Health & Wellness Specialties

Acupuncture is a system of medicine based upon the foundational theories of Oriental Medicine.  By inserting acupuncture needles into specific points on the body along energy pathways called meridians, a physiological change can be induced that alters the perception of pain, the functioning of internal organs, and even the emotional state of the patient.  Acupuncture has been in use for over 3,000 years, and has spread from China to lead to the development of a multitude of styles and techniques. Acupuncture has been experiencing a marked increase in acceptance in the US, primarily due to its effectiveness in clinical research and low risk of side effects. Acupuncture is primarily practiced by Licensed Acupuncturists that have completed a 4 year post-graduate Masters degree.

Popular Acupuncture Specialties Include:

The Alexander technique is often described as a way of personally learning how you can get rid of harmful tension in your body.  F. Matthias Alexander who died in 1955 was a Shakespearian orator and actor who discovered and developed the technique over eight years based on his own personal experience of losing his voice.  The approach to overcoming this problem – called The Alexander Technique – is a method of “unlearning” that works to change an individual’s movement habits in everyday living, improving the ease and freedom of movement, balance, support and coordination.  Experts in the Alexander Technique cite that it is not a series of treatments or exercises, but rather a reeducation of the mind and body and helps one discover a new balance that releases tension that can be applied to sitting, lying down, standing, walking, lifting, and other daily activities.

Apitherapy is an ancient healing art used in modern times that promotes holistic healing through the use of products that come from the honey bee.  Detailed information on Apitherapy can be found in texts written by Hippocrates and in ancient Chinese writing and is over 2,000 years old.  As a folk medicine, Apitherapy is used today to treat a myriad of conditions and diseases including arthritis, bursitis, tendonitis, and dissolving scar tissue as well as to promote overall health and wellness.  The American Apitherapy Society (AAS) is a resource and professional society whose members promote the use of the honey bee products and provide information to the public on its use.  In Southern Europe, Apitherapy is a medically recognized treatment and includes the use of honey, pollen, propolis, royal jelly, and bee venom.

Applied Kinesiology – sometimes going by the acronym AK – is a diagnostic technique that uses muscle testing as the approach to look at how an individual’s body is performing.  Applied Kinesiology practitioners connect the key elements of many complementary healing approaches and proponents feel that AK is an interdisciplinary approach to health care.  Applied Kinesiology is often used in a sports medicine setting and may focus on the diagnoses of injuries common to athletes.  The AK Practitioner uses tools that may include muscle treatments and other diagnostic tests that result in information suited to treating the skin, ligaments, tendons and joints of the injured patient.

Aquatic Therapy, or Pool Therapy, is a form of physical therapy that utilizes the benefits of water to assist in performing therapeutic exercises. Exercising in water provides additional buoyancy to support the body weight of the patient to lessen the physical strain of exercise on the joints.  Aquatic Therapy can be especially beneficial to patients with fractures, arthritis, or obesity conditions, as it allows therapeutic exercise with re-injuring the joints.  Warm water temperatures also assist with increased muscle relaxation and improved blood flow through the body.

Aromatherapy is an ancient healing art used in modern times that uses liquid plant materials, known as essential oils and other scented plant materials to treat or modify a patient’s health, mood or feeling of well being.  The word Aromatherapy is kind of a generic term that refers to any of the various traditions that employ essential oils alone or in combination with other alternative medical practices (like holistic massage) and spiritual beliefs. Aromatherapy is used today to both treat and prevent certain illnesses or conditions.  While somewhat controversial, proponents believe that Aromatherapy and Essential Oils work through the influence of aroma on the brain, especially the limbic system through the olfactory system. Others believe there may be a direct pharmacological effect.  While not a standard practice in mainstream medicine, Aromatherapy and Essential Oils are well accepted by many practitioners and patients throughout the world.

Art Therapy is defined as a form of expressive therapy using artistic forms like drawing with paints, chalk and markers to treat the patient.  Art Therapy is considered to be part of mental health modalities and is employed in a number of clinical settings and non-clinical settings with diverse target populations.  Proponents believe that the creative process of art has healing and life-enhancing qualities. Practitioners use the creative process and topics that arise during treatment to help patients improve their insight and judgment and to cope better with aspects of past trauma and daily life.  It is believed that Art Therapy can aid an individual in the ability to better enjoy life and develop deeper and more meaningful relationships with creativity as a major center point to emotional healing.

Ashrams are a form of Hindu –based community centers that are based on the development of spiritual practices, such as yoga and meditation.  Ashrams are often located in natural surroundings, such as mountains or forests, as these environments support the spiritual cleansing practices.  Most ashrams maintain strict daily schedules of meditation and yoga classes that are followed by all visitors and residents.  In addition, most ashrams only serve vegetarian foods and prohibit the use of alcohol, caffeine, and tobacco. Ashrams offer a variety of residential courses where visitors are housed in dormitories and receive instruction on dharma, meditation, and yoga.

Aston-Patterning and the Aston Paradigm are terms connected to the study and beliefs put forth by Judith Aston, and concern the underlying nature of human existence. Aston-Patterning deals with human perceptions regarding our bodies and our insight into our bodies natural form and function.  Aston-Patterning is the application of the Aston Paradigm to human movement of the body, mind and spirit, as well as, bodywork and ergonomics, and the process of matching human function to its environment. As an alternative therapy, it is a comprehensive approach to the whole individual rather than focusing on separate parts.

Astrology is the study of the movement of celestial bodies, such as stars and planets, and their effect on human behavior and events.  A specialist of astrology is called an astrologer.  Astrology has been practiced for over 5000 years among a variety of cultures.  While most scientists consider astrology a pseudoscience, it is still very popular among people today in understanding their personalities, love relationships, and future expectations.  Astrology currently exists in three major forms: Vedic, Chinese, and Western Astrology.  Descriptions of the twelve signs of the Zodiac (Aries, Taurus, Gemini, Cancer, Leo, Virgo, Libra, Scorpio, Sagittarius, Capricorn, Aquarius, and Pisces) and daily predictions for each sign are freely available in many newspapers and websites.

Audiology is the study of hearing and balance.  Specialists of Audiology are called Audiologists, and they possess either a Masters of Doctoral degree in the study of Audiology from an accredited university graduate program.  Audiologists utilize a variety of tests to determine if any hearing or balancing disorders exist in a patient, and then provide recommendations for such conditions.  Audiologists often dispense and fit hearing aids to correct auditory dysfunctions.  In cases of serious disorders, Audiologists will refer patients to Medical Doctors for further examination or surgical procedures.

Auditory Integration Training – sometimes called AIT – is a form of healing that is focused on auditory processing disorders.   Auditory Integration Training is called an intervention technique that may help a person make the most use of his or her residual hearing, and so improve the ability to understand speech and sounds in the environment.  While a bit controversial by some members of the conventional medical establishment, Auditory Integration Training tries to heal sensory conditions like distortions in hearing, hyper-acute hearing, and sensory processing anomalies, which are said to cause discomfort and confusion in persons suffering from learning disabilities.  It is believed that these sensory anomalies can interfere with a child’s attention, comprehension, and ability to learn.

Aura Therapy is an alternative healing approach based on reading a person’s aura and has been used since ancient times, sometimes within religious or spiritual overtones.  Aura Therapy is focused on what is called the individual’s vital energy field to treat illnesses and heal diseases that are revealed by the emanating aura color or colors. Aura therapy is steeped in mystical-type beliefs with the goal to bring the aura and therefore positive energy back into balance and positive direction.

