Alexander Technique... F.M. Alexander (1869-1955) demonstrated that the difficulties many people experience in learning, in performance and in physical functioning are caused by patterns of learned habits. The Alexander Technique provides a means for helping people learn to learn to use their selves more efficiently, to improve their alignment, and to move more freely. Combines education and therapy to teach how to use minimal effort to achieve maximum efficiency of muscles and movement to relieve pain and improve posture and overall well-being.

Acupressure... A massage technique using finger pressure to stimulate blocked energy points in the body. The systems of acupressure, such as Jin Shin Do, Jin Shin Jyutsu and Shiatsu use the same points as acupuncture.

Acupuncture... A preventive medicine for maintaining health. This therapy stimulates points on the body's surface to affect the physiological functioning of the whole body or specific parts. The insertion of fine needles into specific points along the lines of energy flow, or meridians, in the body. Acupuncture originated in China and is a therapy used to promote health, treat and prevent disease, and relieve pain. It is practiced by licensed acupuncturists, physiotherapists, chiropractors, naturopathic doctors, and medical doctors. 

Moxibustion... The use of dried herbs in acupuncture. The herbs are placed on top of acupuncture needles and burned. This method is believed to be more effective at treating some health conditions than using acupuncture needles alone.

Qigong (also called chi gung)... An ancient Chinese exercise designed to cultivate our vital energy, or qi, utilizing breath, touch, awareness and movement. Qigong is important for prevention of disease, and to improve one's overall health and self awareness. Qigong combines movement, mindful meditation, and focused breathing. The slow gentle movements are thought to promote self-healing, strengthen the immune system, release tension and stimulate vitality. Tai Chi, which has more complex movements, originated from the practice of QiGong.

Traditional Chinese Medicine... Enhances the body's ability to heal itself by reestablishing a balanced circulation of energy. It is a 2500-year-old system for diagnosing and treating disease, preventing illness, and improving the well-being of body, mind and spirit. Treatments include herbal therapy, acupuncture, massage, nutritional counseling, QiGong, Tai Chi and other techniques. TCM can address deep-seated chronic conditions and constitutional imbalances, colds, flu, stress, pain, gynecological and skin conditions, respiratory and digestive problems, and more.

Tai Chi... An ancient Chinese martial art which is most often used for health and meditation. A variation of self-healing, it is easy to learn the basics and the benefits of practice include increased flexibility, strength and health as well as improved breathing, balance and coordination. Tai chi is an ancient, yoga-like Chinese system of ballet-like exercises designed for health, self-defense, and spiritual development. Practicing tai chi can facilitate the flow of chi ("life energy") through the body by dissolving blockages both within the body and between the body and the environment. Traditional tai chi involves about 108 to 128 postures, including repetitions.

Chiropractic... 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. Chiropractors analyze and correct subluxations, which are misalignments of the vertebrae that put pressure on the nerve tissue, which interfere with the ability of the nervous system to communicate with the tissue and organs of the body. The unimpeded functioning of the nervous system is important for health.

Chiropractic, Network... Network Chiropractic refers to a network of independent chiropractic offices utilizing Network Spinal Analysis. NSA utilizes a sequence of spinal evaluations and adjusting techniques. Chiropractic spinal adjustments remove interference to the nervous system's functioning. The individual who is clear of interference in his or her nervous system has a more effective connection between his or her emotional, physical, and spiritual aspects.

Biofeedback... A training technique to consciously regulate normal body functions such as heart rate, breathing, brain activity levels and body temperature. This technique helps to change physical responses to stress as well as enhance overall health. Training is guided by both a trained practitioner and simple electronic devices that monitor body functions and provide feedback. These instruments measure information about bodily processes, such as muscle tension, skin temperature, brain waves, and respiration.

Guided Imagery... Guided imagery uses the power of the imagination to reduce stress and slow heart rate, stimulate the immune system and reduce pain. It is a part of the rapidly emerging field of Mind/Body Medicine that uses the mind/body connection to heal.

Hypnotherapy... A gentle healing technique that uses relaxation and guided imagery that induces an altered state of consciousness where the natural recuperative and transformative abilities of the psyche can flow more freely. Hypnotherapy is particularly effective treating stress disorders and various addictions.

Neuro-Linguistic Programming (NLP)... A therapy based on the fundamental relationship between mind, language & how their interaction creates behavior. Using light hypnotic states, NLP focuses on altering old beliefs & attitudes to create a healthier state of being.

