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- ATP
- Adenosine triphosphate, also known as ATP, is a molecule that carries energy within cells. It is the main energy currency of the cell, and it is an end product of the processes of photophosphorylation (adding a phosphate group to a molecule using energy from light), cellular respiration, and fermentation. All living things use ATP. In addition to being used as an energy source, it is also used in signal transduction pathways for cell communication and is incorporated into deoxyribonucleic acid (DNA) during DNA synthesis. It is believed every problem in the body, acute or chronic, is characterized by a reduced production of ATP (Adenosine Triphosphate). ATP is the energy for the cells, which they need to do their job. ATP is therefore necessary in order for the cells to function optimally. Our cells need ATP just like a car needs fuel to drive.
- Aromatherapy
- Aromatherapy is a holistic healing treatment that uses natural plant extracts to promote health and well-being. Sometimes it’s called essential oil therapy. Aromatherapy uses aromatic essential oils medicinally to improve the health of the body, mind, and spirit. It enhances both physical and emotional health.
- Auras
- When someone references an “aura,” they’re talking about the unseen spiritual energy field that surrounds all living things. The different colors of your aura are thought to provide insight into your emotional and spiritual well-being. While Grace says that it’s not always possible to see aura colors with the naked eye, we can usually feel them. Think about how certain people give off a super warm and friendly vibe (or really negative energy) even before they say a word; that’s the aura at work.
You can get more information about auras on the MindBodyGreen site.
B
- Bio-Energetic Synchronization Technique
- Bio-Energetic Synchronization Technique (B.E.S.T.), developed by Dr. M.T. Morter, Jr., is a non-forceful, energy balancing, hands-on procedure used to help reestablish the full healing potential of the body.
You can also get more information on this page.
- Biopsy
- The removal and examination of tissue, cells, or fluids from the living body.
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- CT
- A computerized tomography (CT) scan combines a series of X-ray images taken from different angles around your body and uses computer processing to create cross-sectional images (slices) of the bones, blood vessels and soft tissues inside your body. CT scan images provide more-detailed information than plain X-rays do.
- Cancer
- Cancer is a group of diseases involving abnormal cell growth with the potential to invade or spread to other parts of the body. These contrast with benign tumors, which do not spread. Possible signs and symptoms include a lump, abnormal bleeding, prolonged cough, unexplained weight loss, and a change in bowel movements. While these symptoms may indicate cancer, they can also have other causes. Over 100 types of cancers affect humans. [Wikipedia]
Also see this page on cancer.net on the Stages of Cancer.
- Cavitation
- A dental cavitation is a term that is used to describe an area of damage in the jawbone. The dictionary defines a “cavitation” as an empty space formed within a solid object or body. “Cavitation” is not a medical term, although it is used by dentists and other healthcare professionals. A dental cavitation is an area of infection, inflammation, or necrosis within the jawbone.
- Chakras
- Chakra (cakra in Sanskrit) means “wheel” and refers to energy points in your body. They are thought to be spinning disks of energy that should stay “open” and aligned, as they correspond to bundles of nerves, major organs, and areas of our energetic body that affect our emotional and physical well-being.
Also see this page for more information.
- Circulating tumor cells (CTC)
- A circulating tumor cell (CTC) is a cell that has shed into the vasculature or lymphatics from a primary tumor and is carried around the body in the blood circulation. CTCs can flow out from the vessel that naturally contains it into the surrounding area and become seeds for the subsequent growth of additional tumors (metastases) in distant organs, a mechanism that is responsible for the vast majority of cancer-related deaths. The detection and analysis of CTCs can assist early patient prognoses and determine appropriate tailored treatments.
- Craniosacral Therapy (CST)
- A gentle hands-on technique that uses a light touch to examine membranes and movement of the fluids in and around the central nervous system. Relieving tension in the central nervous system promotes a feeling of well-being by eliminating pain and boosting health and immunity.
D
- DUTCH hormone test
- According to the Precision Analytical website, the DUTCH Complete™ is the most advanced hormone test, offering an extensive profile of sex and adrenal hormones and melatonin, along with their metabolites, to identify symptoms of hormonal imbalances. Easily collected in the comfort of your own home, samples are then sent to our lab to be processed.
- Danh Yoga
- Founded by Ilchi Lee in 1980, Dahn Yoga is a Korean system of yoga that focuses on the development of core body strength as a foundation for mental, physical and spiritual health. Practitioners participate in an extensive program, known as Brain Education System Training (BEST), in an effort to achieve peace through brain and body development. Also called Dahnhak — dahn meaning “vital, primal energy” and hak meaning “study of a particular philosophy” — this system integrates aspects of tai chi, yoga, martial arts and meditation. Classes typically commence with “meridian” stretching exercises that aim at stimulating the body’s flow of ki energy, also known as qi or chi. These are followed by a sequence of poses and incorporated meditations.
