Page 3 - Terminology-Naturopathy

defenses. It uses yoga positions to apply pressure to the
acupoints.
A Adaptogen: A nontoxic substance and especially a plant
extract that is held to increase the body’s ability to resist
the damaging effects of stress and promote or restore
normal physiological functioning. In 1958, I.I. Brekhman,
a Russian holistic medical doctor, and his colleague I.V.
Abortifacient: An abortifacient – that which will cause a Dardymov, established the following definition of an
miscarriage, from Latin: abortus “miscarriage” and faciens adaptogen: It “must be innocuous and cause minimal
“making”, is a substance that induces abortion. disorders in the physiological functions of an organism,
Abrasion: An abraded area where the skin is torn or worn it must have a nonspecific action, and it usually has a
off. normalizing action irrespective of the direction of the
pathological state.” Adaptogens may act on serum glucose,
Acquired: a condition or disease that arises after birth. leukocytes, temperature, blood pressure or pulse by
increasing or decreasing the substance of interest. A well-
Active reflex points: reflex points that are tender, known example is ginseng.
indicating that its associated organ or structure is not
functioning properly. Adaptogenic: Generating a substance that balances the
body, particularly when the body is under stress, by either
Active release techniques (ART): A comprehensive stimulating or relaxing.
method of Soft Tissue Treatment to help such conditions
as Carpal Tunnel, Sports Injuries, Headache Relief, Adjuvant: Aiding the action of a medicinal agent.
Occupational Health, Industrial Injury, using protocols
in a combination of examination and treatment. The ART Adrenaline: The hormone that produces the “fight or
specialist uses his or her hands to evaluate the texture, flight” response, increasing heart rate and blood pressure.
tightness and movement of muscles, fascia, tendons, Also called epinephrine.
ligaments and nerves during treatment. Abnormal tissues Aetheroleum: Refers to the essential or volatile oil as a
are treated by combining precisely directed tension with distinct aromatic product obtained from the plant.
very specific patient movements.
Affirmative prayer: Is a form of prayer or a metaphysical
Acu-points: in traditional Chinese medicine, it is believed technique that is focused on a positive outcome rather
that there are points found all over the body and on than a negative situation. For example, a person who is
channels called meridians (which connect corresponding experiencing some form of illness would focus the prayer
body parts and organs). Stimulating these points is thought on the desired state of perfect health and affirm this desired
to have numerous health benefits to the whole body, as a intention “as if already happened” rather than identifying
treatment and as a preventative measure. the illness and then asking God for help to eliminate it.

Acupressure: Based on the principles of acupuncture, New Thought spirituality originated during the 1880s and
this ancient Chinese technique involves using finger has emphasized affirmative prayer as an essential part of its
pressure on specific points along the body to treat philosophy. Practitioners among the various New Thought
ailments. denominations such as Religious Science, Divine Science
and Unity may also refer to this form of prayer by such
Acupuncture: A family of procedures involving names as “scientific prayer,” “spiritual mind treatment” or,
stimulation of anatomical points on the body by a variety of simply, “treatment.”
techniques. American practices of acupuncture incorporate
medical traditions from China, Japan, Korea, and other Aflatoxin: A fungal toxin which is a powerful liver
countries. The acupuncture technique that has been most carcinogen. It is produced by Aspergillus flavus and A.
scientifically studied involves penetrating the skin with parasiticus, which grow easily on legumes, grains, and
thin, solid, metallic needles that are manipulated by the peanuts which are inappropriately stored in warm, humid
hands or by electrical stimulation. conditions.

Acu-yoga: combining yoga and acupressure for the African traditional medicine: See Traditional African
purposes of healing and stimulating the body’s natural medicine.

TERMINOLOGY NATUROPATHY 3