Alternative Medicine Trivia

1. Which alternative medicine involves slim needles being inserted into the skin in the belief that they will alleviate pain?

From Quiz What's The Alternative?

Answer: Acupuncture

Acupuncture is a traditional Chinese medicine in which needles are inserted into acupuncture points on the body, to facilitate the flow of "qi", believed to be a vital force present in any living entity. However, there is no scientific evidence that "qi" or even acupuncture points exist and while research would suggest that some existing pain may be alleviated after acupuncture, it is thought that this is due to neuroscience rather than any effect of the acupuncture.

From Quiz Acupuncture is a Jab Well Done

Answer: No, but there will be some sensation as the needles are inserted

As a general rule there will be a slight sensation as the needle is inserted. Once the needle is in place there should not be any pain at all, however, it must be remembered that everyone will have differing tolerances to pain. Additionally, some patients may have an illness that will make them much more sensitive to pain. A good practitioner should be able to ascertain this through questioning at the diagnosis phase.

From Quiz Homeopathic Terminology

Answer: Belladonna

"Beautiful woman" in Italian is "bella donna" and the preparation in question. Many homeopathic preparations take their names from their source. In this case the plant name is Atropa belladonna, more commonly known as the deadly nightshade. Some of the common names for the species are banewort, devil's cherries, and devil's herb. Atropa belladonna comes from the nightshade family which includes potatoes, tomatoes, and egg plants.

From Quiz Different ways to look at healing

Answer: neti

A warm salt water solution does a great job of cleaning out the sinuses, and it doesn't put you to sleep!

From Quiz Homeopathy

Answer: Hahnemann

Samuel Hahnemann, a German physician was the founder of homeopathy. While he was involved in his translation work, Hahnemann read that cinchona, which is used to cure malaria, causes malaria-like symptoms when given to a healthy person. Keeping this concept in mind, Hahnemann stated the core principle of homeopathy which is 'Similia Similibus Curanter' which means 'Like cures Like'.

From Quiz Essential Oils: The Basics

Answer: Volatile Oils

They are called volatile oils because they evaporate easily. Hydrosols are a direct product of the essential oil distillation process, an aromatic water.

From Quiz What's The Alternative?

Answer: Hands and Feet

Reflexologists believe that areas of the body are reflected on the hands and feet, therefore massaging the relevant point on the hand or foot will cause physical change in the associated area of the body. Although the practice has been reviewed many times, there is no scientific evidence that reflexology is an effective treatment for any medical condition. It remains a popular alternative therapy however with over 25% of Danes receiving treatment each year and UK high street chemist "Boots" offering complementary clinics featuring reflexology.

From Quiz Homeopathic Terminology

Answer: Nux Vomica

Vomiting is very similar to Vomica, part of the answer. In this case the homeopathic source is the Strychnine or Poison-nut tree, scientific name Nux vomica. This brings up an interesting point. In scientific terminology the second word is never capitalized but in homeopathic preparations it can be and usually is capitalized. For clarity I will put (sn) for scientific names and (hn) for homeopathic names from now on. Nux Vomica(hn) is supposed to treat nausea and other stomach ailments but no scientific evidence supports this claim. The Strychnine tree is an evergreen native to southeast Asia. Its seeds are a source of the highly poisonous brucine.

From Quiz Ayurveda - Traditional Indian Medicine

Answer: Dhanvantari

An avatar of Vishnu, Dhanvantari is the physician of the Hindu gods. His medical practices (including the use of herbs and spices, and basic surgical techniques) are credited with forming the basis of Ayurveda. Hindu writings state that Dhanvantari emerged from the cosmic ocean of milk during the great churning. Among others to appear in similar fashion were Kamadhenu (the sacred wish- fulfilling cow), Airavata (the white elephant), and Shri Laxmi (the Goddess of Wealth).

From Quiz Different ways to look at healing

Answer: very fine steel needles

Syringe needles are hollow, and used for vaccinations. Your mom probably used very fine sewing needles to remove splinters acquired during your youthful ventures. Acupuncture uses different weights of needles, but they are all very fine - you really don't feel them unless it's put into just the right spot. And then it isn't the needle you're feeling...!

From Quiz Essential Oils: The Basics

Answer: Gattefosse

Gattefosse was a French chemist who worked in his family's perfume business. In 1904 Cuthbert Hall was isolating active constituents of eucalyptus. Dr. Valnet published "Aromatherapie" in 1964. Madame Maury studied the work of Valnet and applied it to her beauty therapy.

From Quiz Chinese Medicine

Answer: 2000 years old

The first description of acupuncture is in "The Yellow Emperor's Classic of Internal Medicine" ("Huang Di Nei Jing") which was once believed to date back 4,700 years, but is now thought to have been written about 2,100 years ago.

From Quiz What's The Alternative?

