5-Hydroxytryptamine: also known as 5-HT; another name for the neurotransmitter serotonin.
acathisia: a condition of severe restlessness, in which the very thought of sitting still causes strong feelings of anxiety.
acetabulum: the portion of the pelvic bone joining the femoral head to create the hip joint.
action potential: a fast, sudden, transient, and propagating change of the resting membrane potential of excitable cells.
activator: a small handheld spring-loaded instrument which delivers a controlled and reproducible impulse to the spine.
active euthanasia: administration of a drug or some other means that directly causes death; the motivation is to relieve patient suffering.
adjunctive: referring to the treatment of symptoms associated with a condition, not the condition itself.
adjuvant analgesic: drugs with a primary indication other than pain that have analgesic properties in some painful conditions and are usually given in combination with other analgesics.
aerobic exercise: brisk exercise that promotes the circulation of oxygen through the blood and is associated with an increased rate of breathing.
agonist: a drug that mimics the effects of a hormone or neurotransmitter normally found in the body.
Alexander technique: a process that teaches how to properly coordinate body and mind to release harmful tension and to improve posture, coordination and general health.
alternating pole devices: magnets that expose the skin to both north and south magnetic fields.
AMPA receptor: a subtype of ionotropic glutamate receptor that modulates the glutamate-mediated stimulation of neurons by allowing the influx of calcium and sodium ions.
analgesia: relief of pain; analgesics are compounds that stop the neurotransmission of pain messages.
analgesic: a substance that reduces pain.
anesthetic: any of a variety of drugs used to cause a patient to become unconscious and amnesiac for a brief period of time; very short-acting anesthetics, such as methohexital, thiamylal sodium, thiopental sodium, and etomidate, are often used in conjunction with electroconvulsive therapy.
aneurysm: the swelling of a blood vessel, which occurs with the stretching of a weak place in the vessel wall.
angina pectoris: chest pain caused by partial blockages of the arteries that feed blood to the heart.
antagonist: a drug that acts to block the effects of a hormone or neurotransmitter normally found in the body.
anticonvulsant: a medication that prevents or relieves the spontaneous movements of convulsions.
antipyretic: a substance that lowers body temperature.
arachidonic acid: an omega-6 unsaturated fatty acid the body requires to function properly; when broken down in the body, prostaglandins are produced.
arthritis: a painful condition that involves inflammation of one or more joints.
asana: (in Sanskrit seat or posture); a yogic posture or position; the ability to sit unmoving with a straight spine for long periods of time.
ataxia: a neurological sign characterized by a lack of voluntary coordination of muscle movements that may include gait abnormality, speech changes, and abnormalities in eye movement.
autonomic nervous system: the part of the nervous system responsible for control of the bodily functions not consciously directed, such as breathing, the heartbeat, and digestive processes.
Ayurveda: the traditional Hindu system of medicine, which is based on the idea of balance in bodily systems and uses diet, herbal treatment, and yogic breathing.
behavioral medicine: an interdisciplinary field of research and practice that focuses on how people’s thoughts and behavior affect their health.
biodisplay: audio or visual information about the physiological activity within an organism displayed by various instruments and processes.
biofeedback instrument: a device (usually electronic) that is capable of measuring and displaying information about a physiologic process in a way that allows an individual to monitor the physiologic activity through his or her own senses.
biofeedback: the provision of information about the biological or physiological processes of an individual to him or her, with the objective of empowering the individual to make conscious changes in the processes being monitored; it can be instrumental (using devices that monitor physiological or biological processes) or noninstrumental (using bodily sensations).
bipolar disorders: mood disorders characterized by significant swings in mood from depression to persistent feelings of elation; also known as manic-depressive illness.
brainstem: the region between the brain and spinal cord that controls vital functions such as breathing and heart rate.
bursitis: inflammation of the sac of lubricating fluid located between joints.
calculus: an abnormal crystalline formation of a mineral salt; also called a stone.
