Holistic Terms
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- Acupuncture
Acupuncture alleviates pain and can increase immune response by balancing the flow of vital life energy throughout the body. It is a complete system of healing and provides effective treatment for numerous conditions, from the common cold and flues, to addiction and chronic fatigue syndrome. It is also effective as an adjunctive treatment for AIDS.
- Alexander Technique
The Alexander Technique is a system of reeducating your body and mind so you can use your self in a way that facilitates proper posture, ease of movement, and attainment of optimum health. Through gentle manual guidance accompanied by verbal directions, the Alexander teacher coaches a student to become aware of and to inhibit unnecessary movement and to achieve greater ease and efficiency in performing physical tasks. As the body regains more optimum functioning, the student often gains relief from stress and chronic pain. F. Matthias Alexander (1869-1955), the originator of this techique, summarized his subtle goal in the elegantly simple dictum of "developing a better use of the self."
- Allergist
A board certified physician specialized in the treatment and/or elimination of allergies and their symptoms. "The NAET (Nambudripad Allergy Elimination Technique) therapy eliminates allergies completely without needles, drugs or pain. Elimination of allergies is accomplished by reprogramming the brain. This reprogramming is done by spinal stimulation and acupressure." [Dr. Ted Bartnett]
- Applied Kinesiology
Applied kinesiology can determine health imbalances in the body's organs and glands by identifying weaknesses in specific muscles. By stimulating or relaxing these key muscles, an applied kinesiologist can diagnose and resolve a variety of health problems.
[Alternative Medicine, The Definitive Guide]- Aromatherapy
Aromatherapy uses the essential oils extracted from plants and herbs to treat conditions ranging from infections and skin disorders to immune deficiencies and stress. Essential oils are widely used throughout Europe and a system of medical Aromatherapy is currently practiced in France.
[Alternative Medicine, The Definitive Guide]- Art Therapy
Art Therapy is a human service profession that utilizes art media, the creative art process and patient/client responses to the created products as reflections of an individual's development, abilities, personality, interests, concerns and conflicts. Art Therapy practice is based on knowledge of human developmental and psychological theories which are implemented in the full spectrum of models of assessment and treatment including educational, psychodynamic, cognitive, transpersonal and other therapeutic means of reconciling emotional conflicts, fostering self-awareness, developing social skills, managing behavior, solving problems, reducing anxiety, aiding reality orientation and increasing self-esteem. Art Therapy is an effective treatment for the developmentally, medically, educationally, socially, or psychologically impaired; and is practiced in mental health, rehabilitation, medical, educational, and forensic institutions. Populations of all ages, races, and ethnic backgrounds are served by art therapists in individual, couples, family, and group therapy formats.
[Definition from the American Art Therapy Association thanks to Stephanie Woodruff L.P.C.]- Ayurvedic
Practiced in India for the past five thousand years, Ayurvedic (meaning "science of life") is a comprehensive system that combines natural therapies with a highly personalized approach to treatment of disease. Ayurvedic medicine places equal emphasis on body, mind and spirit, and strives to restore the innate harmony of the individual.
[Alternative Medicine, The Definitive Guide]- Biofeedback Training
Biofeedback training teaches a person how to change and control his or her body's functions through the use of simple electronic devices. Biofeedback is particularly useful for learning to reduce stress, eliminate headaches, control asthmatic attacks, recondition injured muscles, and relieve pain.
