The language of integrative medicine

Biomedical language, also known as biomedical English, is sufficiently different from general English to warrant treatment as a distinct language. Biomedical language has its own conventions of grammar, phraseology and discourse, as well as a lexicon which is complex and esoteric. Furthermore, each sub-discipline, such as integrative medicine, has a unique vocabulary which must be mastered in order to achieve fluency. In this article, the vocabulary specific to acupuncture is identified, and strategies are introduced to master the use of that vocabulary.