cannabinoid: one of a class of diverse chemical compounds that acts on cannabinoid receptors, which are part of the endocannabinoid system found in cells that alter neurotransmitter release in the brain.
cannula: a tube or hypodermic needle implanted in the body to introduce or extract substances.
cartilage: flexible connective tissue between bones.
central nervous system: comprised of the brain and spinal cord; controls thoughts, emotions and actions by electrical signals traveling though neural pathways.
cerebral cortex: the outer covering of the brain that is comprised of neurons and glia cells.
cervical vertebrae: the first seven bones of the spinal column, located in the neck.
cholecystectomy: the removal of a diseased gallbladder or one that contains many gallstones.
cholelithiasis: the formation of gallstones in the gallbladder or the ducts that connect the gallbladder to the liver or small intestine.
colorectal: refers to cancers of the lower digestive tract consisting of the colon and the rectum.
commissurotomy: the severing of the corpus callosum, the fiber tract joining the two cerebral hemispheres.
conditioning: the process of training or accustoming a person or animal to behave in a certain way or to accept certain circumstances.
contraindication: a condition that makes a particular treatment not advisable; contraindications may be absolute (should never be used) or relative (should be used only with caution when the benefits outweigh the potential problems).
convulsion: an instance of high-frequency and amplitude-random electrical activity in the brain; electroconvulsive therapy causes a convulsion in the brain, which is believed to be related to its mechanism of action.
corpus cavernosum: spongy tissue which runs along both sides of the penis and fills with blood to produce an erection.
countertransference: the emotional reaction of the analyst to the subject’s contribution.
COX-1 AND COX-2: cyclooxygenase 1 and 2 (COX-1 and COX-2) are important enzymes in the function of the human body; they both convert arachidonic acid to prostaglandins, and are implicated in pain, inflammation, cell multiplication, and other key biologic responses.
cross-cultural medicine: the ability of providers and organizations to effectively deliver health care services that meet the social, cultural, and linguistic needs of patients.
cryotherapy: the therapeutic use of cold.
death anxiety: also known as thanatophobia, a form of anxiety characterized by a fear of one’s own death or the process of dying.
deep-tissue massage: a massage technique that’s mainly used to treat musculoskeletal issues, such as strains and sports injuries; it involves applying sustained pressure using slow, deep strokes to target the inner layers of muscles and connective tissues.
dependence: a craving for a drug.
depolarization: the first part of an action potential during which there is less negative charge inside the cell, resulting in a more positive membrane potential.
depression: a mood disorder characterized by loss of energy, depressed mood, diminished interest in pleasurable activities, feelings of worthlessness, and difficulty in concentrating.
discontinuation syndrome: a condition caused by the abrupt discontinuation of antidepressant or antipsychotic medications.
disk prolapse: the protrusion (herniation) of intervertebral disk material, which may press on spinal nerves.
dopamine: a neurotransmitter that helps send electrical signals for emotion, movement, and other processes.
durable power of attorney: designation of a person who will have legal authority to make health care decisions if the patient becomes incapable of making decisions for himself or herself.
dyspepsia: upset stomach/indigestion.
dystonia: prolonged periods of unusual muscle contractions exhibiting as limb twistings, repetitive movements, abnormal postures, or rhythmic jerks.
effleurage: a series of massage strokes used in Swedish massage to warm up the muscle before deep tissue work.
electroacupuncture: a procedure in which pulses of weak electrical current are sent through acupuncture needles into acupuncture points in the skin.
electrocardiogram: a recording of the electrical activity of the heart; used during electroconvulsive therapy to monitor changes in heart rate, rhythm, and conduction, any or all of which may be temporarily affected by this procedure.
electrodermal response (EDR) biofeedback: the monitoring and displaying of information about the conductivity of the skin; used for anxiety reduction, asthma treatment, and the treatment of sleep disorders.
