Glossary
Abdominal Massage or ATMAT – Ancient Maya healing techniques that eliminate the primary cause of reproductive and digestive complaints in men and women, the congested pelvis and abdomen, thereby preventing the progression of symptoms to chronic disease.
Acupressure – A type of Asian healing art based on ancient Japanese and Chinese medicine. A practitioner puts pressure on specific points on the body with his or her fingers in order to relieve pain and discomfort, prevent tension-related ailments, and promote good health.
Acupuncture: This therapy is used to relieve pain, improve well-being, and treat acute, chronic, and degenerative conditions in children and adults. In Asian medicine, acupuncture needles are inserted at specific points to stimulate, disperse, and regulate the flow of chi, or vital energy, and restore a healthy energy balance.
Alexander technique: This therapeutic technique aims to use efficiently movement and posture to improve health and reduce pain.
Alternative medicine: Medicine that is used as a replacement for conventional medicine.
Amino Acid Therapy: Amino acids are the building blocks of many of the body’s functions.The use of amino acids to treat various conditions is well documented in many science papers. Sometimes a deficiency of an amino acid can create a condition, whilst other times the addition of one or two can reverse an illness. A practitioner can test for this and recommend supplements accordingly.
Amygdalin – Also known as Laetrile,or Vitamin B17. Used as an anti-cancer therapy, primarily in Mexico.
Anthroposophic medicine: Developed by philosopher and mystic Rudolf Steiner (1861-1925), this medical system takes into account the spiritual and physical components of illness. A treatment regimen may include herbal and homeopathic medicines and dietary recommendations, art therapy, movement therapy, massage, and specially prepared baths.
Aromatherapy: This therapy uses essential oils (the volatile oils distilled from plants) to treat emotional disorders such as stress and anxiety and a wide range of other ailments. Oils are massaged into the skin, inhaled, or placed in baths. Aromatherapy often is used with massage therapy, acupuncture, reflexology, herbalism, chiropractic and other holistic treatments.
Auricular Acupressure – A treatment that involves stimulating points on the ear. This therapy has been used to treat obesity, anxiety, psoriasis, pain and the first stage of birth labor.
Ayurvedic medicine: Practiced in India for more than 5000 years, Ayurvedic tradition holds that illness is a state of imbalance among body systems that can be detected through diagnostic procedures such as reading the pulse and observing the tongue. Nutrition counseling, massage, natural medications, meditation, and other modalities are used to address a broad spectrum of diseases.
Barotherapy is another term used for Hyperbaric Chamber/Oxygen Therapy. Hyperbaric oxygen therapy involves breathing pure oxygen in a pressurized room or tube. Hyperbaric oxygen therapy is a well-established treatment for decompression sickness, a hazard of scuba diving. Other conditions treated with hyperbaric oxygen therapy include multiple sclerosis, autism, cancer and wounds that won’t heal as a result of diabetes or radiation injury.
BEMER (Bio-Electromagnetic Energy Regulation) — The working mechanism of BEMER consists of the transmission of a patented multi-dimensionally configured signal (waveform). This unique signal is transmitted into the body via an electromagnetic field meaning that it is the BEMER signal and not the electromagnetic field that acts as the “agent” that stimulates the circulatory response. BEMER is designed to improve circulation thereby supporting the body’s natural self-regulating processes. Blood is the body’s universal means of transportation. Oxygen, nutrients, chemical messengers (e.g., hormones) and immune cells are all transported through our blood. When our body’s cells, tissues and organs are adequately nourished and metabolic waste products are removed, our bodies maintain a healthy balance and function properly. The optimal regulation of circulation is a prerequisite for ensuring good levels of health and fitness.
Bili Lights – A bili light is a light therapy tool to treat newborn jaundice (hyperbilirubinemia). High levels of bilirubin can cause brain damage (kernicterus), leading to cerebral palsy, auditory neuropathy, gaze abnormalities and dental enamel hypoplasia. The therapy uses a blue light (420–470 nm) that converts bilirubin into a form that can be excreted in the urine and feces. Soft goggles are put on the child to reduce eye damage from the high intensity light.
