Alternative Health Care, Holistic Medicine Industry Terminology

Acupuncture

A modality from Traditional Chinese Medicine involving insertion of fine needles at specific points to influence physiological processes (traditionally, to balance qi); often used for pain, nausea, stress, and fertility support.

We included acupuncture in our integrative pain pathway; The clinic bills acupuncture using CPT 97810/97811; Evidence suggests acupuncture may reduce chronic low back pain symptoms.

Adaptogens

Herbs or botanicals believed to help the body modulate stress response and maintain homeostasis; commonly cited examples include ashwagandha, rhodiola, and eleuthero. Evidence varies by herb and indication.

Our stress formula combines ashwagandha and rhodiola as adaptogens; Train staff to explain what an adaptogen is without making disease claims; We monitor customer-reported stress scores after adaptogen protocols.

Aromatherapy

Therapeutic use of essential oils from plants via inhalation, topical application, or rarely ingestion (with professional oversight) to influence mood, relaxation, or symptom perception.

Diffusing lavender for pre-op anxiety; Retail adds value with GC/MS-tested essential oils; We screen for asthma before in-room aromatherapy.

Ayurvedic Medicine

A traditional medical system from India emphasizing balance among three doshas (vata, pitta, kapha) through diet, herbs, lifestyle, and therapies like Panchakarma.

Our Ayurveda consults include dosha assessment and diet guidance; Supply chain verifies heavy metal testing of Ayurvedic herbs; We educate on Panchakarma as a traditional detox method.

Biofeedback

Technique that uses sensors to provide real-time information on physiological signals (e.g., heart rate variability, muscle tension) to train self-regulation of stress, pain, or other functions.

We use HRV biofeedback for anxiety; Pelvic floor biofeedback for incontinence; The grant tracks migraine days pre/post biofeedback.

Botanical Medicine

Clinical use of plant-derived preparations (teas, tinctures, extracts, capsules) for health benefits; quality depends on species identification, extraction, standardization, and purity.

Standardized turmeric extract with 95% curcuminoids; We offer tinctures for individualized dosing; Label includes Latin binomial and part used.

CAC (Customer Acquisition Cost)

Total average cost to acquire one new paying customer, including marketing, sales, and onboarding expenses; critical for profitability in DTC wellness and clinic memberships.

Our CAC on Meta ads is $42 per new supplement subscriber; We lowered CAC by adding an email lead magnet; Compare CAC to LTV to scale spend.

CAM (Complementary and Alternative Medicine)

Umbrella term for a broad range of non-conventional modalities (e.g., acupuncture, herbalism, yoga). 'Complementary' is used alongside conventional care; 'alternative' is used in place of it.

NCCIH categorizes modalities under CAM; Our program shifted from CAM to integrative medicine branding; Insurers may list CAM exclusions.

Chakras

Concept from yogic traditions describing seven main energy centers along the spine; used as a framework in certain mind-body and energy practices. Not a biomedical construct.

Our yoga therapists cue from the heart chakra for breathwork; The Reiki intake asks about perceived chakra imbalances; We avoid medical claims when discussing chakras with patients.

Clean Label

Consumer-driven standard favoring short, recognizable ingredient lists and transparency (e.g., no artificial colors, non-GMO, allergen-free) in foods and supplements.

Reformulated gummies to meet clean label standards (no artificial dyes); Our product page shows a clean label checklist; Consumers request allergen-free, clean label probiotics.

Clinical Outcome Measures

Quantitative tools to assess treatment effectiveness, including clinician-reported outcomes and patient-reported outcome measures (PROMs) such as pain scales, HRQoL, and function.

Use PROMIS-10 in integrative care to track quality of life; Pain NRS and sleep quality as primary outcomes; Dashboard shows pre/post acupuncture outcome measures.

Complementary Therapy

A non-conventional modality used together with conventional medical treatments to support symptom management or well-being.

Acupuncture as a complementary therapy during chemotherapy; MBSR complements standard anxiety care; We document complementary therapy use in the EHR.

Contraindication

A condition or factor that increases the risk of harm from a given therapy and warrants avoiding or modifying that intervention.

Avoid St. John’s wort with SSRIs; Contraindicated acupuncture points in pregnancy; Kava is contraindicated in active liver disease.

CPT Code (Current Procedural Terminology)

Standardized codes used in the U.S. to describe medical, surgical, and diagnostic services for billing; integrative services may map to specific CPT codes depending on payer policy.

Bill acupuncture 97810/97811; Health coaching often uses non-reimbursable codes unless under specific programs; Verify payer policies for manual therapy 97140.

Detoxification

In biomedicine, the body’s elimination of substances via liver, kidneys, skin, lungs, or clinical management of withdrawal; in wellness, often refers to diet or lifestyle programs aiming to reduce exposures—evidence and safety vary.

We clarify medical detox vs. wellness cleanses during consults; Encourage liver-friendly diet instead of extreme cleanses; Lab markers monitor safety during chelation by specialists.