electroencephalogram: a brain wave trace used to monitor the onset, termination, and duration of the convulsion or seizure.
electroencephalographic (EEG) biofeedback: the monitoring and displaying of brain wave activity; used for the treatment of substance abuse disorders, epilepsy, attention-deficit disorders, and insomnia.
electromyograph (EMG): an instrument that is capable of monitoring and displaying information about electro-chemical activity in a group of muscle fibers.
endogenous: something naturally found in the body, such as neurotransmitters.
epidural: the injection of an anesthetic into the fluid around the spine or into the epidural space in the back.
equine-facilitated learning (EFL): using horses to promote learning experiences that develop skills intended for real-world environments.
equine-facilitated psychotherapy (EFP): follows a psychoanalytic approach by using the human-horse interactions as a tool for a therapist to gauge and discuss about their patients reactions and intentions.
evidence-based medicine: a method of basing clinical medical practice decisions on systematic reviews of published medical studies.
exogenous: something originating outside the body and administered orally or by injection.
expression: the action of cell biochemistry to produce and release a particular hormone in response to a stimulus.
FDA: U.S. Food and Drug Administration, a federal agency that provides safety, efficacy, and protection from biologicals.
Feldenkrais method: a system of gentle movements that promote flexibility, coordination, and self-awareness.
femur: the leg bone extending from the knee to the hip.
fluoxetine: the generic name for the antidepressant commonly called Prozac.
free association: the mental process by which one word or image may spontaneously suggest another without any apparent connection.
functional medicine: a personalized, systems-oriented model that empowers patients and practitioners to achieve the highest expression of health by working in collaboration to address the underlying causes of disease.
gastrointestinal tract: organs which include mouth, esophagus, stomach and intestines.
glutamate: a naturally occurring amino acid that is the most abundant stimulatory neurotransmitter in the nervous system.
glycine: the simplest naturally occurring amino acid that is a constituent of most proteins and one of the two main inhibitory neurotransmitters in the central nervous system, mainly in the spinal cord.
guided imagery: the use of words and music to evoke positive imaginary scenarios in a subject with a view to bringing about some beneficial effect.
heart rate variability: interval of time in-between heart beats that changes correlates to a changes in emotional states.
helicobacter pylori: bacteria capable of causing intestinal damage and related symptoms.
hematoma: a localized collection of clotted blood in an organ or tissue as a result of internal bleeding.
herbology: the study of herbs and their medical properties, especially when combined.
high-velocity, low-amplitude: short, quick thrust over restricted joints with the goal of restoring normal range of motion in the joint.
hippotherapy: using horses for occupational, physical or speech therapy.
homeopathy: the treatment of disease by minute doses of natural substances that in a healthy person would produce symptoms of disease.
hormone replacement therapy: treatment with estrogens with the aim of alleviating menopausal symptoms or osteoporosis.
hormone: a substance made by the body that travels through the bloodstream to reach its target organ and have its effect.
hospice: care designed to give supportive care to people in the final phase of a terminal illness and focus on comfort and quality of life, rather than cure.
hypertension: high blood pressure; above 130 mm Hg (systolic) / 90 mmHg (diastolic).
hypnotic: a medication that brings about a state of partial or complete unconsciousness.
hypotension: low blood pressure; below 120 mm Hg (systolic) / 80 mm Hg (diastolic).
indica: a species of Cannabis with broader leaves that is typically used for relaxation, appetite stimulation, sleep aid, and pain relief.
inflammation: the body’s response to injury that may include redness, pain, swelling, and warmth in the affected area.
intercessory prayer: the act of praying to a deity on behalf of others.
interstitial cystitis: chronic inflammation of the bladder and urinary tract.
intervertebral disks: flattened disks of fibrocartilage that separate the vertebrae and allow cushioned flexibility of the spinal column.
ion: an atom or molecule with a net electric charge that results from the loss or gain of one or more electrons.
