Traditional and Alternative Medicine Systems

Traditional and Alternative Medicine Systems

• Pharmacognosy: The study of drugs derived from natural sources.
• Ayurveda: An ancient Indian system of medicine focusing on the science of life.
• Traditional Chinese Medicine: A health system based on the Yin-Yang theory.
• Unani: An ancient Greek medical system.
• Homeopathy: A German system using highly diluted substances.
• Yin dominance: Associated with coldness and summer struggles.
• Yang dominance: Linked with heat and winter struggles.
• Four energies of herbs: Classification of herbs by their perceived warmth or coolness (Cold, Cool, Warm, Hot).
• World Health Organization (WHO): Recognizes and supports the study of traditional medicine.
• Pungent flavor: Promotes sweating, improves Qi (vital energy) circulation.
• Sour flavor: Inhibits sweating and fluid loss.
• Sweet flavor: Nourishes deficiencies, relieves pain.
• Salty flavor: Softens masses, lubricates intestines.
• Bitter flavor: Encourages bowel movements, clears heat.
• Herb movement directions: Upward, downward, outward, inward movements described in some traditional systems.
• Imbalance of Yin and Yang: A belief that this imbalance leads to illness in traditional medical systems.
• Pancha Bhutas: Five elements (earth, water, fire, air, and ether) forming the universe and the body in Ayurveda.
• Doshas: Functional principles governing bodily processes in Ayurveda (e.g., Vata, Pitta, Kapha).
• Dhatus: Structural components like tissues in the body in Ayurveda.
• Malas: Body waste products in Ayurveda.
• Pitta: One of three doshas in Ayurveda, associated with fire and transformation.
• Cardiac glycosides: Compounds from Digitalis purpurea, historically used for heart treatment.
• Morphine: Pain relief drug derived from Papaver somniferum.
• Reserpine: Antihypertensive from Rauwolfia species.
• Quinine: Antimalarial from Cinchona species.
• Artemisinin: An antimalarial compound from Artemisia annua.
• Kapha: Dosha representing earth and water elements in Ayurveda, associated with stability and structure.
• Vata: Dosha responsible for movement and sensation in Ayurveda.
• Pancha Bhutas (in Ayurveda): Five basic elements shaping the universe and the body.
• Prithvi: Earth element representing solidity and structure.
• Jal: Water element representing fluidity and cohesion.
• Teja: Fire element representing energy and transformation.
• Vayu: Air element representing movement and dynamism.
• Akash: Ether element representing openness and expansion.
• Ashta Sthana Pariksha: Eight-point diagnosis method in Ayurveda.
• Nadi Pariksha: Ayurvedic pulse diagnosis.
• Mutra Pariksha: Examination of urine in Ayurvedic diagnosis.
• Mala Pariksha: Stool examination in Ayurvedic diagnosis.
• Jihva Pariksha: Tongue examination in Ayurvedic practice.
• Shabda Pariksha: Examination of body sounds in Ayurvedic medicine.
• Shodhana: Cleansing treatments to remove toxins.
• Shamana: Palliative treatments to reduce symptoms.
• Rasayana: Rejuvenation therapy to maintain health.
• Siddha Medicine: Traditional Indian medical system utilizing metals and herbs and often featuring catalytic agents (e.g., Mercury, Sulphur, Arsenic)-
• Mercury in Siddha: Catalytic agent.
• Sulfur in Siddha: Preserves the body, diaphoretic, and alterative.
• Arsenic in Siddha: Effective against fevers, asthma, anemia.
• Kaya Chikitsa: General health treatments in Ayurveda.
• Salya Chikitsa: Surgical treatments in Ayurveda.
• Salakya Chikitsa: Ear, nose, and throat (ENT) treatments in Ayurveda.
• Bala Chikitsa: Pediatric treatments in Ayurveda.
• Jara Chikitsa: Treatments for aging and genetics-related issues in Ayurveda.
• Rasayana Chikitsa: Chemical treatments in Ayurveda.
• Vajikarama Chikitsa: Rejuvenation and aphrodisiac treatments in Ayurveda.
• Graham Chikitsa: Ayurvedic treatments considering planetary influences.