Ayurveda or Ayurvedic Medicine is an ancient system of health and wellness practices emerging from India and is practiced worldwide today.  Ayurveda is a mind, body and spiritual healing art which relates to life and knowledge and has been passed down through the ages.  Ayurveda had a major influence on the practice of Chinese and Tibetan Medicine.  According to the National Institutes of Health’s group known as The National Center for Complementary and Alternative Medicine (NCCAM) which is the Federal Government's lead agency for scientific research on complementary and alternative medicine (CAM), Ayurveda is considered a type of CAM and a whole medical system.  NCCAM states… As with other such systems, Ayurveda is based on theories of health and illness and on ways to prevent, manage, or treat health problems. Ayurveda aims to integrate and balance the body, mind, and spirit (thus, some view it as "holistic"). This balance is believed to lead to contentment and health, and to help prevent illness. However, Ayurveda also proposes treatments for specific health problems, whether they are physical or mental. A chief aim of Ayurvedic practices is to cleanse the body of substances that can cause disease, and this is believed to help reestablish harmony and balance.

Popular Ayurvedic Medicine Specialties Include:

Ba Gua Zhang refers to one of the three primary styles of Chinese martial arts.  Ba Gua Zhang is a form of martial arts using the open hand rather than the fist to conquer your opponent.  Ba Gua Zhang has a long history as a fighting technique and has been studied, taught and written about for millennium. Ba Gua Zhang is all about movements and reactions that are constantly changing in response to the present situation in order to strategically win against an opponent through skill and technique rather than merely brute force and powerful fists.

Biofeedback is defined by the National Institute of Mental Health as a treatment technique in which people are trained to improve their health by using signals from their own bodies. According to the Mayo Clinic, Biofeedback is an effective type of complementary and alternative medicine from the branch of healing called mind-body therapy. As the name suggests, the Biofeedback practitioner uses feedback from a variety of monitoring procedures and equipment to engage the patient in learning to control certain involuntary body responses, like brain activity, blood pressure, muscle tension and heart rate to help treat a wide range of mental and physical health problems and a patient’s overall health and sense of well-being.  Ongoing clinical trials are evaluating Biofeedback in numerous health conditions today.

Popular Biofeedback Specialties Include:

Bowen Therapy or The Bowen Technique is based on the work of a holistic healer from Australia named Tom Bowen.  The Bowen Technique uses a series of what are described as simple, gentle moves across muscle and connective tissue, similar to tuning a stringed instrument that sends harmonic vibrations that are said to balance the body.  Bowen Therapy is often used by a practitioner of the technique to treat a patient’s muscular, skeletal, or nerve imbalance. It has also been employed to treat chronic pain due to injury. It is claimed that the Bowen Technique is so gentle it can be used on anyone from infants to the elderly and produces a deep relaxation and can release blocked emotional energy, which can accelerate the healing process.

Breath Therapy is defined as an “umbrella term” addressing a wide range of modalities, practices and techniques that focus on the importance of breathing and its potential to positively impact well-being and the overall health of the individual.  Breath Therapy has been practiced for millennium and utilizes very specific breathing exercises and techniques which may be done alone or together with other healing practices, like yoga and related practices.

Breathwork is an all encompassing term that usually refers to what is reported and defined as “deliberate hyperventilation” and may be part of some psychotherapy treatment regimens and may be closely connected to various and multiple forms of meditation. Practitioners and devotees of Breathwork feel that the various Breathwork techniques can be beneficial to the patient as a stress-reduction modality.  Breathwork may also be used to reach higher stages of consciousness and connect to both spiritual and psychological healing, as well as other personal benefits.

Breema is a form of bodywork and exercise that employs nurturing touch, tension-relieving stretches, and rhythmic movements to create physical, mental, and emotional balance.  Breema is practiced in what is promoted as a comfortable atmosphere of harmony within a nonjudgmental environment.  According to the Practitioners and Students of Breema, both the teacher and the recipient achieve a positive effect from the Breema experience.  Breema employs what are called Nine Principles of Harmony.  Breema promises to create deep receptivity and tangible well-being and is said to be a useful modality for everyone who seeks practical ways to deepen their relationship to life while nurturing the body and soul.

Cell Salt Therapies use a set of 12 specific minerals to correct symptoms arising from metabolic deficiencies. They are very similar to homeopathy, and may be prescribed by a homeopathic doctor.  Cell Salt Therapies are delivered in very diluted form and can be used alone or in combination with other therapies.  Cell Salt Therapy is often used to treat vascular conditions, varicose veins, hemorrhoids, colds, the flu, body odor, inflammation, gout, skin problems and to aid in general health and wellness of an individual.

Chakra Balancing is an age old approach to balancing what are known as “chakras” to improve ones health and wellness for ones body, mind and spirit.  Chakras are described as “wheels of light” said to be found all over the human anatomy.  It is believed that human beings have literally thousand of chakras but seven key chakras can be found along our spinal column from the base to the crown of our head. Commonly, chakras are represented in colors of the rainbow and it is believed that they absorb energy that comes from our thoughts, feelings and the outside world.  Proponents feel that the human body is affected by the quality of the energy that these energies feed to our bodies and that we can do positive work to bring them into balance for the purpose of overall mind, body and spiritual healing.

Chelation Therapy involves the administration of chelating agents to remove heavy metals like lead, arsenic or mercury from the body and to treat patients exposed to treated lumber or pesticides.  Chelation Therapy is used in both conventional and alternative medicine.  Chelation Therapy is administered intravenously, intramuscularly, or orally, depending on the agent and the type of poisoning.  Some alternative practitioners use chelation to treat hardening of the arteries and autism.  The theory behind and efficacy and safety of Chelation Therapy in alternative practices is not well accepted by the western medical community.

Chiropractic was founded in 1895 by D. D. Palmer, and it is now practiced in over 100 countries.  Chiropractic comes from the Greek words chiros and praktikos meaning "done by hand" and is a well recognized health care profession (practitioners are called Chiropractors) used to diagnose and treat mechanical disorders of the spine and musculoskeletal system.   Chiropractic treatments also affect the nervous system and are based on the theory that spinal joint dysfunction can interfere with the nervous system and result in various disease states and can diminish health and wellness of individuals. Some practitioners of Chiropractic use the term vertebral subluxation to describe what they treat, while others have dropped this concept and primarily focus on the musculoskeletal components of spinal injury and spine rehabilitation.  While well accepted by many patients and some insurance companies today, the Chiropractic approach has historically been outside the mainstream of conventional medicine in the United States.  Chiropractic has grown in acceptance and influence.  The World Health Organization states that when "employed skillfully and appropriately, chiropractic care is safe and effective for the prevention and management of a number of health problems."

Colloidal Silver Therapy is a controversial treatment which in the past was widely used by mainstream doctors as an antibiotic.  Colloidal Silver products were then made by companies in the mainstream pharmaceutical industry and were eventually replaced by fast-acting, less-expensive sulfa drugs and penicillin. Silver nitrate solutions are still used today in neonatal units to protect newborn infant's eyes from infection and silver-based cremes have been used in burn centers for over 100 years.  Long-term Colloidal Silver intake may produce a rare but harmful condition called Argyria.  While there are many proponents of Colloidal Silver Therapy today, there are also many who watrn against its use.  Like all controversial treatment regimens, consult your primary care physician before taking any medication, especially for non-approved indications.

