Acupuncture

A method of healing developed in China roughly 2,000 years ago involving the insertion and manipulation of thin needles at specific points on the body where the body’s circulation can be therapeutically influenced. The practice is meant to relieve pain or cure disease.

Aromatherapy

The use of volatile plant oils for psychological and physical well-being. Using “essential” oils extracted from herbs, flowers, and fruits to directly stimulate the brain through smell. Can also be absorbed through the skin into the bloodstream, where they can affect the whole body and promote healing. Aromatherapy can be antiseptic, calming, soothing, and stimulating bringing balance to the systems of the body.

Art Therapy

Involves a variety of artistic mediums (such as paint, clay, etc.) in order to create a visual representation of thoughts and emotions allowing individuals or groups to explore different aspects of self.

Aquatic Therapy

A beneficial form of therapy consisting of an exercise regimen that is performed in the water. Uses the physical properties of water to assist in patient healing and exercise performance. Aquatic therapy is used for a variety of medical conditions.

Ayurveda (“ah-yur-VAH-dah”)

Is an alternative medical system practiced in India, which preceded and evolved independently of Western medicine. Seeks to treat and integrate body, mind, and spirit using a comprehensive holistic approach especially emphasizing diet, herbal remedies, exercise, meditation, breathing, and physical therapy.

Bowenwork

A manual therapy whereby gentle moves are performed over various connective tissue points. The response from these movements is an activation of the nervous system where signals are sent to the brain. These signals override conscious movement and thought, thereby directly stimulating the healing mechanisms of the body. The process is gentle and works with the body’s own electrical circuits to speed up the healing process.

Chelation Therapy

A therapy that involves administering a natural substance or manmade amino-acid into the veins in order for it to bind with and remove a metal such as lead, iron, mercury, and arsenic. Chelation Therapy is thought to be helpful in treating hardened arteries and removing arterial plaque.

Chiropractic

An alternative medical system which focuses on the relationship between bodily structure (primarily that of the spine) and function, and how that relationship affects the preservation and restoration of health. Chiropractors use manipulative therapy as an integral treatment tool.

Colon Hydrotherapy (Colonic)

The process of cleansing and flushing out the colon or large intestine. Also called colonic irrigation or colonic hydrotherapy, the treatment is similar to, but more extensive than an enema.

Color Therapy

The use of color to promote wellness. Color therapy is based on the theory that the body needs to absorb different color energies in order to maintain a sense of well-being.

CranioSacral Therapy

A therapy involving the manipulation of the cranial bones. The motion of cranial bones is closely connected to subtle movements that involve a network of interrelated tissues and fluids at the core of the body, including cerebrospinal fluid (the “sap in the tree”), the central nervous system, the membranes that surround the central nervous system, and the sacrum.

Crystal Healing

The therapeutic application of crystals and gemstones in order to heal the mental, physical, emotional and spiritual bodies.

Dietary supplements

Defined by Congress in the Dietary Supplement Health and Education Act of 1994, products other than tobacco taken by mouth that contain a "dietary ingredient" intended to supplement the diet. Dietary ingredients may include vitamins, minerals, herbs or other botanicals, amino acids, and substances such as enzymes, organ tissues, and metabolites. Dietary supplements come in many forms, including extracts, concentrates, tablets, capsules, gel caps, liquids, and powders. They have special requirements for labeling. Under DSHEA, dietary supplements are considered foods, not drugs.

Feng Shui (“fung schway”)

An ancient Chinese art that teaches how to create harmony through awareness of one’s surroundings. Feng Shui instruction gives practical and efficient guidance to assist in adjusting both internal and external environments for harmony and balance. Corresponding changes in one’s overall sense of emotional and physical well-being may result.

Healing Touch

Derives from an ancient technique called “laying-on of hands” and is based upon the belief that a vital energy flows through the human body and that the practitioner’s hands can help clear, energize, and balance the human and environmental energy fields.

Hellerwork

An integrated system designed to recondition the whole body. It works through a series of deep tissue bodywork techniques and movement education designed to realign the body and release chronic tension and stress.

Homeopathy

Is based on the theory that each naturally occurring element, plant, and mineral compound will, when ingested or applied, result in certain symptoms. It is a system of therapy based on the concept that disease can be treated with drugs (in minute doses) thought capable of producing the same symptoms in healthy people as the disease itself.

Hypnotherapy

The use of hypnosis (a state of relaxation and concentration) in order to address a variety of mental, physical and emotional issues.

