Page 30 - Terminology-Naturopathy

P constituents formed in the plant’s normal metabolic
processes. The chemicals are often referred to as
“secondary metabolites” of which there are several
classes including alkaloids, anthraquinones, coumarins,
fats, flavonoids, glycosides, gums, iridoids, mucilages,
Palpation: A strategy of touching used in a health/clinical
environment where practitioners use their hands and fingers phenols, phytoestrogens, tannins, terpenes, and terpenoids,
to assess, touch, and feel the body and different body parts to mention a few. Extracts contain many chemical
and organs for size, location, tenderness, consistency, and constituents, while chemicals that have been isolated
texture. from the plant are considered pharmaceutical drugs (i.e.,
digoxin having been isolated from the foxglove or Digitalis
Parturfaciant: Induces contractions of labor at childbirth. lanata plant).

Percolation: A process to extract the soluble constituents Phytoestrogens: A type of phytochemical with some
of a plant with the assistance of gravity. The material is influence on the estrogenic activity or hormonal system
moistened and evenly packed into a tall, slightly conical in humans. This rather broad term does not mean that the
vessel; the liquid (menstruum) is then poured onto the plant mimics human estrogen, only acts to affect it in some
material and allowed to steep for a certain length of time. way.
A small opening is then made in the bottom, which allows
the extract to slowly flow out of the vessel. The remaining Phytomedicinals: Medicinal substances that originate from
plant material (the marc) may be discarded. Many tinctures plants. This may include certain phytochemicals as well as
and liquid extracts are prepared this way. whole plants or herbal preparations.
Phytonutrients: Also called phytochemicals, these are
Pericarpium: Refers to the peel or rind of fruit.
natural chemicals found in plant foods. When consumed,
Petrissage: Massage strokes – typically kneading, they help promote health and reduce the risk factors for
wringing, and skin rolling that are deeper than those of diseases.
effleurage.
Pilates: A system of physical conditioning involving
Pharmacognosy: The study of natural products (i.e., low-impact exercises and stretches designed to strengthen
plant, animal, organism, or mineral in nature) used as muscles of the torso and often performed with specialized
drugs or for the preparation of drugs. Derived from the equipment. Developed in the early 20th century by
Greek pharmakon meaning drug and gnosis meaning Joseph Pilates and called his method “Contrology.”
knowledge. Pilates improves flexibility, builds strength and develops
control and endurance in the entire body. It puts emphasis
Photo therapy: See Light therapy. on alignment, breathing, developing a strong core, and
improving coordination and balance.
Photodynamic therapy (PDT): Is a form of light therapy.
A photosensitive drug is injected in the body, and when Plantar fasciitis: A condition involving the swelling of the
a laser is directed at the tumor site, the light activates plantar fascia, a tissue band that joins the heal bone to the
the drug, which destroys the precisely targeted area of toes and runs across the length of the foot.
unwanted tissue.
Pleomorphic remedies: (also known as Isopathy / Sanum
Photoilluminescence therapy: Is the exposure of a small Remedies) is a form of oral therapy that rests on the belief
amount of blood to a certain wavelength of ultraviolet light. in the fundamental mutability of form in microorganisms
The blood is removed from the body, treated, and then and that microorganisms can abruptly change from
returned to the blood stream. Also called photo-oxidation an avirulent benign form into a potentially virulent,
therapy and Ultraviolet Blood Irradiation, this treatment pathogenic form. Pleomorphism proposes that an endobiont
is intended to create high-energy molecules in the blood (symbiotic, primal plant germ in the erythrocyte, as named
that oxygenate and electrically charge the body, leading to by Professor Dr. Günther Enderlein) lives in genuine
increased circulation, anti-inflammatory effects, immune symbiosis with the host organism (the patient) with mutual
system modulation, anti-infection properties, and anti- benefits. Only through outer factors can the endobiont
cancer effects, and overall detoxification. multiply and develop in a process which can considerably
disturb the symbiotic equilibrium and cause dysfunction
Phytochemicals: Chemical compounds or chemical in the body. An isopathic remedy is not directed against

30 AlphaScienceLabs.com