ischemia: inadequate blood supply to an organ or part of the body.
lesion: a wound or tumor of the brain or spinal cord.
ligand-gated ion channels: transmembrane protein complexes that conduct ion flow through a channel pore in response to the binding of a neurotransmitter.
living will: a legal document in which the patient states a preference regarding life-prolonging treatment in the event that he or she cannot choose.
lobectomy: the removal of a lobe of the brain, or a major part of a lobe.
lobotomy: the separation of either an entire lobe or a major part of a lobe from the rest of the brain.
local anesthesia: anesthesia produced by injecting a local anesthetic solution directly into the tissues; also known as local block.
locus coeruleus: a cluster of neurons in the pons of the brainstem involved with physiological responses to stress and panic.
low level laser therapy: form of medicine that applies low-level (low-power) lasers or light-emitting diodes (LEDs) to the surface of the body.
low-velocity, high-amplitude: slow, long thrusts to carry a dysfunctional joint through its full range of motion, with the therapeutic goal of increasing range of motion.
lumbar vertebrae: the five bones of the spinal column in the lower back, which experience the greatest stress in the spine.
major depressive disorder: mental health disorder characterized by persistent depressed mood and loss in interest of social activities.
manual therapy: the skilled application of passive movement to a joint either within or beyond its active range of movement.
MAOI inhibitors: class of drugs that stop the activity of monoamine oxidase enzymes, and includes such antidepressants such as selegiline (Eldepry, Emsam, Zelapar), phenelzine (Nardil), isocarboxazid (Marplan), tranylcypromine (Parnate).
membrane potential: a difference in electrical potential across the cell membrane that results from a disparity in the concentration of ions on either side of the cell membrane.
meridians: each of a set of pathways in the body along which vital energy is said to flow; there are twelve such pathways associated with specific organs.
methemoglobinemia: a condition where there is an elevated blood level of methhemoglobin where the iron is in a state which cannot carry oxygen.
mind/body therapy: techniques designed to enhance the mind’s positive impact on the body.
monoamine oxidase inhibitors (MAOIs): a class of drugs that relieve the symptoms of depression by inhibiting the enzyme that deactivates the brain chemical monoamine oxidase.
mood disorders: any of a number of mental conditions characterized by a primary disturbance of mood as distinct from thinking or behavior.
moxibustion: a type of heat therapy in which an herb is burned on or above the skin to warm and stimulate an acupuncture point or affected area.
multidisciplinary care: A comprehensive care provided by professionals from different disciplines, including doctors, nurses, pharmacists, social workers, and many others.
muscle relaxant: any of a number of medications used to paralyze the muscles of the patient temporarily before delivering the electrical stimulus; the main medication used for this purpose is succinylcholine.
nerve impulse: signals transmitted along nerve fibers that consist of a wave of electrical depolarization that reverses the charge differential across the nerve cell membranes.
neuromuscular massage: targets the neurological system and the muscles related to it, addressing trigger points on the body that affect mood and neurological function.
neuromuscular rehabilitation: the process of employing electromyographic biofeedback to correct physiological disorders that have both muscular and neurological components, such as the effects of strokes and fibromyalgia; also called myoneural rehabilitation.
neurons: highly specialized cell found in the nervous system that produces an electrical signal to transmit information.
neurotransmitter: a chemical substance released by one nerve cell to stimulate or inhibit the function of an adjacent nerve cell; a chemical message released from a neuron.
neurotransmitter: small molecules released by neurons to either activate or inhibit neighboring neurons.
NMDA receptor: glutamate-gated cation channels that are highly permeable to calcium ions and play several important roles in the neurobiology of animals.
nonvoluntary euthanasia: a decision to terminate life made by another when the patient is incapable of making a decision for himself or herself.
norepinephrine reuptake transporter: a protein embedded in the membrane of the axon terminus of a presynaptic neuron that decreases the concentration of norepinephrine in the synaptic cleft by effecting norepinephrine reuptake in the presynaptic neuron.
norepinephrine: a hormone released by the adrenal glands; a neurotransmitter released by sympathetic nerves in response to stress, and by clusters of neurons in the brain to enhance alertness, attention, memory formation and retrieval, processing of sensory inputs, and adaptation to changing environments.
