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GLOSSARY OF CAM THERAPIES
Acupressure refers to the application of finger pressure on known acupuncture points on the body to stimulate the flow of energy (sometimes referred to as Qi or Chi) and to promote self-healing. While based on the same principles as acupuncture, no needles are used to achieve the desired result. Practitioners puts pressure on specific points on the body with their fingers in order to relieve pain and discomfort, prevent tension related ailments, and promote good health. Several traditions and styles of acupressure exist. Jin Shin Jyutsu originated in
Acupuncture, one of the main elements of Traditional Chinese Medicine, is based on the concept of energy flow. Energy, or Qi (pronounced "chee"), is believed to flow through the body on specific pathways called meridians. Proper energy distribution and flow are purported to maintain and promote health, however any interruptions, depletion or stagnation leads to disease. The flow of energy can be restored through the stimulation of points along these meridians. Though commonly done through the use of very fine acupuncture needles, massage and other methods (such as acupressure) can also be used. Thus acupuncture is believed to help the body heal itself by restoring the proper flow of energy.[ www.acupuncture.com ] The following is quoted from the Alexander Technique internet site. “The release of unnecessary muscular tension is vital to our well being; if our muscles are habitually over-tightened our bodies become distorted, unbalanced and compressed. The Alexander Technique offers a way to let go of such destructive tension by learning to monitor the way we coordinate ourselves in any activity so that we can carry out that activity with ...the minimum of strain. The reason (the) Alexander Technique has such wide application is that at the root of much discomfort and pain lies a pattern of habitual tightening, of which we may be unaware. The misuse of ourselves is especially characterized by a tightening of the muscles in the neck and back, causing stiffening of the head on the spine. This tightening also blocks information regarding our sense of balance and interferes with our innate poise and movement. Over time we adapt to -and compensate for- the sensory misinformation conveyed by our habits and lack of self-awareness. We sometimes accept our misuse as normal, not realizing the extent to which we are contributing to our own physical discomfort and stress.” [ www.alexandertechnique.com ] AMMA ® Therapy AMMA Therapy is a system of techniques and treatment strategies that combines traditional Oriental medicine principles in energy flow and Western medical approaches to organ dysfunction. AMMA Therapy “restores, promotes, and maintains optimum health through the treatment of the physical body, its energy flow, and the emotional mind. Unique to AMMA is the understanding of how the emotions reflect, because they are bound to, the neuromuscular system. AMMA Therapy is used as a healing modality to treat a wide range of medical conditions, and its approach includes the use of dietary therapy, herbs, nutritional supplements and the external application of herbal preparations.” From Amma Therapy:A Complete Textbook of Oriental Bodywork and Medical Principles by Tina and Robert Sohn Applied Kinesiology is a diagnostic tool that primarily uses the neuromuscular system and other assessable parameters to diagnose and treat the patient. Considering a triad of chemical, mental and structural factors, it attempts to discover the imbalances disrupting health. The triad is represented by an equilateral triangle with structural health as its base, and the upright sides representing chemical and mental health. When a person experiences poor health, “it is due to an imbalance in one or more of these three factors.” Using manual muscle testing, weak muscles are identified. Weak muscles may be caused by “dysfunction of the nerve supply, impairment of lymph drainage, reduced blood supply, abnormal cerebrospinal fluid pressure affecting a nerve, blockage of an acupuncture meridian, chemical imbalance or organ or gland dysfunction.” Techniques used to remedy these conditions can include joint manipulation or mobilization, myofascial therapies, cranial techniques, meridian therapy, nutrition and diet management and other reflex procedures. The muscles are then retested, and if they are now strong, the restoration of the energy flow of the meridians is confirmed. Although not exclusive, this healing system is commonly associated with chiropractic physicians. [from www.icak.com ]
