Glossary: Integrative Medicine and Nutrition

A type of colon cleanse in which a mixture of brewed, caffeinated coffee and water is inserted into the colon through the rectum. Aids in  phase-two detoxification, liver and gall bladder function,  pain and immune function.

A broad rubric of methods that emphasize treating the symptom and changing the behavior rather than the person. They include theories ranging from conditioning to cognitive information processing and social learning.

A psychological injury occurring with exposure to chronic or repeated trauma.

The COMT gene provides instructions for making an enzyme called catechol-O-methyltransferase. COMT gene variation limits the body's ability to remove dopamine, norepinephrine and can increase cortisol levels and stress reactions. Nutritional interventions can help balance out these effects.

The whole of the therapist’s unconscious and conscious attitudes and behaviors toward the client. This broader definition goes beyond the repetition of the therapist’s own childhood and incorporates the therapist’s specific responses to the client’s personality.

The movement of cerebrospinal fluid from the cranium to the sacrum through the spinal cord.

A hands-on bodywork modality that works on the cranial-sacral rhythm to improve central nervous system function.

Diagnostic criteria across cultures and the ability of a clinician from one culture to make a diagnosis for a patient from another culture.

 A form of ethnocentrism that reduces behaviors to their cultural influence and may include idealization or denigration of culture-specific behaviors.

In Greek mythology, the mother of Persephone and the goddess of the harvest.

A soothing herb taken to allay inflammation from dry, irritated tissue. Usually used for irritating and dry respiratory conditions, as well to soothe discomfort in conditions such as urinary tract infection. Common demulcent herbs include Cornsilk (Zea Mays L.), Marshmallow (Althaea officinalis L.) and Slippery elm bark (Ulmus rubra Muhl.).

Deprescribing is the planning, process, protocols and support needed to help a patient or client reduce or stop the use of medications that are causing more harm than good or are no longer needed.

The sense of the external world not being real or seen through a fog or a curtained window.

The physiological or medicinal removal of toxic substances from a living organism, including the human body, which is mainly carried out by the liver.

Trauma beginning in childhood that is often prolonged and inescapable that can lead to lifelong physical and emootional challenges as well as psychological resilience. (See Complex Trauma).