Terminology

• Alternative Medicine

  Alternative Medicine is a buzzword that includes virtually any treatment of therapy that is not part of orthodox or mainstream medicine. I also like the term Complementary Medicine, and use the words interchangeably.

  Ideally AM combines holistic approaches to treat the cause of problem as well as the symptoms. Many of the therapies and techniques in fact address the whole person, taking into consideration the physical, emotional, mental, and spiritual facets of an individual.
  

  Many are still under the impression that treatments utilized by those practicing Alternative Medicine are not justified or valid, because they have not undergone proper scientific revue and scrutiny. I encourage anyone with doubts in this area to read anyone of a number of books: Chemical Sensitivity Vol l, ll, lll, lV, by Dr. William J. Rea; The Cancer Cure that Worked, by Barry Lynes; Censured for Curing Cancer: The American Experience of Dr. Max Gerson, by S.J. Haught; The Essiac Report, by Richard Thomas; A History of the AMA; It's All in Your Head, by Dr. Hal A. Huggins.
  
  

• Massage Therapy

  Massage Therapy is the art of applying different hands-on techniques to the soft tissues of the body; muscles, tendons, ligament, and fascia. The intent of Massage Therapy is to increase the level of health experienced by you the client.

  Massage has many benefits, some of which are: releasing both chronic and acute pain, increasing oxygenation of muscles and other soft tissues, releasing toxins stored in soft tissues, relaxation, benefiting posture.

  Different people and different conditions are going to require there own approach. This section will discuss some of the different Massage related techniques and therapies such as; Rolfing, Myofascial Release, Trigger Point Therapy, Craniosacral Therapy, Basic Swedish Massage, and Lymphatic Drainage.

  www.massageandbodywork.com
  
  

• Basic Swedish Massage

  When most people think of Massage, they think of this type of Massage. Basic Swedish Massage is a very good introduction into the world of Massage. It will help you decrease pain, and is wonderful for decreasing stress and relaxing.

  BSM consists of a number of techniques such as effleurage, and pettrisage, which combined with others can help cleanse your tissues. BSM traditionally utilizes oil or lotion as many of the strokes used are soothing, gliding strokes, though I also utilize this type of Massage without lotion or oil when required. In fact you can be fully clothed while receiving a BSM.

http://www.thebodyworker.com/swedish.htm
http://www.massagemag.com/



• Acupressure

  Acupressure is the ancient healing art that uses the fingers to press key points to stimulate the body's natural healing processes. When these points are stimulated they release tension and promote the circulation of blood and the body's life force to aid healing. Acupressure and Acupuncture use the same points on the body, however, Acupuncture utilizes needles to stimulate the points.

  Acupressure can help a host of problems, ranging from insomnia, to headaches, general tension and pain, digestive disturbances, and emotional stress. The wonderful thing about Acupressure is that you can practice it anytime, without the use of special tools. There are no side effects, as long as you are aware of certain contra-indications. Finally Acupressure is safe, and can even be successfully used by beginners with the correct instruction.

  http://www.acupressure.com/index.htm
  
  

• Reflexology

  Reflexology is in effect a GOOD foot massage (I could receive hate mail for this). Of course Reflexology is much more than that too. When done properly it is a powerful tool that can effect the health of your entire body!

  Reflexology uses techniques similar to massage, but adapted to a smaller area; the foot or hand. In has been found that the map of the whole body is laid out on the bottom of the foot and hand. In essence the entire body, including the organs and glands can be powerfully stimulated by correctly working the reflex points in these areas.

  Although Reflexology does not diagnose or treat specific ailments, it has proven highly successful over time to relieve symptoms, and ease pain or discomfort that have manifested themselves physically in the body - either as a result of stress, trauma, or disease.

  www.aboutreflexology.com
  www.reflexology.org
  www.reflexology-usa.org
  
  

• Myofascial Release

  MR refers to the manual massage technique used to stretch the fascia and release restrictions/adhesions between fascia and integument, muscles, and bones. The goal of Myofascial Release is eliminating pain, increasing range of motion, and balancing the body.Myofascial Release developed from Osteopathy.