Aromatherapy concentrates on the uses of “essential” oils to produce effects ranging from relaxation to immune-system enhancement. The term "essential oil" refers to a large class of vegetable-based oils that give plants their odors and other characteristics. These oils may be obtained from various parts of the plant (leaves, roots, flowers, stems, fruits, etc.) by steam or water distillation, expression or extraction. An analysis of the chemical components of essential oils shows that many have anti-bacterial, anti-fungal, anti-viral and anti-parasitic qualities. Many oils support the function of the immune system through their antiseptic and healing qualities. Some oils can affect the hormonal system while others can open emotional blocks. The scent of essential oils is conveyed by the olfactory nerve to areas of the brain and can influence emotions and hormonal responses. Oils can be either inhaled or absorbed through the skin. They act quickly in the body, with some oils being detectable in the breath within minutes after their application to the skin. [ www.naha.org ] Art therapy is a therapy that utilizes art media, images, the artistic creative process, and patient/client responses to the created products as reflections of an individual’s development, abilities, personality, interests, concerns, and conflicts. Art therapy practice is based on knowledge of human developmental and psychological theories which are implemented in the full spectrum of models of assessment and treatment including educational, psychodynamic, cognitive, transpersonal, and other therapeutic means of reconciling emotional conflicts, fostering self-awareness, developing social skills, managing behavior, solving problems, reducing anxiety, aiding reality orientation, and increasing self-esteem" (American Art Therapy Association, 1998, p. 3). [ www.arttherapy.org ] Aura Photography By definition, the “aura” is an electromagnetic energy field that surrounds, encompasses and permeates the body. This electromagnetic energy resonates at specific frequencies, each frequency matching various colors in the color frequency spectrum. A specialized camera and computer that has an electronic frequency sensing plate can detect a person's aura frequency from his or her hand. This frequency is then converted to color and placed on the photograph. A color specialist can then interpret the meaning of the colors in the aura. Aura photography is believed to be a visual image of how the body is functioning. Through the use of this technology, one can potentially gain a deeper insight into the emotional/mental states, health and spiritual well being. Aura reading photography is described as a window to the body, mind and soul. source Aura soma is holistic soul therapy in which the vibrational powers of color, crystals, and natural aromas all used in conbination with light in order to harmonize body, mind, and spirit. The aim of aura soma is to gently lead one towards self-realization and spiritual growth. From the 95 balance oils, one chooses the four bottles to which one feels particularly drawn. The first bottle chosen shows one’s life task. The second bottle points to the greatest difficulties. The third bottle shows how far along the path one has already traveled. The fourth bottle points to future perspectives. The Aura Soma practitioner interprets the selections. [ www.aura-soma.net ] Ayurveda / Ayurvedic Medicine Ayurveda is a holistic system of medicine that originated in “Bioenergetic Analysis is a holistic form of psychotherapy that works with physical, emotional, and mental patterns to reduce emotional stresses. Key is understanding personality in terms of the body and its energetic processes because the theory is based on the concept that there is no fundamental separation between the mind and the body: psychological stress reflects and creates what is happening physically, and physical/somatic events both reflect and create mental and emotional states. Emotional stress from many areas creates tension in the body and contractions in the muscular system are often the result of carrying unresolved emotional tension. These contractions can have a direct effect on the energy level of the individual, on the capacity for spontaneous and creative self-expression, and on feelings of well-being. Bioenergetic Analysis seeks to bring about the conscious integration of mind and body. Therefore, the focus is on both the psychological issues presented and the manifestation of these issues as shown in the individual's body, energy, and movement. Patterns of muscular tension reflect an individual's emotional history and include such things as early childhood relationships with caregivers, physical and emotional traumatic experiences, and the degree to which self-development was possible. By addressing conflicts at a cognitive, emotional, and physical level, Bioenergetic Analysis seeks to help the individual gain greater understanding and awareness of old patterns of action and reaction, enlarge the capacity to tolerate and resolve old pain, and increase the ability to experience joy and pleasure.” Excerpt from the IIBA Ethics Committee International Institute for Bioenergetic Analysis [ www.bioenergetic-therapy.com ] Designed to cleanse the body of toxins resulting from stress, it is also believed to reduce inches and tone the skin. Hypoallergenic cloths are applied to selected areas, and the intention that an herb/mineral solution penetrates the pores of the skin to break down and shrink unwanted fatty cells and "toxified fatty deposits" better known as cellulite. [PD] Biofeedback refers to “ongoing, instantaneous, and amplified self-monitoring of specific physiologic processes where the information is returned to the source observer who may then alter the physiologic response.” The "feedback" is frequently provided by sound but any instrument which monitors physiology can potentially serve as a biofeedback tool. This self-regulation is one of a few methods to lower chronic stress and tension by the changing of habitual mental, emotional and behavioral