Biofeedback – A technique that uses simple electronic devices to teach clients how to consciously regulate bodily functions, such as breathing, heart rate, and blood pressure, in order to improve overall health. Biofeedback is used to reduce stress, eliminate headaches, recondition injured muscles, control asthmatic attacks, and relieve pain.
Bioenergetics: This philosophy holds that repressed emotions and desires affect the body and psyche by creating chronic muscular tension and diminished vitality and energy. Through physical exercises, breathing techniques, verbal psychotherapy, or other forms of emotional-release work, the therapist attempts to loosen the “character armor” and restore natural well-being.
Biofield therapies are intended to affect energy fields that purportedly surround and penetrate the human body. … Some forms of energy therapy manipulate biofields by applying pressure and/or manipulating the body by placing the hands in, or through, these fields. Examples include Qigong, Reiki, and Therapeutic touch
Biophoton Therapy – Use of light photons to address conditions in the body.
Bioresonance – The use of a frequency device to detect an area of travail in the body. The reverse profile of the detected frequency is sent back into the body in an effort to nullify the problem.
Bowen Therapy – A series of gentle, simple non-invasive moves performed across muscle fibers and connective tissue, in a succession with waiting periods, incorporated into the session. The resting time allows the brain to assimilate, correlated and create a positive response to the area being treated. All body systems are accessed allowing muscle and nerve tissue to relax, toxins shed, circulation increased.
Breathwork: This general term describes a variety of techniques that use patterned breathing to promote physical, mental, and spiritual well-being. Some techniques use the breath in a calm, peaceful way to induce relaxation or manage pain, whereas others use stronger breathing to stimulate emotions and emotional release.
Chelation therapy – the word chelate means to ‘claw’ and various biological agents can be used, either orally or intravenously, to bind and remove heavy metals in the body in order to treat heavy metal toxicity.
Chi Nei Tsang (CNT) – A healing touch modality of Chinese Taoist origin. Soft touch and gentle massage on the abdomen stimulates the organs to work better and creates beneficial change in all the systems of the body: the digestive, lymphatic, cardiovascular, respiratory, nervous, endocrine, reproductive, urinary, muscular-skeletal and the acupuncture meridian system that is the pathway for ‘chi’ or energy. A Chi Nei Tsang treatment releases deep-seated tensions and restores vitality.
Chinese medicine – Traditional Chinese medicine is based around concepts of balancing the yin and yang (positive and negative forces) and qi (energy) in the body, through a system of meridians (energy pathways) which join the major organs and the body in general to the universe. It utilises the meridians in acupuncture and acupressure, moxibustion, herbal and dietary therapies and massage.
Chiropractic: A form of manual therapy that looks at the connection between structure and function — specifically focusing on the spine. Chiropractors perform manipulations of the musculoskeletal system in order to alleviate pain and encourage the body to heal itself. Chiropractic therapy seeks to remove obstructions to the body’s ability to self-heal caused by the spine’s being out of alignment which affects the nervous system. Origins: Daniel D. Palmer is the founder of modern chiropractic theory, dating back to the 1890s.
Colon Hydrotherapy – The absorption of nutrients is enhanced when the colon is cleansed. This safe and painless process involves infusing filtered and temperature regulated water into the large intestine to dislodge impacted material and dilute bacteria and toxic concentrations. Colon Hydrotherapy to improves muscle tone and facilitate peristalsis action.
Complementary medicine – Medicine that is used in combination with conventional medicine.
Cranial Sacral (CranioSacral) Therapy – A holistic, hands-on technique involving gentle manipulation of the bones of the skull, the underlying meningeal membranes, and the nerve endings in the scalp. A practitioner is able to “listen” with their hands to what is called the cranial rhythmic impulse, which runs throughout our bodies.
Deep tissue bodywork – This general term describes a range of therapies for unsticking the connective tissues and muscles to encourage them to function properly again. Among the conditions deep tissue bodywork treats are whiplash, low back and neck pain, and degenerative diseases such as multiple sclerosis.