Colon Hydrotherapy – also called colonic irrigation – is a complimentary medical procedure most often administered by specialists in a hygienic and safe setting that introduces discrete amounts of purified water, sometimes infused with oxygen, specific herbs or coffee, to cleanse the colon.  Colon Hydrotherapy is somewhat controversial today in the mainstream medical establishment.  Proponents of Colon Hydrotherapy believe it to be a useful treatment for a variety of conditions stemming from the accumulation of fecal matter in the large intestine and the resulting bacterial or fungal toxicity which can occur.

Color & Light Therapy in many forms has been around throughout the ages.  It is believed that paying close attention to and programming the colors and light that surround us can be helpful to our health and wellness.  There is a whole field of ongoing scientific research that is studying how color and light can affect us, especially as a healing tool and process and to promote general wellness for an individual.  A recent study is focused on how colored light can be used to produce an acupuncture-like effect on the recipient.  Color & Light Therapy can be considered both an alternative type treatment and a modality used in the conventional medical setting.  Color & Light Therapy is part of the emerging field of Integrative Treatment.

Cosmetic Treatments are a variety of treatments that work to improve your external appearance.  While this field is primarily dominated by conventional medical practices, there are a variety of natural alterative medicine treatments available to improve your looks.  From facial rejuvenation acupuncture to herbal face masks, cosmetic treatments have become an increasing part of alterative medicine. Many forms of treatment also provide support for your general health which will subsequently improve your external health.  When your mind and body are strong, your skin and face will reflect this improved state of health.

Cryonics is the science of low-temperature preservation of humans and animals.  The premise of Cryonics is to preserve the individual, and in particular their brain, for a future time where the subject’s health problems can be cured by medical science. In the US, all individuals must be legally declared dead prior to being frozen through the Cryonic process.  There are currently two major organizations offering cryonic services in the US, and only time will tell whether their client will benefit from this form of suspended animation.

Crystal Healing is another approach to mind, body and spiritual healing practiced throughout the ages.  Proponents believe that Crystal Healing is a powerful force when used in tandem with meditation and personal reflection.  It is said that crystals have the ability to move, focus, direct and even diffuse certain energies within the human body.  Like many treatments of this type, Crystal Healing is focused on bringing the body, mind and spirit back into a balanced state and seeks to help an individual return his or her body to its natural rhythm.  While a controversial modality of healing, there are many believers and proponents who claim that the non-invasive Crystal Healing techniques can deliver inspired vibrations and can be used in combination with more mainstream approaches to treatment.

Curanderismo is a kind of folk medicine practiced primarily in the Hispanic community.  It also goes by the name of Latin American Healing and may include spirituality and prayer, rituals, herbal treatments, massage and psychic curative approaches to care.  While there is little if any clinical proof regarding Curanderismo, some anecdotal information would suggest that it may have an effect in certain believers (very common with folk remedies) and lessens some symptoms, including pain and stress.

Dance Therapy is a form of healing where movement is used to reconnect the mind and body.  On a physical level, Dance Therapy provides important exercise and allows the individual to enhance their cardiovascular and muscular system, as well as promote flexibility.  From an emotional standpoint, the movement releases stress and supports positive feelings that can provide increased self-awareness and confidence.  Dance Therapy is usually conducted in a group form and adapted to serve the participants with their preferred level of activity and style.  There is significant psychotherapeutic value from Dance Therapy as it allows personal expression of the individual. There are over 1,200 certified Dance Therapy specialists in the US today.

Dermatology is a branch of medicine that focuses on skin conditions.  The skin is the largest organ in the human body is susceptible to a variety of conditions as well as reflecting the state of other internal organs.  All Dermatologists are fully trained and licensed Medical Doctors, with experience in the prescribing of pharmaceuticals and performance of minor surgeries.  Cosmetic dermatology is a fast growing subspecialty and focuses on the visual appearance of the skin.  Many dermatologists are integrating alternative therapies into their practice to offer natural products and services for skin care and disease prevention.

Proper Diet and Nutrition are an important element of any individual’s lifestyle.  As they say, you are what you eat. Most individuals do not consume a properly balanced diet, which results in a diminished immune system and possibly even some chronic health conditions. Eating whole foods that are grown locally, and contain quality grains and a variety of multicolored vegetables can make a significant improvement to your health. If you are still not able to consume a properly balanced diet, nutrition specialists can help you supplement your diet to maintain your body’s needs.  Eat well in combination with regular exercise, and you will a live long and healthy life.

Diet Therapy is a form of nutritional guidance with the specific goal to combat and prevent illness. Specialists of Diet Therapy often customize the diets of their patients to balance the health of the body against specific diseases such as cancer, emotional disorders, autoimmune diseases, and chronic infections. While standards are in place regarding nutritional guidelines, Diet Therapists often recommend eating more fresh fruits and vegetables, whole grains, less animal products, and organic quality foods. While we often consume medications and supplements once per day, we consume food several times per day.  Our diet has the most profound effect on the functioning of our bodies and their susceptibility to disease and dysfunction.

Ear Candling, also known as ear coning or thermal-auricular therapy, is a folk medicine practice believed to help with the natural clearing of earwax and toxins from a person's ear by means of a hollow candle placed in the ear.  Ear Candling proponents claim that Ear Candling works by creating negative pressure which draws wax and debris out of the ear canal and can be an effective treatment for some patients.  Believers have reported improved hearing and clearer sinuses stemming from Ear Candling.  Ear Candling is today a very controversial practice and is deemed ineffective and even dangerous by many in the conventional medical establishment.

Enzyme Therapy or Enzyme Replacement Therapy is a medical treatment focused on metabolic disorders where the practitioner believes that adding a specific enzyme in an individual who lacks that enzyme or where that particular enzyme maye be deficient may help the patient.  Enzyme Replacement Therapy does not really treat a disease state – it is used to treat the specific symptoms of the disease.  Enzyme Replacement Therapy is often admisistered by an intravenous (IV) infusion containing the enzyme and is used today to treat some lysosomal diseases which are inherited genetic defects which result in an enzyme deficiency.

Exercise and Fitness are important concepts to integrate into every person’s daily life.  The benefits of regular exercise far exceed any other factor in determining the health of an individual.  When combined with proper nutrition, exercise is able to maintain both your skeletal-muscular system and cardiovascular system, as well as support your immune system. The American Heart Association recommends a minimum of 30 minutes of moderate intensity exercise five days per week for those who are 18-65 years of age. If you are not comfortable exercising on your own, finding a personal trainer or group exercise class, such as yoga, can help you get started on your way to better health.

Fasting is a form of physical and spiritual cleansing that has been practices for thousands of years.  During a period of fasting, an individual will abstain from consuming most or all food and drink usually for a pre-determined amount of time.  Fasting is often practiced as a form of detoxification for the body and providing rest for the digestive system.  Often cleansing fasts utilize specific foods or drinks to enhance the detoxification effects; a common detoxification fast includes consuming only maple syrup, cayenne pepper, and lime or lemon juice for up to ten days.  Many believe that Westerns overeat and that periodic fasting can be beneficial to health; some studies suggest that consuming less food can lead to an extended life.

The Feldenkrais Method is regarded as an educational system centered on movement and the body.  It is called an educational method because it aims to improve a patient’s conditioning primarily through teaching awareness.  The Feldenkrais Method attracts dancers, musicians, artists and many other devotees who want to reduce pain or limitations in movement.  Some people claim it also helps improve general well-being and personal development.   According to practitioners who are more like teachers of the Feldenkrais Method, there is no separation between mind and body, and learning to move better can improve one's overall well-being on many levels.