[Alternative Medicine, The Definitive Guide]- Bodywork
The term bodywork refers to therapies such as massage, deep tissue manipulation, movement awareness, and energy balancing, which are employed to improve the structure and functions of the human body. Bodywork in all its forms helps to reduce pain, soothe injured muscles, stimulate blood and lymphatic circulation, and promote deep relaxation {enabling the body to rally its own recuperative powers}. [Alternative Medicine, The Definitive Guide] Thomas Claire discusses the following types of "Bodywork": Swedish Massage, Rolfing, Alexander Technique, Feldenkrais Method, Myofascial Release, Trager, Rubenfeld Synergy, Rosen Method, Shiatsu, Reflexology, Therapeutic Touch, CranioSacral Therapy, Reiki, Holotropic Breathwork, Polarity Therapy. [Bodywork]
- Colorpuncture
Esogetic Colorpuncture is a fairly new development in holistic healing and one of Europe's more popular new alternative healing disciplines. The originator of Colorpuncture is a German scientist and naturopath named Peter Mandel who conducted more than 25 years of intensive empirical research to develop this unique system of healing. Colorpuncture involves focusing colored light on acupuncture (and other) points on the skin in order to energize powerful healing impulses in our physical and energy bodies.
[Source: www.colorpuncture.com]- Craniosacral Therapy
Craniosacral therapy manipulates the bones of the skull to treat a range of conditions, from headache and ear infection to stroke, spinal cord injuries, and cerbral palsy. For decades various forms of cranial manipulation have been used to improve overall body functioning, and today craniosacral therapy is gaining acceptance by health professionals worldwide as a successful treatment modality. Craniosacral Therapy is considered a type of Bodywork.
[Alternative Medicine, The Definitive Guide]- Detoxification
Each year people are exposed to thousands of toxic chemicals and pollutants in the earth's atmosphere, water, food, and soil. These pollutants manifest themselves in a variety of symptoms, including decreased immune function, neurotoxicity, hormonal dysfunction, psychological disturbances, and even cancer. Detoxification therapy helps to rid the body of chemicals and pollutants and can facilitate a return to health.
[Alternative Medicine, The Definitive Guide]- Doctor of Chiropractic (D.C.)
Through adjustments of the spine and joints, chiropractors can influence the body's nervous system and natural defense mechanisms in order to alleviate pain and improve general health. Because of its effectiveness in treating back problems, headaches, and other injuries and traumas, chiropractic has become the second largest primary health care field in the world. [Alternative Medicine, The Definitive Guide]
- Doctor of Medicine, M.D. (Holistic physicians)
Holistic Physicians are medical doctors who practice some type of natural therapy, such as homeopathy, acupuncture, nutrition, or other specialty. Holistic physicians assume that all aspects of life create and comprise a total state of health. They analyze nutritional, emotional, environmental, spiritual, and life-style values of the client to treat the individual rather than the disease. The treatment usually consists of several procedures, each appropriate to a different aspect of the client's life. The goal is to achieve a fuller, more unified sense of well-being. A holistic physician forms a cooperative relationship with the client and assists him or her in the process of self-healing. The clients learns that self-responsibility for health plays an essential role in the healing process. [Light Emerging, The Journey of Personal Healing]
- Doctor of Naturopathy (D.N.)
The scope of a naturopathic doctor's practice includes all aspects of family care from natural childbirth through geriatrics. Naturopathic doctors are licensed in a number of states and several Canadian provinces. These physicians are trained in natural medicine. Training involves four years of postgraduate study, including two years of medical sciences and a diversity of natural therapies. The therapies studied include herbal medicine, hydrotherapy and manipulation, with specialty areas of natural childbirth, homeopathy, and acupuncture. [Light Emerging, The Journey of Personal Healing]
- Doctor of Osteopathy (D.O.)