responses. Biofeedback Network Chakra Balancing Chakra balancing is believed to bring body energy into harmony by adjusting the charkas and/or meridians as needed. Charkas are the energy wheels or vortices centered in the body that receive, rotate and direct life force; with meridians said to be serving as energy pathways that travel through the body. [ http://healing.about.com/cs/chakrabalancing1/ ] Chelation Therapy Chelation Therapy is a medical treatment developed to remove toxic metals from the body. It has been used as an alternative therapy to bypass surgery to treat coronary artery disease, the hardening of the arteries that is associated with heart attacks. The therapy involves intravenous administeration of EDTA (ethylenediaminetretraacetic acid). The number of sessions depends on the severity of one's condition and on a number of other lifestyle factors including diet, smoking and exercise. The protocol for administering EDTA was developed and refined by Elmer M Cranton, MD, author of Bypassing Bypass and editor of A Textbook on EDTA Chelation Therapy. Practitioners of Chinese herbal medicine use plant substances in their whole state to facilitate healing. These Chinese herbs can be ingested internally or applied externally to enhance natural healing. Teas, tinctures, extracts, compresses, ointments and oils can also be used. [www.rchm.co.uk ] Chi Nei Tsang is an entire system of Chinese deep healing that focuses on energy flow of five major systems in the body: vascular, lymphatic, nervous, tendon/muscle and acupuncture meridians. With this practice, one is able to increase the energy flow to specific organs through massaging a series of points in the navel area. Chi Nei Tsang releases the energy blockages in the navel and then guides the healing energy into other parts of the body. First described in 1895, chiropractic follows a principle that alteration in nerve flow, resulting from alterations in spinal segmental alignment, is a major factor in the cause of disease. Restoration of proper joint motion reverses this process and allows the body’s innate healing potential to restore proper function. The restoration is typically accomplished by the chiropractic adjustment, a precise, directed, high-velocity, low amplitude “thrust” in a natural plane of the articulation (joint) that may cause a popping sound. Additionally, chiropractic now incorporates nutrition, rehabilitative exercises, and other healing techniques. [ www.chiroweb.com ] Clay Therapy Particles of clay are thought to carry a negative electrical charge, whereas impurities or toxins carry a positive electrical charge. As such, clay has been used to adsorb the impurities in beer, wine, and cider. The process is believed to work in a similar manner in the human body. Clay is ingested, the positively charged toxins are attracted by the negatively charged edges of the clay particles, which hold the toxins in suspension until the body can eliminate both. [PD] Colon Therapy / Detoxification Colon therapy refers to flushing water through the entire length of the colon or large intestine. It is also called colon hydrotherapy or colon irrigation. Colon therapy is performed in order to eliminate wastes that have accumulated in the colon and to promote better functioning large intestine. It is believed that colon therapy can relieve a score of symptoms from gas, bloating, and constipation to depression, insomnia, and headaches. Colon therapy also is used to administer therapeutic substances via the mucous membranes of the colon. [ www.gutwisdom.com ] Craniosacral Therapy Craniosacral therapy involves gentle manipulation of the bones of the skull, the underlying meningial membranes, and the nerve endings in the scalp. Craniosacral therapy is employed to treat a range of conditions because release of abnormal pressure in the skull is believed to correct imbalances in the cerebrospinal fluid system and allow the body to better heal itself and maintain health. A cyclical expansion and contraction of all the tissues of the body, is believed to occurs 8-18 times a minute, which is distinct from all other known body rhythms (i.e. heartbeat, breathing rate). The movement is of very small amplitude; therefore it takes practitioners with a very finely developed sense of touch to feel it. Dr. William G. Sutherland first described this rhythm in the early 1900's and its existence was confirmed in a series of laboratory tests in the 1960's. The Upledger Institute [ www.upledger.com ] Dream Therapy Dreamwork (or dream sharing) is the process of recalling, recording, and giving meaning and value to a dream. For some, this means looking at the language of the dream in the form of symbols, while for others the dream inspires them to paint, sculpt, write stories, enact plays, and try out new forms of social interaction, both in and out of the dream itself. Ear Coning Ear coning is a technique used by the ancient Egyptians, Mayans and Tibetans. A hollow candle that tapers at one end fits into the ear. The other end is set to flame creating a vacuum to cleanse residues out of the ear. [PD] EMDR, or Eye Movement Desensitization and Reprocessing, is a therapeutic technique designed to assist an individual in processing traumatic or highly emotional experiences. After EMDR, people may feel less negative emotion or stress related to painful experiences.