Feng Shui is an ancient art form in practice today.  Feng Shui literally translates as "wind-water" and is most often associated with furniture arrangement in today’s modern world.  Feng Shui is truly more about placement and arrangement of space to achieve harmony within the environment and could refer to furniture placement but also to something as mundane as agricultural planning.  Space, weather, astronomy, and geomagnetism are all basic components of the Feng Shui approach. Proponents, teaches and students claim that Feng Shui has an effect on health, wealth, and personal relationships.

Flower Therapy researchers have determined that people who simply receive flowers can experience an elevation of mood that can last for days.  The ancients, including Chinese Medicine Healers, have reported that flowers can be used to connect you to a variety of positive emotions and spiritual experiences based on – in their writings – the color of the bloom.  Similar to Color Therapy then, Flower Therapy depends on colors which create a so called frequency of light waves which pass through the retina to the optic nerve and set off a cascade of body responses.  Scientifically, this process is explained by the cause and effect of the specific hormones that are then released that deliver a calming or stimulation effect which can improve the mood and wellness of the individual.

Popular Flower Therapy Specialties Include:

Hand Therapy is the science of physical rehabilitation of the upper ¼ of the body, including the hand, wrist, arm, and shoulder.  It is a specialty of both Physical Therapy and Occupational Therapy.  Specialists in Hand Therapy, known as Certified Hand Therapists (CHTs), complete extensive post-certification training to specialize in this field.  Hand Therapists focus on helping individuals regain maximal use of their hands after surgery, trauma, or neurological dysfunction.  By creating specialized rehabilitation programs, Hand Therapists can address a variety of conditions including repetitive stress injuries, reconstructive surgeries, and prosthetics.

Health Spas are facilities that provide a variety of health related services to benefit the physical and mental well-being of their clients.  Health Spas often offer services such as massage, acupuncture, facials, and body scrubs, as well as providing access to stream rooms and saunas. Health Spas are located through the country with each providing their own unique settings and services to fulfill their client’s needs.  Some Health Spas also offer exercise programs and personal training to guide their customers in improved lifestyle practices.

Popular Health Spa Specialties Include:

Herbal Medicine or Herbalism is a traditional folk medicine which uses plants and plant extracts as a component of patient care. Herbal Medicine may also go by the name of botanical medicine, medicinal botany, medical herbalism, herbology, and phytotherapy. In some quarters, Herbal Medicine may extend to the use of fungi and bee products, as well as minerals, shells and certain animal parts. Herbal Medicine is an age old practice with herbs and such used by practitioners and patients on every continent throughout human history and may be thought of as kind of the original drugstore of medicinal treatments for the vast majority of conditions and diseases.  Herbal Medicine has progressed and is alive and well as both conventional and alternative treatments in the modern world.

Popular Herbal Medicine Specialties Include:

Herbs, Vitamins, and Supplements are a group of products that are now available to consumers from healthcare practitioners, health food stores, pharmacies, and even supermarkets. These products provide additional nutrients to the body in an over-the-counter usually self-administered form. Herbs, or Herbal Medicine, have been in use for over 5,000 years in many cultures.  When taken under the prescription of a trained Herbalist, Herbal Medicine can provide improved health to levels similar to the effects achievable by pharmaceutical products.  Vitamins and other supplements are often recommended by a variety of conventional and alternative medicine doctors to support the healthy functioning of the bodily systems.

Holistic Dentistry is a modern movement that believes that dental care is not just about the teeth but also involves an awareness of dental care as it relates to the entire person, and that good health is more than the absence of disease. While it varies by practitioner, in general, Holistic dentists promote that people can care for their teeth and whole self by eating nutrient rich whole foods that are properly grown and prepared.  Many Holistic Dentistry practitioners suggest that people stay away from root canals and that mercury fillings should not be used and possibly removed if present.  Also, some proponents of Holistic Dentistry feel that Orthodontics should include measures to widen the palate. Like other Holistic healthcare approaches, those supporting Holistic Dentistry feel that practitioners should help their patients make informed choices based on receiving appropriate information.

Holistic Medicine, or Holistic Health, is a philosophical application of medical care where the entire patient is considered, including mind, body, and emotions. Holism refers to a concept that an individual is greater than the sum of their parts. While conventional medicine focuses its treatment on the alleviation of key symptoms through standardized procedures, Holistic Medicine attempts to view the condition and treatment as an individualized case that requires adjustments to each individual’s needs. Every individual has unique physical, emotional, and spiritual needs that must be addressed to provide the necessary healing. The term Holistic Medicine is not attached to any particular style of care, and it can be used in practice by every health care practitioner.

Popular Holistic Pet Care Specialties Include:

Homeopathy is a controversial form of complementary and alternative medicine emerging from the work of the German physician Samuel Hahnemann in the late 18th century.  Homeopathy relies on the use of specific remedies which are based on substances that are believed to, in their undiluted form, cause symptoms similar to the disease they aim to treat.  Practitioners of Homeopathy dilute these specific substances through a process called serial dilution, with includes shaking the material at each stage of dilution.  Proponents believe that the dilution process removes side-effects but retains therapeutic powers.  Hahnemann proposed that this process aroused and enhanced "spirit-like medicinal powers held within a drug".  Practitioners of Homeopathy – often called Homeopaths – customize appropriate patient treatments according to consultations with the individual which reveal both the physical and psychological state of the patient.  While not well accepted by the mainstream, the main premise in Homeopathy is that every person has energy called a vital force or self-healing response and Homeopathy aims to stimulate the body's own healing responses to disease.

Hsing I Chuan is one of the major approaches to the fighting arts – often called martial arts – descending from ancient China.  Hsing I Chuan literally translates to "Form/Intention Boxing", or "Shape/Will Boxing", and is characterized by aggressive, seemingly linear movements and explosive power.  While several variant styles exist, in Hsing I Chuan, the combatant will simultaneously attack his opponent and defend from the opponents attack.  The Hsing I Chuan fighter uses what is best described as efficient coordinated movements to generate bursts of power intended to overwhelm the opponent.  Hsing I Chuan is often characterized by the skills of fighter’s bare hands or the skilled use of weaponry as a means to an end.  Hsing I Chuan is a very strategic form of marital arts and personal combat and very popular worldwide.

Hydrotherapy, also known as Hydropathy, describes the use of water for soothing pains and treating diseases.  Hydrotherapy is another healing approach from ancient times used in the modern world as it has been long accepted that water is helpful to increase circulation, in rheumatic diseases, and in musculoskeletal conditions.  Hydrotherapy may also include the addition of salts or essential oils to the water.  Immersion in water and doing exercises in water are also popular for fitness today.  Hydrotherapy is now a well accepted form of treatment for a variety of medical conditions with numerous articles in scientific and medical journals defining its efficacy.

With roots going back hundreds of years, Hypnotherapy is a fairly well accepted practice used in modern times to change or modify a patient’s behavior, emotional state and mind-set.  Hypnotherapy is specifically used today as treatment for a wide range of conditions including dysfunctional habits, anxiety, stress-related illness, pain management, and personal development.  In the US Department of Labor’s Directory of Occupational Titles, the Labor Department defines the role of the Hypnotherapy Practitioner – the Hypnotherapist – this way: Induces hypnotic state in client to increase motivation or alter behavior pattern through hypnosis. Consults with client to determine the nature of problem. Prepares client to enter hypnotic states by explaining how hypnosis works and what client will experience. Tests subject to determine degrees of physical and emotional suggestibility. Induces hypnotic state in client using individualized methods and techniques of hypnosis based on interpretation of test results and analysis of client's problem. May train client in self-hypnosis conditioning.

