Acute
in medicine having rapid onset, severe symptoms and short duration. Opposite of chronic.

Adaptogen
a substance with qualities which increase resistance and resilience to stress, enabling the body to adapt around the problem and to avoid reaching collapse. Adaptogens work through support of the adrenal glands.  

Alkaline pH
see pH balance.

Allergens
substances that cause manifestations of allergy (these may or may not be antigens). See Antigen.

Alterative
a substance with properties that gradually restore proper functioning of the body, increasing health and vitality.

Alveoli
the air cells of a lung.

Amino acids
the building blocks of which proteins are constructed, and the end product of protein digestion.

Anaerobic
pertaining to an organism, the ability to live without oxygen.

Analgesic
a pain-relieving substance.

Angina
there are many kinds of angina, the most common being an inflammatory disease of the throat, accompanied by spasms, choking, and difficulty breathing.

Angina pectoris
a heart disease involving severe pain and a feeling of pressure in the chest. Sometimes the pain radiates to the left shoulder and arm.

Angioplasty
altering the structure of a vessel by surgical procedure or by dilating the vessel using a balloon.

Anthelmintic
a substance with the property to destroy or expel intestinal worms.

Antibacterial
a substance which has the property of destroying or stopping the growth of bacteria.

Antibiotics
any of a variety of natural or synthetic substances that inhibit the growth of, or destroy, microorganisms.

Antigen
a protein, carbohydrate, or fat carbohydrate complex with the ability to identify cells as harmless and belonging to the body, or as foreign cells to be destroyed. Antigens stimulate the production of antibodies which can neutralize or destroy invading organisms. Antigens on the body''s own cells are called autoantigens. Antigens on all other cells are called foreign antigens.

Anti-inflammatory
a substance which soothes inflammation or reduces the inflammatory response of the tissue directly. Anti-inflammatories work in a number of different ways, but rarely inhibit the natural inflammatory reaction.

Antimicrobial
antimicrobials help the body destroy or resist pathogenic (disease-causing) microorganisms by helping the body strengthen its own resistance to infective organisms.

Antispasmodic
antispasmodics ease cramps in smooth and skeletal muscles. They alleviate muscular tension and, as many are also nervines, ease psychological tension as well.

Antiviral
any substance which bears the properties of opposing the action of a virus.

Arterial occlusion
a closing or blockage of an artery.

Arteriosclerosis
used interchangeably with the term atherosclerosis to describe a condition affecting the arteries. See Atherosclerosis.

Astringent
astringents have a binding action on mucous membranes, skin, and other tissue. They reduce irritation and inflammation, and create a barrier against infection that is to wounds and burns.

Atherosclerosis
term applied to a variety of conditions where there is thickening, and/or loss of elasticity of the artery wails resulting in altered function of tissues and organs.

Autoimmune disease
a disease produced--the body''s normal tolerance of its own antigenic markers on cells disappears.  Autoantibodies produced by B lymphocytes and attack cells, whose surface contains a self-antigen or autoantigen, causing destruction of tissue. Includes diseases such as: rheumatoid arthritis, multiple sclerosis, and Graves’ disease.

Autonomic nervous system
the part of the nervous system that is concerned with the control of involuntary bodily functions. It regulates the function of glands, especially the salivary, gastric, and sweat glands, and the adrenal medulla; smooth muscle tissue, and the heart. The autonomic nervous system may act on these tissues to reduce or slow activity or to initiate their function.

Bile
stored in both the liver and gallbladder, it is important as a digestive juice due to its emulsifying action which facilitates the digestion of fats in the intestines, as well as stimulating peristalsis.

Bioaccumulation
a buildup in the body of foreign substances.

Blood clotting
see Platelet Aggregation.

Blood sugar
sugar in the form of glucose present in the blood, normally 60 to 100 milligrams/ 100 milliliters of blood. It rises after a meal to as much as 150 milligrams/l00 milliliters of blood, but this may vary.

Bowel tolerance
the maximum amount a person can take in of a substance before experiencing loose stools or diarrhea.

Bowel toxemia
a condition in which poisonous products of bacteria growing in the bowels produce severe virus-like symptoms such as fever, diarrhea, and vomiting.

