Lesson One - Natural Health Fundamentals Flashcards
What does the term ‘natural health’ imply?
A state of well-being achieved by natural means, without the influence of synthetic drugs or processed foods.
What terms are sometimes used synonymously with natural health?
- Complementary health
- Alternative health
- Traditional health
- Holistic health
What is the primary focus of natural health?
Holistic approach addressing the whole person—body, mind, and spirit.
What does natural health emphasize in the healing process?
A partnership between patient and practitioner, prevention over cure, and treatment of causes rather than just symptoms.
What is the premise of natural health regarding the body’s ability to heal?
The body has a natural ability to protect and heal itself from sickness, given the right support.
How does allopathic medicine differ from natural health?
Allopathic medicine focuses on eliminating physical symptoms, emphasizing the part rather than the whole.
What historical shift in medicine contributed to the emergence of the natural health movement?
The focus on increasingly smaller parts of the body for diagnosis and treatment.
What was the impact of discovering drugs that affect the whole body on natural health?
It led to a focus on remedies that affect all cells, often ignoring disease prevention.
What percentage of Canadians consulted a practitioner of alternative or complementary care as of 2006?
54 percent.
What were the five most frequently used alternative health treatments in Canada?
- Chiropractic (40 percent)
- Massage (35 percent)
- Relaxation techniques (20 percent)
- Prayer/spiritual practice (18 percent)
- Acupuncture (17 percent)
What is integrative medicine?
A healing-oriented approach that integrates elements of both CAM and conventional medicine.
What does integrative medicine emphasize?
The relationship between patient and physician and understanding the body’s own healing systems.
What types of practices does integrative medicine encompass?
- Mind-body medicine
- Nutritional medicine
- Physical activity
- Spirituality in medicine
- Botanical medicine
- Energy work
- Ancient healing systems
Who is considered the founding father of natural medicine?
Hippocrates.
What is the Hippocratic Oath?
An oath requiring physicians to prescribe only beneficial treatments and to refrain from causing harm.
What did Hippocrates believe about the cause of disease?
It is caused by undigested residues from an unsuitable diet.
What was Hippocrates’ view on the role of nature in healing?
Nature itself is the first and only true physician; the doctor is a helper of nature.
True or False: The natural health movement is often correctly labeled as ‘alternative medicine’.
False.
What does natural health teach regarding personal health responsibility?
Patients must take responsibility for their own health.
Fill in the blank: The road back to health is a _______ and simple one.
natural
