NewYork-Presbyterian. The University Hospital of Columbia and Cornell.

Complementary and Alternative Medicine Glossary

Glossary - Complementary and Alternative Medicine

A | B | C | D | E | F | G | H | I | J | K | L | M
N | O | P | Q | R | S | T | U | V | W | X | Y | Z

A

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acupuncture points - anatomic points on the body used in acupuncture.

alternative medicine - any form of therapy used alone, without recommended standard/conventional treatment.

B

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botanical - of plants and plant life.

C

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complementary medicine - any form of therapy used in combination with other alternative treatments or standard/conventional medicine.

cupping - the use of warmed glass jars to create suction on certain points of the body.

D

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E

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electrodermal activity (EDA) - measures changes in perspiration rate.

electromyogram (EMG) - measures muscles tension.

F

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G

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guided imagery - envisioning a certain goal to help cope with health problems.

H

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hydrotherapy - use of water as a medical treatment.

I

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J

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K

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L

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M

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moxibustion - the burning of herbal leaves on or near the body.

N

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O

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P

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palming - an imaging technique involving the visualization of color.

Q

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Qi - Chinese word for life force.

R

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S

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T

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U

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V

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W

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X

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x-ray - electromagnetic energy used to produce images of bones, organs, and internal tissues.

Y

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Yin and Yang - Chinese words for complementary and opposite forces that make up the life force (Qi).

yoga - Indian word for "union." Yoga is a posturing and breathing technique to induce relaxation.

Z

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