Iridology

The analysis of patterns and structures within the eye’s iris in order to locate areas and stages of inflammation throughout the body. The iris can reveal body constitution, inherent strengths and weaknesses, health levels, and transitions that take place in a person’s body, according to his/her way of life.

Jin Shin Jyutsu

An ancient Japanese technique for energy healing, using deep breathing and the placement of one's hands on specific areas of the body, called Safety Energy Locks (or SELs).

Massage Therapy

A therapy that involves rubbing or kneading a portion of the body in order to stimulate circulation and make muscles or joints supple. Usually done with ones’ hands, massage can help relieve stress and pain, reduce blood pressure and boost the immune system.

Meditation

An elevated state of awareness. Meditation derives from two Latin words: meditari (to think, dwell upon, and exercise the mind) and mederi (to heal). Its Sanskrit derivation “medha” means wisdom.

Music Therapy

The use of music to affect positive changes in the psychological, physical, cognitive, or social functioning of individuals with health or educational problems.

Naturopathy

Includes the basic medical sciences and conventional diagnostics, along with therapeutic nutrition, botanical medicine, homeopathy, natural childbirth, classical Chinese medicine, hydrotherapy, manipulative therapy, pharmacology and minor surgery.

Neurofeedback (NFB)

Also called neurotherapy, neurobiofeedback, or EEG biofeedback, neurofeedback is a therapeutic technique that presents the user with real-time feedback on brainwave activity as measured by sensors on the scalp, typically in the form of a video display, sound or vibration.  The aim is to provide real-time information to the Central Nervous System (CNS) as to its current activity.

Polarity Therapy

Works with the Human Energy Field, electro-magnetic patterns expressed in mental, emotional and physical experience. It is a comprehensive health system involving energy-based bodywork, diet, exercise and self-awareness. In Polarity Therapy, health is viewed as a reflection of the condition of the energy field, and therapeutic methods are designed to balance the field for health benefit.

Qigong (“chee-GUNG”)

Consists primarily of meditation, relaxation, physical movement, mind-body integration, and breathing exercises. Practitioners of Qigong develop an awareness of qi sensations (energy) in their body and use their mind to guide the qi. Advanced practitioners can direct or emit external qi for the purpose of helping others heal.

Reflexology

A scientific art based on the premise that there are zones and reflex areas in the feet and hands which correspond to all body parts. Reflexology is the application of specific pressure by the use of a practitioner’s hand, thumb and fingers applied to specific points on the feet, hands and ears, which causes a physiological change in the body with the intention of stress reduction.

Reiki (“ray key”)

The Japanese word for the Universal Life Energy. Reiki is a gentle nurturing flow of the natural healing process. Sessions often prove to be highly beneficial in creating healing and balance of body, mind and spirit.

Rolfing

Rolfing® or Structural Integration, is a form of bodywork developed fifty years ago by Ida P. Rolf that works on the connective tissue (fascia) to release, realign and balance the whole body. Rolfing enhances posture and freedom of movement, and can resolve pain and discomfort from many causes including back pain, repetitive motion injuries, trauma and aging.

Rosen Method Bodywork

Rosen Method bodywork is a tool for stress reduction and for reaching the body/mind connection through gentle, direct touch. It is often used by those seeking relief from headaches, back pain, muscle tension, joint pain, injuries, insomnia, and chronic conditions like asthma and chronic fatigue  Using hands that listen rather than manipulate, the practitioner focuses on chronic muscle tension, noticing subtle shifts in muscle tension and breath.

Tai Chi

A form of traditional Chinese mind/body exercise and meditation that uses slow sets of body movements and controlled breathing. It combines mental concentration, slow breathing and dance-like movements to increase chi (life energy). Tai chi is done to improve balance, flexibility, muscle strength and overall health.

Therapeutic Touch

Derives from an ancient technique called “laying-on of hands”. It is based on the premise that: 1) It is the healing force of the therapist that affects the patient's recovery, 2) Healing is promoted when the body's energies are in balance, and 3) By passing their hands over the patient, healers can identify energy imbalances.

Traditional Chinese Medicine (TCM)

An ancient system of healthcare originating in China, TCM is based on a concept of balanced qi ("chee"), or vital energy, which is believed to flow throughout the body. Qi is proposed to regulate a person's spiritual, emotional, mental, and physical balance and to be influenced by the opposing forces of yin (negative energy) and yang (positive energy). Disease is proposed to result from the flow of qi being disrupted and yin and yang becoming imbalanced. Among the components of TCM are herbal and nutritional therapy, restorative physical exercises, meditation, acupuncture, and remedial massage.