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Terminology
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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.
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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
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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/
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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
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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
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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
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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
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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
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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/
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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
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