NSAIDs: nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs) are medications that are used to control pain and inflammation in the body.
obsessive-compulsive disorder: a psychiatric disorder that causes a person to ruminate on a particular thought and then act out a ritualistic behavior.
off-label prescribing: when a health provider prescribes a drug that the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) approved to treat a condition different from your condition.
operationalization: a process of defining the measurement of a phenomenon that is not directly measurable, though its existence is inferred by other phenomena.
opiates: drugs made from the opium flower, such as opium, morphine, and codeine.
opioids: endogenous or exogenous substances (opiates) that relieve pain and cause euphoria.
organic brain syndrome (organicity): changes in memory, orientation, and perception that occur as a side effect of electroconvulsive therapy.
orthopedics: a medical specialty emphasizing the prevention and correction of skeletal deformities.
osteoarthritis: a progressive disorder of the joints caused by gradual loss of cartilage that can result in the development of bone spurs and cysts at the margins of joints.
overdetermination: the idea that a single observed effect is determined by multiple causes at once (any one of which alone might be enough to account for the effect).
pain management: A treatment to control pain and reduce suffering using pharmacological and/or non-pharmacological methods. The goal is to improve quality of life.
palliative care: a specialized medical care that focuses on providing patients relief from pain and other symptoms of a serious illness, no matter the diagnosis or stage of disease.
passive euthanasia: ending life by refusing or withdrawing life-sustaining medical treatment.
patella: the flat, triangular bone in the front of the knee; also called the kneecap.
peptides: short chains of amino acids that, when released, carry out functions in other areas of the body.
peripheral nervous system: refers to all of the neurons in the body located outside the brain and spinal cord.
physiological autoregulation: the process by which an individual utilizes information about a physiological activity to effect changes in that activity in a direction that contributes to normal (or desirable) functioning.
Pilates: system of physical conditioning involving low-impact exercises and stretches designed to strengthen muscles of the torso and often performed with specialized equipment.
placebo effect: phenomenon in which a placebo (a fake treatment, an inactive substance like sugar, distilled water, saline solution, etc.) can sometimes improve a patient’s condition simply because the person has the expectation that it will be helpful.
positive symptoms: symptoms of schizophrenia that involve the production of an abnormal behavior.
pranayama: (in Sanskrit prana = energy + yama = control); type of meditation technique that involves various ways of controlling the breathing, with the goal being to withdraw ones senses from the outside world.
pressure points: a point on the surface of the body sensitive to pressure.
priapism: a prolonged and painful erection.
primary dysmenorrhea: pelvic pain which occurs with any underlying infection, condition, or syndrome.
prostaglandins: a large group of biologically active unsaturated, twenty-carbon fatty acids that represent some of the metabolites of arachidonic acid.
psychic healing: the process of sending healing energy by one or more persons to another person in order to re-energize him or her.
psychosis: a mental disorder in which one’s emotions and thoughts are impaired, causing a person to lose touch with reality. Primarily characterized by experience of delusions, personality shifts, discontinuous thought patterns and speech, and unrefined social behavior.
psychotic disorder: a psychiatric condition in which an individual’s mental state is out of touch with reality, as displayed by abnormal and bizarre perceptions, thoughts, behavior, judgment, and reasoning.
psychotropic: a drug that affects psychic function, behavior, or experience.
pulsed electromagnetic field therapy: uses electromagnetic fields in an attempt to heal non-union fractures and depression.
qi: the circulating life energy that in Chinese philosophy is thought to be inherent in all things; in traditional Chinese medicine the balance of negative and positive forms in the body is believed to be essential for good health.
