Canadian Medical Guide > Analytical, Diagnostic and Therapeutic Techniques and Equipment > Therapeutics > Complementary Therapies Terms and Definitions

Complementary Therapies

Medical Definition:	Therapeutic practices which are not currently considered an integral part of conventional allopathic medical practice. They may lack biomedical explanations but as they become better researched some (PHYSICAL THERAPY; DIET; ACUPUNCTURE) become widely accepted whereas others (humors, radium therapy) quietly fade away, yet are important historical footnotes. Therapies are termed as Complementary when used in addition to conventional treatments and as Alternative when used instead of conventional treatment.
Guide Notes:	General or unspecified; prefer specifics; not for "alternative health care delivery system" (= DELIVERY OF HEALTH CARE) or specific health service.
Also Called:	Alternative Medicine,Alternative Therapies,Complementary Medicine

Complementary Therapies Categories.

	Acupuncture Therapy - Treatment of disease by inserting needles along specific pathways or meridians. The placement varies with the disease being treated. It is sometimes used in conjunction with heat, moxibustion, acupressure, or electric stimulation.
	Anthroposophy - Knowledge of the nature of man. A spiritual and mystical doctrine that grew out of theosophy and derives mainly from the philosophy of Rudolph Steiner, Austrian social philosopher (1861-1925). (Webster, 3d ed)
	Holistic Health - Health as viewed from the perspective that humans and other organisms function as complete, integrated units rather than as aggregates of separate parts.
	Homeopathy - A system of therapeutics founded by Samuel Hahnemann (1755-1843), based on the Law of Similars where "like cures like". Diseases are treated by highly diluted substances that cause, in healthy persons, symptoms like those of the disease to be treated. The dilutions are repeated so many times that there is less than one molecule per dose and it is suggested that benefit is from the energetic life force of the original substance.
	Medicine, Traditional - Systems of medicine based on cultural beliefs and practices handed down from generation to generation. The concept includes mystical and magical rituals, herbal therapy, and other treatments which may not be explained by modern medicine.
	Mind-Body and Relaxation Techniques - A group of healing methods which emphasize mind-body interactions with intended benefits that include relaxation and emotional well being.
	Musculoskeletal Manipulations - Various manipulations of body tissues, muscles and bones by hands or equipment to improve health and circulation, relieve fatigue, promote healing.
	Natural Childbirth - Labor and delivery without medical intervention, usually involving RELAXATION TECHNIQUES.
	Naturopathy - A drugless system of therapy, making use of physical forces such as air, light, water, heat, massage, etc. Treatments are often diet- and nutrition-oriented with attention given to the patient's personal history and lifestyle. (From Cassileth, Alternative Medicine Handbook, 1998, p329)
	Phytotherapy - Use of plants or herbs to treat diseases or to alleviate pain.
	Reflexotherapy - Treatment of some morbid condition by producing a reflex action, as in the household treatment of nosebleed by a piece of ice applied to the cervical spine. (Stedman, 27th ed)
	Rejuvenation
	Sensory Art Therapies - Therapies using arts or directed at the senses.
	Spiritual Therapies - Mystical, religious, or spiritual practices performed for health benefit.

Complementary Therapies Medical Definitions and Terms

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