- Disempower
- To deprive of power, authority, or influence : make weak, ineffectual, or unimportant.
- Diverticulitis
- Diverticulitis is the infection or inflammation of pouches that can form in your intestines. These pouches are called diverticula. The pouches generally aren’t harmful. They can show up anywhere in your intestines. If you have them, it’s called diverticulosis.
E
- Electrogastrogram (EGG)
- An electrogastrogram (EGG) is a painless test that detects problems with the nerves and muscles of the stomach. An EGG uses electrical signals to measure the activity of muscles and nerves in the stomach. An EGG can help diagnose stomach symptoms, including gas and chronic nausea, vomiting, and indigestion.
- Empath
- An empath is someone who is highly aware of the emotions of those around them, to the point of feeling those emotions themselves. Empaths see the world differently than other people; they’re keenly aware of others, their pain points, and what they need emotionally.
- Esophagitis
- Esophagitis is any inflammation or irritation of the esophagus. The esophagus is the tube that sends food from your mouth to your stomach. Common causes include acid reflux, side effects of certain medications, and bacterial or viral infections. Reflux is when the stomach contents and acids back up into the esophagus.
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- Histamines
- Histamine is a chemical created in the body that is released by white blood cells into the bloodstream when the immune system is defending against a potential allergen. This release can result in an allergic reaction from allergy triggers such as pollen, mold, and certain foods.
- Homeopathic medicine
- Homeopathy is a medical system based on the belief that the body can cure itself. Those who practice it use tiny amounts of natural substances, like plants and minerals. They believe these stimulate the healing process. A basic belief behind homeopathy is “like cures like.” In other words, something that brings on symptoms in a healthy person can — in a very small dose — treat an illness with similar symptoms. This is meant to trigger the body’s natural defenses.
- Hyperthermia
- The condition of having a body temperature greatly above normal.
I
- Integral Membrane Proteins (IMP)
- An integral membrane protein (IMP) is a type of membrane protein that is permanently attached to the biological membrane. All transmembrane (existing or occurring across a cell membrane) proteins are IMPs, but not all IMPs are transmembrane proteins. IMPs comprise a significant fraction of the proteins encoded in an organism’s genome.
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- Lymph nodes
- Lymph nodes are small glands that filter lymph, the clear fluid that circulates through the lymphatic system. They become swollen in response to infection and tumors. Lymphatic fluid circulates through the lymphatic system, which is made of channels throughout your body that are similar to blood vessels. When faced with infection or illness, the lymph nodes accumulate debris, such as bacteria and dead or diseased cells. Humans have approximately 500–600 lymph nodes distributed throughout the body, with clusters found in the underarms, groin, neck, chest, and abdomen.
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- MRI
- Magnetic resonance imaging, or MRI, is a noninvasive medical imaging test that produces detailed images of almost every internal structure in the human body, including the organs, bones, muscles and blood vessels. MRI scanners create images of the body using a large magnet and radio waves. No radiation is produced during an MRI exam, unlike X-rays. These images give your physician important information in diagnosing your medical condition and planning a course of treatment.
- Mammogram
- A mammogram is an X-ray of the breast used to screen for and diagnose breast cancer. A mammography unit can either produce a standard 2-D image or 3-D image. 3-D mammography, or tomosynthesis, produces more detailed images of the breast tissue. Mammograms can also be used for a breast tissue or fluid biopsy.
- Metronomic chemotherapy
- Treatment in which low doses of anticancer drugs are given on a continuous or frequent, regular schedule (such as daily or weekly), usually over a long time. Metronomic chemotherapy causes less severe side effects than standard chemotherapy.
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- Naturopathic medicine
- Naturopathic medicine is a system that uses natural remedies to help the body heal itself. It embraces many therapies, including herbs, massage, acupuncture, exercise, and nutritional counseling. Naturopathy was brought to the United States from Germany in the 1800s, but some of its treatments are centuries old.
- Neuro GI doctor (neurogastroenterologist)
- Neurogastroenterology is a subspecialty of gastroenterology that overlaps with neurology. The enteric nervous system is a collection of neurones that can function independently of the central nervous system. It deals with diseases in which a disordered interaction takes place between the nervous system and the gastrointestinal system. Neurogastroenterology covers primarily diseases of the intrinsic enteric nervous system, “brain of the gut,” which is a part of the nervous system and controls motility, endocrine secretions, and microcirculation of the gastrointestinal system.