qigong: a Chinese system of breathing exercises, body postures and movements, and mental concentration, intended to maintain good health and control the flow of vital energy.
reflexology: a system of massage used to relieve tension and treat illness, based on the theory that there are reflex points on the feet, hands, and head linked to every part of the body.
regional anesthesia: insensibility caused by the interruption of nerve conduction in a region of the body.
reinforcer: a stimulus (such as a reward or the removal of an electric shock) that increases the probability of a desired response in operant conditioning by being applied or effected following the desired response.
repetitive transcranial magnet therapy: a form of brain stimulation therapy used to treat depression and anxiety.
repolarization: the second part of an action potential, after depolarization, in which positive potassium ions leave the cell and the membrane potential is returned to a negative value.
resistance exercise: exercise that causes the muscles to contract against an external resistance with the expectation of increases in strength, tone, mass, and/or endurance.
Reye syndrome: a rare but serious disease that most often affects children ages 6 to 12 years old; can cause brain swelling and liver damage; may be related to using aspirin to treat viral infections.
rheumatoid arthritis: a long-term autoimmune disorder that primarily affects joints resulting in warm, swollen, and painful joints.
salicylates: a group of drugs (including aspirin) derived from salicylic acid, used to relieve pain, reduce inflammation, and lower fever.
sativa: a species of Cannabis with taller plants with narrower leaves that is typically used for increased energy and its uplifting and euphoric effects.
schizophrenia: a type of psychotic disorder involving a detachment among one’s thoughts, emotions and behaviors.
sciatica: pain affecting the back, hip, and outer side of the leg, caused by compression of a spinal nerve root in the lower back.
sedative: a medication that has a soothing or tranquilizing effect.
selective serotonin reuptake inhibitors (SSRIs): a class of antidepressant drugs, first introduced in 1987, that work by inhibiting the reuptake of the neurotransmitter serotonin, thus making more of it available to brain cells.
self-diagnosis: determining the nature of an ailment and the method of treating it without the aid of a physician; should always be based on sound experience and education rather than on hearsay and guesswork.
self-healing: the process of recovery (generally from psychological disturbances, trauma, etc.), motivated by and directed by the patient, guided often only by instinct.
serotonin reuptake transporter: a protein embedded in the membrane of the axon terminus of a presynaptic neuron that decreases the concentration of serotonin in the synaptic cleft by effecting serotonin reuptake in the presynaptic neuron.
serotonin syndrome: a condition that results from the release of high levels of serotonin into the body, causing agitation, confusion, dilated pupils, and muscle twitching.
serotonin: a neurotransmitter released by neurons in the gastrointestinal tract and central nervous system that regulates appetite, sleep, emotional states, motor function, cognition and many other neurological and physiological functions.
shiatsu: a form of therapy of Japanese origin based on the same principles as acupuncture, in which pressure is applied to certain points on the body using the hands.
signal transduction pathway: A cascade of biochemical reactions inside cells that culminate in a specific cellular response, and are set in motion when a signaling molecule, such as a hormone or growth factor, binds receptors inside the cell or on the cell surface.
spinal anesthesia: anesthesia produced by injecting a local anesthetic around the spinal cord; also known as subarachnoid block.
spinal cord: a column of nervous tissue housed in the vertebral column that carries messages to and from the brain.
static magnets: a magnet that retains its magnetism after being removed from a magnetic field.
steroids: a class of hormones produced by the adrenal glands; can also be made synthetically.
structural integration: a type of bodywork that focuses on the connective tissue, or fascia, of the body; fascia surrounds muscles, groups of muscles, blood vessels, organs, and nerves, binding some structures together while permitting others to slide smoothly over each other.
subluxations: a slight misalignment of the vertebrae, regarded in chiropractic theory as the cause of many health problems.
suppository: a solid, conical-shaped medication preparation designed to be placed into the rectum or vagina and allowed to dissolve to deliver localized medication.
