Natural Health Glossary
Medical Terms, Therapies, Accreditation

Don't forget to check the Herbal Remedies/Herbology 101 reference for more definitions!

CAHT: Certified Aromatherapy Health Therapist - designation granted by the Canadian Examining Board of Health Care Practitioners after completing the corresponding diploma.
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calciferol: naturally occuring in vitamin fish oils and eggs, this form of vitamin D is also called vitamin D2. helps prevent rickets.
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calcium: Calcium is essential in the human diet (people normally consume 600 1400 milligrams per day). The body needs it for a variety of functions, such as blood clotting, the transmission of nerve signals, muscle contraction, and proper heart function. Calcium imbalances can cause many health problems, and some chemical imbalances can cause the mineral to build up in nerve cells, poisoning and ultimately killing them.

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callus: A protruding mass of hardened plant tissue, often formed after an injury but sometimes a regular feature of the plant. Adj. callose.
A small area of skin, usually on the foot, that has become thick and hard from rubbing or pressure. Calluses may lead to other problems such as serious infection. Shoes that fit well can keep calluses from forming.
A callus of the skin is a marked piling up of surface keratin in the corneum (outermost layer) of the skin.
Callus formation at the ends of a fractured bone takes place within 10 days after the trauma and eventually it is replaced by new bone growth.

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camphor: A substance that comes from the wood and bark of the camphor tree or is made in the laboratory. It has a very unique smell and taste and is used in commercial products (for example, mothballs). Camphor is used in topical anti-infective and anti-pruritic (anti-itching) agents. Inhaled, camphor helps clear the passageways of mucus. PLEASE See Herbology listing for warnings about camphor.
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campylobacter: * Campylobacter is a bacteria commonly found in the intestines of poultry, cattle, swine, rodents, wild birds and such household pets as cats and dogs. It can also be found in untreated water.
* People may develop a Campylobacter infection when they eat undercooked poultry or drink raw milk, or non-chlorinated water.
* Symptoms of Campylobacter can include fever, headache and muscle pain, followed by diarrhea, stomach pain, nausea, and Guillain-Barré Syndrome .
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candida albicans: Candida albicans is a species of yeast which is commonly found in the mouth, intestines, and vagina as a part of the human body's normal flora and which normally does not cause problems. However, it can cause candidiasis of the mucous membranes in the mouth (also called thrush) and of the vagina (called vaginitis or simply a yeast infection). It can also cause more serious diseases in people with AIDS and in chemotherapy patients.
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candidiasis: A mild infection caused by the caused by Candida fungi (of the genus Monilia or Candida especially Candida albicans), which lives naturally in the gastrointestinal tract. Infection occurs when a change in the body, such as surgery, causes the fungus to overgrow suddenly.
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capillaries: tiny blood vessels between arteries and veins that distribute oxygen-rich blood to the body.
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carbohydrates: A type of food, usually from plants versus animals. Carbohydrates include simple carbohydrates (sugar, fruit) and complex carbohydrates (vegetables, starches). One of three nutrients that supply calories to the body, the body also uses carbohydrates to make a substance called glycogen that is stored in the liver and muscles for future use. See fat and protein.
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carbon neutral: Balancing the net carbon dioxide that you output into the atmosphere through energy consumption - both personal and business-related. Ways to compensate can include anything from funding alternate energy sources through planting trees. (more info - carbon neutral)
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carminative: [n] medication that prevents the formation of gas in the alimentary tract or eases its passing
[adj] relieving gas in the alimentary tract (colic or flatulence or griping)
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carotenoid: One of a group of red, orange, purple or yellow pigments typically found as accessory pigments in plants and some fungi. They are fat-soluble and are called lipochromes when they are found concentrated in animal fat. Carotenoids are widely used as food colorings, and one pigment, &szlig carotene, is used as a source of Vitamin A. Compare anthocyanin.
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carpal tunnel syndrome: A disorder caused by compression of a nerve in the carpal tunnel (where the nerve passes through the wrist); characterized by discomfort and weakness in the hand. Carpal Tunnel Syndrome may occur in people with diabetes.
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carrier oil: Also called: base oils
Carrier oils are vegetable oils which are used to dilute an essential oil.