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- PET scan
- A positron emission tomography (PET) scan is an imaging test that allows your doctor to check for diseases in your body. The scan uses a special dye containing radioactive tracers. These tracers are either swallowed, inhaled, or injected into a vein in your arm depending on what part of the body is being examined.
- Palliative Care
- Palliative care is specialized medical care that focuses on providing patients relief from pain and other symptoms of a serious illness, no matter the diagnosis or stage of disease. Palliative care teams aim to improve the quality of life for both patients and their families. This form of care is offered alongside curative or other treatments you may be receiving.
Palliative care is provided by a team of doctors, nurses and other specially trained people. They work with you, your family and your other doctors to provide an extra layer of support that complements your ongoing care.
- Pathologist
- A pathologist is a medical healthcare provider who examines bodies and body tissues. He or she is also responsible for performing lab tests. A pathologist helps other healthcare providers reach diagnoses and is an important member of the treatment team.
Pathologists have completed medical school and must have at least 3 years of advanced medical education in a residency training program to be eligible to take board certification exams. Pathologists are board-certified through the American Board of Pathology.
- Periapical granuloma
- A periapical granuloma is a relatively common lesion or growth that develops around the tip of a tooth’s root. It consists of a rapidly growing mass of granulation tissue (new tissue that forms on a wound) and bacteria that forms in response to dead tissue in the pulp chamber of the tooth.
- Periodontist
- A periodontist is a dentist who specializes in the prevention, diagnosis, and treatment of periodontal disease, and in the placement of dental implants. Periodontists are also experts in the treatment of oral inflammation.
- Peristalsis
- Peristalsis is a series of wave-like muscle contractions that move food through the digestive tract. It starts in the esophagus where strong wave-like motions of the smooth muscle move balls of swallowed food to the stomach.
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R
- Reflexology
- Reflexology is the application of pressure to areas on the feet (or the hands). Reflexology is generally relaxing and may help alleviate stress. The theory behind reflexology is that areas of the foot correspond to organs and systems of the body.
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T
- Traditional Chinese medicine
- Traditional Chinese medicine is a healing approach that originated in China thousands of years ago. Often referred to as “TCM,” practitioners use herbs, diet, acupuncture, cupping, and qigong to prevent or treat health problems.
U
- Ultrasound
- Diagnostic ultrasound, also called sonography or diagnostic medical sonography, is an imaging method that uses high-frequency sound waves to produce images of structures within your body. The images can provide valuable information for diagnosing and treating a variety of diseases and conditions.
Most ultrasound examinations are done using an ultrasound device outside your body, though some involve placing a device inside your body.
V
- Vagus nerve
- Also called X cranial nerve or 10th cranial nerve, longest and most complex of the cranial nerves. The vagus nerve runs from the brain through the face and thorax to the abdomen. It is a mixed nerve that contains parasympathetic fibres. The vagus nerve has two sensory ganglia (masses of nerve tissue that transmit sensory impulses): the superior and the inferior ganglia. The branches of the superior ganglion innervate the skin in the concha of the ear. The inferior ganglion gives off two branches: the pharyngeal nerve and the superior laryngeal nerve. The recurrent laryngeal nerve branches from the vagus in the lower neck and upper thorax to innervate the muscles of the larynx (voice box). The vagus also gives off cardiac, esophageal, and pulmonary branches. In the abdomen the vagus innervates the greater part of the digestive tract and other abdominal viscera.
The vagus nerve has the most extensive distribution of the cranial nerves. Its pharyngeal and laryngeal branches transmit motor impulses to the pharynx and larynx; its cardiac branches act to slow the rate of heartbeat; its bronchial branch acts to constrict the bronchi; and its esophageal branches control involuntary muscles in the esophagus, stomach, gallbladder, pancreas, and small intestine, stimulating peristalsis and gastrointestinal secretions.
Vagus nerve stimulation, in which the nerve is stimulated with pulses of electricity, is sometimes used for patients with epilepsy or depression that is otherwise untreatable; the technique has also been explored for conditions such as Alzheimer disease and migraine.
- Vagus nerve
- The word “vagus” means wandering in Latin. This is a very appropriate name, as the vagus nerve is the longest cranial nerve. It runs all the way from the brain stem to part of the colon. The sensory functions of the vagus nerve are divided into two components, for the sensations felt on the skin or in the muscles, and those felt in the organs of the body.
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