Dentistry, holistic – Holistic dentists are licensed dentists who bring an interdisciplinary approach to their practices, often incorporating methods such as homeopathy, nutrition, and acupuncture into their treatment plans. Most holistic dentists emphasize wellness and preventive care and avoid and often recommend the removal of silver-mercury fillings.
Detoxification – Detoxification is based on the idea that illness can be caused by the build up of toxins in the body and therefore reducing or eliminating these will bring health. Treatments are usually dietary and may include fasting and/or herbal supplements. There can also be use of saunas. Origins: most traditional cultures include detoxification treatments.
Energy therapy- A practice that involves channeling of energy through the hands of a practitioner into the patient’s body to restore a normal energy balance and health. It is often used in conjunction with alternative and conventional medical treatments. Not to be confused with Energy Medicine.
Feldenkrais – A movement therapy that uses a method of education in physical coordination and movement. The intent is to help the person become more aware of how the body moves through space and to improve physical functioning.
Flower essences – Popularized by Edward Bach, M.D., flower essences are intended to alleviate negative emotional states that may contribute to illness or hinder personal growth. Drops of a solution infused with the captured essence of a flower are placed under the tongue or in a beverage. The practitioner helps the client choose appropriate essences, focusing on the client’s emotional state rather than on a particular physical condition.
Frontalis muscle tension – Therapy that addresses tension or pain in the muscle tissues that run vertically on the forehead.
Healing touch – Registered nurses and others practice this therapy to accelerate wound healing, relieve pain, promote relaxation, prevent illness, and ease the dying process. The practitioner uses light touch or works with his or her hands near the client’s body in an effort to restore balance to the client’s energy system.
Herbalism – An ancient form of healing still widely used in much of the world, herbal- ism uses natural plants or plant-based substances to treat a range of illnesses and to enhance the functioning of body systems. Though herbalism is not a licensed professional modality in the United States, herbs are “prescribed” by a range of practitioners, from holistic medical doctors to acupuncturists and naturopaths.
Holistic medicine – This broadly descriptive term describes a healing philosophy that views a patient as a whole person, not as just a disease or a collection of symptoms. In the course of treatment, holistic medical practitioners may address a client’s emotional and spiritual dimensions and the nutritional, environmental, and lifestyle factors that may contribute to an illness.
Homeopathy – This medical system uses minute doses of natural substances- called remedies-to stimulate a person’s immune and defence system. A remedy is chosen individually for a sick person based on its capacity to cause, if given in overdose, physical and psychological symptoms similar to those a patient is experiencing.
Hydrotherapy – Hydrotherapy, formerly called hydropathy and also called water cure, is a part of alternative medicine, occupational therapy, and physiotherapy, that involves the use of water for pain relief and treatment. The warmth of the water allows your muscles to relax and eases the pain in your joints, helping you to exercise. The water supports your weight, which helps to relieve pain and increase the range of movement of your joints. The water can be used to provide resistance to moving your joints.
Hyperbaric Therapy – Mild Hyperbaric Therapy consists of relaxing in an enclosed chamber or bag in which the internal pressure is increased 4-7 pounds more than atmospheric pressure. The increase in pressure causes free oxygen to become saturated in the fluids of the body, allowing the more oxygen to cross the cell membrane, thus increasing cellular oxygen. Increased cellular oxygen improves cellular function and efficiency.
Infra Red Therapy – Two types: Far Infra Red and Near Infra Red. Far Infra Red penetrates deep and is used primarily for encouraging detoxification and supporting other modalities. See other section for Near Infra Red.
Jin Shin Jyutsu – Utilizing finger techniques this modality brings balance to the body’s energies, which promotes optimal health and well-being, and facilitates our own profound healing capacity. It is a valuable complement to conventional healing methods, inducing relaxation and reducing the effects of stress via therapeutic hand exercises.
Kinesiology/applied kinesiology – Kinesiology is the study of muscles and their movements. Applied kinesiology is a system that uses muscle testing procedures, with standard methods of diagnosis, to gain information about a patient’s overall state of health. Practitioners analyze muscle function, posture, gait, and other structural factors in addition to inquiring about lifestyle factors that may be contributing to a health-related problem.
