Alternative Healthcare Glossary: A to C

Acupuncture: Developed in China centuries ago, this treatment involves piercing the skin with very fine needles at "acupoints" on the body. The philosophy believes that qi (pronounced "chi"), or "vital energy" flows through the body along specific pathways, which connect individual organs to specific parts of the skin (the acupoint). By piercing the points on the skin that connect to the ailing organ, the energy flow will be restored to the organ, thereby healing it. The practice is used in Traditional Chinese Medicine. For more on acupuncture see our article pricklyIssue. (Also see acupressure and Traditional Chinese Medicine.)

Acupressure (also known as Shiatsu or Jinsin Jitsu): Acupressure is based on the same philosophy as acupuncture, but, instead of needles, pressure is applied either with the fingers or with specialized instruments to the specific "acupoints" of the body. (Also see acupuncture and Traditional Chinese Medicine.)

Alternative Medicine: The healthcare methods that come under this label have equal value to and are used in the place of conventional healthcare practices. Although some alternative medicines and therapies may indeed be alternatives, the term is often applied to scientifically unproven methods. It appeals to some patients' preferences for "natural" healing.

Aromatherapy: Aromatherapy uses essential oils – highly concentrated oils extracted from plants – and is based on two premises: that our sense of smell can induce relaxation or stimulate energy; and that, with direct application to the skin, certain oils can stimulate the muscles or the central nervous system. Depending on the patient's needs, oils are massaged or applied to the skin, inhaled (either directly or diffused into a room), or ingested (once diluted in water). If a patient feels stressed, for example, the practitioner may diffuse a calming blend of oils into the air, or, if the patient has sore muscles, eucalyptus oil may be massaged into the affected area.

Art Therapy: This therapy is based on the premise that patients who are unable to express their emotions or experiences verbally, may be able to do so through painting, sculpting, or drawing. The therapy may also be used to help patients develop or enhance reasoning abilities. Art therapy is practiced in mental health, rehabilitation, educational, acute-care, medical, and forensic institutions.

Ayurvedic Medicine: The philosophy of ayurveda focuses on the balance of the body's three elements or doshas – vatta, kapha, and pitta – which represents ideal health. If one of the doshas is too weak, a patient can add to or change their diet or lifestyle to rebalance the doshas. First documented more than 2,000 years ago in India, ayurveda considers the physical, mental, and spiritual life of patients. Ayurveda advocates preventative measures in lifestyle and diet. For more information see Dietary Lifestyles – Ayurvedic.

Biofeedback: This treatment is based on the premise that the mind can control some automatic functions of the body. Using various techniques, a practitioner measures a patient's muscle tension, body temperature, skin conductivity, or brainwave activity and teaches the patient how to use their mind to alter these automatic responses. For instance, a patient who suffers from anxiety will have a galvanic skin response (GSH) machine (which monitors sweat glands) connected to their fingertips. Depending on the amount of conductivity (sweating), the GSH machine will light up or make a sound (such as a buzz). In order to make the buzz subside or stop, the patient will be taught how to bring the body into a state of relaxation, which will reduce the amount the person perspires. Eventually, the patient will learn how to bring about this relaxed state without the assistance of the machine.

Chelation Therapy: With the intent of removing "contaminants" from the blood, this treatment prescribes intravenous infusions of a synthetic amino acid called ethylene-diamine-tetra-acetic acid (EDTA). The treatment is likened to cleaning a drain using a chemical compound to dissolve a blockage. Originally used in the 1940s to treat heavy metal poisoning, EDTA forms a solid bond with metals such as lead and removes them from the bloodstream by excreting them through the urine. Following this logic, despite evidence to the contrary, some people believe that EDTA removes calcium from arterial plaque, thereby, softening clogged arteries. Chelation therapy has been promoted as a treatment for atherosclerosis, coronary heart disease, and peripheral vascular disease and as an alternative to treatments such as coronary bypass surgery. Apart from the dangers of not receiving appropriate treatment for their condition, patients undergoing chelation therapy may suffer from zinc deficiency.

Colonic Irrigation (or Colon Hydrotherapy): This practice involves inserting a rubber tube – sometimes as high up as 20 to 30 inches – into the rectum. Warm water – sometimes as much as 20 gallons – is slowly pumped into the rectum, and then drained, with the intent of "detoxifying" the body. Some practitioners add coffee or herbs to the water. The technique was popular around the turn of the first century, but most of the medical community abandoned the practice in the 1920s. It has been proven that fecal matter does not build up in or adhere to the intestinal lining, as claimed by practitioners. According to Quackwatch, this practice can spread infection (through contaminated equipment) and cause fatal electrolyte imbalances.

Complementary Healthcare: Complementary or integrative healthcare practices are those used in conjunction with conventional methods of healthcare. Some treatments are helpful (such as massage) and may relax patients or ease their pain, while other "remedies" are unproven. Complementary treatments are not meant to take the place of standard healthcare treatment.

Craniosacral Therapy (CST): A controversial form of preventative therapy, CST was developed by William Sutherland, an American osteopath, who "discovered" that the bones around the skull move in rhythmic tide-like motions. (In actuality, the bones of the skull fuse by the end of adolescence.) Some proponents believe that these rhythmic motions indicate health in the body but that the energy flow through the system can become blocked, resulting in illness. By measuring the delicate movements of the bones around the skull, Sutherland developed CST as a hands-on method of enhancing the function of the craniosacral system (the membranes and cerebrospinal fluid that protect the brain and spinal cord). Practitioners believe they can remove obstructions in the flow of energy by gently manipulating the bones of the skull, spine, rib cage, and limbs. And they claim they can "relieve" all sorts of illnesses such as headaches, visual disturbances, traumatic brain injuries, vertigo, and even certain types of mental disabilities.