Definitions of Alternative Medicine, Complementary Medicine, Adjunctive Medicine - Part 3 of 13

Bach flower therapy (Bach flower essence method, Bach flower essence system): Quasi-homeopathic system of ostensible diagnosis and treatment developed in the 1930s by British physician Edward Bach (1886-1936). Bach put forth his philosophy in Heal Thyself: An Explanation of the Real Cause and Cure of Disease, first published in 1931. Therein he described five "fundamental truths," in sum: (1) Souls, invincible and immortal sparks of the Almighty, are the "real," "Higher" selves of humans. (2) Humanity's purpose is to develop virtues and wipe out all intrapersonal wrongs. Souls know what circumstances conduce to the perfection of human nature. (3) One's lifetime is a minuscule part of one's evolution. (4) When one's "Soul" and personality are "in harmony," one is healthy and happy. The straying of the personality from the dictates of the "Soul" is the "root cause" of disease and unhappiness. (5) The "Creator of all things" is "Love," and everything of which humans are conscious manifests the "Creator." Bach held that disease was essentially beneficial and that its design was to subject the personality to the "Divine will" of the "Soul." Supposedly, he "psychically" discovered the specific "healing" effects of 38 wildflowers. The life force ("soul quality" or "energy wavelength") of each of these flowers allegedly is transferable to water and thence to humans. Each of the so-called Bach flower remedies is a liquid that supposedly contains a "soul quality" with an affinity to a human "soul quality"; and each vegetable "soul quality" allegedly harmonizes its human counterpart with the "Soul." The bases of classical "diagnosis" are conversation and intuition. Administration of the "remedies" is usually oral but may be external.

behavioral kinesiology (BK): Brand of applied kinesiology developed by psychiatrist John Diamond, M.D., author of Behavioural Kinesiology: How to Activate Your Thymus and Increase Your Life Energy (Harper and Row, 1979). Therein, he defined BK as "an integration of psychiatry, psychosomatic medicine, kinesiology, preventive medicine and the humanities."

B.E.S.T. (Morter Bio Energetic Synchronization Technique, Morter B.E.S.T., Morter B.E.S.T. Technique; originally called "bio energetics"): Chiropractic variation of self-healing and Polarity Therapy developed in 1974 by M.T. Morter, Jr., M.A., D.C., developed the method in 1974. Its theory posits "Innate Intelligence": an "internal force" that totally regulates health.

Bi-Digital O-Ring Test Molecular Identification Method (Bi-Digital O-Ring Test, O-Ring technique): Means of determining internal-organ "representation areas" on the human tongue. Theoretically, this enhances tongue acupuncture and TCM tongue diagnosis. Yoshiaki Omura, M.D., Sc.D., developed the method in New York City. It includes the Direct Bi-Digital O-Ring Test Method and the Indirect "Bi-Digital O-Ring Test." Omura has promoted the method worldwide, and there are "O-ring societies" in Europe and Japan.

Biodynamic psychology (Biodynamic therapy): "Therapeutic approach" developed by Gerda Boyesen, a clinical psychologist and physiotherapist of Norwegian birth. It is related to bioenergetics. One of its postulates is that, when bodily fluids do not circulate efficiently or tissues are not "properly cleansed," "emotional tensions or blockages" show up and prevent "bioenergy" from vitalizing the body.

Bioelectronic diagnosis: Form of "diagnosis" exemplified by radionic diagnosis. It involves using: (a) a tissue sample (e.g., blood, hair, or saliva), purportedly to "tune into" the patient's "vibrational state" ("rhythm"); and (b) "special instruments" that allegedly concentrate "the energy field."

Bio-energetic healing: Apparently, the mode of "healing" practiced by Zev Kolman, a native of Tel Aviv, Israel. Its apparent postulate is that "body energy" brought to one's hands can often cure others.

bioenergetics 1. (Bioenergetic Analysis, bioenergetic method): Offshoot of Reichian Therapy developed by psychiatrist Alexander Lowen (b. 1910), author of Language of the Body (1958). Its theory posits "bioenergy" ("life energy"), and its postulate is that all bodily cells record emotional or "energetic" reactions. Proponents hold that such cellular "memories" are adaptable to healing and consciousness-raising, and that patients can release them by crying, screaming, and kicking. Practitioners may be called "bioenergeticists." 2. "Science" practiced by former boxing instructor Yefim Shubentsov, called "The Russian" and "The Mad Russian." It is a treatment for phobias, addiction, bulimia, overeating, pain, migraines, and hearing deficiency. According to its theory, such problems are remediable through effects on the patient's force fields.

bio-iridology: Mode of "treatment" selection based on the color of the iris and iris markings. One of its underlying purported purposes is to balance body, mind, and spirit. Bio-iridology's "treatment" options encompass chiropractic, "deep yoga breathing exercises," dietary modification, dietary supplements, and herbs.

biomagnetic therapy (magnetic therapy): Method taught by Michael Tierra (see "Planetary Herbology"), author of Biomagnetic and Herbal Therapy. Biomagnetic therapy centers on using magnets to treat pain and disease. According to its theory, a magnet's north pole causes contraction and its south pole dissipates "energy." Biomagnetic therapy is purportedly usable to move Qi and to balance bodily "energy." It appears identical to magnet therapy.

