Knowledge Check Flashcards

Which essential oil is most widely researched for its calming and anxiety-reducing effects?

Answer: Lavender

Lavender (Lavandula angustifolia) essential oil has the most clinical evidence for reducing anxiety and promoting relaxation.

In acupuncture, needles are inserted into specific points along meridians primarily to do what?

Answer: Restore the balanced flow of Qi

Acupuncture aims to restore the smooth, balanced flow of Qi through meridians by stimulating specific anatomical points.

Which holistic practice uses sound vibrations from instruments like singing bowls to promote healing?

Answer: Sound healing

Sound healing uses vibrations from instruments—such as Tibetan singing bowls, tuning forks, or gongs—to promote physical and emotional relaxation.

What does the term 'bioavailability' mean in the context of herbal supplements?

Answer: The proportion of a substance that enters circulation and is able to have an active effect

Bioavailability refers to the fraction of an administered substance that reaches systemic circulation in an active form.

Which practice involves fasting or restricted eating periods alternating with normal eating, studied for metabolic and longevity benefits?

Answer: Intermittent fasting

Intermittent fasting cycles between designated fasting and eating windows and has been studied for benefits in metabolic health and cellular autophagy.

Forest bathing (Shinrin-yoku) is a Japanese practice primarily associated with which health benefit?

Answer: Reducing cortisol levels and improving immune function

Research on Shinrin-yoku shows it lowers cortisol, blood pressure, and heart rate while increasing natural killer cell activity.

Which concept in holistic medicine refers to treating the root cause of illness rather than only its surface symptoms?

Answer: Root-cause medicine

Root-cause medicine (also called functional medicine) seeks to identify and address the underlying drivers of disease rather than masking symptoms.