Bronchioles
a subdivision of the bronchial tubes.

Bronchodilators
chemicals that relax or open the air passages in the lungs.

Bruxism
grinding of the teeth during sleep. If untreated, bruxism can damage teeth and the temporomandibular joint.

Bulimia
the activity of bingeing on large amounts of food, followed by self-induced vomiting.

Bypass surgery
creating an alternate route for blood to pass an obstruction (commonly used to describe heart surgery to bypass the coronary artery).

Candida albicans
small, oval budding fungus or yeast that is the primary disease causing organism of the infection moniliasis candidiasis, commonly referred to as candida.

Capillaries
any of the minute blood vessels, averaging 0.008 millimeter in diameter, carrying blood and forming the capillary system. Capillaries connect the ends of the smallest arteries with the beginnings of the smallest veins.

Carbohydrate
a chemical compound that contains only carbon, hydrogen, and oxygen. Found in plants, carbohydrates-which include all sugars, starches, and celluloses-constitute a major class of animal food and are a basic source of human energy.

Carcinogens
cancer-producing agents.

Cardiac arrhythmia
irregular beating of the heart.

Cardiovascular
relating to or involving the heart and blood vessels.

Carminative
plants that are rich in aromatic volatile oils. They stimulate the digestive system to work properly and with ease; soothe the gut wall; reduce any inflammation that might be present; ease gripping pains and help with the removal of gas from the digestive tract.

Cartilage
a translucent, elastic tissue that composes most of the skeleton of embryonic and very young vertebrates and is for the most part converted into bone in the higher vertebrates.

Cell membranes
the membrane that encloses the cell. Composed of proteins, lipids, and carbohydrates.

Cellular acidosis
excessive acidity of body fluids due to an accumulation of acids, as in diabetic acidosis or renal disease.

Cellular edema
a condition in which the cells contain an excessive amount of fluid, which causes swelling of the cell membrane.

Cerebrospinal fluid
the fluid that surrounds the brain and spinal cord.

Cervix
the narrow outer end of the uterus.

Chi
see qi.

Cholesterol
a steroid alcohol present in animal cells and body fluids, important in physiological processes, and implicated experimentally as a factor in atherosclerosis.

Chromosomes
present in the nucleus of cells and containing the DNA which transmits genetic information, chromosomes contain the genes or hereditary determiners. The normal number of chromosomes for a human being is forty-six in all somatic cells.

Chronic
a disease or illness of long duration showing little change or of slow progression. Opposite of acute.

Circadian rhythm
pertains to events that occur at approximately twenty-four-hour intervals, such as certain physiological phenomena.

Circulating Immune Complexes (CIC)
also known as antigen-antibody complexes.

Coenzyme
an enzyme activator. A diffusible, heat-stable substance of low molecular weight that, when combined with an inactive protein called apoenzyme, forms an active compound or a complete enzyme called holoenzyme.

Colic
spasm, obstruction, or twisting in any hollow or tubular soft organ accompanied by pain.

Collagen
a structural protein of the connective tissues.

Congestive heart failure
a condition characterized by weakness, breathlessness, abdominal discomfort, and edema in lower portions of body, resulting from venous stasis and reduced outflow of blood from the left side of the heart.

Conjunctiva
the mucous membrane that lines the eye and eyelid.

Coronary artery disease
a narrowing of the coronary arteries which prevents adequate blood supply to the myocardium. Narrowing is usually caused by atherosclerosis, and may progress to the point where the heart muscle is damaged due to lack of blood supply.

Cortisol
an adrenocortical hormone, usually referred to pharmaceutically as hydrocortisone. Closely related to cortisone in physiological effects.

Coxsackievirus
a group of viruses first isolated in 1948 from two children in Coxsackie, New York. Most coxsackievirus infections in humans are mild, but the viruses do produce a variety of illnesses including aseptic meningitis (inflammation of the meninges not due to microorganisms), herpangina (a benign infectious disease of children), epidemic pleurodynia (disease characterized by pain of sharp intensity in the chest accompanied by fever), acute upper respiratory infection, and myocarditis of the newborn (inflammation of the middle layer of the walls of the heart), among others. It is possible that infection during the first trimester of pregnancy can cause increased incidence of congenital heart lesions in newborns.