[ www.emdr.com ] Environmental Medicine Environmental Medicine is a therapeutic approach that studies and assesses the effect of environmental factors upon individuals with particular emphasis on the effect of foods, chemicals, water, indoor and outdoor air quality at home, work or school. It considers each patient as a unique individual exposed to a unique set of circumstances and needing individualized therapy. Once the cause of the health problem is uncovered, treatment is instituted with minimal use of pharmaceutical drugs that can often have adverse side effects or only mask symptoms. Therapeutic approaches consist of environmental controls, diet, nutritional supplements, correction of hormonal or metabolic deficiencies or imbalances, education and immunotherapy (injectable and/or sublingual) where indicated. Feldenkrais Method The Feldenkrais Method is a learning system that was designed to improve the efficiency of the motor nervous system. The ability to move one's body without the intrusion of habitual, "parasitic" tensions and how to move more comfortably are its main tenets. It also associates the muscular patterns with the emotional and psychological patterns that govern personality and behavior, and suggests that improving these muscle patterns also frees the individual to be more flexible and spontaneous. [ www.feldenkrais.com ] Feng Shui In addition to studying how Qi, or chi, flows through the human body, the Chinese also evaluated how chi circulated in landforms (mountains, hills, and waterways) and within buildings and rooms. The primary goal was to bring harmony and balance and thus, healing, to human living spaces and human affairs. This body of knowledge, the study of enhancing harmonious chi in human environments, is known as Feng Shui (pronounced "fung shway"). Feng Shui is applicable to any human environment (homes, buildings, retail shops, offices, cubicles, neighborhoods, and cities) and classically is associated with the placement and coordinated layout of objects and how that layout affects the flow of energy as perceived by an individual.American Feng Shui Institute [ www.amfengshui.com ] Flower Remedies Bach Flower Remedies are a set of 38 different herbal remedies, each of which claims to rebalance a particular negative state of mind and promote well-being through vibrational healing. Flower remedies are used to alleviate emotional and mental problems that are thought to be the cause of many physical ailments. They are not aimed at any particular disease or condition but rather at such states of mind as fear, anxiety, loneliness, and depression. Full SpectrumLighting Lighting is thought to have a strong psychological effect on people and its many qualities that may drastically change people's moods. Its positive effects include higher efficiency at work, while its negative effects include anxiety and depression. It is surprising how, in general, interior lighting only takes visibility and practicality into account considering how light affects us on a daily basis. While the complex effects of lighting on human psychology are still not fully understood, many could benefit from the use of illumination that more closely resembles natural sunlight. Guided Imagery Guided imagery is a technique that focuses on directing thoughts and the imagination. It can be as simple as the athlete's 10-second recalling a perfect dive just before leaping off of the diving board. Or it can be as complex as imagining the immune cells on a mission to combat cancer cells. As such, it seems to invoke the “mind over matter” principle. [PD] Healing Touch Healing Touch is an energy-based therapeutic approach developed to influence various energy systems, thus affecting physical, mental, emotional and spiritual issues. The goal in Healing Touch is to restore harmony and balance in the energy system, placing the client in a position to heal themselves. [PD] Herbology is the study of plants and their healing properties. There are several types of herbology systems used today, including: Chinese, Ayurveda, Western, Native American and European. Despite their terminology and varying types of herbs, they all use natural resources, plants, roots, leaves, flowers and bark to promote health and well being. Herbs are classified as aromatics (volatile oils), astringents (tannins), bitters (phenol compounds, saponins and alkaloids), mucilaginous (polysaccharides) or nutritive (food). Herbal preparations include pastes, juices, powders, poultices, salves, teas, whole herbs, extracts, pills, infusions, syrups and ointments. The method chosen for herbal preparation is closely related to the symptoms or the specific ailment that is to be treated. Each preparation method can provide different healing components thus one herb can be used to treat a variety of ailments. Plants have been used internally and externally used to prevent and rejuvenate the body's systems for centuries. Holistic Dentistry uses natural materials and alternative techniques based on natural laws which govern health and healing. For example, Holistic Dentistry offers patients the choice of mercury-free fillings or replacing non-metallic crowns and bridges with new and strong plastic materials. The Canadian Holistic Medical Association defines Holistic Medicine as follows: “Holistic medicine is a system of health care that fosters a cooperative relationship among all those involved, leading towards optimal attainment of the physical, mental, emotional, social and spiritual aspects of health. It emphasizes the need to look at the whole person, including analysis of physical, nutritional, environmental, emotional, social, spiritual, and lifestyle values. It encompasses all stated modalities of diagnosis and treatment including drugs and surgery if no safe alternative exists. Holistic medicine focuses on education and responsibility for personal efforts to achieve balance and