Glossary: Integrative Medicine and Nutrition

Acupuncture

A medicine derived from China that uses needles that are inserted into the patient at specific points along lines of energy, called meridians.

Acute Stress Disorder (ASD)

Occurs in response to the same kinds of stressors that precipitate PTSD, including accidents, death of a loved one, and natural or technological disasters, lasting at least 2 days and occurring within 4 weeks of the trauma.

Adaptogens

Adaptogens help one adapt to stress by restoring the capacity to cope and respond. These plants and their active extracts support adrenal function, build endurance, and reduce fatigue. By supporting adrenal function, they also support immune function and resistance. Adaptogens help utilize oxygen and increase cellular “breathing.”

Aesculapius

The Greek god of healing.

Agnostic

A person who does not have a definite belief about whether a god exists or who believes that it is impossible for us to know this.

Alchemy

The first chemistry of the Western world concerned with the esoteric science of transmuting the two subtle energies of sulfur and quicksilver into gold. Alchemy’s subtext is the esoteric art of transforming spiritual consciousness.

Alexithymia

Designates a group of cognitive and affective characteristics typical of many patients with psychosomatic illnesses. Characterized by a decreased ability to communicate feelings, a decreased ability to identify feelings, a cognitive tendency toward detail and external operations or events, and a paucity of imaginative thought, dream recall, or fantasy.

Allostatic Load

Maintaining stability (or homeostasis) through change. Allostatic load refers to the “wear and tear” that the body experiences due to repeated cycles of allostasis.

Amino Acid Therapy

The supplementation of amino acids in the diet as an alternative to psychotropic pharmaceutical medications.

Amino Acids

The building blocks of proteins and precursors to neurotransmitters found in good-quality proteins and supplements.

Amnesia

The absence from memory of a specific and significant segment of time.

Ancestral Diet

A low-glycemic, anti-inflammatory, omega 3-rich diet with no synthetic preservatives or food coloring. Includes antioxidant-rich veggies and fruits and is rich in fibers, prebiotics, and fermented foods.

Anhedonia

The lack of ability to feel pleasure.

Animal Magnetism

An ethereal fluid proposed by Franz Mesmer to be flowing through the body and the universe, capable of removing illness if properly channeled.

Anomalous Cognition

The acquisition of information about the world without the mediation of the known senses. Also called mental telepathy.