Answer: Auriculotherapy

Much like reflexologists believe that the entire body is mapped on the hands and feet, practitioners of auriculotherapy believe the same is true of the ear, specifically the auricle, or outer portion of the ear. Acupuncture needles are used to treat a variety of physical, mental or emotional health issues, but there is no scientific evidence to substantiate claims that auriculotherapy offers any benefits.

From Quiz Acupuncture is a Jab Well Done

Answer: Qi or Chi

Traditional Chinese Medicine (TCM) describes qi as a 'vital energy' that moves through all life forms. At times, when an illness arises, it is believed that your qi is blocked. Acupuncture uses needles inserted into the body at specific points, along lines called meridians, The needles are then twirled or manipulated to remove these blockages and restore balance.

From Quiz Different ways to look at healing

Answer: Inserting a lit candle into the ear to alleviate earwax buildup.

Proponents of this procedure feel it pulls toxins and wax from the inner ear by causing a vacuum within the ear. Opponents feel it is more likely to cause fires, and the only wax accumulation is from the candle itself. Who's right?

From Quiz What's The Alternative?

Answer: Reiki

Reiki is of Japanese origin and works on the belief that a practitioner can draw "qi" or universal energy through the body to the site where healing is required. Despite there being no scientific proof of this universal energy, the practice continues to attract fans and has been recommended for ailments including depression, anxiety and cancer.

From Quiz Acupuncture is a Jab Well Done

Answer: Choosing the first name that appears in the trade pages of your local newspaper

In the hands of a licensed and trained acupuncturist this form of treatment is extremely safe. Remember, you are about to ask someone to stick pins into your body, making sure that they have the necessary qualifications, know what they are doing and ensuring they use clean instruments cannot be overstated.

From Quiz Ayurveda - Traditional Indian Medicine

Answer: Space

Hindus believe that their God used "space" or ether (akasha) to create the other four traditional elements. Anyone puzzled by the option "Leeloo" is directed to Luc Besson's film "The Fifth Element", in particular the character played by Milla Jovovich.

From Quiz Homeopathy

Answer: Disease extracts

Homeopathy uses preparations known as nosodes which are disease extracts. For example, the preparation Tuberculinum is prepared from the diseased lung of a cow afflicted with tuberculosis.

From Quiz What's The Alternative?

Answer: Naturopathy

Naturopaths believe that with their assistance, the human body has the ability to heal itself through a special vital energy present within us. Naturopathy has been around since the late 19th century, yet despite its longevity is considered ineffective and often harmful by many medical practitioners. Naturopaths are often against proven medical treatments such as vaccines and antibiotics. While there is some evidence that some naturopathic treatments can compliment scientifically proven treatments, the practice of naturopathy is unregulated in many countries and actually illegal in the American states of South Carolina and Tennessee.

From Quiz Homeopathic Terminology

Answer: Hypericum Perforatum

Puncture is a synonym for perforate, which looks similar to Perforatum in Hypericum Perforatum(hn). The claim of being a treatment for puncture wounds has no scientific proof. Hypericum perforatum(sn), or St. John's wort as it is commonly known, is used extensively in its herbal form. In fact the use of Hypericum(sn) dates back to ancient Greece.

From Quiz Different ways to look at healing

Answer: Traditional Chinese Medicine

Traditional Chinese Medicine covers herbs, acupuncture, acupressure, moxabustion, cupping, medical massage. TCM is believed to balance the body's pathways for energy (known as "Qi").

From Quiz Homeopathy

Answer: J T Kent

James Tyler Kent is the author of the book 'Lectures on Homeopathic Philosophy'. Hahnemann authored the 'Organon' which describes the principles of homeopathy; Dr. Kent is the author of 'Lectures on Homeopathic philosophy' which explains the principles outlined in Hahnemann's work.

From Quiz Essential Oils: The Basics

Answer: Diffuser

A humidifier puts moisture in the air, an emulsifier breaks down fats, and an oil extractor is something I made up.

From Quiz Different ways to look at healing

Answer: Mugwort (Artemisia vulgaris)

Mugwort is wrapped around the top of an acupuncture needle, and lit, taking the warmth into the acupoint. It might also be warmed in a larger object, like a box, which can sit on a body part without burning it. Admittedly, sandalwood and patchouli would make a much mellower way... And fresh ginger has been used to make an anti-inflammatory poultice when your mom was out of mustard. Weren't you thrilled when Vicks (c) was invented?

From Quiz Homeopathy

Answer: Hahnemann

The founder of homeopathy, Samuel Hahnemann is the author of the work 'Materia Medica Pura'. This work contains the therapeutic usage of sixty four preparations which were 'proved' or 'researched' by Hahnemann himself.

From Quiz Essential Oils: The Basics

Answer: Limbic system

According to G.H. Dodd. "Receptor Events in Perfumery." In: S.van Toller and G.H. Dodd, eds. Perfumery: The Psychology and Biology of Fragrance (London: Chapman and Hall, 1988)

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Last Updated Oct 18 2025 5:47 AM

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