Reichian Therapy... Wilhelm Reich originated the term "body and charactor armoring" to describe defensive patterns we develop in childhood in response to wounding experiences, from overt abuse to covert threats and control. By adulthood, he said, we've become prisoners within this armor, cut off from ourselves and others. Reichian therapists use breathing, movement, massage and verbal techniques. In the course of the therapy, the patient releases repressed emotions and becomes better able to experience the full range of sensations and feelings. This carries over to daily life in increased self-awareness, spontaneity and inner-strength.

Sandplay... A form of counseling/psychotherapy that uses a small sandtray and miniature items as a way of evoking and exploring a client's inner process.

Pilates-based Training... The original Pilates work was based on a series of 44 mat exercises, combined with breathing and posture techniques. Since then additional exercises and apparatuses have been added. The movements

performed on the mat and apparatuses progress to higher levels of work. There is a focus on breathing and supporting from deep within the lowest abdominal muscles. The exercises are executed in a slow, controlled manner that result in protection of the complete spine while performing body movements that increase both flexibility and strength.

Qigong (also called chi gung,)... An ancient Chinese exercise designed to cultivate our vital energy, or qi, utilizing breath, touch, awareness and movement. Qigong is important for prevention of disease, and to improve one's overall health and self awareness. Qigong combines movement, mindful meditation, and focused breathing. The slow gentle movements are thought to promote self-healing, strengthen the immune system, release tension and stimulate vitality. Tai Chi, which has more complex movements, originated from the practice of QiGong.

Tai Chi... An ancient Chinese martial art which is most often used for health and meditation. A variation of self-healing, it is easy to learn the basics and the benefits of practice include increased flexibility, strength and health as well as improved breathing, balance and coordination. Tai chi is an ancient, yoga-like Chinese system of ballet-like exercises designed for health, self-defense, and spiritual development. Practicing tai chi can facilitate the flow of chi ("life energy") through the body by dissolving blockages both within the body and between the body and the environment. Traditional tai chi involves about 108 to 128 postures, including repetitions.

Yoga... Various moving and static poses and stretches, breathing exercises, and diet and meditative disciplines meant to tone the mind, body and soul. An ancient practice that improves balance and flexibility, while increasing blood flow and vitality. While there are six distinct forms of yoga, most involve physical movements and holding of postures, while incorporating breathing and mindful attention. Many of the yoga studios incorporate a blend of yoga styles and offer a variety in levels of rigor.

Bach Flower Remedies... Bach Flower Remedies are a set of 38 different herbal remedies and essences used to nourish, as well as help heal, the physical body. These remedies strengthen the individual and activate the body's and the mind's natural healing abilities.

Herbal Medicine... One of the most ancient forms of health care known to human kind. Herbs have been used in all cultures throughout history. Much scientific documentation now exists concerning their benefits for many health conditions. Herbs are used internally and externally and are prepared in a variety of ways from teas and tinctures to compresses and ointments. (See Also Traditional Chinese Medicine)

Homeopathy... A system of medicine based on the principles of "like cures like" and "less is more". The homeopathic remedies are essences of naturally occurring substances derived from plants, animal materials, and natural chemicals. Homeopathy recognizes that all symptoms of ill health are expressions of disharmony within the whole person and that it is the patient who needs treatment not the disease. Homeopathic remedies work by stimulating the body's own healing power.

Naturopathy... A compilation of a wide variety of natural therapeutic and healing techniques. It is a 'drugless therapy" that uses the curative abilities of nature's elements. Naturopaths are general practitioners trained as specialists in natural medicine. They are educated in conventional medicine. Naturopathic medicine treats the whole person, focusing on prevention and working to restore and support the body's natural mechanisms to heal itself. Naturopathic physicians use therapies from the sciences of clinical nutrition, herbal medicine, homeopathy, physical medicine, exercise therapy, counseling, acupuncture and other modalities.

Nutritional Consultation... Diet & behavior involving food as preventative and therapeutic medicine. Practitioners assess diet and adjust nourishment. Qualified practitioners provide nutritional counseling and education through one-on-one sessions, as well as group classes. There is an emphasis on whole foods rather than nutritional supplementation. A variety of topics are covered, including weight management, nutrition for health and wellness and vegetarian eating. Practitioners in this field include both licensed dietitians and nutrition counselors.

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