• Visha Chikitsa: Toxicology treatments in Ayurveda.
• Similia Similibus Curentur: "Like cures like" principle in homeopathy.
• Gold in Medicine: Described as having diverse properties like an alterative, nervine tonic, antidote, and sexual stimulant.
• Unani Medicine Origin: Ancient Greece with Hippocrates.
• Law of Simplex: Prescribing a single simple drug.
• Law of Minimum: Using the minimum possible amount of a drug.
• Drug Proving: Matching disease symptoms with a drug's pathogenesis.
• Diagnosis Methods (general): Pulse, urine, stool examination (often found within other diagnostic categories).
• ILAJBIL TADBEER: Drugless treatments like exercise and massage.
• ILAJBIL GHIZA: Diet therapy in traditional medicine.
• ILAJBIL DAVA: Pharmacotherapy using medicines.
• Vital Force: A dynamic life force affecting health.
• Acute/Chronic Disease: Classification based on disease onset and progression.
• Individualization in Treatment: Tailoring treatment to individual conditions.
• Aromatherapy: Using essential oils for healing.
• Essential Oils: Aromatic plant extracts with therapeutic properties.
• Gattefosse: French chemist associated with aromatherapy development.
• Lavender Oil: Used for burn healing, relaxation, affecting alpha brain waves.
• Aromatherapy: Holistic therapy using essential oils to promote health.
• Inhalation (Aromatherapy): Inhaling essential oils for therapeutic effects.
• Absorption (Aromatherapy): Essential oils penetrating the skin and entering the bloodstream.
• Consumption (Aromatherapy): Ingesting essential oils for therapeutic effects.
• Cedar Wood Oil: Historically used in embalming; antibacterial properties.
• Myrrh Oil: Historical use in embalming by the ancient Egyptians.
• Alpha Waves: Brain waves associated with relaxation; affected by lavender oil.
• Dr. Jean Valnet: Pioneer in essential oil use in injuries (during WWII).
• Carrier Oil: Base oil used to dilute essential oils for application.
• Massage Technique (Aromatherapy): Applying oil upwards towards the heart for improved circulation.
• Evaporation (Aromatherapy): Essential oils evaporating quickly.
• Molecular Size (Aromatherapy): Small size allowing oils to penetrate skin.
• Scarring (Aromatherapy): Minimal skin damage with lavender oil.
• Historical Use (Aromatherapy): Healing practices that predate modern medicine.
• Essential Oil Yield: Example relating lavender to its oil yield.
• Olfactory System: Converts smells to brain impulses.
• Pain Relief (Aromatherapy): Effectiveness for various types of pain.
• Respiratory Benefits (Aromatherapy): Effectiveness for respiratory conditions.
• Emotional Influence (Aromatherapy): Impact of smell on emotions.
• Frequency of Use (Aromatherapy): Guidelines for applying essential oils.
• Carrier Oils: Examples include vegetable oils used to dilute essential oils.
• Atomizers: Devices for dispersing essential oils.
• Nebulizers: Create a fine mist with essential oils.
• Direct Inhalation: Directly inhaling essential oils for quick relief.
• Foot Bath: Warm water with essential oils for soaking feet.
• Sinus Congestion: Blockage in nasal passages.
• Compresses: Soaking a cloth in diluted essential oils.
• Vaporizers: Use heat to disperse essential oils.
• Bach Flower Remedies: Emotional healing using flower essences.
• Tibetan Medicine: Holistic healing system from Tibetan medical philosophy.
• Three Humours: Wind, bile, and phlegm regulating body health.
• Mental Poisons: Desire, hatred, and stupidity affecting health imbalances.
• Diagnosis Methods (Tibetan): Interrogation, visual, and tactile examination.
• Physical Therapy: Treatments utilizing physical methods to heal.
• Psychosomatic Disorders: Physical symptoms linked to psychological factors.
• Skin Infections: Often treatable with essential oils.
• Inflammations: Swelling and irritation in tissue.
• Muscular Conditions: Disorders of the muscles frequently helped with oils.
• Carrier Oil Proportions: Essential oils should be diluted according to ratios.
• Tibetan Healing Philosophy: Balancing body energies.