biorhythm: Allegedly scientific method developed separately by Viennese psychology professor Dr. Herman Swoboda (1873-1963) and Berlin physician William Fliess (1859-1928). It is a purported means of predicting human conditions and susceptibilities. Its postulate is that three fundamental biological cycles (biorhythms) are calculable from the date of one's birth. Swoboda and Fliess posited two cycles: (1) a "physical" cycle of 23 days, supposedly predictive of one's level of strength, coordination, immunity, and self-confidence; and (2) a "sensitivity" cycle of 28 days, allegedly predictive of emotional changes. In the 1920s, Austrian engineer Dr. Alfred Teltscher posited a third cycle, 33 days long and supposedly predictive of intellectual performance. According to proponents, "vital energy" is high on "positive" days and relatively low on "negative" days. George S. Thommen popularized biorhythm in Is This Your Day? (1973).

Black Hat Tantric Buddhist Feng Shui (Black Hat Sect Feng Shui): Form of feng shui promoted by Nancy SantoPietro, a psychotherapist specializing in the "psycho-spiritual healing process." SantoPietro has claimed that, when one's environment is "aligned," one's chi can flow and all things are possible. The Black Hat Sect is an "esoteric" school of feng shui that emphasizes YI: "the powerful use of blessings."

bleeding manipulation (bloodletting therapy): Component of Chinese auricular therapy that is a form of acupoint bloodletting.

Blue Water technique: Mode of meditation advanced by Lawrence LeShan, Ph.D., in Meditating to Attain a Healthy Body Weight (Doubleday, 1994). It supposedly involves using one's "consciousness" to search one's body for the source of hunger or pain. The meditator purportedly locates the source and, three times, visualizes blue water slowly filling the area and then draining from it.

Body Mapping Technique (Body Mapping System): Method advanced, and apparently originated and named, by Marcia Mae, an "intuitive transformational bodyworker" (see "transformational bodywork" and "transformation-oriented bodywork"). Apparently, the Body Mapping Technique is a purported way to release "cellular memories" and to "recode" the body with messages of unconditional love.

Body-Mind Centering®: Form of somatic therapy promoted by The School for Body-Mind Centering, in Amherst, Massachusetts. It involves guided imagery. Apparently, Bonnie Bainbridge Cohen, who founded the school in 1973, originated the method. Cohen is the author of Sensing, Feeling and Action.

body reflexology: System of reflexology or acupressure that encompasses pressing, pulling, massaging, and clamping "reflex points" on the face, tongue, ears, scalp, nape, hands, crotch, buttocks, shins, and feet. These so-called reflex points, also termed "reflexes" and "reflex buttons," include about a hundred pinnal acupoints. Body Reflexology: Healing at Your Fingertips (1994) defines "reflex points" as "energy junctions that relay and reinforce energy along meridian lines of the body, passing energy toward the organs and the nervous system." The book states that the palm of the right hand is "positive" and "stimulates energy," and that the palm of the left hand is "negative," sedative, and "cleaning."

bodywork (Bodywork Therapy, bodywork therapies): A potpourri of methods typified by exercising, manipulating, and/or manually (especially digitally) touching the body. It overlaps with energy field work. The expression "bodywork" is generally interchangeable with "hands-on healing" and "hands-on health." The major categories of bodywork are: (a) massage therapy, (b) body-centered psychotherapy, and (c) touch therapy. Its major foci are: (a) body structure (e.g., chiropractic), (b) "body armor" (e.g., Reichian Therapy), (c) chi or "vital energy" (e.g., acupressure massage, acupuncture, and jin shinn), (d) relaxation (e.g., lomi-lomi and Swedish massage), and (e) the alleged "subtle body" (e.g., Reiki and Therapeutic Touch). The word "bodyworkers" apparently refers to practitioners of any form of bodywork that is not categorizable as acupuncture, chiropractic "adjustments," osteopathy, body-centered psychotherapy, touch therapy, or energy field work.

Bowen Technique (Bowen therapeutic technique, Bowen Therapy): Form of bodywork and vibrational healing (see "vibrational medicine") originated by Australian engineer Tom Bowen (d. 1982) in the early 1950s, developed by Oswald Rentsch (an osteopath) and Elaine Rentsch (who holds a diploma in Bach flower therapy) in Australia, and introduced in the United States in 1990. Its theory posits chi ("universal life energy") and human "energy vortexes." ("Bowen System" and "Bowen Technique" may be synonymous.)

Breatharianism (breatharian): "Dietary practice" advocated in the 1980s by Wiley Brooks, author of Man's Higher Consciousness. Brooks claimed that food is a "poison" and that breathing is sufficient for life.

breathwork (Breath Work, conscious breathing): Multiform "healing modality" characterized by stylized breathing. Its purported design is to effect physical, emotional, and spiritual change. Breathwork allegedly: (a) can dissolve "limiting programs" that are "stored" in the mind and body; and (b) increases one's ability to handle "more energy." Modes of breathwork include rebirthing, "Essential Breathing," "Middendorf," and "Vivation."

Buddhist Medicine: A method that encompasses moxibustion and shiatsu massage.

Buddhist psychology: Alleged comprehensive science of mind and being. It includes "Abhidharma analysis." (The Abhidharma is the third part of the Buddhist canon.)

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