Foundations of Wellness Coaching
Expert-defined terms from the Certificate in Functional Medicine and Wellness Coaching course at London School of International Business. Free to read, free to share, paired with a globally recognised certification pathway.
A : #
A:
Acupuncture #
a traditional Chinese medicine practice that involves inserting thin needles into specific points on the body to stimulate energy flow and promote healing.
Aerobic exercise #
physical activity that increases heart rate and breathing for an extended period, improving cardiovascular health and endurance.
Amino acids #
organic compounds that form proteins, essential for growth, repair, and maintaining good health.
Anthropometrics #
measurements of human body characteristics, such as height, weight, blood pressure, and waist-to-hip ratio.
Antioxidants #
substances that protect cells from damage caused by free radicals, reducing the risk of chronic diseases.
Ayurveda #
an ancient Indian system of medicine that emphasizes balance in the body, mind, and consciousness through diet, lifestyle, and herbal remedies.
B : #
B:
Biofeedback #
a technique that uses electronic devices to measure and provide real-time feedback on body functions, enabling individuals to learn to control them voluntarily.
Blood sugar #
the concentration of glucose in the blood, a critical factor in maintaining energy levels and preventing diabetes.
Body composition #
the proportion of fat, muscle, bone, and water in the body, indicating overall health and fitness.
Brain #
gut axis: the complex communication network between the brain and the gastrointestinal tract, influencing mood, appetite, and digestion.
C : #
C:
Caloric balance #
the balance between caloric intake and energy expenditure, critical for maintaining a healthy weight.
Cardiovascular disease #
a class of diseases that affect the heart and blood vessels, including heart attack, stroke, and high blood pressure.
Chakras #
energy centers in the body according to Hindu and Buddhist traditions, believed to influence physical, emotional, and spiritual health.
Chiropractic #
a complementary medicine practice that focuses on the relationship between the spine and the nervous system, using manual manipulation to relieve pain and improve function.
Circadian rhythm #
the internal biological clock that regulates sleep-wake cycles, hormone production, and other physiological processes.
Coaching psychology #
the application of psychological principles and techniques to help individuals achieve their goals and improve their well-being.
Cognitive #
behavioral therapy: a type of psychotherapy that focuses on changing negative thought patterns and behaviors to improve mental health.
Complementary and alternative medicine #
healthcare practices that are not typically part of conventional medicine, such as acupuncture, herbal medicine, and chiropractic.
Cortisol #
a hormone released in response to stress, regulating metabolism, immune function, and other physiological processes.
Craniosacral therapy #
a manual therapy that involves gentle manipulation of the skull and spine to improve the flow of cerebrospinal fluid and promote relaxation.
Culinary medicine #
the practice of using food and cooking as medicine to prevent and treat illnesses.
D : #
D:
Detoxification #
the process of removing toxins from the body, often through diet, supplements, or other therapies.
Diaphragmatic breathing #
a breathing technique that involves contracting the diaphragm to fill the lungs with air, promoting relaxation and reducing stress.
Digestive enzymes #
proteins that break down food molecules into smaller units, facilitating absorption and utilization.
DNA methylation #
a process that adds methyl groups to DNA molecules, regulating gene expression and influencing health outcomes.
Doshas #
the three energies that govern the body according to Ayurveda: Vata, Pitta, and Kapha.
Dry brushing #
a technique that involves brushing the skin with a dry brush to stimulate lymphatic flow and remove dead skin cells.
E : #
E:
Eating behaviors #
patterns of food intake, including frequency, quantity, and quality of food, as well as meal timing and environment.
Echinacea #
a herb used in traditional medicine to boost the immune system and treat respiratory infections.
Electrolytes #
minerals in the body that carry an electric charge, essential for nerve function, muscle contraction, and fluid balance.
Emotional intelligence #
the ability to recognize, understand, and manage emotions in oneself and others, critical for effective communication and relationships.
Epigenetics #
the study of changes in gene expression that do not involve alterations to the DNA sequence, influenced by environmental factors and lifestyle choices.
Essential oils #
volatile aromatic compounds extracted from plants, used in aromatherapy and other applications for their therapeutic properties.
Exercise adherence #
the ability to maintain regular physical activity over time, influenced by motivation, self-efficacy, and other factors.
Exercise physiology #
the study of how the body responds to physical activity, including the acute and chronic effects on physiological systems.
Exposure therapy #
a type of psychotherapy that involves gradually exposing individuals to feared stimuli to reduce anxiety and avoidance behaviors.
F : #
F:
Fasting #
the practice of abstaining from food and drink for a period, often used for religious or therapeutic purposes.
Fatty acids #
chains of carbon atoms with attached hydrogen atoms, found in fats and oils, essential for energy, membrane structure, and hormone production.
Fiber #
the indigestible part of plant foods, essential for gut health, bowel regularity, and blood sugar control.
Fitness assessment #
a comprehensive evaluation of an individual's physical fitness, including cardiovascular health, muscle strength, flexibility, and body composition.
Flower essence therapy #
a form of energy medicine that uses diluted extracts of flowers to address emotional and spiritual imbalances.
Food journaling #
the practice of recording food intake, often used to identify patterns of eating and improve diet quality.
Food sensitivity #
an adverse reaction to certain foods, often less severe than a food allergy, and may involve immune or non-immune mechanisms.
G : #
G:
GABA #
a neurotransmitter that inhibits nerve activity, promoting relaxation and reducing anxiety.
Gastrointestinal microbiome #
the community of microorganisms that inhabit the digestive tract, influencing gut health, immunity, and overall health.
Genomic medicine #
the application of genomic information to improve healthcare, including diagnosis, treatment, and prevention of diseases.
Gluten #
a protein found in wheat, barley, and rye, causing adverse reactions in individuals with celiac disease or non-celiac gluten sensitivity.
Glycemic index #
a measure of how quickly a food raises blood sugar levels, used to guide carbohydrate choices for diabetes management and weight loss.
Gut #
brain axis: