Complementary vs Alternative Medicine Quiz

Study Notes

Complementary and Alternative Medicine

Complementary medicine involves using non-mainstream approaches in conjunction with conventional Western medical therapies
Alternative medicine involves using non-mainstream approaches in place of conventional medical therapies

Ayurvedic Medicine

Based on the theory that the five great elements (ether, air, fire, water, earth) are the basis for all living systems
Practitioners seek to balance combinations of the five elements seen as basic by this system
The five elements combine to form doshas (the three vital energies that regulate everything in life)
The three doshas are: Vata (air and ether), Pita (fire and water), and Kapha (water and earth)

Yoga

An ancient system of exercises and breathing techniques designed to encourage physical and spiritual well-being
Some practitioners believe that centers of energy (chakras) are connected to the nerves and spinal cord
Certain asanas and meditations can positively influence the chakras, improving physical and mental health

Traditional Chinese Medicine (TCM)

A group of ancient healing practices dating back to 200 BCE
Considers a person's body, mind, spirit, and emotions as part of one complete whole rather than individual parts to be treated separately
Based on the interrelated theories of Qi, the Five Elements, Yin and Yang, and Meridian theories

Qi (Chee)

The vital life force that animates all things
Flows through the 12 meridians that run through the body
Deficiency can cause problems
Is spiritual in origin, makes up and moves through all living things, is available in infinite quantities, and is important to all aspects of health

Five Elements Theory

Based on the perception of relationships between all things
The five elements are: wood, fire, earth, metal, and water

Yin and Yang Theory

Everything is made up of two polar energies, yin and yang
Neither can exist without each other, and they never separate
Examples of yin and yang properties include: dark and light, feminine and masculine, night and day, soft and hard, contracting and expanding, negative and positive, passive and active, deficiency and excess

Meridian Theory

There are 12 meridians, 6 yin and 6 yang
Meridians are channels throughout which qi, blood, and information flow to all parts of the body
Acupuncture involves stimulating specific points along the meridians to achieve a therapeutic purpose

Acupuncture and Chinese Herbal Therapy

Acupuncture stimulates specific points along the meridians to achieve balance by bringing qi to the affected part of the body
Chinese Herbal Therapy is used to bring balance, classified by the five elements and their yin and yang properties

Qigong and Tai Chi

Qigong is a part of TCM that involves movement, breathing, and meditation to improve the flow of qi throughout the body
Tai chi is a form of qigong that improves the flow of qi through the body to encourage balance and harmony

Naturopathy/Natural Medicine

Introduced in the U.S. by German immigrant Benjamin Lust
Aims to enable the body's own healing powers by helping it to restore its homeostasis (equilibrium)
Naturopathic treatment modalities include herbal remedies and hydrotherapy (uses compresses, wraps, hot and cold baths)

Description

Test your knowledge on the differences between complementary and alternative medicine approaches. Learn about using non-mainstream therapies in conjunction with Western medicine versus in place of conventional medical treatments.