Craniosacral system
pertaining to the cranium and sacrum, including the brain, spinal cord, cerebrospinal fluid, surrounding membranes, and bones of the spine.

Cyanosis
a bluish discoloration of the skin due to abnormal amounts of reduced hemoglobin in the blood.

Cyst
a closed sac or pouch with a definite wall that contains fluid, semifluid, or solid material.

Cystathionine
an intermediate compound in the metabolism of methionine to cysteine.

Cysteine
(as in cysteine hydrochloride) a sulfur-containing amino acid found in many proteins. Valuable as a source of sulfur in metabolism.

Cytokines
chemical messengers that are involved in the regulation of almost every system in the body and are important in controlling local and systemic inflammatory response.

Cytomegalovirus
a virus related to the herpes virus that inhabits the salivary glands.

Cytotoxic
any substance which has the properties to harm or destroy cells.

Demulcent
an herb that is rich in mucilage and soothes and protects irritated or inflamed tissue. Demulcent herbs reduce irritation down the whole length of the bowel; reduce sensitivity to potentially corrosive gastric acids; help prevent diarrhea and reduce the muscle spasms that cause colic.

Demyelination
reduction of the fatty covering of the nerves, removal of the myelin sheath.

Dental amalgam
an alloy containing mercury, tin, silver, and copper that is used in dentistry to restore teeth.

Dermatitis
inflammation of the skin with itching, redness, and various skin lesions.

Desensitization
the treatment of allergies by repeated injections of dilute solutions containing the allergen. Slowly promotes tolerance of the antigen by the immune system.

Detoxification
the process of removing toxins from the body.

Diastolic pressure
the period of least pressure in the arterial vascular system.

Diuretic
a substance which increases the production and elimination of urine.

Diverticulitis
inflammation of a sac or pouch in the intestinal tract, most commonly in the colon region, causing stagnation of feces and pain.

Dopamine
an amino acid found in the adrenal gland. Used to treat hypotension and Parkinson’s disease.

Doshas
the three basic types of biological humors in Ayurvedic medicine, which determine an individual’s constitution.

Duodenal ulcer
damaged mucous membrane in a portion of the small intestine.

Dyspepsia
imperfect or painful digestion.

Edema
retention of excessive amounts of fluid by the body tissues.

Elastin
extracellular protein that makes the tissue elastic.

Electroacupuncture biofeedback
measurement of the electrical properties of acupuncture points.

Electrolyte
ionized salts in blood, tissue fluids and cells including salts of sodium and potassium.

Embryo
the developing human individual from the time of implantation to the end of the eighth week after conception. Characterized by the development of tissues and primary organs and organ systems.

Emmenagogue
a substance which stimulates menstrual flow and activity. In most herbal remedies, however, the term is used in the wider sense for a remedy that affects the female reproductive system.

Endocrine gland
a gland that secretes directly into the bloodstream.

Endorphins
natural opiates produced in the brain which function as the body’s own natural painkillers.

Enkephalin
a chemical substance produced by the brain which acts as an opiate and produces analgesia to increase the threshold for pain.

Enzyme
any one of the numerous complex proteins that are produced by living cells and catalyze specific biochemical reactions.

Epidemiology
a branch of medical science that deals with the incidence, distribution, and control of disease in a population.

Essential fatty acids (EFA)
unsaturated fatty acids (linoleic, linolenic, and arachidonic) which cannot by synthesized in the body and are considered essential for maintaining health.

Estrogen
female hormone responsible for stimulating the development of female secondary sex characteristics.

Expectorant
a substance that stimulates removal of mucous from the lungs. Stimulating expectorants "irritate" the bronchioles (a smaller subdivision of the bronchial tubes) causing expulsion of material. Relaxing expectorants soothe bronchial spasm and loosen mucous secretions, helpful in dry, irritating coughs.

Fascia
a fibrous membrane covering, supporting and separating muscles. Unites the skin with underlying tissue.

Fat
adipose tissue of the body which serves as an energy reserve. Also, in chemistry, a term used to describe one of a group of organic compounds or fatty acids.

Fertilization
the union of the ovum of a female with the male’s spermatozoon (the male sex cell carried in the seminal discharge) resulting in the initiation of the development of a new individual.

