Question 1

Before considering an alternative medical treatment, a wise consumer will do all of the following EXCEPT

Accepted Answer

It is not wise to trust practitioners' promises without doing research or asking for references. It is important to do all of the other options listed to make an informed decision about alternative medical treatments.

Question 2

Which form of energy medicine is derived from the Japanese word representing "universal life energy"?

Accepted Answer

Reiki is a form of energy medicine that originated in Japan and is based on the concept of "ki," also known as "qi" or "chi," which refers to universal life energy. The word "Reiki" itself means "spiritual energy." Qigong, tai chi, and shiatsu are also forms of energy medicine, but they are not specifically derived from the Japanese concept of "ki."

Question 3

Naturopathy refers to a

Accepted Answer

Naturopathy is a holistic approach to health and healing that focuses on natural remedies and the body's inherent ability to heal itself. Practitioners of naturopathy seek to identify the root causes of illness and promote overall wellness by addressing physical, emotional, and spiritual factors that contribute to health. Naturopathy includes a range of therapies, including nutritional counseling, herbal medicine, and physical therapies like massage and acupuncture. Naturopathy focuses on treating the whole person rather than just the symptoms of an illness.

Question 4

Which therapeutic system is based on administration of extremely diluted doses of natural agents that produce symptoms in large doses but are believed to produce a cure when given in minute doses?

Accepted Answer

This therapeutic system is homeopathy, which is based on the principle that "like cures like." It uses extremely diluted doses of natural substances to stimulate the body's healing process. The substances used are chosen based on their ability to produce symptoms in healthy individuals, but are believed to cure those same symptoms in small doses.

Question 5

All of the following are forms of bodywork EXCEPT

Accepted Answer

Reflexology is not considered a form of bodywork, but rather a form of alternative medicine that focuses on the feet and hands to promote healing in other parts of the body through pressure points.

Question 6

Which CAM modality focuses on the manipulation of biofields?

Accepted Answer

Energy medicine is the CAM modality that focuses on the manipulation of biofields, which are believed to surround and flow through the human body. Techniques used in energy medicine include Reiki, therapeutic touch, and acupuncture. Homeopathy is a modality that uses highly diluted substances to treat ailments, Ayurvedic medicine is a holistic healing system that originated in India, and Traditional Chinese medicine includes modalities such as acupuncture, herbal medicine, and massage therapy.

Question 7

A person who administers minute doses of natural substances derived from plants, animals, and minerals is which type of CAM practitioner?

Accepted Answer

A person who administers minute doses of natural substances derived from plants, animals, and minerals is a homeopath. Naturopaths use a variety of natural therapies including herbs, nutrition, and acupuncture, Ayurvedic practitioners use traditional Indian medicine, and Chinese medicine practitioners use traditional Chinese medicine including acupuncture and herbal remedies.

Question 8

The CAM therapy that Americans have come to rely on heavily for treatment of musculoskeletal problems and that many insurance companies will now cover is

Accepted Answer

Chiropractic medicine is a CAM therapy that Americans commonly rely on for the treatment of musculoskeletal problems. It involves manipulative techniques to adjust the spine and other joints, with the belief that it can improve overall health and relieve pain. Many insurance companies now provide coverage for chiropractic services, making it a frequently used alternative therapy.

Question 9

A form of traditional Chinese medicine that is based on knowledge of the body's energy channels but does not involve the insertion of needles is

Accepted Answer

Acupressure is a form of traditional Chinese medicine that is based on the same principles as acupuncture, but instead of needles, it involves the application of pressure to specific points on the body using fingers, hands, or tools. Tai chi is a martial art that involves slow, flowing movements and deep breathing, which can improve mental and physical health. Reiki is a Japanese therapy that involves the use of the practitioner's hands to transfer healing energy to the patient.

Question 10

In traditional Chinese medicine, the vital energy force that courses through the body is

Accepted Answer

In traditional Chinese medicine, the vital energy force that courses through the body is called qi (or chi). Qigong and tai chi are practices that help to cultivate and balance the flow of qi, but they are not the name of the energy force itself. Yang is a concept in Chinese philosophy related to the interplay of opposite forces and is not specifically related to the body's energy flow.

Question 11

You are seeking to balance your body, mind, and spirit and reduce stress-related symptoms by eliminating impurities in your body. You decide to consult with a practitioner of

Accepted Answer

Ayurvedic medicine is a holistic approach to health that seeks to balance the body, mind, and spirit. It also involves the elimination of toxins from the body through practices such as diet, herbs, and cleansing techniques. Ayurvedic practitioners may also recommend stress-reducing practices, such as yoga and meditation.

Question 12

Chiropractic medicine is based on the idea that

Accepted Answer

Chiropractic medicine is based on the idea that energy flows through the spine via nerves and if the spine is not properly aligned, the energy is disrupted. Soft-tissue manipulation may be used to correct this misalignment and restore health. The practice does not typically place emphasis on balance of vital energy or spiritual harmony.

Question 13

The National Center for Complementary and Alternative Medicine serves as an information clearinghouse and conducts research and educational programs. The Center is part of which federal agency?

Accepted Answer

The National Center for Complementary and Alternative Medicine is part of the National Institutes of Health. The Food and Drug Administration, Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, and Department of Health and Human Services are separate federal agencies.

Question 14

All of the following are examples of conventional medical treatment EXCEPT

Accepted Answer

Acupuncture is not considered a conventional medical treatment in all countries. While it is recognized as a form of therapy in some countries, it is not universally accepted as a conventional medical treatment.

Question 15

A Japanese massage technique based on applying pressure to traditional acupuncture points to unblock energy flow is

Accepted Answer

Shiatsu is a Japanese massage technique that involves applying pressure to traditional acupuncture points on the body to release tension and promote the flow of energy (known as chi or qi). It is a form of acupressure that can help to improve circulation, reduce stress and pain, and enhance overall well-being. The other options (relaxation, trigger point, deep tissue) are types of massage, but they do not specifically focus on applying pressure to acupuncture points.

Question 16

Which CAM modality focuses on balancing qi (chi) through acupuncture, massage, energy therapies, and herbal treatments?

Accepted Answer

Traditional Chinese medicine focuses on balancing qi (chi) through acupuncture, massage, energy therapies, and herbal treatments.

Question 17

Chiropractors

Accepted Answer

Chiropractic treatment has been shown to be effective for conditions like low back pain, neck pain, and headaches according to some studies and clinical guidelines.

Question 18

Ayurveda refers to

Accepted Answer

Ayurveda is a holistic approach to medicine that originated in India and is based on the belief that every person has a unique body type, or dosha, which determines their physical and mental characteristics. The three doshas are vata, pitta, and kapha. Ayurvedic treatments aim to balance these doshas through various means such as diet, herbs, yoga, and meditation.

Question 19

Traditional Chinese medicine is an example of

Accepted Answer

Traditional Chinese medicine is considered an alternative medical system, meaning it is a non-mainstream approach to healthcare that is not typically taught in Western medical schools or used in conventional medical settings. It is an entire system of medicine that includes acupuncture, herbal medicine, dietary therapy, and other modalities.

Question 20

A form of traditional Chinese medicine that involves the insertion of fine needles at specific points along the body's energy channels is

Accepted Answer

Acupuncture is the only option given that involves the insertion of needles at specific points along energy channels in the body, also known as meridians. Acupressure uses hand pressure instead of needles, tai chi is a form of exercise and movement therapy, and reiki involves the use of energy healing techniques without physical manipulation of the body.

Quiz 21: Understanding Complementary and Alternative Medicine