Popular Hypnotherapy Specialties Include:

Integrative Medicine, or Integrated Medicine, is a form of medicine that combines conventional medical treatment with Complementary and Alternative Medicine (CAM) treatments to provide the best of both worlds to patients.  The primary effect of the revitalizing effort of Integrative Medicine is the emphasis on the patient-physician relationship, which recognition by conventional care providers on the importance of lifestyle, diet, exercise, and emotional well-being for overall health. Patients are encouraged to take an active role in their health care, as well as doctors taking responsibility as role models for their patients. The Integrative Medicine focus on healing is dramatically affecting our system of health care today.

Iridology is a specific alternative medical technique focused on the iris of the eye.  Practitioners – called Iridologists – look for patterns, colors, and other characteristics of the iris to make a diagnosis about an individual’s health and wellness.  This so called iridodiagnosis is based on the specialists’ physical observations and then matching them to iris charts.  In Iridology, the charts show various zones in the iris which correspond to specific parts of the human body.  Proponents claim that this approach allows them to measure the health and wellness of organs and other health systems throughout the body.  The specialist uses this data to identify a patient’s susceptibility towards certain illnesses, to reflect past medical issues or to predict health problems which may be underway. Practitioners of Iridology are often trained in other alternative modalities and use Iridology as one of many diagnoses tools at their disposal.

Juice Therapy is a therapeutic diet consisting only of fresh raw juices made from fruits and vegetables.  These juices are considered high in nutritional content, including vitamins, minerals, trace elements, enzymes, and natural sugars.  Juices are easily digestible by the body and support a healthy functioning our bodily systems, especially the immune system.  Specific fruit and vegetable juice blends are recommended for a variety of health conditions. Some Juice Therapists recommend juice fasts, where only juice is consumed for a period of time.  This juice fast can cleanse the body and relieve some chronic conditions.

Kinesiology is a well defined medical and scientific study of movement and the human anatomy.  Similar in some ways to Physical Therapy and other touch and movement based specialties, the Kinesiology practitioner – called a Kinesiologist – is focused on human physiology, musculature and the mechanics of body movement.  All of these modality-types – including Kinesiology, work within the spectrum of human anatomy, physiology, biomechanics, exercise and sports medicine to identify problems and conditions where specific treatment and therapy is advised.

Laser Therapy, also know as Photobiomodulation, Cold Laser Therapy, and Low Level Laser Therapy (LLLT), is a form of bio-stimulation where exposure to low-level laser light can alter cellular functioning.  It is being used for a variety of including wound healing, chronic pain, and nerve regeneration. Laser Therapy is also being employed by Acupuncturists to provide stimulation of acupuncture points instead of needles; this technique is popular for ear acupuncture treatments for addiction. There are a variety of techniques and settings used with the lasers, varying the wavelength, power, and dose, to achieve the desired results.

Life Coaching is a form of counseling that focuses on the enhancement of specific aspects of the client’s life. These areas often include business projects, behavioral changes, personal transitions, relationships, and lifestyle adjustments. In contrast with psychotherapy, Life Coaching focuses more on how to help you achieve your personal goals, and not on the treatment of mental illness. While there is no government regulation of the profession, there does exist several self-regulating agencies providing certification to Life Coaches. Sessions with a Life Coach include listening to the client’s goals, recommendations to help achieve those goals, and exercises to enhance the client’s ability to utilize the recommended actions. Life Coaching may be offered in both private and group settings, providing a range of costs and personalization of the sessions.

Live Blood Analysis is described as high resolution microscopic observation of live blood cells in a dark field.  Also known as Live Blood Cell Analysis, it is used by some specialists to identify problems and propose courses of treatment.  Proponents believe that they get practical data from Live Blood Analysis on toxicity, the immune system, possible vitamin deficiencies and other areas of concern.  It is a controversial modality in some quarters especially when it comes to the ability to use Live Blood Analysis to find cancer and other degenerative immune system diseases and claims this can be done up to two years prior to onset.

Low-Energy Emission Therapy – LEET – is a treatment that uses electromagnetic fields delivered to a patient through a mouthpiece.  It has been well studied as an alternative treatment for patients with chronic insomnia and there are many proponents for its application in this area.  Low-Energy Emission Therapy does not appear to be the first line of treatment and may be used when other more conventional treatments are not successful.  It appears to be generally agreed that Bioelectromagnetic Medicine which includes Low-Energy Emission Therapy needs further research, especially for not yet proven applications.

Lymph Drainage Therapy is an alternative treatment using anatomical science and distinctive manual processes to detect the specific rhythm, direction, depth and quality of the lymph flow in humans.   Practitioners who employ Lymph Drainage Therapy use it to stimulate the lymphatic system and interstitial fluid circulation which they believe are critical for detoxification, regeneration of tissues, and a healthy immune system.  Therapists work with flat hands, using all the fingers to simulate gentle, specific wave-like movements. They believe that these subtle manual maneuvers activate lymph and interstitial fluid circulation as well as stimulate the functioning of the immune and parasympathetic nervous systems. Lymph Drainage Therapy is often used to reduce edemas, for body detoxification, for anti-aging, relaxation and to relieve chronic pain.

The Macrobiotic Diet is a form of nutrition that focuses on the consumption of whole foods to benefit health.  Less processed foods are consumed under the belief that the body better understands how to absorb and utilize nutrients from these sources.  Locally grown and cultivated foods are recommended to avoid eating substances that are not in balance with nature, such as the current season or environment. The Macrobiotic Diet was brought to the US by George Ohsawa during the 1950’s.  The diet consists primarily of whole grains and vegetables, with only a small portion of animal protein coming from seafood.

Magnotherapy also called Magnet or Magnetic Therapy is, as the name would suggest, a form of healing that uses magnetic fields during treatment. Magnotherapy’s advocates suggest that a positive effect is produced to the body when magnetic fields are applied.  Magnotherapy falls into the larger field of alternative healing called Electromagnetic Therapy and is proposed to work by applying electromagnetic waves to the patient to produce a beneficial effect. This type of treatment is generally considered without great scientific proof by the mainstream medical community and there are laws in many US jurisdictions that limit or restrict its use as well as restrict the types of claims that Magnotherapy proponents can make about its healing power and efficacy.

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The word Meditation comes from the Latin meditatio, which originally suggested every type of physical or intellectual exercise but eventually evolved into the more specific meaning "contemplation" which we recognize today.  Meditation is best described as a state of concentrated attention on some object of thought or awareness. Meditation usually involves turning the attention inward to a single point of reference.  Proponents believe that the benefits of Meditation can bring the user to a higher state of consciousness. Meditation is often connected to eastern religions, where it has been practiced for thousands of years.  Eastern spiritual teachings, including meditation, have been adapted and are increasingly practiced in Western culture today.

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Metaphysics is a branch of philosophy that incorporates aspects of astrology and ontology, the study of the relationship of things in the world to each other.  Metaphysics primarily focuses on an understanding of reality and our individual relation to that existence.  Various spiritual practices have been incorporated into its practice leading Metaphysicians to discuss various topics such as the origins of the universe, the existence of a supreme being, and abilities such as extra-sensory perception.  Concepts of quantum physics and spirituality are often combined to form theories of practice.

Midwifery is a traditional practice of providing pre-natal care to expecting mothers.  They additional provide support during the birthing process, and also assist with post-natal care to both the mother and child after delivery.  Most Midwives focus on guiding women through natural births, and are considered complementary to modern Obstetricians, who are medical doctors that specialize in abnormal child births. In the US, there are three forms of Midwives; Nurse Midwives that are also registered nurses, licensed Midwives, and unlicensed Midwives.  Depending on the state, individuals may or may not be required to be certified and licensed to practice Midwifery.

