Glossary: Integrative Medicine and Nutrition

Live organism that, when ingested in adequate amounts, produces a health benefit in patients suffering from psychiatric illness.

That which concerns the mind and external outside–the-skin phenomena. It includes effects of matter on mind and mind on matter.

That which concerns mind and internal inside-the-skin phenomena, as in psychophysiologic self-regulation. Includes the reciprocal effects of body on mind and mind on body.

Disorders either caused by or greatly influenced by mental factors or stress. Most illness is psychosomatic because of the complex relationship between mind and body.

The dream stage of sleep characterized by rapid eye movement; often disrupted by trauma.

A diet consisting of fresh, uncooked, and unprocessed foods. May be raw vegan or raw omnivorous, with foods being either completely unheated or heated only at very low temperatures or dehydrated. Partial raw diets can be beneficial to most people, but a totally raw foods diet is not recommended for those with mental health challenges, or in people who are underweight or who suffer from hypoglycemia or diabetes, or who have a history of eating disorders.

A complementary and alternative medicine modality originating in Japan that uses laying on of hands to facilitate healing of the body’s life force energy, also known as qi, chi, or prana.

Believing in a god or gods and following the practices of an organized religion.

The intensification and enriching by supplementary vibration; a quality imparted of evoking response.

 A mental transformation characterized by the discovery of new meanings and new ways to expression one’s thoughts and desires.

An established set of actions, usually symbolic, that are carried out for a religious or other ceremonial reason.

A holistic form of bodywork that manipulates soft tissue to realign and balance the body’s myofascial structure.

Edible seaweeds that can be eaten fresh or dried. Sea vegetables are high in vitamins, minerals, proteins, lipids, and amino acids. They also supply iodine, essential for healthy thyroid function. Their high mineral content makes seaweeds beneficial for nervous system function, good mental health, and muscle relaxation and function.

Depression that occurs during certain times of the year, especially during the winter months.

The enteric nervous system, an extensive network of neurons located in the lining of the alimentary canal. The second brain operates independently of the Central Nervous System and produces over 30 different neurotransmitters.