Mindblown: a blog about philosophy.

A device for administering a medication by spraying a fine mist. Also known as atomizer.

The ability to see near objects more clearly than distant objects. Also called myopia . Myopia can be caused by a longer-than-normal eyeball or by any condition that prevents light rays from focusing on the retina. Most forms of myopia can be managed with corrective lenses. Surgery is available to permanently correct some forms of myopia, although long-term…

Abbreviation for Doctor of Naturopathic Medicine; Natural death; Newcastle disease; Normal delivery; Notifiable disease.

Nerve conduction study.

The umbilicus, the former site of attachment of the umbilical cord, usually found in about the middle of the abdominal wall. The appearance of the navel depends on how the cord was cut and also on the condition of the underlying muscle. If the muscles are firm and the cut was close enough to the belly, the navel will go…

Stomach queasiness, the urge to vomit. Nausea can be brought on by many causes, including systemic illnesses (such as influenza), medications, pain, and inner ear disease.

A system of therapy that is based on preventive care and on the use of physical forces such as heat, water, light, air, and massage as primary therapies for disease. Some naturopaths use no medications, either pharmaceutical or herbal. Some recommend herbal remedies only. A few who are licensed to prescribe may recommend pharmaceuticals in…

A type of study in which the researcher very carefully observes and records some behavior or phenomenon, sometimes over a prolonged period, in its natural setting while interfering as little as possible with the subjects or phenomena. In medical research, a naturalistic study usually involves observing people as they go about their normal activities. The presence of…

Immunity that is naturally existing, Natural immunity does not require prior sensitization to an antigen.

Causing natriuresis, the excretion of an excessively large amount of sodium in the urine. A hybrid of the Latin natrium = sodium and the Greek ouresis = a making water.