well being.” [ www.holisticmedicine.org ] Homeopathy can be simplified to the idea that if a substance in high doses produces an illness, that same substance in minute doses can cure the illness (use “like to treat like”). For example, allergies are treated homeopathically by introducing minute doses of a suspected allergen to produce a natural tolerance. In homeopathy, pure concentrates are reduced to extreme dilutions; the belief being that the more dilute, the more powerful. [ www.homeopathy.org ] Hydrotherapy involves water in all its forms, internally and externally, as a treatment, including popular whirlpool baths, ice packs (frozen water) to reduce swelling, warm water for cleansing wounds, liquids to reduce serious dehydration, sitzbaths, and steam baths. Iridology is the study of the patterns and markings in the iris of the eye (the colored part). Iridologists study these patterns and markings, correlating them with specific health problems, physical strengths and weaknesses, and personality traits. Through these empirical observations, iridologists have noted certain constitutional patterns, e.g. people with similar eye patterns tend to have similar personality traits and health profiles. International Iridology Practitioners Association [ www.iridologyassn.org ] Jin Shin Do, which can be translated as “the way of the compassionate spirit”, is a technique that involves application of gentle fingertip pressure to thirty specific points along the body to release energy (Qi or chi). According to its practitioners, Jin Shin Do pervades all aspects of our being by affecting general muscle tension, improving circulation, balancing emotions, and raising the spiritual state of being. Jin Shin Do Foundation [ www.jinshindo.org ] Leech Therapy The leech (bloodsucker) was essential in previous century medicine for bloodletting, a practice believed to cure many conditions. “Leeching” was largely abandoned as medical science advanced, however the leech is making a comeback. Doctors are now returning to one of their profession's oldest remedies to help restore blood circulation to grafted tissue and reattached fingers and toes. The leech can remove congested blood to allow normal circulation to return to the tissues, thus preventing gangrene. Magnetic Field Therapy Magnetic Therapy is based upon a scientific principal known as the Lorentz force: when a magnet is applied to the human body, magnetic waves pass through the tissue, and naturally increases blood flow. Believed to be effective by practitioners and users, its true effects are still under investigation. There are questions regarding the strength of the magnetic field and possible adverse effects on the iron component of blood (the “heme” in hemoglobin). Massage Therapy
Meditation There are many types of meditation. The one definition that fits almost all types is, “Consciously directing your attention to alter your state of consciousness." There is no limit to the things you can direct your attention toward: symbols, sounds, colors, breath, uplifting thoughts, spiritual realms, etc. Meditation is simply about attention, where you direct it, and how it alters your consciousness. Traditionally meditation was (and still is) used for spiritual growth; more recently, meditation has become a invaluable tool for promoting relaxation and stress relief.
Music Therapy Music Therapy involves the controlled use of music to achieve goals that are not musically related. There are specific goals, and specific means by which these goals are to be met. Music therapy concerns the use of music as an adjunctive therapy for the treatment of neurological, mental, or behavioral disorders. This therapy has been applied to conditions such as developmental and learning disabilities, Alzheimer's disease and other aging related problems, brain injuries, and acute and chronic pain. The idea of music as a healing influence which could affect health and behavior is as least as old as the writings of Aristotle and Plato. The 20th century discipline began after World War I and World War II when community musicians of all types, both amateur and professional, went to hospitals around the country to play for the thousands of veterans suffering both physical and emotional war trauma from the wars. The patients' notable physical and emotional responses to music led the doctors and nurses to request that hospitals hire musicians. It was soon became evident that the hospital musicians needed some prior training thus the demand grew for establishing a college curriculum. The first music therapy degree program in the world, founded at Michigan State University in 1944, recently celebrated its 50th anniversary. The American Music Therapy Association was founded in 1998 as a union of the National Association for Music Therapy and the American Association for Music Therapy. Myofascial Release Myofascial release is an approach used to evaluate and treat restrictions in the body's contractile tissues (muscles) and non-contractile supportive connective tissues (fascia) by the application of gentle traction, pressure and positioning. Fascia represents a complex supportive web throughout the body affecting all components of the musculoskeletal, nervous and visceral (organ) systems. While it is not contractile, it can be elastically deformed, allowing it to retain tension from physical and emotional trauma. Fascia may also become involved when a person suffers chronic pain or physical dysfunction. Chronically tense muscles restrict blood flow and generate fatigue. Both fascia and muscles can become shortened if they are improperly used. Myofascial release techniques are used to coax muscles to relax, and break adhesions within fascia. The body responds to these therapies by releasing tension that has been stored in the fascia, thus allowing more flexibility and mobility of the muscles, fascia, and associated structures.