Fetus
a term for a developing human usually ranging from three months after conception to birth.

Fibroblasts
cells that are the precursors of bone, collagen, and other connective tissue cells, commonly known as the healing cells.

Fluid retention
failure to eliminate fluids from the body because of a high level of salt in the body, or a renal, cardiac, or metabolic disease.

Free radicals
molecules containing an odd number of electrons resulting in an open bond or half bond, making them highly reactive and as a result, potentially destructive.

Fungus
a cellular organism that subsists on organic matter.

Giardia lamblia
a parasitic infection transmitted by an ingestion of cysts in fecally contaminated water or food.

Gastroenteritis
inflammation of the stomach and intestinal tract.

Gastrointestinal system
pertaining to the stomach and intestines.

Genitourinary system
pertaining to the genitals and urinary organs.

Geopathic stress
stress to the human body caused by harmful radiation from the earth.

Glucose
blood sugar; an intermediate in the metabolism of carbohydrates in the body.

Glycogen
glycogen is the form in which carbohydrates are stored in the human body for future conversion into sugar and for use in performing muscular work and distributing heat through the body. Glycogen is formed from sugar and is transformed into glucose as needed.

Glycoproteins
proteins combined with sugar.

HDL cholesterol
a cholesterol-poor, protein-rich lipoprotein of blood plasma associated with a reduced risk of atherosclerosis.

Hemiplegia
paralysis of only one side of the body.

Hemoglobin
the iron-containing pigment of the red blood cells.

Hemorrhage
heavy or uncontrollable bleeding.

Hepatic
hepatics aid the liver by toning and strengthening it and in some cases increasing the flow of bile. They are fundamental in maintaining health because of the important role the liver plays by not only facilitating digestion but also removing toxins from the body.

Hepatotoxic
any substance which is toxic to the liver.

Histamine
a substance produced by the body during an allergic reaction.

Homeostasis
a relatively stable state of equilibrium between the interdependent elements of an organism or group.

Hydrochloric acid (HCI)
a strong corrosive irritating acid, normally present in dilute form in gastric juice.

Hypercalcemia
an excess of calcium in the blood.

Hyperthermia
unusually high fever often artificially induced for therapeutic purposes.

Hyperventilation
excessive or overbreathing resulting in a loss of carbon dioxide from the blood. Frequently found in diseases such as asthma or in induced states of anxiety.

Hypo-allergenic
lowered potential for causing allergic reactions.

Hypotensive
any remedies that lower abnormally elevated blood pressure.

Hypothalamus
a gland which contains neurosecretions that are of importance in the control of certain metabolic activities, such as water balance, sugar and fat metabolism, regulation of body temperature, and secretion of releasing and inhibiting hormones.

IgA
an antibody in the colon that binds food and bacterial antigens.

Immune reaction
antibody production.

Immunosuppressive
a substance which suppresses the body’s natural immune response to an antigen.

Inflammation
an immune reaction that occurs in response to any type of bodily injury. Can include redness, heat, swelling, or pain.

Insulin
a hormone secreted by the pancreas essential for the metabolism of carbohydrates and used in the treatment and control of diabetes.

Interferon
a group of proteins released by white blood cells that combat a virus.

Interleukin-1
a compound produced by the body in response to infection, inflammation, or other immunologic challenges.

Intra-arterially
introduced (usually injected) within an artery.

Intra-articularly
introduced (usually injected) into a joint.

Intradermally
introduced (usually injected) within the substance of the skin.

Intradermal testing
an injection into the outer layers of the skin.

Intramuscularly
introduced (usually injected) within the muscle.

Intravenously
introduced (usually injected) into a vein.

Kapha
an Ayurvedic dosha which determines an individual’s constitution.

Ketoacidosis
excessive acidity of body fluids due to an excess of ketones.

Ketone
an organic chemical derived by the oxidation of alcohol.

Lactose intolerance
an intolerance to milk and some dairy products, characterized by gastrointestinal symptoms.

Laxative
a substance which promotes bowel movements. Laxatives are divided into those that work by providing bulk, those that stimulate the production of bile in the liver and its release from the gallbladder, and those which directly trigger peristalsis.