  There are two basic methods of MR recognized today, direct and indirect. Direct methods use greater pressure to relieve and release the fascial restrictions, while Indirect MR methods use very gentle pressure to slowly stretch the layers of fascia apart.

  Fascia covers all organ systems of the body, including muscles. Furthermore fascia and muscles cannot be separated, therefore stretching in one area can be felt and will affect other areas. In effect a release of myofascial restriction can affect the whole fascia system.

  www.myofascialrelease.com
  
  

• CranioSacral Therapy

  CST is highly effective for a host of health problems, extending far beyond simple aches and pains. CST is used for migraine headaches, scoliosis, autism, Post Traumatic Stress Disorder, learning disabilities, emotional difficulties, post surgical dysfunction, among others.

  CranioSacral Therapy originated in the field of Osteopathy. Originally used to release restrictions in the sutures between the cranial bones, that were once thought to be fused, CST releases restrictions in the flow of craniosacral fluid that surrounds the brain, and runs the length of the spine. The rhythm produced by the ebb and flow of this fluid can be felt by skilled practitioners anywhere on the body. Restrictions in its flow can affect your health in any number of ways.

  The term CranioSacral Therapy originated with Dr John Upledger. It is because of his continued research, and work that this technique has developed into what it is today. CST continues to grown, thanks in great part to Dr. John Upledger and his Institute that continues to train a diverse range of professionals in this very gentle yet profound art.

  www.craniosacraltherapy.org
  www.upledger.com/home.htm
  
  

• Rolfing

  Rolfing is a very specialized form of deep tissue massage therapy. Developed by Ida Rolf in the 50's rolfing works to re-align or balance the body in the gravitational field. Dr. Rolf discovered that she could remarkably change the body posture and structure by manipulating the myofascial system.

  Ida Rolf determined a correlation existed between the muscular tension and emotions. By aligning all parts of the body, gravity enhances personal energy, and leads to a healthy body and positive emotional state.

  www.rolf.org
  
  

• Stretching

  Stretching as a therapeutic and healing tool is still highly misunderstood today. There are many types of ways to stretch, many of which can do more harm than good. Yoga is probably the single reason so many people are getting involved in stretching, yet even Yoga can have it's drawbacks.

  To get the most of out stretching you need to stretch slowly, and gently. Fast, forceful, or bouncy stretching will trigger mechanisms residing inside the muscle and tendon, which act to protect the muscle from injury. Try holding each stretch for at least 30 seconds, or even up to two minutes. In order to do so you must be relaxed, allowing your breathing to help you deepen the stretch. Finally focusing on your body, and the area you are stretching will make the experience far more effective then if your mind is focused on your to-do-list.

  It’s important to have some understanding of the body’s anatomy, or to work with someone who does to develop a good stretching routine. Though certain stretches are good to do for almost everyone, specific stretches may be helpful due to your particular body type, posture, or area of need.

  www.stretching.com
  www.cmcrossroads.com/bradapp/docs/rec/stretching/

  
  

• Reiki
  Reiki is the combining of universal energy with individual energy to open pathways of healing. Like many similar therapies, it teaches that disease is not separate from the body; it is the body out of balance.

  Treatments work by dissolving or eliminating toxic energy and substances from many levels of one's being, whether physical, emotional, or mental. This works to stimulate the harmonic flow of energy within the body.

  Reiki practitioners believe that one has to be initiated into Reiki by a Reiki Master. A Reiki Master is someone who has himself or herself gone through initiation, and has practiced Reiki. Initiation is a three-stage process that requires a period of personal growth. Reiki practitioners use symbols, which are believed to carry energy, as part of the healing process.

  www.reiki.org