Naprapathy is a system of manually applied movements that may be passive or active. They are designed to release tension in rigid ligaments, muscles, and articulations of the human body. Under normal circumstances these tissues and structures are movable, flexible, and resilient. NAET, short for Nambudripad's Allergy Elimination Technique, was developed by Dr. Devi Nambudripad of Buena Park, California. This treatment aims to reprogram the brain, so that what was once recognized as an allergen by the brain is no longer perceived to be so. It is believed that this is achieved, one is no longer allergic to the substance. [ www.naet.com ] Natural Childbirth / Midwifery The Midwifery Model of Care is based on the view that pregnancy and birth are normal life events. The Midwifery Model of Care includes: monitoring the physical, psychological, and social well being of the mother throughout the childbearing cycle; affording the mother with individualized education, counseling and prenatal care; providing continuous hands-on assistance during labor, delivery, and the postpartal period; minimizing technological interventions; and identifying and referring women who require obstetrical attention. [ www.mana.org ]The practice of nurse-midwifery encourages continuity of care; emphasizes safe, competent clinical management; advocates non-intervention in normal processes; and promotes health education for women throughout the childbearing cycle. This practice may extend to include gynecological care of women throughout the life cycle. Such comprehensive health care is most effectively and efficiently provided by nurse-midwives in collaboration with other members of an interdependent health care team. [ www.acnm.org ] Natural Hygiene integrates the philosophy, science, and art of health into a program for healthful living. It applies the laws of nature to a set of principles or requisites for health: proper food choices according to biological predisposition, fresh air, pure water, adequate rest and regenerative sleep, sunshine, relaxation, exercise, stress management, and loving relationships. These are all considered to be integral components of physical, emotional and spiritual health and regeneration. Naturopathic Medicine Naturopathic medicine, sometimes called "naturopathy," is as old as healing itself and as new as the latest discoveries in biochemical sciences. Modern naturopathic physicians (NDs) are primary health care providers who use therapies that are almost exclusively natural (hence the name naturopathic) and nontoxic. These include clinical nutrition, homeopathy, botanical medicine, hydrotherapy, physical medicine, and counseling. [ www.ncnm.edu ] Ortho-Bionomy combines gentle movements and comfortable body positions to stimulate an inner awareness of natural balance and physical and emotional well-being. Most osteopathic doctors (DOs) work as primary care physicians, combining conventional Western medicine (drugs/surgery) with specific manipulative techniques taught in the osteopathic medical colleges. Osteopathic medical training focuses on preventive care with a special emphasis on the musculoskeletal system. As their medical degree and license is legally recognized as the equivalent of a MD in the Based on the belief that current physical and emotional problems stem from unresolved issues of early childhood or even past lives, therapists use hypnosis or other techniques to bring a patient to an altered state of consciousness and to help the individual resolve the root causes of problems. Polarity Therapy Polarity Therapy is a holistic approach to natural health care. It asserts that energy fields exist everywhere in nature, and that the flow and balance of this energy in the human body is the underlying foundation of health. Stress, tension, pain, inflexible thinking, and environmental stimuli are among many factors that can contribute to the restriction of this energy flow. According to Polarity Therapists, such energy blocks can be released by the use of four therapeutic methods: bodywork, diet, exercise, and self-awareness. The founder of Polarity Therapy, Dr. Randolph Stone DO, DC, DNP, emphasized the interdependence of body', emotions, mind and spirit Polarity therapy includes gentle body manipulation and holding pressure points (poles) as well as counseling on developing positive thoughts and attitudes, understanding the principles of food combining and easy exercises to increase energy flow. Polarity is often used by care givers in conjunction with many other therapies. American Polarity Therapy Association [ www.polaritytherapy.org ] Pranic Healing Pranic Healing is based on the principle that the body has the ability to heal itself. It is believed to utilize life force as fuel to initiate the necessary biochemical changes to make this happen. Using a scientific "no-touch" methodology, Pranic Healing can theoretically prevent and heal a whole spectrum of physical, emotional, and psychological ailments. Practitioners indicate that because the methods are simple and easy to understand, anyone can learn and apply pranic healing in a short amount of time. Pranic Healing was reintroduced in its present form by Master Choa Kok Sui, best selling author of the books Pranic Healing and Pranic Psychotherapy (translated into over 16 languages.) Based on the ancient texts and traditions of Chinese medicine, esoteric healing, and a synthesis of many other Oriental healing techniques, Pranic Healing was developed after decades of investigation. Exercise/meditation is the fourth pillar of Chinese medicine therapy, joining the first three pillars of acupuncture, herbs, and dietary therapy. For those who are not particularly interested in exercising, Qigong offers immediate gratification, without having to go through a painful