Most essential or volatile oils are not recommended for use directly on the skin in their highly concentrated form. Some cause photosensitivity, others cause irritation, and others are to be avoided by people with special conditions such as allergies, rashes and/or broken skin, and especially pregnant women.

Never use undiluted essential oils on children under 5, and only use those diluted in carrier oils after seeking the advice of trained personnel. (more info - carrier oil)
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CCH: Certified in Classical Homeopathy by the Council for Homeopathic Certification
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cellulite: Lumpy, dimpled deposits of body fat especially on women's thighs and buttocks. These subcutaneous pockets of fat are actually causing the tissue holding the skin to the underlying tissue to stretch.

Exercise will not reduce these pockets, and they can become infected and inflamed by a bacterial infection called "cellulitis".
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cellulose: A polysaccharide that is the chief constituent of all plant tissues and fibers. Some plant materialss, like cotton, are almost entirely cellulose, where others have less cellulose (like wood).
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Chair Massage: A massage in a specially-designed chair, with or without oil, often on-site.
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CHC: Council for Homeopathic Certification
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CHE: Council for Homeopathic Education
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cheilosis: a disorder of the lips marked by scaling and fissures at the corners of the mouth; caused by a deficiency of riboflavin
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cheloid: raised pinkish scar tissue at the site of an injury; results from excessive tissue repair
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chi gung: Qigong comes from two Chinese words: Qi (chi) means energy and gong (kung) means a skill or a practice.
It seeks to stimulate the flow of qi (the elemental life force of Chinese medicine) along the invisible channels, or meridians, that are thought to course throughout the body, through a series of exercises.
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chi kung: Qigong comes from two Chinese words: Qi (chi) means energy and gong (kung) means a skill or a practice.
It seeks to stimulate the flow of qi (the elemental life force of Chinese medicine) along the invisible channels, or meridians, that are thought to course throughout the body, through a series of exercises.
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chinese massage (anma): (see also: Acupressure and Tui Na.)

Anma is a deep tissue massage performed without oil, using a primarily kneading, percussion, stretching, and squeezing techniques. The underlying goal is to restore the flow of Qi (the natural life energy) throughout the body. (more info - chinese massage (anma))
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chinese medicine: A heading that encompasses a vast field of modalities and practices, from acupunture, through herbal remedies, through Qi Gong.

See TCM (Traditional Chinese Medicine) for details.
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chiropody: the branch of medicine concerned with the feet.
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chiropractic: a drug-free, non-surgical science concerned with human health and disease processes. It manipulates (by hand) body structures (especially the spine) to relieve such problems as low back pain, arthritis, headache or high blood pressure