LDL cholesterol
a cholesterol-rich, protein-poor blood plasma correlated with an increased risk of atherosclerosis.

Lesion
an injury, wound, or single infected patch in a skin disease.

Leukocytes
white blood cells.

Leukocytosis
an increased white blood cell count, usually caused by the presence of an infection.

Leukosis
abnormal growth of white blood cells.

Ligament
a band of fibrous connective tissue connecting bone, cartilages, and other structures and serving as support for muscles to facilitate or limit motion.

Limbic system
a group of brain structures that influences the endocrine and autonomic motor systems.

Lipids
liquid fats.

Lipoproteins
proteins composed of a simple protein and a fat component that carry fats in the blood.

Lymphatic system
a system of vessels and nodes throughout the body which carry the lymph fluid and help to remove toxins from the body.

Macrophage
cells that have the ability to recognize and ingest all foreign antigens as well as cell debris and other waste in the blood.

Macula
the central area of the retina.

Meninges
the three membranes covering the brain and spinal cord.

Meridian
the fourteen channels in the body through which qi runs. Acupuncture diagnoses illness by seeking blockages in the body’s meridians.

Metabolism
the transformation in the body of the chemical energy of foodstuffs to mechanical energy or heat.

Metastasis
the spreading of a tumor from its site of origin to distant sites, usually through the bloodstream or the lymphatic system.

Methionine
a sulfur-bearing compound, an essential animo acid.

Mucosa
a mucous membrane or the moist tissue layer that lines a hollow organ or body cavity.

Musculoskeletal system
pertaining to the muscles and the skeleton.

Myocardiopathy
any disease of the heart muscle.

Myelin
a fatlike substance forming a sheath around the axons, or nerve fibers, of certain nerves.

Nervine
nervines help the nervous system and can be subdivided into three groups. Nervine tonics strengthen and restore the nervous system. Nervine relaxants ease anxiety and tension by soothing both body and mind. Nervine stimulants directly stimulate nerve activity.

Neurological
pertaining to the study of nervous diseases.

Neuromuscular
concerning both the nerves and muscles.

Neurotoxicity
having the capability of harming nerve tissue.

Neurotransmitters
substances that transmit nerve impulses to the brain.

Nosode
a nosode is a potentialized homeopathic remedy prepared from diseased tissue, such as bacteria, viruses, or pus, to treat the associated disease of the tissue material.

Occipital bone
a bone in the lower back part of the skull between the parietal and temporal bones.

Oxidized cholesterol
see Oxysterol.

Oxygenation
to supply or combine with oxygen.

Oxysterol
when cholesterol combines with oxygen and becomes oxidized, is then known as oxysterol.

Parasympathetic nervous system
the craniosacral division of the autonomic nervous system. Effects of parasympathetic stimulation are the constriction of the pupils, contraction of the smooth muscle of the alimentary canal, constriction of bronchioles, slowing of heart rate and increased secretion by glands, except sweat glands.

Pathogens
disease-producing microorganisms and toxins.

Peptide
a substance formed by two or more amino acids.

Periosteum
the sheath around a bone.

Peripheral nervous system
connects the central nervous system to all body tissues and voluntary muscles.

Peristalsis
wavelike contractions of the smooth muscles of the digestive tract; also, the wavelike contraction of the colon muscles that expel waste mater.

pH balance
a method of measurement used in chemistry to express the degree of acidity or alkalinity of a solution. A pH of 7 represents the neutral point where the solution is neither acid nor alkaline. Any higher alkalinity is expressed by a number greater than 7, and higher acidity, by a number less than 7. The calculations of these numbers are based on logarithms.

Phlegm
thick mucous secreted in abnormal quantity in the respiratory passages.

Pitta
an Ayurvedic dosha which determines an individual’s constitution.

Placebo
substances having no pharmacological effect.

Plaque
a localized abnormal patch on a body part or surface.

Plasma
the liquid part of the lymph and of the blood.

Plasma lipids
fats in the bloodstream.

Platelet
a round or oval disk found in the blood. Important in blood coagulation.

Platelet aggregation
the clustering of disks found in human blood that facilitate blood coagulation.

Polypeptide
a molecule resulting from the union of two or more amino acids.

Postacute
the period after the rapid and severe onset of symptoms.

