Glossary of terms: C

is a protein produced in the liver which rises in quantity in the blood when there is active Inflammation. In psoriatic arthritis pain may be present with some swelling in a number of small joints without this showing an abnormal result. Increased -when there is active involvement of large joints or widespread bone erosion

a way of hiding things by making them look like part of the surrounding area. 

are large boils with multiple openings which usually appear where the skin is thick in particular the back of the neck. They can reach the size of an apple and cause severe pain, fever and general feeling of being unwell.

pertaining to the heart and blood vessels

any abnormal condition characterised by dysfunction of the heart and blood vessels

are normally associated with older people when the lens clouds over preventing light from reaching the retina. In younger people they can result from an injury, taking certain medication, long-standing inflammation, or illnesses such as diabetes.

an organism that contains all the genetic information required to make a life form

appear as hot, red, swollen patches of itchy skin on toes, feet, fingers and hands after exposure to extreme cold and/or moisture. Normally they will go of their own accord after a few days but occasionally they can become chronic causing discoloration of the skin and painful blisters containing blood stained fluid followed by ulceration.

is an integrated system of primary healthcare that also utilises herbal medicine, massage, exercise and diet. Based on the concepts of yin and yang, the tradition holds that energy known as qi (pronounced chee) or “life energy” flows through the body’s meridians (a network of invisible channels through the body). If the flow of qi in the meridians becomes blocked or there is an inadequate supply of qi, then the body goes out of balance and fails to maintain harmony and order, and disease or illness follows.This can result from stress, overwork, poor diet and environmental conditions.

a healthcare professional who diagnoses and treats disorders of the feet is known as a Chiropodist. Podiatrists (podiatry) and chiropodists (chiropody) complete a 4 year postgraduate educational program leading to a degree of Doctor of Podiatric Medicine The main use of Chiropractic is for musculoskeletal disorders such as neck, shoulder or other joint problems, spine and posture problems, as well as muscle problems, sciatica, RSI, sports injuries and it can also be useful in the treatment of migraine

is concerned with mechanical disorders of the musculoskeletal system and the effects of these disorders on the nervous system and health in general.

is a waxy, fat-like substance that is made in the body by the liver.There are two main types of cholesterol: HDL and LDL. Most cholesterol is LDL (low-density lipoprotein) cholesterol. LDL cholesterol is more likely to clog blood vessels because it carries the cholesterol away from the liver into the bloodstream, where it can stick to the blood vessels. HDL (high-density lipoprotein) cholesterol, on the other hand, carries the cholesterol back to the liver where it is broken down.

a persistent and lasting disease or medical condition or one that has developed slowly. As apposed to acute, which is a disease with a rapid onset and/or a short course.

is a new and very specific test for rheumatoid arthritis.

sunlight can have a beneficial effect on psoriasis. Climatotherapy has been used in the Dead Sea, Israel, for many years. Because of its position at the lowest point on earth and the haze of minerals in the atmosphere over the Dead Sea, burning rays of short wavelength UVB light are filtered out, allowing more exposure to longer wavelength therapeutic UVB rays.

investigational studies of new treatments, new uses of existing treatments, and new screening methods to detect disease.

to form a small group.

coal tar solution is added to bath water for great coverage and penetration, used to treat the scaling, inflammation and itching of psoriasis and other skin disorders

is a rare condition where the lining of the small intestine is damaged by gluten (a protein found in wheat, rye and certain other cereals).

pertaining to the mental processes of comprehension, judgment, memory, and reasoning, as contrasted with emotional processes.

uses coloured rooms, light bulbs and other methods to impart mental and spiritual balance.Therapists can provide recommendations for incorporating certain colours into one's home, wardrobe and other places to promote health and healing

sometimes clinicians will prescribe a product containing one or more active ingredients with different functions. This may be in order to simplify the number of treatments being applied at any one time or because the agents combined together have been shown to act better than when used independently.

a variety of treatments, outside the scope of conventional medical practice, and used alongside standard treatments for example herbal remedies, massage, acupuncture, reflexology, aromatherapy, shiatsu etc.

is much the same as adherence – whether a patient carries out what they are advised.

is a flexible sheath that covers the penis and prevents semen from entering the vagina in sexual intercourse and is used to prevent transmission of an infection and conception.

spread by direct or indirect contact between people (non-contagious: incapable of being transmitted from person to person).

the word given to a process or technique for preventing pregnancy by means of a medication, device, or method that blocks or alters one or more of the processes of reproduction in such a way that sexual union can occur without impregnation.

carries out the research on behalf of a pharmaceutical company.

is an inflammation and tenderness of the cartilage that attaches the front of the ribs to the breastbone. The worst pain is normally between the breast and the upper abdomen and is often more noticeable when sitting or laying down. Stress may aggravate this condition. Any of the costochondral junctions may be affected, and more often than not more than one site is involved. The inflammation can involve cartilage areas on both sides of the sternum, but more often than not is on one side only. Costochondritis should be distinguished from Tietze Syndrome, which is an inflammation involving the same area of the chest, but also includes swelling.

is a process where clients are helped in dealing with their personal and interpersonal conflicts by a third party therapist.

is a gentle, hands-on method of treatment, which involves a health practitioner applying very light touch to the body (usually no greater than 5 grams) to evaluate and enhance the functioning of a body system called the craniosacral system.

are an emulsion of oil and water whipped together.They are well absorbed, less greasy.

is a test which is done on a 24 hour urine sample and a blood sample as a measure of kidney function.

the aim of this type of therapy is to restore wholeness, balance and health on levels of emotions, mind, spirit as well as the physical body.

clinical trial of an investigational medicinal product.

a prescription drug that decreases the body's immune response, used in the treatment of psoriasis.

a sac or pouch within the body, which is usually filled with fluid.

messengers that carry biochemical signals to regulate local and systemic immune responses, inflammatory reactions, wound healing, formation of blood cells, and any other biological processes. In psoriasis, cytokines carry messages that promote overly rapid development of skin cells.