aerobics routine, join an overcrowded health club, or spend money on equipment. For those who are exercise enthusiasts, it offers the health benefits of running or weight training without the risks. And Qigong is also believed to strengthen and harmonize the flow of Qi. It is a unified process dedicated to creating balance, strength, agility, and grace to assure vitality through old age. QiGong and its offshoots, Kung Fu and Tai Chi, acknowledge that the body is infused with Qi, which must be nurtured and tended to if wholeness is to prevail. This art combines aerobic conditioning, isometrics, isotonics, meditation, and relaxation. The goal of Qigong is to allow one to gain control over the life force coursing throughout our bodies. There are more than 3,000 varieties of qigong, which include the five major qigong traditions: the Taoist, Buddhist, Confucian, martial arts, and medical. QiGong Association of America [ www.qi.org ] Like acupressure, reflexology utilizes pressure on certain points of the body to stimulate the organs and glands. Foot reflexology links specific points on the foot to these organs and glands. Refloxology Association of America [ www.reflexology-usa.org ] Reiki is a gentle hands-on healing technique developedto reduce stress, relieve pain, and facilitate healing. Practitioners hold that the vital energy of the universe is channeled through the practitioner to energize the various body systems on levels that promote healing and wholeness. The hands (and intuition) are used to scan a client's body, and to perceive and treat areas of reduced vitality. International Association of Reiki Professionals [ www.iarp.org ] Rolfing promotes well being by enhancing the body's pattern of organization. The goal of the rolfer is to free the body of pain, stiffness and chronic stress. Through deep manipulations, the rolfer attempts to balance the body and facilitates higher levels of efficiency and ease. [ www.rolf.org ]
On-site and chair massage are names for a short (15-20 minute) massage of a client sitting is a special portable massage chair. The client remains fully clothed and no oils are used while their shoulders, neck, upper back, head, and arms are massaged. On-site massage is popular at some offices as an employee benefit and for some conferences, workshops and certain social events. Many people associate shamanic healing with the use of Native American rituals to help correct a spiritual or physical imbalance within a person. However, every culture has its shamanic healing rituals in part of its spiritual traditions. Today shamanic healers in North America may draw from Tibetan rituals or African teachings as easily as from Native American thought. Shiatsu literally means finger (Shi) pressure (Atsu) and although Shiatsu is primarily pressure, usually applied with the thumbs, along the meridian lines, extensive soft tissue manipulation and both active and passive exercise and stretching may be part of the treatments. Extensive use of cutaneovisceral reflexes in the abdomen and on the back are also characteristics of Shiatsu. The emphasis of Shiatsu is the treatment of the whole meridian; however, effective points are also used. The therapist assesses the condition of the patient's body as treatment progresses. In shiatsu therapy and diagnosis are one. Swedish Massage
Swedish massage (which is a proper name, not a reference to
Tai Chi Chuan today is an ancient, gentle exercise form from Thai Massage (Nuad Bo Ram) was derived from an integration of Indian Buddhist medicine and Traditional Chinese Medicine. Thai Massage utilizes hand techniques and a unique approach to passive movement and stretching to open up the veins or energy passages and release chronic tension from the body. Traditional Thai Massage incorporates a spiritual dimension in its gentle and focused approach to Oriental Bodywork. The development of Therapeutic Touch stems from belief in the flow of a "Universal Life Force Energy" in and around the body. The flow of energy around the body creates an energy field that can be objectively perceived, measured and even photographed. When there is illness, pain, injury or disease, it is believed the energy flow becomes interrupted, obstructed or even depleted in one or more areas of the body. This change in energy and flow can be felt by the therapeutic touch practitioner, who then channels Universal energy through the practitioner’s body into the patient to improve the flow of energy through the patient. The practitioner can work with the energy field of the patient above the body or may place hands directly on the body. The treatment is over when the energy in the body is flowing in a more open and balanced manner. Therapeutic Touch can produce a relaxation response and help to alleviate or eliminate pain. It is said to work well with common ailments such as colds, headaches, stomach upsets, arthritis, bums, tension, injuries, as well as the more complex conditions and has been reported to accelerate the healing process. Therapeutic Touch has been used in hospitals for over 20 years and is currently practiced daily 30,000 nurses in conjunction with conventional medical therapies. Therapeutic Touch practitioners have reported success in decreasing stress and anxiety, reducing pain, easing asthmatic breathing, and in reducing fever and inflammation. Therapeutic Touch may have a positive effect on the immune system and accelerate the healing of wounds. According to Dr. Kreiger, Therapeutic Touch practitioners add an important healing ingredient: "knowledgeable intentionality, honed within the context of compassionate concern for one in need". TFT is a controversial practice in which practitioners instruct patients to tap points on their own bodies to treat such problems as trauma, anxiety, and depression.
