Acupressure — Traditional Chinese medicine discovered a system of channels or points in the body (meridians) that would relieve pain and promote healing. These meridians were invisible wires that conducted the body's chi or life energy. In acupressure, finger or hand pressure is used instead of needles, as in acupuncture. But acupressure has the same goal: to stimulate chi. Acupressure is used for both pain relief and treating diseases. For instance, if your ankle is swollen, acupressure helps to tone muscles and improves circulation.

Aromatherapy — A system of caring for the body with botanical oils such as rose, lemon, lavender (used to soothe cuts, bruises and insect bites), and peppermint. These essential oils can be added to a bath, massaged through the skin, inhaled directly, used with teas, or scented in a room. This therapy is intended to relieve pain, care for the skin, and alleviate tension and fatigue.

Ayurveda (Knowledge of Life) — An approach to physical health, mental clarity and spiritual fulfillment that goes back to the rishis or sages of ancient India and then codified in the Vedas, the sacred texts of Hinduism. This spiritual guide to health says there are three different body types or doshas, from which a host of other information can be gleaned. These doshas are Vata (air), Pitta (fire), and Kapha (water). Vata people are creative and full of energy; they are particularly sensitive to alcohol, sugar, and drugs. Pittas are fiery and determined; they are sensitive to burning sensations, inflammations and irritations. Kaphas are strong, sensitive, and forgiving; they are prone to being overweight, so a good diet and exercise are important.

Flower Remedy or Essence Therapy — Ancient Egypt and Rome, and many Native American tribes used flowering plants for medicinal purposes. In the early 1930s, Edward Bach, M.D., of England discovered that many of his patients experienced physical and emotional difficulties before becoming ill. He found 38 flowering plants and trees that seemed to alleviate a wide range of these symptoms.

Herbal Therapy — Most medicines are derived from herbs, yet synthetic pharmaceuticals over the last several decades generally have replaced traditional herbal remedies. One reason why people are returning to herbal remedies is in the interest of disease prevention. For instance, ginseng is used to relieve stress and St. John's wort is an alternative remedy for alleviating symptons of depression.

Homeopathy — A form of medicine that relies on minute amounts of herbs, minerals, and other substances to stimulate natural defenses against disease. It is more widely used in Western Europe than the United States. Developed in the late 18th century by Samuel Hahnemann, M.D., the therapy uses the "law of similars" to treat disease. That is, if large amounts of a substance such as quinine cause symptoms of an illness in a healthy person, then smaller amounts should be used for the cure.

Imagery — The use of the imagination to help heal the body. For instance, someone who is experiencing lower back pain might imagine a block of ice melting inside his neck, such that cool water drips down his back, extinguishing the pain.

Juice Therapy — Fruit and vegetable juices, alternative practitioners believe, stimulate digestion, bolster the immune system, and help to eliminate toxins from the body. Some believe that juices can also help heal infections and cure stomach ulcers.

Massage — Massage can help with both muscle pain and stress-related conditions. People trained in massage are familiar with several different techniques that are believed to help improve blood circulation and digestion, increase mobility in joints, and reduce swelling and inflammation.

Reflexology — Some believe that certain spots on the feet are directly linked to other parts of the body and that massaging the feet can help those parts heal themselves. For instance, reflexology is believed to help with insomnia and indigestion.

Relaxation and Meditation — They are known to help with stress-related conditions such as migraines and peptic ulcers, but researchers also believe they help to curb smoking, relieve back pain, and curtail premenstrual syndrome. When used in conjunction with professional medical care, some believe they can also help control diabetes, psoriasis, rheumatoid arthritis, and depression.

Sound Therapy — Listening to soothing sounds and music is intended to help with many medical problems, from tooth pain to Alzheimer's disease. Some studies have shown that music, besides easing stress, can also relieve pain and improve memory.

Vitamin and Mineral Therapy — Some nutrients are found only in small doses in food, so some believe that it is important to take vitamin and mineral supplements. Evidence suggests that high doses of certain nutrients can have various positive effects, such as slowing the aging process and staving off heart disease, strokes, and some cancers.

Yoga — The term comes from the Sanskrit meaning "to yoke." The purpose is to balance mind, body, and breath. Yoga, while encompassing a philosophy of its own, is best known in the West for its series of poses and breathing techniques. Classic yoga texts teach that practicing yoga increases the body's prana, or vital energy. Some of the steps, including poses and yoga breathing exercises, form what is known as hatha yoga.

(Editor's note: This glossary was adapted from the 1995 book New Choices in Natural Healing, edited by Bill Gottlieb and published by Rodale Press, Emmaus, Pa.)