Music Therapy is considered one of the expressive therapies and is focused on the clinical and evidence-based use of music interventions to accomplish individualized goals.  Music Therapy is most often practiced by a professional and degreed Music Therapist who has completed an approved Music Therapy Program.  Music Therapy is focused on therapeutic goals like improving motor skills, social/interpersonal development, cognitive development, self-awareness, and spiritual enhancement.  The idea of music as a healing modality goes back millennia with early mentions in the writings of the early Greeks. A 17th century writer, Robert Burton, wrote a classic book called The Anatomy of Melancholy, and proposed that music and dance were critical in treating mental illness, especially melancholia. Today, Music Therapy is often used alone or in combination with other treatment modalities.

Myotherapy is a form of massage popularized by Bonnie Pruden, starting in 1976.  Myotherapy is similar to Trigger Point therapy in its focus on relieving trigger points in the body to resolve muscular imbalances that cause pain and dysfunction.  To dissolve trigger points, continuous pressure is applied on these painful muscle knots for several seconds to reset their state of contraction.  Trigger points often create referred pain to other areas on the body, and can cause chronic conditions of pain and weakness.  Corrective exercises are usually recommended by Myotherapists to avoid the recreation of these trigger points in the body.

Native American Medicine has a long tradition and has been practiced for millennia.  It is based on traditions that address the needs of the body, the mind, the spirit and nature to produce the power of healing from within.  There is no single “type” or description of Native American medicinal practices – each tribe and even community practices their own unique versions, ceremonies and rituals.  There are commonalities to be sure but individual practices are varied among the Native American Nations and peoples.  One primary common thread is the influence of the “Great Spirit” as part of the healing experience.

Naturopathy, also called Naturopathic Medicine, is a branch of health care philosophy and practice focused on improving health and treating disease states by helping the body's natural capacity to recover from illness and injury and heal itself.  Naturopathy may include a wide range of treatments including manual therapy, hydrotherapy, herbalism, acupuncture, counseling, environmental medicine, aromatherapy, nutritional counseling, homeopathy, and the like.  Naturopathy practitioners – called Naturopathic Physicians – use a holistic approach to individualized patient health and wellness.  Naturopathy is practiced worldwide today in a variety of forms and practices where it is subject to different standards of regulation and levels of acceptance.

Neural Therapy is a form of complementary medicine developed in Germany during the 1920s, and is in widespread use throughout Europe.  Neural Therapy specialists believe that the flow of energy in the body can be disturbed by a variety of factors including diet, injury, disease, and even scar tissue, causing other symptoms throughout the body. These imbalances create “interference fields” that result in illness and pain.  Neural Therapy utilizes the injection of anesthetics into the body to release and correct these interference fields.  Neural Therapy is primarily used to treat chronic pain, but as also been applied to cases of other internal disorders.

Nursing is a form of care that works to support patients and functions in collaboration with other western medical care practitioners, such as physicians.  Regulation of Nursing varies from state to state; however, most nurses have completed either a Bachelor’s or Associates degree in Nursing.  Nurses often work as patient advocates in the health care setting, providing the most important needs of a patient.  Advanced Nursing degrees provide additional training to Nurses for activities such as assistance in surgeries, primary care, and specialization.  Nursing is one of the most in demand occupations today.

Nutritional Medicine is the practice of supporting health through the proper consumption of food and supplements to balance the various systems of the body.  By eating a well-mixed diet, patients can support the proper functioning of digestion, including the balance of intestinal flora and other often ignored systems of the body.  Biochemical dysfunctions are common among patients that exhibit nutritional deficiencies, and these often lead to the development of chronic health conditions. Nutritional Medicine is practiced by medical doctors who understand the value and effect of eating correctly.

Occupational Therapy is a form of care used to help individuals function better in daily life. It is used for both children and adults to help with both physical and mental difficulties.  Specialists in Occupational Therapy have passed national certification exams, as well as advance education degrees up to the Doctoral level.  Occupational Therapists are employed in a variety of settings to help individuals overcome issues such as repetitive stress injuries in the workplace to developmental disorders in children. Some Occupational Therapists work in hospitals settings to help individuals adjust to daily life after several disabling conditions such as strokes, burns, brain injuries, and even paralysis.

Orthomolecular Medicine is a form of healing that was pioneered by Dr. Linus Pauling, and works to balance the body through the use of natural substances such as vitamins, minerals, proteins, fiber, and other nutritional components. Specialists in Orthomolecular Medicine believe that most individuals are deficient in these essential nutrients, and by proper supplementation health can be improved.  Several diseases have been discovered through modern medicine that indicates clear pathologies related to specific nutritional deficiencies. Many Orthomolecular Medicine practitioners are Medical Doctors, and consider the practice to be a form of natural pharmacology.

Osteopathy is a form of complementary medicine that believe that proper functioning of the body is dependent upon correct alignment of the muscular skeletal system.  Osteopathy is also known as Osteopathy Manipulative Medicine (OMM), and its specialists perform a variety of manual manipulative techniques to correct imbalances to promote the body’s self-healing functions.  Osteopathy was originally developed by a Medical Doctor, and the profession has divided into Osteopathy and Osteopathic Medicine.  Osteopathic Medicine is practiced by Doctors of Osteopathy (DO) that have been fully trained and licensed as medical physicians. Most graduates of Osteopathic Medical schools do not practice physical manipulations, but conduct conventional medical care.

Oxygen Therapy is a generic term describing a therapeutic modality where oxygen is administered to the patient to increase the oxygen supply to the lungs and body tissues.  Proponents believe that Oxygen Therapy delivers vital levels of oxygen to support cell respiration.  A specific form, Hyperbaric Oxygen Therapy (HBOT) involves the breathing of pure oxygen while in a sealed chamber.  According to the American Cancer Society, HBOT has been shown to be effective for the prevention and treatment of osteoradionecrosis – which is delayed bone damage caused by radiation therapy – when HBOT is used in addition to conventional treatment.   According to the American Cancer Society, while there is no proof that HBOT cures cancer, there is also some evidence suggesting HBOT may be helpful as an additional treatment for soft tissue injury caused by radiation treatment for cancer.

Palmisty or Chiromancy is a form of divination based upon the examination of the palm.  Specialists in Palmistry are often referred to as “palm readers”, who offer insights into future events through information extrapolated by the shape and the lines of an individual’s palm. The practice of Palmisty exists in many cultures all over the world and can be traced back to a Hindu practice that began over 5,000 years ago. While there are many style of Palmisty, most sessions include examination of both hands to learn about different aspects of the individual. The lines of an individual’s palm alter through the course of their life, possibly explaining the developed of this practice.

A Patient Advocate is an individual that works to facilitate the relationship between the patient and their family with the Doctors and other Medical Staff. Issues of communication, understanding of the patient’s medical options, billing choices, emotional support, and other issues are mediated by the Patient Advocate to ensure proper care is provided for the patient. A Patient Advocate may be part of the Medical Staff, such as a nurse or social worker, or provided by another healthcare organization.

A Personal Trainer – sometimes called simply “Trainer” – is a professional who educates clients about physical fitness.  A Personal Trainer may work individually with a student or may work with several students at once.  A Personal Trainer designs customized exercise routines and teaches specific physical exercises based on individual needs.  Personal Trainers often help clients focus on improvements in body composition, including weight loss or muscle gain.  A Personal Trainer may also be hired to focus on very specific goals, like an increase in strength, muscular endurance, cardiovascular endurance, or flexibility. Some Personal Trainers have the qualifications to work with an athlete’s sports performance, including speed and power. Some Personal Trainers may also be qualified to work with people who need help with physical dysfunction, including the improvement of balance, range of motion, knee and shoulder issues, and those released from physical therapy.