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cholecalciferol: a form of vitamin d created when ultraviolet light reacts with steroids in your body fat. it helps prevent rickets. Vitamin d3.
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cholecarciferol: A fat-soluble vitamin that prevents rickets.
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cholesterol: A fat-like substance found in blood, muscle, liver, brain, and other tissues in people and animals. The body makes and needs some cholesterol. Too much cholesterol, however, may cause fat to build up in the artery walls and cause a disease that slows or stops the flow of blood. (more info - cholesterol)
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CHom: Certificate of Homeopathy Vancouver Homeopathic Academy (former 3 Year Programme)
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chondroitin sulfate: A carbohydrate (specifically a major glycosaminoglycan) found in cartilage, thought to promote water retention and elasticity. Studies have also shown it to prevent the development or accumulation of enzymes that destroy cartilage and that it helps to fight inflammation. Ensure that the product that you choose contains enough actual chondroitin to be effective; many products tested do not.
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cicatrise: [v] form a scab; of wounds
[v] form a scar, after an injury; "the skin will cicatrize and it will heal soon"
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cicatrize: [v] form a scab; of wounds
[v] form a scar, after an injury; "the skin will cicatrize and it will heal soon"
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clostridium botulinum: * In adults, Clostridium botulinum (C. botulinum) itself does not make people ill, but the poisons produced by the pathogen do.
* Canned (especially home canned) low acid foods may contain C. botulinum, however some cases occur from eating raw or parboiled meats from marine mammals.
* Symptoms can include double vision, nausea, vomiting, fatigue, dizziness, headache and dryness in the throat and nose. In extreme cases, symptoms may progress to respiratory failure.
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clostridium perfringens: * Clostridium perfringens (C. perfringens) is a spore-forming bacteria which produces a toxin in the intestinal tract of people who have eaten food containing many of the bacteria.
* This organism can be found in high protein or starch-like foods such as cooked beans and gravies and is especially likely to be a problem in improperly handled leftovers.
* Symptoms consist of very gassy diarrhea, cramps and headache.
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CNHP: Certified Natural Health Practitioner - designation granted by the Canadian Examining Board of Health Care Practitioners after completing the corresponding diploma.
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cobalamin: A B vitamin that is used to treat pernicious anemia derived from cobalamine which is involved in carbon skeletal rearrangements. It is the only biomolecule known that has a carbon-metal bond.
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cobalamine: This ring-shaped, cobalt-containing vitamin is a crucial part of the entry of amino acids and fatty acids into the Krebs cycle. It is the only biomolecule known to have a carbon-metal bond.
Also called vitamin B12.
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coenzyme: A small molecule (not a protein but sometimes a vitamin) essential for the activity of some enzymes.
An organic, nonprotein molecule that binds with an apoenzyme (a protein molecule) to form an active enzyme (catalytic activity). Coenzymes are often derived from vitamins. (more info - coenzyme)
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coenzyme q10: Coenzyme Q10 (also known as CoQ10, Q10, vitamin Q10, ubiquinone, or ubidecarenone) is used by cells to produce energy needed for cell growth and maintenance and as an antioxidant. See also: coenzyme, and vitamin K. (more info - coenzyme q10)
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colic: acute abdominal pain (especially in infants) produced by intermittent spasm.
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colloid: A mixture (very like a solution or a suspension) where very fine particles are dispersed in a second substance in such a way that they cannot easily be filtered out or settled.
The particles are so tiny that they measure between 10 to 10,000 angstroms in size.
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colloidal: Microscopic particles suspended in some sort of liquid medium. The particles are between one nanometer and one micrometer in size and can be macromolecules.
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compress: a cloth soaked in an herbal infusion or decoction and pressed against irritated areas of the skin
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congestion: The presence of excessive blood or fluid, such as mucus, in an organ or tissue. When used in relation to colds, excessive mucus build up.
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contraindication: Inadvisability of using a substance that may cause harm under specific circumstances.
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contusion: A bruise or contusion is a traumatic injury of the soft tissues which results in breakage of the local capillaries and leakage of red blood cells. In the skin it can be seen as a reddish-purple discoloration which does not blanch when pressed upon. When it fades it becomes green and brown as the body metabolizes the blood cells in the skin. It is best treated with local application of a cold pack immediately after injury.
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corticosteroid: a steroid hormone produced by the adrenal cortex or synthesized; administered as drugs they reduce swelling and decrease the body's immune response; "adrenal cortical steroids are used to treat many different conditions"
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Craniosacral: An osteopathic technique for finding and correcting cerebral and spinal imbalances or blockages that may cause tissue, emotional and postural dysfunction. No oils are used.
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creams: Toiletry consisting of any of various substances resembling cream, absorbed by the skin, that have a soothing and moisturizing effect when applied to the skin. A good natural cream will consist of a blend (emulsification) of a vegetable oil plus a fat, with a hydrosol or essential oil (or floral water) for scent or therapeutic properties. (more info - creams)
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creative or guided visualization: Creative Visualization (also called "Guided Meditation" or "Guided Imagery") uses positive thoughts and images to slow the heart rate and focus the power of the mind toward a specific goal. This goal may invlove promoting physical healing or making changes in attitudes or behaviour. (more info - creative or guided visualization)
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cubital tunnel syndrome: The effect of pressure on the ulnar nerve, one of the main nerves of the hand. It can result in a variety of problems, including pain, swelling, weakness or clumsiness of the hand and tingling or numbness of the ring and small fingers. It also often results in elbow pain on the side of the arm next to the chest.
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cyclospora: * Cyclospora is a microscopic parasite that infects the small intestine of humans.
* Cyclospora is transmitted through food or water contamined by infected feces. Although Cyclospora is not naturally found on fresh fruits and vegetables, contamination may occur during cultivation, harvest, packaging or transportation through contact with contaminated water or workers.
* Symptoms of Cyclospora may include diarrhea, loss of appetite, weight loss, nausea, gas, stomeach cramps, muscle ache, vomiting and low-grade fever.
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