ancient Indian science of the body, mind, consciousness, soul, from Sanskrit yuj, to yoke or bind, involves stretching, breathing, meditation
Selected Web Resources
Alternative/complementary medicine nccam.nih.gov/health/whatiscam/
Chiropractic admissions.palmer.edu/info/whatis.htm
Energy healing www.clevelandclinic.org/health/
healthinfo/docs/2600/2613.asp?index=9821
Naturopathic medicine
