Deep Tissue Bodywork: This is a general term for a range of therapies
that seek to improve the function of the body’s connective tissues and/or
muscles. Among the conditions treated are whiplash, low back and neck pain, and
degenerative diseases, such as multiple sclerosis.
Dentistry, Holistic: Holistic dentists are licensed dentists who bring
an interdisciplinary approach to their practice, often incorporating such
methods as homeopathy, nutrition and acupuncture into their treatment plans.
Most holistic dentists emphasize wellness and preventive care and avoid
silver-mercury fillings.
Diathermy: Deep-heat therapy that uses high-frequency electric
currents to produce heat in body tissues. Physical therapists and sports
physicians use diathermy to treat arthritis, bursitis, and fractures. It also
may help treat gynecological diseases and sinusitis.
Dietary Supplement: A product intended to supply nutrients and other
healthful substances that may be lacking in a diet. Term used to apply only to
vitamins, minerals, and proteins. Herbs are now classified as dietary
supplements, and the definition also includes amino acids, glandulars (processed
animal glands), enzymes, fish oils, and various extracts, such as flower
essences. While their labels may not make any claims to cure, prevent, treat, or
mitigate a disease, they can claim to help a structure or function of the body.
Unlike food additives and prescription and over-the-counter drugs, dietary
supplements do not require FDA approval to be sold on the market.
DMSO (Dimethyl Sulfoxide): Solvent capable of passing through body
tissues, approved by the FDA to treat one medical condition, interstitial
cystitis (an uncommon bladder inflammation). Proponents & manufacturers
claim that DMSO heals a wide range of problems (including bruises, pimples,
Herpes) and relieves pain from conditions such as muscle strains. They credit
DMSO with the ability to kill bacteria and fungi, improve circulation, and
stimulate the immune system. DMSO produces strong garlic breath in users, even
when used topically or intravenously.
Dream Therapy: Mental activity associated with the rapid-eye-movement
period of sleep. Generally consists of visual images and may reflect bodily
disturbances or external stimuli. In primitive and ancient cultures, dreams
played an extensive role in myth and religion. Freud emphasized dreams as keys
to the makeup of the individual and distinguished between the experienced
content of a dream and the actual meaning of the dream. Jung held that dreams
are not limited to the personal unconscious but may also be shaped by archetypes
that originate in the collective unconscious of the human species.
Drug Therapy: Various drugs are used to alleviate symptoms of some
mental illnesses. Lithium is used in alleviating symptoms of manic depression.
Tranquilizers are used to reduce anxiety. All drugs have side effects, such as
Ritalin, which is prescribed for hyperactive children, and can retard physical
growth.