DSHEA (Dietary Supplement Health and Education Act)

U.S. law governing dietary supplements; allows structure/function claims with a mandatory FDA disclaimer, requires Good Manufacturing Practices, and does not require premarket approval.

Labels must include the DSHEA disclaimer; DSHEA places responsibility for safety on manufacturers; We avoid disease claims per DSHEA.

DTC (Direct-to-Consumer)

A business model selling products or services directly to end users without intermediaries; common in online wellness, supplements, and telehealth programs.

Our DTC supplement line ships nationally; Telehealth enables DTC functional medicine programs; DTC funnels use lead magnets and email nurturing.

Dosha

In Ayurveda, three constitutional forces (vata, pitta, kapha) describing physical and psychological tendencies; used to personalize diet and lifestyle recommendations.

Vata-pacifying diet plan; The practitioner identified a pitta imbalance; Our blog explains kapha lifestyle tips.

Drug–Herb Interaction

Pharmacokinetic or pharmacodynamic interactions between herbal products and medications that can alter safety or efficacy.

St. John’s wort may reduce oral contraceptive effectiveness; Warfarin with ginkgo can increase bleeding risk; We screen for interactions using an evidence database.

EHR (Electronic Health Record)

Digital system for documenting, storing, and sharing patient health information; supports care coordination, billing, and outcomes tracking.

Build templates for acupuncture and herbal consults; EHR flags potential herb–drug interactions; Telehealth notes integrate with the EHR for continuity.

Energy Medicine

Modalities that propose to influence biofields or energy systems (e.g., Reiki, Healing Touch). Mechanisms are not established in biomedicine and evidence varies.

We offer Reiki as an energy medicine modality; Healing Touch sessions are documented as supportive care; Educate patients on the evidence base and limits of energy medicine.

Evidence-Based Practice

Clinical decision-making that combines best available research, practitioner experience, and patient values/context.

We integrate RCTs, clinician expertise, and patient preferences; The protocol changed after a new systematic review; Staff are trained to appraise evidence quality.

FDA Structure/Function Claim

Claims describing the role of a nutrient or ingredient intended to affect normal structure or function in humans (not disease treatment); must include the FDA-mandated disclaimer for supplements.

'Supports immune health' with DSHEA disclaimer; Avoid 'treats depression'—that’s a disease claim; Marketing reviews labels for compliant claims.

Five Elements (TCM)

Traditional Chinese Medicine framework (wood, fire, earth, metal, water) used to interpret physiology, pathology, and treatment relationships.

Practitioner linked symptoms to wood element imbalance; Seasonal eating per the five elements; Our course teaches five-element diagnostics for acupuncturists.

Functional Medicine

A systems-biology, lifestyle-centered approach aiming to address underlying contributors to disease with personalized nutrition, lifestyle, and selected supplements.

Root-cause timeline and matrix mapping; Personalized elimination diet and lifestyle plan; Lab panels guide targeted nutrient repletion.

GMP (Good Manufacturing Practice)

Regulatory standards for manufacturing quality, consistency, and safety of dietary supplements and related products.

We require GMP certification from all contract manufacturers; Batch COAs verify potency and purity; Audits check 21 CFR Part 111 compliance.

Guided Imagery

A mind-body technique using structured visualization to promote relaxation, coping, or symptom relief.

Pre-op guided imagery reduces anxiety; App-based imagery scripts for sleep; We track perceived stress before and after imagery sessions.

Health Coaching

A collaborative process that supports clients in setting and achieving health goals through behavior-change techniques and accountability.

Coaches use motivational interviewing for habit change; Add-on coaching increased program adherence; We measure coaching impact via PROMs and retention.

Herbalism

The traditional and clinical practice of using whole plants and extracts for health support; emphasizes plant synergy, dosing, safety, and quality sourcing.

Formulating a multi-herb tea for digestion; Discuss extract ratios (1:2 tincture vs. 10:1 powder); Screen for pregnancy and medication use before recommending herbs.

HIPAA

U.S. law setting standards for protecting patients’ health information privacy and security.

Our telehealth platform is HIPAA-compliant; Staff complete annual HIPAA training; Do not share PHI in unencrypted email.

Holistic Medicine

An approach that considers the whole person—body, mind, spirit, lifestyle, and environment—in assessment and care.

Intake forms include social, emotional, and spiritual domains; Care plans address sleep, stress, and community; We avoid reductionism by using a holistic lens.

Homeopathy

A system using highly diluted substances based on 'like cures like' and potentization; major scientific reviews generally find effects comparable to placebo.

We explain the principles of 'like cures like' and dilution; Stock only products compliant with FDA homeopathic guidance; Set expectations: evidence is mixed and controversial.

ICD-10

International Classification of Diseases, 10th Revision; standardized diagnostic codes used for documentation, analytics, and billing.

Use ICD-10 codes to document diagnoses for insurance; We mapped common integrative indications to ICD-10; Accurate ICD-10 coding supports medical necessity.

