I frequently run into holistic new-bees wanting to get it right, only to discover getting it right is going to take a lesson in Holistic Phraseology 101. The words and terms used to convey therapy in the holistic health arena are overlapping and at times confusing to the client seeking to enhance one’s life and health through complementary and alternative modalities. I am a firm believer in education, and when it comes to holistic health, not only does the client need some assistance in understanding, but healthcare providers also would benefit from a refresher course on the terminology currently being used to convey the differences of interventions.

Following are definitions provided by the National Institutes of Health – National Center on Complementary and Alternative Medicine seem to be the best available. One may visit its website at www.nccam.nih.gov for further information.

CONVENTIONAL MEDICINE – This term refers to medicine practiced by MD (medical doctor) or DO (doctor of osteopathy) and by their allied health professionals, such as physical therapists, psychologists and registered nurses. Other terms include allopathic; Western, mainstream, orthodox, and regular medicine; and biomedicine. Some conventional medical practitioners are also practitioners of complementary and alternative medicine; they include it as a part of how they practice and the way they deliver your care.

CAM (complementary and alternative medicine) – This tends to be an umbrella catch-all phrase for the entire collection of words used to describe practices utilizing a non-Western approach to healthcare. This includes everything from massage, cranial-sacral manipulation, Reiki, aromatherapy, herbals and supplements, acupuncture, mind-body therapy and past life regressions—you name it! Many people claim to being  CAM practitioners, and by definition, they probably are.

HOLISTIC – An approach to living and patient care that takes the entire individual into account when looking at a situation or health condition. The nursing community is embracing this format as it gives back to nurses what has been missing for so many years—the whole patient! Holistically looking at a patient takes in totality the real-life situations and drama that make us individuals and gives direction to the way in which care should be delivered.

COMPLEMENTARY – Complementary defines modalities offered in conjunction with traditional conventional medicine. Many therapies can be utilized in a complementary fashion; they enhance what other therapy is being offered at the time. Most complementary modalities are harmless, yet have a profound effect on the outcomes of traditional care.

INTEGRATIVE – This definition is the best of both worlds in that it combines mainstream medical therapies and CAM therapies for which there is some high-quality scientific evidence of safety and effectiveness. It is the best of the best in a given way to treat a given situation. An example of this would be receiving a prescription for your back pain from your Western-trained practitioner, and also being referred to a chiropractor and massage therapist. Why? Because drugs can’t put muscles back into place, and human touch allows the medications to work at a higher level; pain receptors are distracted from communicating their message to the brain.

ALTERNATIVE- Alternative medicine is a practice used in place of conventional medicine. Sometimes this is what is left when all other attempts, traditional or complementary, are exhausted. Some people turn to specialty clinics or clinical trials offering alternative treatments in lieu of treatment known to traditional medical programs. It is suggested that much consideration be taken when making this decision, and it should be made in conjunction with your practitioner.

MIND-BODY – Mind-body therapies are those in which the mind appears to have control over the bodily reactions based on what it perceives in a given situation, real or not. If we can alter the perceptions, with relaxation techniques such as guided imagery and visualization, there is a change that happens within the body. Biochemically speaking, stress hormones are reduced, allowing the immune systems to function at a higher level and healing can occur.

In providing this short glossary, I realize the best way to incorporate holistic practices into your healthcare plan is to learn as much as you can about different modalities. Communication with your care provider is essential; let your provider know your thoughts on non- traditional means of care. If your care provider is not approachable about integrative care, seek out one that is. As popular as CAM has become, traditional care providers are opening up to the power of healing and wellness through nontraditional therapies. With open conversation about your wellness and health goals with all your practitioners, decisions can be made about a program that benefits your mind and body, and allows your spirit to grow.

		Kimberly M. Frayer, RN, BS, HHC is owner of Aurora Wellness Solutions; a provider of Contact Hours for Nurses. She is a Level II Reiki practitioner, is available for speaking on wellness education and is a consultant for wellness program initiatives.