Natural Health Specialties

Aromatherapy: The art and science of using essential oils (concentrated plant extracts) to treat body, mind, and spirit. Application methods include inhalation, topical (often with massage techniques), and (under the guidance of a qualified professional) ingestion. Roots in the ancient cultures of Egypt and India. A standardized profession in Europe.

Ayurvedic Medicine: Literal translation — "the science of life." Referred to as the "Mother of All Medicine," it is the oldest form of healing known. Ayurvedic is much more than a medical science; it also encompasses the spirit and soul with strong focus on dietary and lifestyle choices. Recognized by the World Health Organization as an effective health science.

Bach Flower Remedies: Dilutions of flower material developed by Edward Bach, an English physician and homeopath, in the 1930s.^[1] The remedies are used primarily for emotional and spiritual conditions, including but not limited to depression, anxiety, insomnia and stress. These subtle liquid extracts, generally taken in oral form used to address profound issues of emotional well-being, soul development, and mind-body health. They work through vibrational resonance rather than biochemical interaction within the body.

Bioenergetic Analysis: Understanding personality in terms of the body and its energetic processes. A form of therapy that combines work with the body and the mind to help people resolve their emotional problems and realize more of their potential for pleasure and joy in living.

Bioenergetics: Having to do with the different energy systems of the body: the physical body, mental body, and spiritual body.

Biofeedback: A method by which the body's functions can be monitored using equipment specially designed for the purpose. The positive training of the body to modify specific activities.

? Body-Oriented Psychotherapy: Seeks to enhance the psychotherapeutic process by incorporating a range of body work and movement techniques. Acknowledging the mind-body link, practitioners may use light touch, soft- or deep-tissue manipulation, breathing techniques, movement, exercise, or body-awareness techniques to help address emotional issues.

Bodywork: Various forms of massage and manipulation of the body.

Chelation Therapy: A safe, intravenous (IV) therapy to increase blood flow and decrease excessive deposits of plaques in arteries and organs such as the liver, kidneys, heart, and brain.

Chi Kung: Tidal Wave^TM Chi Kung is a concise method for cultivating, circulating, and expressing internal energy. The applications are far-reaching.

Childbirth Support: Practitioners of childbirth support include midwives, childbirth educators, childbirth assistants, and labor coaches, who also provide postpartum at-home care.

Chiropractic: A hands-on manipulative therapy designed to maintain the spinal column and nervous system in good health without the use of surgery or drugs. A skill in which joints are manipulated to rebalance the body's function as a result of structural compromise to the central nervous system. Ancient Egypt, ancient Hindus, Chinese, Babylonians, and Assyrians all used manipulative chiropractic techniques.

Colonics (Enemas): A cleansing utilizing gentle, warm-water washing of the colon (large intestine). The procedure lasts approximately 45 minutes and utilizes equipment that regulates the temperature, water pressure and volume. A small nozzle or hose is inserted into the anus, allowing the water to flow in under gentle pressure. The water dislodges toxic wastes in the colon, which are then flushed out the rectum. Up-to-date colonic machines are equipped with disposable hoses to insure cleanliness.

Contact Reflex Analysis^SM (CRA): A form of Applied Kinesiology developed and taught by D. A. Versendaal, D.C., used to analyze the body's structural, physical, and nutritional needs. It is not a method of diagnosis. It is a means by which a doctor uses the body's reflexes to accurately determine the root cause of a health problem.

CranioSacral Therapy: Developed by Dr. William G. Sutherland in the early 1900's. CranioSacral Technique is a gentle, non-invasive technique done with very light pressure generally to the bones of the skull.

Dentistry, Holistic: Stresses the use of nontoxic restoration materials for dental work and focuses on the unrecognized impact that dental toxins and hidden dental infections can have on overall health.

Ear Candling: (ear coning) Involves placing the narrow end of a specially designed hollow candle at the entry of the ear canal, while the opposite end is lit. Primarily used for wax buildup and related hearing problems; also used for ear infections and sinus infections.

? Feldenkrais Method: The Feldenkrais Method was originated by Dr Moshé Feldenkrais (1904-1984), a Ukrainian-born Jewish physicist and judo practitioner who moved to Israel and eventually became an Israeli. Through a series of movements either in groups or one-on-one, the intent is to break old harmful patterns of movement and establish new thought processes.

? Flotation R.E.S.T. (a form of Isolation Tank Therapy or Sensory Deprivation): Peter Suedfeld and Roderick Borrie of the University of British Columbia began experimenting on the therapeutic benefits of flotation tank usage in the late 1970s. They named their technique "Restricted Environmental Stimulation Therapy" (REST).

• Procedure: floating atop a 10-inch-deep pool of water and salt in a dark, enclosed chamber about the size of a small closet lying on its side.

• Effects: restricting environmental stimuli (light, sound, touch, gravity, etc.) leads to intensified awareness. Scientific experiments show that by focusing inward in a certain way, a person can make actual physical and emotional changes.

Flower Essences: See Back Flower Remedies.

? Guided Imagery: Using mental images to promote physical healing or changes in attitudes or behavior. Practitioners may lead clients through specific visualization exercises or offer instruction in using imagery as a self-help tool. Often used to alleviate stress and to treat stress-related conditions.

