Holistic Medicine Cheat Sheet 2026

The 30 highest-yield Holistic Medicine facts, distilled from real exam questions. Print it, save it as a PDF, or study it here — free, no sign-up.

1. St. John's Wort is primarily used in holistic medicine to address which condition? → Mild to moderate depression
2. Naturopathic medicine uses herbal medicine and acupuncture as therapies. → TRUE
3. The 'Four Examinations' (Si Zhen) in TCM diagnosis include: → Looking, listening/smelling, asking, and touching/palpating
4. In holistic medicine, how is the concept of 'emotional well-being' related to physical health? → Emotional health is inseparable from physical health as they mutually influence each other
5. The concept of 'Jing' (Essence) in TCM refers to: → The essential substance inherited at birth and replenished through lifestyle
6. Tui Na is best described as: → A Chinese therapeutic massage system using specific manipulations on the body
7. Which herb is commonly used in holistic medicine to support liver detoxification? → Milk thistle
8. Kava is used in holistic medicine primarily for which therapeutic purpose? → Anxiety reduction and relaxation
9. What is the primary goal of breathwork practices in holistic medicine? → To regulate the autonomic nervous system and promote physiological calm
10. Which herbal preparation is commonly used topically in holistic medicine to soothe burns and skin irritation? → Aloe vera
11. Which probiotic food is commonly recommended in holistic medicine to support gut health? → Fermented foods like yogurt, kefir, and sauerkraut
12. Which condition has acupuncture received the strongest clinical evidence for treating? → Chronic pain including low back pain, neck pain, and osteoarthritis
13. Which holistic bodywork technique uses gentle rhythmic pressure on the skull and sacrum to balance cerebrospinal fluid flow? → Craniosacral therapy
14. What does biofeedback therapy help patients learn to do? → Consciously control physiological processes like heart rate and muscle tension
15. What is the holistic medicine rationale for recommending an elimination diet? → To identify food sensitivities or intolerances that may be causing symptoms
16. Cupping therapy in TCM primarily works by: → Creating suction on the skin to improve circulation and release fascial tension
17. In holistic medicine, what is the primary benefit of regular mindfulness meditation? → Reduction of stress, anxiety, and cortisol levels
18. What role do omega-3 fatty acids play in holistic dietary therapy? → They reduce inflammation and support cardiovascular and brain health
19. Which form of yoga is most commonly used in US clinical settings for therapeutic purposes? → Hatha yoga
20. What is the holistic medicine perspective on refined sugar consumption? → Excess refined sugar promotes inflammation, dysbiosis, and metabolic dysfunction
21. Which environmental factor is routinely assessed in a comprehensive holistic patient evaluation? → Exposure to toxins, mold, chemicals, or electromagnetic pollution in home and workplace
22. 'De Qi' in acupuncture refers to: → The sensation of heaviness, tingling, or aching felt during needle stimulation
23. What is the foundational concept behind traditional Chinese medicine's theory of acupuncture? → Qi (vital energy) flows through meridians and needling restores balanced flow
24. A red tongue with no coating in TCM typically indicates: → Yin deficiency with heat
25. Which principle in holistic mind-body medicine refers to the body's innate ability to heal itself? → Vis medicatrix naturae (the healing power of nature)
26. Which standardized tool is commonly used in holistic medicine to assess a patient's stress burden? → Perceived Stress Scale (PSS)
27. Which dietary approach emphasizes eating foods as close to their natural state as possible? → Whole-foods diet
28. Which mind-body modality is based on the idea that the body keeps a physical record of emotional trauma? → Somatic therapy
29. India is where Ayurveda medicine originated. As a component of treatment, it encourages regulated breathing. → TRUE
30. Which dietary pattern is most strongly supported by holistic medicine for reducing systemic inflammation? → Mediterranean diet