This discipline was begun by Andrew Still in the late 1800s to teach bone manipulation to promote natural healing. Osteopathy helps the body to stimulate and restore its own immune systems and is very effective in treating may autoimmune disorders such as arthritis. They [Doctors of Osteopathy] use a system of healing that emphasizes realignment of the body through manipulation to correct faulty structure and function. They specialize in manipulating muscles and joints to treat problems. Doctors of Osteopathy are fully trained and licensed according to the same standards as Md.'s and receive additional extensive training in the body's structure and function. [Light Emerging, The Journey of Personal Healing]
- Energy Healing
Energy healers work either by touching or not touching the body to clear, charge, balance and repair the auric fields. They channel healing energy into the client to bring about either full or partial healing to any part of the body. An experienced healer will know where the body needs healing. There is nothing that cannot be healed, only that which is not ready. [Michael Glicker]
- Feldenkrais
We improve our well being when we learn to fully use ourselves. Our intelligence depends upon the opportunity we take to experience and learn on our own. This self learning leads to full, dynamic living. Ordinarily, we learn just enough to function. For example, we learn to use our hands well enough to eat, our legs well enough to walk. Our abilities to function with a greater range of ease and skill, however, remain to be developed. The FELDENKRAIS METHOD teaches -- through movement -- how we can improve our capabilities to function in our daily lives. [From the Feldenkrais website of North America]
- Flower Remedies
The term bodywork refers to therapies such as massage, deep tissue manipulation, movement awareness, and energy balancing, which are employed to improve the structure and functions of the human body. Bodywork in all its forms helps to reduce pain, soothe injured muscles, stimulate blood and lymphatic circulation, and promote deep relaxation {enabling the body to rally its own recuperative powers}. [Alternative Medicine, The Definitive Guide] Thomas Claire discusses the following types of "Bodywork": Swedish Massage, Rolfing, Alexander Technique, Feldenkrais Method, Myofascial Release, Trager, Rubenfeld Synergy, Rosen Method, Shiatsu, Reflexology, Therapeutic Touch, CranioSacral Therapy, Reiki, Holotropic Breathwork, Polarity Therapy. [Bodywork]
- Guided Imagery
Using the power of the mind to bring about healing. It is in the body-mind where we hold perceptions of the past, in the form of emotions and images. Our beliefs are different because our perceptions of the past are unique. Though imagery we can disengage beliefs that interfere with a healthy life.
- Herbal Therapy
Herbal therapy is the most ancient form of health care known to humankind. Herbs have been used tin all cultures throughout history. Extensive scientific documentation now exists concerning their use for health conditions, including premenstrual syndrome, indigestion, insomnia, heart disease, cancer and HIV. [Alternative Medicine, The Definitive Guide]
- Hydrotherapy
Hydrotherapy is the use of water, ice, steam, and hot and cold temperatures to maintain and restore health. Treatments include full body immersion, stream baths, saunas, sitz baths, colonic irrigation, and the application of hot, and/or cold compresses. Hydrotherapy is effective for treating a wide range of conditions and can easily be used in the home as part of a self-care program. • Naturopathic Doctors (D.N.) study hydrotherapy. • Hydrotherapy training is required in all Texas massage therapy curriculums, although not all Texas-trained Massage Therapists practice hydrotherapy. [Alternative Medicine, The Definitive Guide]
- Juice Therapy
Juice therapy uses the fresh , raw juice of vegetables and fruits to nourish and replenish the body. Used as a nutritional support during periods of stress and illness, juice therapy can also be used as part of a comprehensive health maintenance plan. [Alternative Medicine, The Definitive Guide]
- Licensed Acupuncturists (L.Ac)
An acupuncturist is a licensed health care professional who, based on the concepts of oriental medicine, maintains the health of patients and evaluates and treats their illness and pain. Using the principles of oriental medicine, the acupuncturist will examine you by looking, listening, asking questions, and touching.
- Licensed Master Social Worker (LMSW) - Advanced Clinical Practitioner (ACP).
Professional social work practice is services and actions performed for compensation to effect changes in human behavior, a person's emotional responses, interpersonal relationships, and the social conditions of individuals, families, groups, organizations, and communities. For the purpose of this definition, the practice of professional social work is guided by special knowledge, acquired through formal professional social work education, of social welfare policies and services, social welfare systems and resources, human development and behavior within the context of the social environment, and methods to enhance the functioning of individuals, families, groups, communities, and social welfare organizations. Professional social work practice involves the disciplined application of social work values, principles, and methods, including psychotherapy, marriage and family therapy, couples therapy, group therapy, counseling, assessment, and evaluation.