Postpartum
the period after childbirth.

Prenatal
the period before childbirth.

Probiotics
substances that promote the growth of beneficial bacteria in the intestines.

Progesterone
a steroid hormone responsible for the changes in the endometrium in the second half of the menstrual cycle preparatory for implantation, development of maternal placenta and development of mammary glands. Used to treat menstrual disorders, among other problems.

Prostaglandin E-Z
hormone-like fatty acids, biologically active unsaturated fatty acids.

Prostate
gland that surrounds the neck of the bladder and urethra in males and secretes a thin fluid that forms part of the seminal fluid.

Protein
complex nitrogenous compounds that occur naturally in plants and animals and yield amino acids. Essential for the growth and repair of animal tissue.

qi
(also spelled chi), referred to in alternative medicine as the vital life energy which runs throughout the body.

qi stagnation
any blockage of energy in the body that interrupts the body’s natural functions or the healing process.

Radiation necrosis
death of an area of tissue or bone surrounded by healthy parts.

Reflex sympathetic dystrophy
a chronic condition where pain does not subside and muscle function begins to deteriorate.

Renal insufficiency
the reduced capacity of the kidney to perform its functions.

Seasonal affective disorder (SAD)
a mood disorder characterized by mental depression related to a certain season of the year, especially winter (also known as the "winter blues"). Symptoms include daytime drowsiness, fatigue, and diminished concentration. SAD usually afflicts adults and is four times more common in women than men.

Sebaceous glands
glands in the skin which help to retain body heat and prevent sweat evaporation.

Secretory IgA
promoting secretion or secreting immunoglobulin gamma A.

Serum cholesterol
cholesterol circulating in the blood.

Somnambulistic state
sleep walking.

Sperm
the male reproductive cell carried in the seminal discharge.

Stimulant
a substance which quickens and enlivens the physiological and metabolic activity of the body.

Subacute
a state between acute and chronic when symptoms have lessened in severity or duration.

Subluxations
terminology used by a chiropractor to explain misalignments of spinal vertebrae.

Sutura
thin fibrous membrane which unites the bony surfaces of the skull.

Systolic blood pressure
the period of greatest pressure in the arterial vascular system.

Tachycardia
an abnormally rapid heart rate.

T-cells
white blood cells which facilitate the immune system.

Tendon
a tough cord or band of dense white fibrous connective tissue that unites a muscle with some other part.

Thoracic
pertaining to the chest or thorax.

Thymus
a glandular structure of largely lymphoid tissue that functions in the development of the body’s immune system, located in the upper chest or at the base of the neck.

Tonic
often used in Traditional Chinese Medicine and Ayurvedic medicine, tonics are often taken as a preventative measure to nurture and enliven.

Tonsillitis
inflammation of the tonsil.

Triglyceride
a combination of glycerol with three to five different fatty acids.

Tumor
an abnormal mass of tissue that is not inflammatory, arises without obvious cause from cells, and possesses no physiologic function.

Umbilical cord
a cord arising from the navel of the fetus that connects the fetus with the placenta.

Vascular system
includes the heart, blood vessels, lymphatic, pulmonary, and portal systems.

Vasodilator
a substance which causes the blood vessels to widen.

Vata
an Ayurvedic dosha which determines an individual’s constitution.

Veins
the tubular branching vessels that carry blood from the capillaries toward the heart.

Ventricular fibrillation
rapid, ineffective contractions by the ventricles of the heart.

Vertebrae
any one of the thirty-three bony segments that make up the spinal column.

Viscosity
the thickness or stickiness of a bodily fluid (such as blood).

Yang deficiency
because yang cannot function properly without yin, an imbalance in the energy systems of the body can create a yang deficiency, causing the yang organs to become stagnant. See qi.

Yang organs
yang organs are hollow, surface organs such as the intestines, spleen, gallbladder, and the skin.

Yeast
unicellular fungi of the genus which reproduce by budding, and can cause infections.

Yin deficiency
because yin cannot function properly without yang, an imbalance in the energy systems of the body can create a yin deficiency, causing the yin organs to become stagnant. See qi.

Yin organs
yin organs are dense, internal organs such as the kidneys, lungs, heart, liver, and bones.