Lapa’au – a Hawaiian healing art practiced for thousands of years in Polynesia. During the healing session the practitioner becomes a bridge for healing, connecting the spirit of one or more Lapa’au Kahunas, the client, and the energies of the client’s Aumakua (personal guardian spirits). The client’s energy is balanced, distorted thought forms (that may result in illness) are removed, and energy links draining the client are disconnected. When the client is a healer, the work takes place under the guidance of a higher level of Aumakua on multiple planes at the same time. The healer’s energy level is optimized for their own unique characteristics and abilities.
Laser Therapy – The use of pulsed frequencies in light form to support healing and regeneration.
Lomilomi Massage – Hawaiian for “rub rub”, Lomilomi is a massage technique that’s been handed down from ancient Hawaiian healers. The stroke used are similar to the shiatsu technique of Japan but are gentler and shorter. Pressure with the fingers at certain points is also part of the technique, but is it of shorter duration than most acupressure. Two identifying techniques of authentic Lomilomi are the emphasis on spirit-body connection and the use of the forearm and elbow as a massage tool.
Macrobiotic diet – This diet consists of whole grains, vegetables, sea vegetables, and seeds. These natural foods, cooked in accordance with Taoist Yin and Yang principles, are designed to balance eating habits and are used to promote health and minimize disease.
Magnets – Magnetic therapy (also known as magnetic field therapy or biomagnetic therapy) involves using magnets, magnetic devices, or magnetic fields to treat a variety of physical and emotional conditions, including circulatory problems, certain forms of arthritis, chronic pain, sleep disorders, and stress. Treatments may be applied by a practitioner or as part of a self-care program.
Manipulative and body-based practices – Practices that focus primarily on the structures and systems of the body, including the bones and joints, soft tissues, and circulatory and lymphatic systems. Two commonly used therapies in this category are spinal manipulation and massage therapy.
Mantram – A sound, syllable, word, or group of words used in meditation practice to focus attention and achieve a state of greater calmness, physical relaxation, and psychological balance.
Manual Lymph Drainage Therapy – A hands-on technique designed to attain and sustain proper functioning of the human fluid system. The proper functioning of the lymphatic system is critical to our body’s ability to drain stagnant fluids, detoxify, regenerate tissues, filter out toxins and foreign substances, and maintain a healthy immune system.
Massage therapy – A practice where therapists manipulate muscle and connective tissue to enhance function of those tissues and promote relaxation and well-being.
Meditation – This general term describes a wide range of practices that involve training one’s attention or awareness so that body and mind can be brought into greater harmony. Although some meditators may seek a mystical sense of oneness with a higher power or with the universe, others may seek to reduce stress or alleviate stress-related ailments such as anxiety and high blood pressure.
Mindfulness-based stress reduction (MBSR) – A type of meditation with origins in religious and spiritual traditions. Mindfulness meditation focuses attention on breathing to develop increased awareness of the present. The intent is to reduce stress and control emotions in order to improve health.
Movement-based therapy –The psychotherapeutic use of movement to promote emotional, cognitive, physical, and social integration of individuals.
Musculoskeletal manipulation – Manipulation of the bones and joints, soft tissues, and circulatory and lymphatic systems.
Myofasical Release – Fascia is a tough connective tissue which spreads throughout the body in a three dimensional web from head to foot without interruption. Trauma, posture or inflammation can create a binding down of the fascia resulting in excessive pressure on nerves, muscles, blood vessels, osseous structures, and/or organs. The Myofascial Approach consists of the gentle application of sustained pressure into the fascial restrictions which relies on feedback received by the therapist through the patient’s tissue. Myofascial Release can help by addressing the cause of the problem to eliminate the symptoms and allow the body to make permanent changes resuming a healthy active life style.
Naturopathic medicine – This primary health care system emphasizes the curative power of nature and treats acute and chronic illnesses in all age groups. Naturopathic physicians work to restore and support the body’s own healing ability using a variety of modalities including nutrition, herbal medicine, homeopathic medicine, and Asian medicine. This alternative medicine encourages the body to heal itself.