- Light Therapy
Light and color have been valued throughout history as sources of healing. Today, the therapeutic applications of light and color are being investigated in major hospitals and research centers worldwide. Results indicate that full-spectrum, ultraviolet, colored and laser light can have therapeutic value for a range of conditions from chronic pain and depression to immune disorders and cancer. [Alternative Medicine, The Definitive Guide]
- Massage Therapy
Massage therapy has been used since the time of Hippocrates in the fourth century BC. The basic philosophy of massage is to manipulate the soft tissue to enhance the body's tendency to heal itself. It consists of physical methods that include applying fixed or movable pressure, holding and moving parts of the body. • Also see Registered Massage Therapist (RMT) • Massage Therapy is considered a type of Bodywork. [Light Emerging, The Journey of Personal Healing]
- Meditation
Meditation is a safe and simple way to balance a person's physical, emotional, and mental states. It is easily learned and has been used as an aid to treating stress and pain management . It has also been employed as part of an overall treatment for other conditions, including hypertension and heart disease. [Alternative Medicine, The Definitive Guide]
- Naturopathic Doctor (N.D.)
Naturopathic Medicine is a unique and comprehensive approach to improving health and addressing illness. Focusing on prevention and using natural approaches, naturopathic doctors (ND's) support and stimulate the body's ability to heal itself. The primary goal of naturopathic treatment is to address the cause of illness, rather than simply treat or suppress symptoms. The patient is seen as a whole person and the ND takes the physical, mental, emotional and spiritual dimensions into account when making an assessment and developing strategies for recovery of health.
- Neuro-Linguistic Programming
Neuro-Linguistic Programming (NLP) helps people detect and reprogram unconscious patterns of thought and behavior in order to alter psychological responses and enhance the healing process. NLP has provided positive results on people suffering from various conditions, including AIDS, cancer, allergies, arthritis, Parkinson's disease, and migraine headaches. [Alternative Medicine, The Definitive Guide]
- Nia Technique
Nia is an expressive, barefooted, dance/fitness practice developed by Debbie and Carlos Rosas. It addresses fitness as well as the unique and ever-changing needs of your thinking and feeling body. Nia, Neuromuscular Integrative Action, is designed to help you discover the transformational power of body/mind integration through joyful movement. Nia's instructor-led choreography invites individuals to be creative and playful, as well as introspective and centered. Nia draws on aspects of Martial Arts, Aikido, Yoga, T'ai Chi, Dance and other body integration therapies.
- Nutrition
Nutritionists use diet as therapy. They determine a patient's individual nutritional requirements as well as whether he or she has food allergies. Nutritionists then provide specific dietary guidelines and food supplements, such as vitamins and minerals, to be taken at regular intervals over a long period of time in the maintenance of health and treatment of disease. Many common conditions can be treated effectively by dietary measures.
[Light Emerging, The Journey of Personal Healing]- Qigong
Qigong combines movement, meditation, and breath regulation to enhance the flow of vital energy in the body, improve blood circulation, and enhance immune functions. Because qigong can be used by the healthy as well as the severely ill, it is one of the most broadly applicable systems of self-care in the world. In China, it is estimated that 200 million people practice qigong everyday. [Alternative Medicine, The Definitive Guide]
- Reconnective Healing
Reconnective Healing® is a new and very powerful high frequency energy that carries light and information from The Field. It works at a quantum level to facilitate balance and healing at all levels of body, mind, emotion and spirit. By facilitating reconnection of your current Being with your energetic template as it was perfectly designed, it facilitates rapid, permanent change.
Unlike Reconnective Healing®, which works to correct imbalances causing a particular dis-ease, The Reconnection™ makes a complete reconnection of all energetic points and axiatonal lines. It fully connects your personal energy grid with the Earth’s electromagnetic grid, the universal grid, and the perfect divine blueprint of your being. It re-establishes the direct lines of connection to your highest potential and possibilities and greatly accelerates your life path toward fulfillment of your life purpose.