Informed Consent

Process of explaining risks, benefits, alternatives, and uncertainties so patients can make voluntary, informed decisions about care.

Consent form explains acupuncture risks and alternatives; We discuss limited evidence for energy therapies before starting; Document Q&A and patient understanding.

Integrative Medicine

A patient-centered approach that combines conventional medicine with evidence-informed complementary therapies, emphasizing safety, effectiveness, and whole-person care.

Oncology program offers acupuncture, yoga, and nutrition; Interdisciplinary case conferences are standard; Describe services as integrative, not alternative.

Lifestyle Medicine

Use of evidence-based lifestyle interventions as first-line therapy to prevent, treat, and sometimes reverse chronic disease.

Core pillars: nutrition, activity, sleep, stress, relationships, substance avoidance; Group visits for lifestyle change; Track biometrics alongside behavior goals.

LTV (Lifetime Value)

Projected net revenue generated by a customer over their entire relationship with a business; a key metric for growth planning.

LTV of a membership patient is $1,200; We aim for LTV:CAC of 3:1; Bundling labs and coaching increased LTV.

MBSR (Mindfulness-Based Stress Reduction)

A standardized, evidence-based program incorporating mindfulness meditation, body scan, and gentle yoga to reduce stress and improve well-being.

8-week MBSR cohorts start quarterly; MBSR reduced perceived stress and improved sleep in our data; Staff require MBSR teacher training accreditation.

Mind-Body Medicine

Therapies that harness interactions between mental and physiological processes (e.g., meditation, relaxation response) to support health.

Breathwork, meditation, and biofeedback are core mind-body tools; We built a group visit around mind-body skills; Monitor HRV as a mind-body biomarker.

NCCIH (National Center for Complementary and Integrative Health)

U.S. NIH institute that funds and disseminates research on complementary and integrative health approaches.

We cite NCCIH fact sheets in patient education; Grant applications follow NCCIH guidance; Team reviews NCCIH-funded research updates.

Naturopathic Medicine (ND)

A medical discipline emphasizing natural therapies and prevention; training and legal scope vary by jurisdiction.

ND consults integrate nutrition, botanicals, and lifestyle; Scope of practice varies by state; Verify ND licensure for prescribing rights.

Nutraceutical

A loosely defined term for products derived from foods with purported health benefits beyond basic nutrition; often used synonymously with dietary supplements.

Our omega-3 nutraceutical highlights EPA/DHA per serving; Clinicians differentiate nutraceuticals from pharmaceuticals in consent; We avoid disease claims on nutraceutical labels.

Nutrigenomics

Study of how genetic variation influences response to nutrients and how diet can impact gene expression; an emerging area with evolving evidence.

Use genetic data cautiously to personalize nutrition; We avoid overpromising on nutrigenomic tests; Consent covers privacy for genomic data.

OMT (Osteopathic Manipulative Treatment)

Hands-on techniques used by osteopathic physicians (DOs) to diagnose, treat, and help prevent illness or injury by moving muscles and joints.

DO provides OMT for neck pain; Document OMT techniques and response; Coordinate OMT with physical therapy to avoid overlap.

Placebo Effect

Improvement in symptoms due to expectations, conditioning, and contextual factors rather than specific physiological effects of a treatment.

We contextualize outcomes considering placebo and expectancy; Open-label placebo studies inform patient communication; Trial design includes sham control to parse placebo effects.

Probiotics

Live microorganisms that, when administered in adequate amounts, confer a health benefit on the host; effects are strain- and dose-specific.

Select strain-specific probiotics (e.g., Lactobacillus rhamnosus GG); Ensure CFU counts at end of shelf life; Note storage needs (refrigerated vs. shelf-stable).

ROI (Return on Investment)

A financial metric comparing net gain to investment cost; used to evaluate programs, services, and marketing in clinics and wellness brands.

Wellness program showed 2.5:1 ROI in year two; Calculate ROI for adding a health coach; Content marketing ROI beat paid search last quarter.

Telehealth

Delivery of healthcare services via telecommunications technologies (video, phone, messaging), including remote monitoring and virtual visits.

Virtual nutrition and coaching visits increased access; Verify interstate licensure for telehealth; Use HIPAA-compliant platforms and consent.

Traditional Chinese Medicine (TCM)

An East Asian medical system including acupuncture, herbal formulas, bodywork (tui na), and qigong, guided by frameworks such as qi flow, meridians, and five elements.

TCM consult integrates tongue and pulse diagnosis; Herbal formulas follow TCM pattern differentiation; We educate on TCM concepts like qi and yin-yang.

Yin and Yang

TCM concept of complementary opposites (e.g., cool/heat, rest/activity) whose dynamic balance underpins health in traditional theory.

Diet plan to balance yin deficiency; Explaining hot–cold patterns via yin-yang; We avoid implying yin-yang is a biomedical mechanism.