Nearfield Infra Red / Red Light Therapy – Used for wound healing, skin disorders and for exciting the cellular milieu, encouraging healing processes.
Neuromuscular therapy – otherwise known as trigger point myotherapy, is a type of massage therapy that focuses on putting pressure on specific “myofascial” points in your body to relieve the pain. Massages are performed by a neuromuscular therapist, who is educated in the nervous system and how it affects muscles.
Neuromuscular Reeducation ( NMR ) – Neuromuscular reeducation deals with retraining the brain and spinal cord in voluntary and reflex motor activities. Basic principles of neuromuscular physiology are applied clinically in the treatment of muscle paresis and paralysis. Physiological principles of both the muscular system and the nervous system are utilized, but more particularly the latter; strictly speaking, the term muscle reeducation is a misnomer, for only the nervous system is capable of being eeducated.
New Age Medicine – just another substitute term that encompasses most modalities of complementary medicine and spiritual approaches to holistic treatment.
Ortho Bionomy – The suffix ortho- comes from Greek and means to return to a straight or upright condition. Ortho-bionomy is used to alleviate chronic pain associated with injuries, muscle and joint problems, and arthritis; reduce stress, increase circulation; enhance relaxation and improve problems of posture or structural alignment. Its gentle technique is recommended for acute pain and rehabilitative injuries. Ortho-bionomy is incorporated into other healing treatments. For example, massage therapists may use this technique to relieve knotted muscles. Some of the techniques may be used to relieve cramps, back pain, sore muscles, and headaches.
Orthomolecular Therapy – Orthomolecular therapy is a form of alternative medicine that aims to maintain human health through nutritional supplementation. The concept builds on the idea of an optimal nutritional environment in the body and suggests that diseases reflect deficiencies in this environment. The suffix ortho- comes from Greek and means to return to a straight or upright condition.
Osteopathic medicine – Like medical doctors, osteopathic physicians provide comprehensive medical care, including preventive medicine, diagnosis, surgery, prescription medications, and hospital referrals. In diagnosis and treatment, they pay particular attention to the joints, bones, muscles, and nerves and are trained specially in osteopathic manipulative treatment-using their hands to diagnose, treat, and prevent illness.
Ozone Therapy – O3, can be taking orally, intravenously or anal sufflation. Fights bacteria and general pathogens, supports the body in fighting infection. Also supports cellular response to cancerous cells.
PEMF Therapy – Stands for Pulsed Elctro Magnetic Field. Used for injuries, strains and revivification of cellular areas. Normally connected to a device, small patches are placed on the patient…sometimes a PEMF blanket is used.
Petrissage – Petrissage are massage movements with applied pressure which are deep and compress the underlying muscles. Kneading, wringing, skin rolling and pick-up-and-squeeze are the petrissage movements.
Phototherapy – is a type of medical treatment that involves exposure to fluorescent light bulbs or other sources of light like halogen lights, sunlight, and light emitting diodes (LEDs) to treat certain medical conditions.
Physiatry – Physical medicine and rehabilitation, also known as physiatry, is a branch of medicine that aims to enhance and restore functional ability and quality of life to people with physical impairments or disabilities.
Pilates – A movement therapy that uses a method of physical exercise to strengthen and build control of muscles, especially those used for posture. Awareness of breathing and precise control of movements are integral components of this approach.
Polarity therapy – Polarity therapy is based on the belief that all energy in the body is based in electro-magnetic energy and that illness is a symptom of loss of this energy. Treatment to correct energy flows includes forms of massage, movement and yoga-type exercises. Origins: Austrian-American chiropractor, osteopath, and naturopath Randolph Stone (18881981) based his theories on Ayurvedic principles.
Progressive relaxation – A technique used to relieve tension and stress by systematically tensing and relaxing successive muscle groups.
Qi gong (chi-kung) – This ancient Chinese exercise system aims to stimulate and balance the flow of qi (chi), or vital energy, along the acupuncture meridians, or energy pathways. Qi gong is used to reduce stress, improve blood circulation, enhance immune function, and treat a variety of health conditions. This philosophy is based on the idea that specific points on the feet and hands correspond with organs and tissues throughout the body. With fingers and thumbs, the practitioner applies pressure to these points to treat a wide range of stress-related illnesses and ailments.
