An Alternative Medicine Glossary
By: Brenda Paik Sunoo

    Complementary and alternative medicine covers a broad range of therapies and modalities. The Washington, D.C.-based National Center for Complementary and Alternative Medicine has established a classified system to prioritize applications for research grants. However, HR professionals can use it as an educational tool to become well versed in the language of such treatments.

Mind-Body Medicine:
    Mind-body medicine involves behavioral, psychological, social and spiritual approaches to health.

  • Yoga
  • Internal Qigong
  • Tai Chi
  • Spiritual Healing
  • Pastoral care

Alternative Medical Systems:
    This category involves the complete systems of theory and practice that have been developed outside of the Western biomedical approach.

  • Acupuncture
  • Herbal Formulas
  • Tai Chi
  • Massage and Manipulation
  • Homeopathy
  • Radionics
  • Orthomolecular Medicine

Lifestyle & Disease Prevention:
    This category involves theories and practices designed to prevent the development of illness, identify and treat risk factors, or support the healing and recovery process.

  • Electrodermal Diagnostics
  • Medical Intuition
  • Enzyme Measures
  • Panchakarma

Biologically-based Therapies:
    This category includes natural and biologically based practices, interventions and products.

Herbalism

Special Diet Therapies

Orthomolecular Medicine

Phamacological, Biological and Instrumental Interventions

Manipulative & Body-based Systems:
    This category refers to systems that are based on manipulation and/or movement of the body.

  • Chiropractic medicine
  • Massage and body work
  • Reflexology
  • Applied Kinesiology
  • Acupressure
  • Rolfing
  • Colonics
  • Hydrotherapy

Biofield:
    This category involves systems that use subtle energy fields in and around the body for medical purposes.

  • Therapeutic Touch
  • Natural Healing
  • Huna
  • External Qigong
  • Biorelax

Bioelectromagnetics:
    This category involves the use of electromagnetic fields for medical purposes.

  • Magnetic or electromagnetic therapy

Source: National Center for Complementary & Alternative Medicine in Washington, D.C.

Workforce, June 1999, p. 93 -- Subscribe Now!