Physical Therapy, also known as physiotherapy, is a form of medical treatment that focuses on the rehabilitation of individuals with various physical disabilities. Most treatment is related to the muscle skeletal system to provide therapy after injury, surgery, or physical defects.  Other forms of Physical Therapy include cardio-pulmonary rehabilitation (asthma, COPD), neurological physical therapy (post-stroke), and integumentary physical therapy (wounds, burns).  Physical Therapists in the US all practice after passing the National Physical Therapy Examination.  The most current educational programs now offer Doctoral Degrees in Physical Therapy. Some Physical Therapy treatments are conducted by Physical Therapy Assists (PTAs) under the guidance of Physical Therapists.

Pilates – also known as The Pilates Method – is a physical fitness system of techniques developed by Joseph Pilates during World War One to help returning veterans with their rehabilitation for a variety of injuries and health conditions.  Pilates focused on mental and physical health and believed that combined, they are essential for appropriate healing.  Pilates promoted very specific exercises and precise movements which emphasized control and form to help injured soldiers to regain their health by strengthening, stretching, and stabilizing key muscles. Pilates created "The Pilates Principles" to condition the entire body: proper alignment, centering, concentration, control, precision, breathing, and flowing movement. Pilates today has millions of devotees worldwide.

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Psychosomatic Medicine is a field of health care and healing that crosses the boundaries of a multitude of medical fields.   Psychosomatic Medicine is today more commonly known as psychophysiologic medicine and describes the treatment of certain conditions where symptoms are caused by mental processes of the patient not explained by physiological root causes.   Psychosomatic Medicine integrates diagnoses and treatment approaches commonly found in psychiatry, psychology, neurology, surgery, gynecology, pain management, pediatrics, dermatology, psychoneuroimmunology, and many other fields.  Proponents believe that psychological processes are key factors influencing medical outcomes as well as patient compliance and even surgical outcomes.  Psychosomatic Medicine is a well studied area of medicine and it is fairly well accepted today that some conditions in certain patients have a psychological rather than physiological cause.

Psychotherapy is actually a rather new approach to patient care – a little more than a hundred years old, founded by Sigmund Freud and his colleagues in Austria in the late 19th Century.  Psychotherapy is described as an interpersonal, relational intervention used by trained psychotherapists to help their patients and clients with everyday concerns and problems of living. Practitioners in Psychotherapy use a wide range of interpersonal techniques to treat their patients, including spoken conversation, structured patient encounters, trust building and relationship building with their patients, hypnosis, group counseling – and more, all designed to help better understand feelings and events that cause patient discomfort and help the individual to change behaviors and perceptions to improve their health and well being.

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Qi Gong is an ancient form of Chinese exercise developed to enhance our health and awareness.  Qi Gong, which can be literally translated as energy work, incorporates postures, exercises, breathing techniques, and meditation to strengthen and circulate our body’s Qi, or life energy.  Based upon the theories of Chinese Medicine, Qi Gong exercises open the same meridian system used by acupuncturists for treatment of disease.  Developed over last 3000 to 5000 years, there are now thousands of different styles of Qi Gong movements.  Most of these styles follow the same fundamental principles: rooted balance, correct posture, deep breathing, and a relaxed mind and body.  Medical Qi Gong is where a Qi Gong master utilizes their own internal healing ability to correct the flow of energy in the patient’s body.  Whether you develop your own practice or receive Medical Qi Gong massage treatments, Qi Gong has been shown to improve your cardiovascular, immune, and muscles-skeletal systems and decrease your stress.

Reflexology, also know as Zone Therapy, is the healing practice of massaging, squeezing, or pushing on parts of the feet, hands and ears to promote a healing response on other body parts and to improve the general health and wellness of the individual.  Reflexology has many skeptics and there is no well accepted understanding on how and why it works.  Reflexology is considered an Alternative or Complementary health approach today and works to restore and maintain the body's natural balance and encourage healing.  The Reflexology practitioner – called a Reflexologist – treats each patient uniquely with what is described as gentle therapy to help patients overcome energy blockages and restore the free flow of energy to the whole body.

Reiki is a form of spiritual healing which emerged in the early 20th century in Japan.   Reiki is defined as a complementary healing art for the treatment of body, mind and emotional conditions.  Reiki Practitioners called Reiki Masters use a technique similar to the laying on of hands, which they say will channel "healing energy" through their palms to bring about healing for themselves or others.  Proponents of Reiki believe in a universal life force energy which can be accessed by practitioners and believers to induce a healing effect.  The Reiki Master uses this healing energy to activate or enhance the natural healing processes of an individual through their own so-called powers which are assisted by the “intention” and beliefs of their patient.

Rolfing & Structural Integration was initially developed by the American doctor Ida P. Rolf and was born out of her study of osteopathy, yoga, Alexander Technique, chiropractic and other similar approaches to healing available at the time.  The term Structural Integration is often generally defined as a type of Alternative Medicine which aims to align the human body in the gravitational field.  Dr. Rolf and her many devotees that followed believe that the increased use of balance at finer levels of the neuro-fascial-musculo-skeletal system allows for increased general well-being and physical adaptability and resilience.  Rolfing & Structural Integration is believed to reduce and control pain from its biomechanical and kinesiological root causes.  Patient re-education plays a premier role in Rolfing and Structural Integration regarding movement patterns and towards a goal of improved alignment.

The Rosen Method is a movement based modality and patient-education approach that was developed over 50 years by the physical therapist Marion Rosen starting in the 1930s.  The Rosen Method, sometimes set to music, was developed as a form of exercise and to help her patients age gracefully and prevent physical problems before they arise.  The Rosen Method practitioner is trained in the application of gentle, direct touch, using their hands to, it is said, “listen” rather than manipulate.  The Rosen Method practitioner “listens” to help the patient with chronic muscle tension leading to relaxation.  Advocates use this relaxation and the natural deepening of breathing that occurs to help patients release unconscious feelings, attitudes, and memories which may be the ultimate causes of muscle tension and stress.  Devotees believe that as this process unfolds, and the practitioner responds with light touch and words, the patient begins to release old patterns of tension and become free to experience more aliveness, new choices in life, and a greater sense of health and wellness.

Sclerology is described as a non-invasive alternative medicine healing practice focused on the sclera – the opaque (usually white), fibrous, protective layer of the eye containing collagen and elastic fibers.  Similar to Iridology which also focuses on the eye (in the case of Iridology, the iris) – the sclera is examined for information about a patient's systemic health.  In Sclerology, practitioners believe that examination of the sclera reveals a great number of disease processes and is capable of showing data that is more current (to within days), while iridology is better at showing genetic tendency.  While somewhat controversial among the mainstream, devotees of Sclerology suggest that their approach requires no clinical tools and is an inexpensive, non-invasive method to enhance the evaluation of patients' health.  Sclerology is one of those ancient healing arts still used in modern times.  Sclerology appears in 1000 year old Chinese medical texts and has been used throughout the ages by Native American healers.

Sexology is defined as the systematic study of human sexuality. It covers many if not all aspects of human sexuality, including the attempt to identify what is seen as "normal sexuality" as well as all its different and varied forms.  Like other cross-discipline fields, Sexology uses a multitude of techniques and parameters from a multitude of scientific and medical fields, like biology, medicine, psychology, statistics, epidemiology, sociology, anthropology, and sometimes criminology – to study its subject matter and individuals presenting with illness and problems.  Sexology also focuses on the study of human sexual development and the development of sexual relationships as well as the mechanics of sexual intercourse and sexual malfunction. Branches of Sexology also study and treat some of the darker sides of human behavior and sexual pathologies such as sex addiction and child sexual abuse.