- Reflexology
Reflexology is a technique of manipulating the feet in order to improve circulation, ease pain, and increase relaxation in the body. Reflexology is based on the theory that all body parts, organs, and glands are associated with specific areas, called reflex zones, in the feet, hands, ears and surface of the skin. By manipulation the associated zones, changes can be effected in the corresponding body part. For this reason , Reflexology is sometimes called Zone Therapy. The feet have a large concentration of nerve endings and are, therefore, particularly sensitive; in addition, they are easier to grasp for firm, focused manipulation. Consequently, reflexology treatments generally concentrate on the feet. • Reflexology is considered a type of Bodywork. [Bodywork, What type of Massage to Get and How to Make the Most of it]
- RMT
In the state of Texas, a Registered Massage Therapist is required to complete 250 hours of training (mainly Swedish Massage, Anatomy and Physiology) as well as a 50 hour clinical internship. • Also see Massage Therapy • National certification requires 500 hours of training.
- Shamanism
Shamans are often called "see-ers" (seers), or " people who know" in their tribal languages, because they are involved in a system of knowledge based on firsthand experience. Shamanism is not a belief system. It's based on personal experiments conducted to heal, to get information, or do other things. In fact, if shamans don't get results, they will no longer be used by people in their tribe. People ask me, "How do yo know if somebody's a shaman?" I say, "It's simple. Do they journey to other worlds? And do they perform miracles?" [...On treating illness...] A shaman might make a journey for diagnostic purposes, to get information about the person's problems from a spiritual point of view. It doesn't necessarily matter what the diagnosis is from an ordinary reality point of view. There's no simple one-to-one concordance between spiritual illness and ordinary reality illness. You can't say, "This equals that." So the shaman will often make a journey to find out what the spiritual causality is [...] The shaman restores a person's linkage to his or her spiritual power. The spiritual power is something analogous to a spiritual immune defense system, but I wouldn't make a one-to-one equivalence. It's an analog. The power makes one resistant to illness. [...] – From an interview with Michael Harner Ph.D. • Also see The Foundation for Shamanic Studies.
- Sound Therapy
Sound and music can have a very powerful effect on one's health. Sound therapy is used in hospitals, schools, corporate offices, and psychological treatment programs as an effective treatment to reduce stress, lower blood pressure, alleviate pain, overcome learning disabilities, improve movement and balance, and promote endurance and strength. [Alternative Medicine, The Definitive Guide]
- Traditional Chinese Medicine (TCM)
Traditional Chinese Medicine is an ancient method of health care that combines the use of medicinal herbs, acupuncture, food therapy, massage, and therapeutic exercise. It has proven effective for many conditions, including chronic degenerative disease, cancer, infectious disease, allergies, childhood ailments, heart disease and AIDS. [Alternative Medicine, The Definitive Guide]
- Trance Dance
For more than 40,000 years people have danced as a way to induce the trance state. They have danced the animals, the elements, their joys and fears. Trance Dance, developed by the Natale Institute, is a facilitated blindfolded dance experience, in which participants join with their spirit to learn and to heal.
- Veterinary
The principles of alternative medicine are as applicable to animals as they are to human beings. Alternative veterinary medicine is directed toward maintaining natural good health. Animal treatment and healing are achieved using gentle yet effective methods, to treat not only symptoms, but to cure their underlying conditions. [Alternative Medicine, The Definitive Guide]
- Wellness Coaching
The art of helping a client to help themself. The coach encourages the client to share the past. Through deep connection with the client, together they can uncover images and situations from the past. The coach will work with the client in whichever way seems most appropriate. [Michael Glicker]
- Yoga
Yoga is among the oldest known systems of health practiced in the world today, and research into yoga practices has had a strong impact on the fields of stress reduction, mind/body therapies, and energy work. The physical postures, breathing exercises, and meditation practices of yoga have been proven to reduce stress, lower blood pressure, regulate heart rate, and even retard the aging process. [Alternative Medicine, The Definitive Guide]