Trager Approach The Trager Approach is an innovative learning system of movement re-education created and developed over the past 65 years by Milton Trager, M.D. Utilizing gentle, non-intrusive movements, the Trager Approach aims to release deep-seated physical and mental patterns and facilitate deep relaxation, increased physical mobility, and mental clarity. During an hour or ninety minute session, no oils or lotions are used and the client is dressed in swimwear or briefs. The practitioner moves the client gently and in such a way that the recipient experiences effortless movement, a quality that is reinforced by Mentastics, simple movements that the client can do on her/his own, both during a Trager session and during daily activities. Because many benefits of The Trager Approach are thought to be cumulative, clients often may benefit from a series of sessions. [ www.trager-us.org ] Transcendental Meditation Transcendental Meditation is believed to open the awareness to the infinite reservoir of energy, creativity, and intelligence that lies deep within each person. The Transcendental Meditation (TM) technique is a simple, natural, effortless procedure practiced for 15-20 minutes in the morning and evening, while sitting comfortably with the eyes closed. During this technique, the individual may settle down and experiences a unique state of restful alertness. As the body becomes deeply relaxed, the mind transcends all mental activity, to experience the simplest form of awareness, Transcendental Consciousness, where consciousness is open to itself. This is the self-referral state of consciousness. The Transcendental Meditation technique is scientific, requiring neither specific beliefs nor adoption of a particular lifestyle. The practice does not involve any effort or concentration. It is easy to learn and does not require any special ability. People of all ages, educational backgrounds, cultures, and religions in countries throughout the world practice the technique and enjoy its benefits. Tuina / Oriental Chair Massage Tuina is a method of Chinese Bodywork that utilizes soft tissue manipulation, acupoints, and structural realignment methods to treat a wide variety of musculoskeletal and internal organ disorders. Tuina utilizes Traditional Chinese Medical theory in assessing energetic and functional disorders. In addition, the use of external herbal medicines and therapeutic exercise is included. Urine Therapy Urine therapy refers to one of several uses of urine to prevent or cure illness, to enhance beauty, or to cleanse one's bowels. It is either ingested orally or injected. Vibrational Healing Vibrational healing is a healing philosophy that aims to treat the whole person, i.e. the mind/body/spirit complex, by delivering measured quanta of frequency specific energy to the human system. Vibrational medicine seeks to heal the physical body by integrating and balancing the higher energetic systems that create the physical/cellular patterns of manifestation. Watsu "Water Shiatsu" Watsu is a bodywork treatment that involves the therapist gently rocking and cradling the client within rejuvenating waters. The therapy uses a combination of massage, acupressure, and yoga. While there are various types of yoga, each of them has the same goal --unification with the Divine. Yoga is a Sanskrit word that is derived from the root "yuj" meaning to bind together. An English equivalent would be "to yoke". Thus, the harnessing and uniting of the powers of the mind, body, and emotions under the guidance of one's intelligence is one aim of yoga. Wherever self-mastery or the pursuit of the sacred are mentioned there is yoga. The whole corpus of techniques that develop the body (hatha), the mind (jnana), the emotions (bhakti), one's actions (karma) and one's soul (raja) are all yogic paths of self-realization. Wherever there is yoga, there is peace, joy, success, prosperity, compassion and loving kindness. Hatha yoga is the third limb (anga) of an eight fold classical system that involves ethical restraints and observances (yamas and niyamas), postures (asanas), breath regulation (pranayama), guided deep relaxation (pratyahar), one-pointedness (dharana), meditation (dhyana), and ecstatic state (samadhi). Hath yoga coordinates body, breath, and mental focus. Consistent practice over time releases accumulated tensions in the muscles, calms frayed nerves, restructures alignment, detoxifies the blood stream, increases oxygen absorption, changes the brain wave patterns, and induces felicity through improved respiration and hormonal circulation. Well being and clarity. become familiar companions.[ www.americanyogaassociation.org ]
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