Somatic (referring to the body) Therapy is a holistic treatment approach that integrates the mind, body and spiritual aspects of healing into one whole.  Somatic Therapy is said to help us become more aware of our bodies and our experiences and sensations.  Somatic Therapy often focuses on breathing and stresses of the day in order to let our awareness stop the factors that hold us back in daily life. For example, if we concentrate on the places in our bodies which are sore or uncomfortable – like pain in our stomach, shoulders or neck, for example – it is believed that this increased mental focus allows us to recognize this discomfort and therefore we can help relieve it or stop it by just paying attention.

Speech-language Pathology (SLP) is the study of disorders that affect speech, language, listening, and swallowing.  Speech-language Pathologists, or Speech Pathologists, are certified in the US after completing 2 year post-graduate education and a one year fellowship. Speech Pathologists commonly work with both adults and children.  For adults, therapy is provided for those who have suffered neurological damage to the speech centers of the brain either through trauma or diseases such as stroke, dementia, Parkinson’s disease, or ALS.  Children often receive speech therapy to assist in overcoming speech impediments, learning difficulties, autism, and hearing impairments.

Spinology is a form of bodywork that functions to help the nervous system is free from interference by spinal obtrusions. A spinal obtrusion is a state a of disharmony between the bones of the spinal column that effects the spinal cord and spinal nerve roots, disrupting the transmission of impulses between the brain and the rest of the body.  Spinologists treat by appling soft force into the paraspinal muscles around the spinal column to relieve spinal obtrusions. Though similar in premise to Chiropractors, Spinologists do not use any manipulative force on the vertebrae; all effort is applied within a normal range of motions of the spinal column.

T.E.N.S. stands for transcutaneous electrical nerve stimulation, and is a very common and well accepted form of electrical stimulation used to pain issues in patients and is often paid for by insurance companies a safe and effective treatment modality.  T.E.N.S. Therapy works using a small, battery-operated device that delivers low-voltage electrical current through the skin via electrodes placed near the source of pain. It is believed that the electrical current stimulates nerves in the affected area and sends signals to the brain that "scramble" normal pain perception. T.E.N.S. Therapy is not a painful treatment in patients and has been proven in multiple clinical studies to be an effective therapy to mask pain.

Tai Chi, also known as Tai Chi Chuan or Supreme Ultimate Boxing, is a form of Chinese training that combines exercise, moving meditation, and martial arts.  Tai Chi has been increasing in popularity recently due to positive medical research demonstrating the health benefits of Tai Chi for various conditions, such as Rheumatoid Arthritis, Osteoarthritis, Fibromyalgia, High Blood Pressure, and Shingles.  Tai Chi is a safe and low-impact exercise that can improve your cardiovascular and immune systems and increases your strength and flexibility.  From a martial arts perspective, Tai Chi focuses on the development of soft internal energy verse hard physical strength to overcome an opponent.  Traditionally Tai Chi, like many Chinese martial arts, was only taught to a teacher’s direct descendents.  This led to the development of several family styles.  Each of these styles maintains the same fundamental concepts of Tai Chi; however, they each interpret these concepts differently.

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Thalassotherapy is an ancient treatment used in modern times and refers to the use of sea water for medicinal purposes and comes from the word thalassos, meaning "sea" in Greek.  It is believed that the properties of sea water have a unique and beneficial effect on the skin and are absorbed through the pores on the skin.  While the efficacy of Thalassotherapy is not based on scientific proof and are not well accepted across the conventional medical community, there are many proponents of Thalassotherapy who feel that the trace elements (magnesium, potassium, calcium and sodium) have a beneficial medicinal-type effect.  In terms of how Thalassotherapy is used in the modern era, spas who specialize in this type of service might offer clients a Thalassotherapy shower of warmed seawater, or a wrap containing marine mud or of algae paste, or even the inhalation of sea fog. Advocates claim that treatments of this type are safe and are designed to tone, moisturize and revitalize the body and skin.

The Tibetan Medicine tradition takes the entire body, mind and spirit into focus to obtain health and wellness, and is embodied in the Buddhist tradition.   Tibetan Medicine employs meditation as a key element to successful spiritual self-healing.  Massage is also a very common practice within Tibetan Medicine, as is moxibustion – the heating of certain points on the body to change the course of energy flow into their rightful place.  Herbs and other dietary treatments are used for many specific conditions and illnesses.  It is believed that good health requires a balance of energies and, when these energies are not in balance, illness can occur.  Diet, emotional issues, stress and even viruses and unhealthy organisms are seen as the root causes of many illnesses from the traditional Tibetan medical perspective.  And managing these factors will put you and your energies back in balance and harmony – that is the basis of Tibetan Healing.

Traditional African Medicine is a holistic system with herbs and spiritual elements at its center.  Traditional African Medicine practitioners are healers who believe that their methods can cure many conditions including cancer, AIDS, mental problems, infertility, some sexually transmitted diseases, wounds and burns as well as many other ailments and conditions.  The primary healers in Traditional African Medicine are what are called diviners, midwives, and herbalists.  Diviners focus on the root causes of sickness and many feel that ancestral spirits and the like play a role.  Midwives use herbs and other local plants to assist with pregnancy and childbirth.  Herbalists are completely ingrained in the African Medicine tradition and Herb Markets and herb trading is common in every city and town and community.

In the 1950’s with the rise of Communism, Chairman Mao instituted the formulized development of Traditional Chinese Medicine (TCM) from the knowledge of the remaining traditional doctors in China.  TCM combined Acupuncture, Chinese Herbal Medicine, Tui Na Massage, Gua Sha, Cupping, and other traditional medicine techniques into one system. TCM education was also modernized into a curriculum that included western medicine and was formally integrated into China’s hospital care system.   This style of acupuncture is taught in most US Acupuncture schools and possesses a large amount of clinical research from China supporting its methodology.   It is the most common form of Acupuncture practiced today.

Unani-tibbi describes the rich and ancient Arabic or Islamic medical healing arts tradition (though literally translated from Arabic, it means Greek medicine which is where its deep roots come from.)   Unani-tibbi is also known as prophetic medicine in some quarters.  The Unani-tibbi/Arabic Medicine tradition is a comprehensive system focused on the body and the spirit, using diet, herbs, manipulation, and surgery to promote healing.  Unani-tibbi covers all areas and fields of medical care, from nutrition and hygiene to psychiatric treatment.  From its Greek origins, Islamic medical scholars and practitioners made major advances and breakthroughs improving on the original and adding to the pool of knowledge of health and wellness practices worldwide.

Yoga is a system of ancient spiritual practices originating in India.  Yoga is very much a philosophy as well as a mind-body technique.  As a general concept in Hinduism, Yoga has been defined as "technologies or disciplines of asceticism and meditation which are thought to lead to spiritual experience and profound understanding or insight into the nature of existence."  There are a number of branches of Yoga, and they all have in common the union of a person's own consciousness and the universal consciousness.  Worldwide and throughout the United States, the practice of Yoga abounds.  Devotees of Yoga employ breathing techniques to ready themselves for expanded consciousness.  It is believed that the exercises practiced in Yoga improve circulation and stimulate natural processes in the body which can generally improve the health, wellness and mental state of the Yoga enthusiast.

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