Page 18 - Terminology-Naturopathy

activity in Japan. See Shinrin-yoku. Grape therapy: Also known as ampelotherapy (from
Ancient Greek ampelos, meaning “vine”), is a form of
Fructus: Refers to the fruit (the ripened ovary of naturopathic alternative medicine that involves heavy
the flower-bearing seeds) or berry of the plant. In consumption of grapes, including seeds, and parts of the
pharmacognosy, fructus is not always synonymous with the vine, including leaves.
botanical definition.
Gua sha: Meaning “scraping sha-bruises”, is a traditional
Functional medicine: Is a form of alternative medicine Chinese medical treatment in which the skin is scraped
which proponents say focuses on interactions between to produce light bruising. Gua sha involves repeated
the environment and the gastrointestinal, endocrine, and pressured strokes over lubricated skin with a smooth edged
immune systems. Functional medicine addresses the instrument. Skin is typically lubricated with massage oil
underlying causes of disease, using a systems-oriented and commonly a ceramic Chinese soup spoon was used, or
approach and engaging both patient and practitioner in a a well-worn coin, even honed animal bones, water buffalo
therapeutic partnership. Functional medicine practitioners horn, or jade. A simple metal cap with a rounded edge is
spend time with their patients, listening to their commonly used. Practitioners believe Gua sha releases
histories and looking at the interactions among genetic, unhealthy elements from injured areas and stimulates
environmental, and lifestyle factors that can influence blood flow and healing. Gua sha is sometimes referred to
long-term health and complex, chronic disease. In this as “spooning” or “coining” by English speakers, it has also
way, functional medicine supports the unique expression of been given the descriptive French name, tribo-effleurage.
health and vitality for each individual. Gua sha was transferred and translated into Vietnamese
from China as cạo gió. This term translates roughly “to
scrape wind”, as in Vietnamese culture “catching a cold” or

G fever is often referred to as trúng gió, “to catch wind”. It is
also used in Indonesia, and in Java it is known as kerikan
(lit., “scraping technique”) or kerokan, and it is very
widely used, as a form of folk medicine, upon members
of individual households. It was also used in India for

Galactagogue: An agent that promotes the flow of milk treatment of high fever symptoms. People used metal spoon
(syn: galactogenic). and water for skin lubrication.

Gem therapy: A relatively recent discovery in the field of Guided imagery: A practice used for healing or health
alternative medicines, it involves the use of specific gems maintenance that involves a series of relaxation techniques
to treat specific ailments. followed by the visualization of detailed images, usually
calm and peaceful in nature. If used for treatment, persons
Geophagy: Eating earth or clay or chalk; occurs in some will visualize their bodies free of the specific problem
primitive tribes or sometimes in cases of nutritional or condition. Sessions are typically 20 to 30 minutes in
deficiency. length and may be practiced several times a week. Guided
imagery often is used to alleviate stress and to treat
Gerson therapy: Is a natural treatment that boosts the stress-related conditions such as insomnia and high blood
body’s own power to heal cancer, arthritis, heart disease, pressure. The therapy also is used by persons with cancer,
allergies, and many other chronic degenerative diseases. AIDS, chronic fatigue syndrome, and other disorders with
Developed by Max Gerson, the therapy uses thirteen fresh the aim of boosting the immune system.
organic juices to provide the body with vitamins, minerals,
enzymes, and other nutrients; and uses enemas to aid in
the elimination of toxins, thereby cleansing the body and
reactivating its ability to heal itself. H

Gestalt therapy: This psychotherapy aims to help the
client achieve wholeness (gestalt is the German word for
whole) by becoming fully aware of his or her feelings,
perceptions, and behavior. The emphasis is on immediate Hair analysis: A small amount of hair is taken from the
experience rather than on the past. Gestalt therapy often is nape of the neck to examine the intracellular (inside the
conducted in group settings such as weekend workshops. cell) information of the person’s condition for the last

18 AlphaScienceLabs.com