Reflexology – Reflexology is a non-invasive complementary health therapy that can be effective in promoting deep relaxation and wellbeing; by reducing stress in people’s lives can be key in optimising good health and building resilience. It is a touch therapy that is based on the theory that different points on the feet, lower leg, hands, face or ears correspond with different areas of the body and reflexologists work these points and areas.
Reiki – Practitioners of this ancient Tibetan healing system use light hand placements to channel healing energies to the recipient. Although practitioners may vary widely in technique and philosophy, reiki commonly is used to treat emotional and mental distress and chronic and acute physical problems and to assist the recipient in achieving spiritual focus and clarity.
Rife Therapy – Use of researched frequencies to shatter the cell walls of bacteria, viruses and other pathogens. Also supportive frequencies for key physical functions.
Sand Bath – The origins of sand therapy or sand bath go back to ancient times. Ancient Greeks and Romans treated rheumatisms by immersing the patient’s body, from the chest to the feet, into hot sand. However, it also helps with the consolidation of fractures, speeds up healing of dislocations and sprains.
Sauna – Dry Heat Therapy – A sauna is an enclosed wood room in which people aim to relax in dry heat. It provides benefits for cardiovascular health that resemble those derived from exercise. There’s also evidence that saunas decrease inflammation, boost the immune system, and reduce certain signs of physical stress.
Shiatsu – The most widely known form of acupressure, shiatsu has been used in Japan for more than 1000 years to treat pain and illness and for general health maintenance. Using a series of techniques, practitioners apply rhythmic finger pressure at specific points on the body to stimulate chi, or vital energy.
Similia Similibus Curantur – ‘ Let likes be cured by likes ’ Samuel Hahnemann’s principle foundin statement when he established Homeopathy.
Solar Therapy – also known as heliotherapy, this simply uses natural exposure to good sunlight and solar heat to improve many different conditions. The naturally absorbed Vitamin D plays a role in this transition.
Spiritual/shamanic healing – Practitioners of spiritual healing and shamanic healing often regard themselves as conductors of healing energy or sources from the spiritual realm. Both may call on spiritual helpers such as power animals (characteristic of the shaman), angels, inner teachers, the client’s higher self, or other spiritual forces. Both forms of healing can be used as part of treatment for a range of emotional and physical illnesses.
Steam Bath – Steam room therapy has been shown to reduce blood pressure and keep the heart healthier, as well as help to repair broken skin tissue caused by wounds, such as ulcers.
Structural integration – A systematic approach to relieving patterns of stress and impaired functioning, structural integration seeks to correct misalignments in the body created by gravity and physical and psychological trauma. As in Rolfing, in ten sessions the practitioner uses hands, arms, and elbows to apply pressure to the fascia, or connective tissue, while the client participates through directed breathing.
Swedish Massage – Swedish massage uses softer strokes on the bonier and more delicate parts of the body, and stronger strokes where there is thicker muscle coverage. This adjustment of pressure makes it an ideal massage for relaxation. Besides calming benefits, Swedish massage is thought to be good for easing muscular strain by flushing out toxins improving circulation by increasing oxygen flow in the blood, helping to keep ligaments and tendons supple and reducing emotional and physical stress.
Tai chi/martial arts – The martial arts are perhaps best known as means of self-defense, but they also are used to improve physical fitness and promote mental and spiritual development. The highly disciplined movements and forms are thought to unite body and mind and to bring balance to the individual’s life. External methods (such as karate and judo) stress endurance and muscular strength, whereas internal methods (such as tai chi and aikido) stress relaxation and control. Tai chi has been used as part of treatment for back problems, ulcers, and stress.
Tendino Muscle Test – Tendon reflex tests are used to determine the integrity of the spinal cord and peripheral nervous system, and they can be used to determine the presence of a neuromuscular disease.