Swedish massage: the most popular type of massage in the United States, it involves the use of hands, forearms or elbows to manipulate the superficial layers of the muscles to improve mental and physical health.
synaptic cleft: the space between neurons at a nerve synapse across which a nerve impulse is transmitted by a neurotransmitter; also called the synaptic gap.
synthetically made neuron: a nerve cell that can conduct electrical impulses from one region of the body to another; it is capable of releasing neurotransmitters.
systemic: affecting the entire body; systemic treatments may be administered orally, directly into a vein, into the muscle, or through mucous membranes.
Tai Chi: a Chinese martial art and form of stylized, meditative exercise, characterized by methodically slow circular and stretching movements and positions of bodily balance.
tendinitis: inflammation of a tendon, a tough band of tissue that connects muscle to bone.
thanatology: the scientific study of death and the practices associated with it, including the study of the needs of the terminally ill and their families.
therapeutic horseback riding: recreational horseback riding for disabled individuals.
thermotherapy: treatment of disease by heat (as by hot air, hot baths, or diathermy).
thromboxane: hormones synthesized by many tissues that are vasoconstrictors and stimulators of platelet aggregation.
tolerance: diminished effect of a drug over time due to its chronic use.
topical: referring to treatments applied directly to the skin or mucous membranes that affect primarily the area in which they are applied.
touch-based therapy: based on the belief that vital energy flows through the human body and can be balanced or made stronger by practitioners who pass their hands over, or gently touch, a patient’s body.
traditional Chinese medicine: a branch of traditional medicine that is said to be based on more than 3,500 years of Chinese medical practice that includes various forms of herbal medicine, acupuncture, cupping therapy, gua sha, massage (tui na), bonesetter (die-da), exercise (qigong), and dietary therapy.
Trager approach: a combination of hands-on tissue mobilization, relaxation, and movement reeducation called Mentastics.
transference: a patient’s displacement or projection onto the analyst of those unconscious feelings and wishes originally directed toward important individuals, such as parents, in the patient’s childhood.
trephination: the opening of a hole in the skull with an instrument called a trephine.
tricyclics: antidepressant drugs that interfere with several neurotransmitters, making more of them available to the brain.
unipolar magnets: magnets with north on one side and south on the other; the north (or negative) side is typically applied to the skin.
upper respiratory tract: the nose, sinuses, throat, ears, Eustachian tubes, and trachea.
ureterolithotomy: the surgical removal of a stone in the ureter.
ureters: the two muscular tubes that connect the kidneys to the urinary bladder and that serve as conduits for urine.
urolithiasis: the formation of stones in the urinary tract.
vasoconstriction: narrowing of blood vessels (arteries and veins).
vasodilation: the dilatation of blood vessels, which decreases blood pressure.
vinyasa: (in Sanskrit vi = special + nyasa = to place) movement between poses in yoga, typically accompanied by regulated breathing.
virilization: the acquisition of physical characteristics typical of males.
viscosupplementation injections: injections to add lubrication into the joint to make joint movement less painful.
voltage-gated ion channels: a class of transmembrane proteins that form ion channels that open or close in response to changes in the membrane potential near the channel.
voluntary euthanasia: a patient’s consent to a decision which results in the shortening of his or her life.
weight training: a system of conditioning involving lifting weights especially for strength and endurance.
Western herbal medicine: a clinical practice of healing using naturally occurring plant material or plants with little or no industrial processing.
withdrawal: the body’s response, both physical and mental, when an addictive substance is reduced or not given to the body.
yin and yang: a concept of dualism in ancient Chinese philosophy, describing how seemingly opposite or contrary forces may actually be complementary, interconnected, and interdependent in the natural world, and how they may give rise to each other as they interrelate to one another.
yoga: comes from a Sanskrit word meaning “union;” yoga combines physical exercises, mental meditation, and breathing techniques to strengthen the muscles and relieve stress.