Natural Health Glossary
Medical Terms, Therapies, Accreditation

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

tai chi: a centuries-old martial art practiced by people around the world for its long term health benefits which include improved circulation, stress reduction, and for its practical fighting applications.
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tendonitis (tendinitis): inflammation of a tendon
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tennis elbow: painful inflammation of the tendon at the outer border of the elbow resulting from overuse of lower arm muscles (as in twisting of the hand)
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teratogen: A chemical such as thalidomide that can cause birth defects by adversely altering the development of an embryo or fetus without necessarily altering the organism's genetic structure. Compare mutagen.
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terpene: An unsaturated hydrocarbon obtained from plants.
Isomeric hydrocarbons of a pleasing aromatic odor, occuring especially in coniferous plants (evergreens). Includes turpentine and certain hydrocarbons found in essential or volatile oils.

Any of many aromatic hydrocarbons or hydrocarbon derivatives that are found especially in plant oils, and produce many of the scents and tastes of plant products (such as pine needles).
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Thai Massage: A combination of Yoga stretches, stimulation of the meridians – Acupressure points, muscle massage and Joint manipulation/stimulation.
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theobromine: An alkaloidal ureide, {C7H8N4O2}, homologous with and resembling caffeine, produced artificially, and also extracted from cacao and chocolate (from {Theobroma Cacao}) as a bitter white crystalline substance; -- called also {dimethyl xanthine}.
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therapeutic touch: Therapeutic Touch™ (Trademark held by the Therapeutic Touch Network of Ontario), a contemporary interpretation of several ancient healing practices, is a consciously directed process of energy exchange during which Practitioners use their hands as a focus for facilitating healing. This technique was first brought to our attention as a modern healing method by Dolores Krieger, Ph.D., R.N. and her colleague, Dora Kunz, in 1972. (more info - therapeutic touch)
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thermotherapeutics (thermotherapy): Thermotherapeutics is the use of heat to ameliorate ailments. It includes radiant heating (infrared rays) or conductive heating devices like: heating pads, hot water bottles, warming creams or lotions, bathing therapy, paraffin baths, and saunas. (more info - thermotherapeutics (thermotherapy))
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thiamin: See Vitamin B1
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thujone: Most noted for its (naturally occurring) presence in wormwood and the drink Absinthe, Thujone is a monoterpene that is often attributed with having a hallucinogenic effect.
It is also found in juniper, mugwort, sage and yellow cedar and it is used as a flavouring agent in certain foods.
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thymol: An oil found in thyme (or synthesized as a colorless crystalline solid) used in perfume or preserving biological specimens or in embalming or medically as a fungicide or antiseptic. It is found in antiseptics, toothpastes and mouthwashes.
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tincture: a medication that is an alcoholic solution of an extract of a vegetable or animal substance or a chemical.
(more info - tincture)
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tinnitus (tintinitis): Sensation of a ringing, roaring, or buzzing sound in the ears or head; often associated with various forms of a hearing impairment. (more info - tinnitus (tintinitis))
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tocopherols: Any of eight antioxidant, fat-soluble compounds found in vegetable oils. This vitamin is necessary for muscle and red blood cell development and normal reproduction. Deficiency in this vitamin causes excessively dry skin in some individuals. It is also an anticoagulant, and an antioxidant
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tocotrienols: light yellow, fat-soluble, viscous oil produced primarily in plants.
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tonic: Medicinal preparations used to restore normal tone to tissues or to stimulate the appetite.
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topical: Pertaining to the surface of the body.
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tourniquet: an instrument for arresting hemorrhage. it consists
essentially of a pad or compress upon which pressure is made by a band which is tightened
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toxoplasma: * Toxoplasma is a microscopic parasite that may infect a wide variety of birds and mammals, including humans. Infection occurs when there is contact with the Toxoplasma parasitic egg.
* Improperly handling meat and eating undercooked meat may cause illness. Fruits and vegetables from gardens contaminated with cat feces may also result in the illness.
* Symptoms can include slight fever, enlarged lymph nodes and other flu-like symptoms. People with weak immune systems may develop more severe symptoms such as pneumonia.
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traditional chinese medicine (tcm): A heading that encompasses a vast field of modalities and practices, including acupunture, Chinese herbal remedies, tai chi, Qi Gong, tui na, anma, mind-body therapies, and dietary therapy. (more info - traditional chinese medicine (tcm))
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trager: gentle, non-intrusive, natural movements to help release physical and mental patterns and facilitate deep relaxation, increased physical mobility, and mental clarity.
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trans fatty acid: A fatty acid that has been been produced by hydrogenating an polyunsaturated fat (and so changing its shape); found in processed foods such as margarine and fried foods and puddings and commercially baked goods and partially hydrogenated vegetable oils. The commerical benefit of this process is to make a liquid fat into a solid, and extends it "shelf life". The unfortunate side effect is that it damages cell membranes and impairs its ability to transport enzymes for sodium, potassium, calcium, and magnesium. It then becomes susceptible to free-radical damage (see antioxidant).
Intake of this fatty acid results in degenerative conditions such as cancer, arthritis, and cardiovascular disease.

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trigger finger: an irritation of the digital sheath that surrounds the flexor tendons of the finger. When the tendon sheath becomes thickened or swollen, it pinches the tendon and prevents it from gliding smoothly. In some cases, the tendon catches and then suddenly releases causing a popping sensation.
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triglyceride: A complex molecule, made of fatty acids, which is the main component of dietary and body fat. A form of fat that the body can make from sugar, alcohol or excess calories; a form of circulating fat found in plaque and cholesterol.
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tui na: A form of tissue manipulation (massage) targeting the accupressure points (or "acupoints"). Practitioners may use kneading, rolling, rubbing, pressure, and brushing to stimulate the points and return the flow of energy to the tissue and through that area of the body. (Not to be confused with Chinese Massage (anma).
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tumour / tumor: 1. A location where cells in the body multiply at an increased rate. They can interfere with vital body functions and absorb nutrients needed elsewhere. Some tumors are benign (not cancerous), which means that they will generally grow much more slowly and stay put in one area. Others are malignant (cancerous), which means they will grow rapidly and spread to other parts of the body or cause more tumors to form elsewhere.
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