TENS unit – Transcutaneous electrical nerve stimulation (TENS) is a method of pain relief involving the use of a mild electrical current. A TENS machine is a small, battery-operated device that has leads connected to sticky pads called electrodes.
Thai Massage – Thai massage or Thai yoga massage is a traditional healing system combining acupressure, Indian Ayurvedic principles, and assisted yoga postures. It incorporates the idea of Shen-lines also known as energy-lines.
Therapeutic Touch – Popularized by nursing professor Dolores Krieger, Therapeutic Touch is practiced by registered nurses and others to relieve pain and stress. The practitioner assesses where the person’s energy field is weak or congested and then uses his or her hands to direct energy into the field to balance it.
Thermal Therapy – Heat therapy, also called thermotherapy, is the use of heat in therapy, such as for pain relief and health. It can take the form of a hot cloth, hot water bottle, ultrasound, heating pad, hydrocollator packs, whirlpool baths, cordless FIR heat therapy wraps, and others.
Tisane – Tisane was the original name for herbal tea. The word arrived, via French, from Greek, when it meant a herbal hot drink made from pearl barley. There are many different types of herbal teas and they address or alleviate a number of conditions. Camomile is one of the oldest.
Trager therapy – Trager therapy is based on the premise that discomfort, pain and reduced function are physical symptoms of accumulated tension that result from accidents, weak posture, fear, emotional blockages and daily stress. It focuses on reducing these unnatural patterns of movement and eliminating neuromuscular tension by using gentle, rhythmic rocking motions. These rhythmic movements can create a state of deep relaxation, which therapists say can allow the body and mind to achieve a state of balance and integration.
Trigger point myotherapy – Practitioners of this technique apply pressure to specific points on the body to relieve tension. Trigger points are tender, congested spots on muscle tissue that may radiate pain to other areas. Though the technique is similar to shiatsu or acupressure, this therapy uses Western anatomy and physiology as its basis.
Tuina – originated in ancient China and is believed to be the oldest system of bodywork. … Tuina massage stimulates the flow of qi to promote balance and harmony within the body using many of the same principles of acupuncture.
Visceral Manipulation (VM) – is a gentle manual therapy technique that assesses and treats the relationship between the body’s organs (e.g. bladder, bowel, uterus, etc) and others structures, like muscles, fascia, ligaments and joints.
Vita Flex – Not dissimilar to Reflexology, Vita Flex is a manual stimulation at specific reflex points throughout the body to produce therapeutic electrical voltages and currents based upon the piezoelectric properties of the human skin. Essential oils are also used in conjunction with the therapist’s hand movements.
Watsu – Aquatic bodywork involving stretching and Shiatsu which is applied while being floated in warm water. The water temperature (95 – 97 F) is ideal for experiencing a sensation of deep relaxation. Gentle stretching increases flexibility and strengthens muscles.
Wet Wrap Therapy – is a treatment for moderate to severe eczema that involves Putting the patient in a warm bath for about 10 to 20 minutes.Then patting skin dry and applying topical medication to eczema-affected areas and moisturizer to the non-affected areas.
Wrap therapy – Wrap therapy combines body wraps with therapeutic masks — herbal pastes, mineral-rich muds or soothing creams — with thermal coverings. The body mask will contain a mixture of ingredients designed to have a remedial effect on the skin, while the coverings will swathe and warm your body, promoting muscle relaxation, and sweating to cleanse the pores.
Yoga – A general term for a range of body-mind practices used to access consciousness and encourage physical and mental well-being. Forms of “physical” Yoga include Hatha (Iyengar, Bikram, Ananda, Astanga Vinyasa/Power, Phoenix Rising, etc.) and Kundalini.
Yoga therapy – This emerging field of practice uses yoga to address mental and physical problems while integrating body and mind. Practitioners work one-on-one or in group settings, assisting clients with yoga postures, sometimes combined with therapeutic verbal dialogue.
Zero balancing – This is a method for aligning body structure and body energy. Through touch akin to acupressure, the practitioner seeks to overcome imbalances in the structure/energetic interface of the body, which is said to exist beneath the level of conscious awareness. Zero balancing is often used for stress reduction.