Page 24 - Terminology-Naturopathy

a variety of supposed variables, which take many forms. specific populations.
Major principles of macrobiotic diets are to reduce animal
product, eat locally grown foods that are in season, and Massage therapy: This general term describes a range of
consume meals in moderation. Other forms of the diet therapeutic approaches with roots in Eastern and Western
incorporate principles of archaic medical systems, such as cultures. Massage therapy involves the practice of kneading
traditional Chinese medicine, in which an attempt is made or otherwise manipulating a person’s muscles and other soft
to balance the alleged yin and yang elements of food and tissue with the intent of improving a person’s well-being or
cookware. Hufeland, a German physician, in his book The health.
Art of Prolonging Human Life (1797), first used the word
“macrobiotics” in the context of food and health. Masticatory: Increases flow of saliva upon chewing.
Mattei cancer cure: See Electrohomoeopathy.
Maggot therapy: Also known as maggot debridement
therapy (MDT), larval therapy, larva therapy, larvae Maya abdominal massage or ATMAT (Arvigo
therapy, biodebridement or biosurgery) is a type of Techniques of Maya Abdominal Therapy): Ancient Maya
biotherapy involving the introduction of live, disinfected healing techniques that eliminate the primary cause of
maggots (fly larvae) into the non-healing skin and soft reproductive and digestive complaints in men and women,
tissue wound(s) of a human or animal for the purpose of the congested pelvis and abdomen, thereby preventing the
cleaning out the necrotic (dead) tissue within a wound progression of symptoms to chronic disease.
(debridement) and disinfection. There is evidence that
maggot therapy may help with wound healing. Mechanical traction: A non-surgical acupuncture,
acupressure, chiropractic procedure most often used to
Magnets: Magnetic therapy, also known as magnetic field relieve pain in the lower back, neck, arms, and legs. The
therapy or bio-magnetic therapy, involves using magnets, treatment works by reducing pressure on the spinal disks
magnetic devices, or magnetic fields to treat a variety of by applying a prolonged force in a direction parallel to the
physical and emotional conditions, including circulatory spine, which in turn improves circulation. Some patients
problems, certain forms of arthritis, chronic pain, sleep report the procedure to be so relaxing that they fall asleep
disorders, and stress. Treatments may be applied by a during it.
practitioner or as part of a self-care program.
Medical acupuncture: See Acupuncture.
Malabsorption: Poor absorption of nutrients from the
intestinal tract into the bloodstream Medical intuitive: A medical intuitive is an alternative
medicine practitioner who claims to use their self-described
Manual lymph drainage therapy: A hands-on technique intuitive abilities to find the cause of a physical or
designed to attain and sustain proper functioning of emotional condition. Other terms for such a person include
the human fluid system. The proper functioning of the medical clairvoyant, medical psychic or intuitive counselor.
lymphatic system is critical to our body’s ability to drain The practice of claiming to use intuition or clairvoyance
stagnant fluids, detoxify, regenerate tissues, filter out toxins for medical information dates back to Phineas Parkhurst
and foreign substances, and maintain a healthy immune Quimby (1802–1866), whose intuitive healing practice
system. began in 1854. Edgar Cayce (1877–1945) was known as
one of the most well-known medical clairvoyants.
Manual therapy: Also known as manipulative therapy,
is a physical treatment primarily used by massage Medical nutrition therapy (MNT): An evidence-
therapists, physiotherapists, occupational therapists, based diet therapy that uses foods as medicine. Dietary
chiropractors, osteopaths, and osteopathic physicians to recommendations of specific foods with specific qualities,
treat musculoskeletal pain and disability; it most commonly allergic response, or nutritional value (vitamin and mineral
includes kneading and manipulation of muscles, joint content) are prescribed for the patient. Supplements
mobilization and joint manipulation. may also be given for prevention or to make up for an
inadequate diet due to any number of conditions, including
Martial arts therapy: Refers to the usage of martial arts
as an alternative or complementary therapy for a medical cancer, diabetes, Crohn’s disease, and food allergies.
disorder. This can include disorders of the body or of Medicine: 1. A substance that is used in treating disease or
the mind. The therapy may involve applications such as relieving pain and that is usually in the form of a solid or
promoting kinaesthetic balance in the elderly or impaired, a liquid; something that affects well-being. 2. The science
through Tai chi chuan, or reducing aggressiveness in and art dealing with the maintenance of health and the

24 AlphaScienceLabs.com