? Holistic Healthcare: Comprehensive and total care of a patient. In this system, the needs of the patient in all areas, such as physical, emotional, social, spiritual and economic, are considered and cared for. (Bible-believers should exercise care in selecting an holistic healthcare provider, as many of them have crossed over into the occult.)

Homeopathy: The medical practice of treating like with like; treating an illness with a substance that produces the same symptoms as those displayed by the person who is ill. Homeopathy sees the symptoms as the body's reaction against the illness as it attempts to overcome it, and seeks to stimulate and not suppress this reaction. FDA approved. [Learn more.]

? Hypnotherapy: Listening to a voice giving suggestions that help a person to become more and more deeply relaxed and focus their attention. A state in which a person may be able to deal with obstacles or offer themselves suggestions that can improve some aspect of mental or physical functioning.

Iridology: Iridology is the science of analyzing the delicate structures of the iris of the eye. The iris reveals body constitution, inherent weaknesses, levels of health and the transitions that take place in a person's body according to the way he/she lives.

Kinesiology, Applied: The study of muscles in movement, specifically the action of individual muscles or groups of muscles that perform specific movements. See also Contact Reflex Analysis.

? Light/Color Therapy: Used in many cultures for thousands of years. Light and color each have their own specific frequency or wavelength, which is a provable and measurable source of energy. Variations in the number of impacts upon the eye affect muscular, mental, and nervous activity. The 1800's ushered in several medical breakthroughs in treatments from inflammation to bacterial infections to tuberculosis. Clinical and therapeutic uses slowed down with the emergence of pharmaceuticals.

Lymph Drainage: A gentle, whole body massage aimed at stimulating the lymphatic system to carry away excessive fluid in the loose connective tissue. Non-invasive, painless therapy intended for conditions such as swelling, neuromuscular disorders, and congestion.

Massage, Deep Tissue: Techniques that utilize deep-tissue/deep-muscle massage are administered to affect the sub-layer of musculature and fascia. These techniques require more advanced training and a more thorough understanding of anatomy and physiology.

Massage, Infant: Qualified instructors teach parents how to properly massage their infants. This specialized form of touch is successful not only in the critical weight gain of premature infants, but also in creating a strong bond between parent and infant and exposing a young child to the benefits and pleasures of touch.

Massage, Shiatsu: Utilizing traditional Chinese acupuncture points, this Japanese bodywork technique uses thumb, finger, and palm pressure, rather than needles, to acupuncture points. Focuses on the efficient flow of energy throughout the meridians and autonomic nervous system. A form of Acupressure.

Massage, Swedish: The healing power of touch emphasizing that all strokes go toward the heart. Swedish massage uses five main strokes to stimulate the circulation of blood through the soft tissues of the body.

? Meditation: Has been used for thousands of years in many religious traditions to bring about integration of body, mind, and spirit. Extensive research in meditation in the last two decades illustrates its beneficial effects on a wide range of conditions, from hypertension to asthma. Click here for more information.

Muscle Testing: See Contact Reflex Analysis and Kinesiology.

? Music Therapy: Helps clients attain therapeutic goals, which may be mental, physical, emotional, social, or spiritual in nature. The Bible-believer becoming involved with music therapy needs to be particularly watchful for and avoid contact with subliminal suggestion or messaging and back masking.

Myofascial Release: The muscles of the body are enveloped in a thin layer of fascia. Myofascial Release works on this layer to stretch and reshape the fascia and help restore full range of motion. This technique was developed by Janet Travell, MD, for the treatment of chronic pain.

Naprapathy: Health care specialty that treats connective tissue disorders such as back pain, neck and shoulder aches, muscle soreness, and strains. Treatments primarily use manual (hands-on) manipulation to areas of connective tissue distress.

Naturopathy: Concerned with discovering and removing the root cause of disease whether it be chemical, mechanical, or psychological. Works on the principle that healing depends upon the action of natural healing forces present in the human body.

Network Spinal Analysis (Network Chiropractic): An integrated method of evaluating and adjusting the spine. Helps free the nervous system from mechanical interference and enhances the body's inherent capacity to express its vital force. NSA supports the relationship that connects the spine and nervous system to consciousness and quality of life expression.

? Ohashiatsu?: A unique form of bodywork that balances life-energy in body, mind, and spirit. It incorporates techniques of the Japanese healing science of Shiatsu, psychological components, and a deep contemplation of the teachings of Eastern philosophy.

Ortho-Bionomy: A form of hands on based bodywork that uses gentle movements and comfortable positions to unlock tension and relieve pain. Uses the body's preferred posture, with mild exaggeration of any distortions, to initiate postural balance and integration, teaches people how to be more at ease in their bodies, both physically and energetically.

Osteopathic Medicine: Physicians providing comprehensive medical care view a patient as a whole person, not as just a disease or collection of symptoms. Many combine conventional forms of treatment (such as medication and surgery) with natural or alternative treatments. Osteopathic Doctors (D.O.) are specially trained in osteopathic manipulation?using their hands to diagnose, treat, and prevent illness. In many states osteopaths are required to take the same licensing examination as Allopathic Doctors (M.D.). [What's the difference?]

Physicalmind Method^TM: Conditioning program that improves muscle control, flexibility, coordination, strength, and tone. The method consists of a sequence of carefully performed movements, based on the work of Joseph H. Pilates. Each exercise is designed to stretch and strengthen the muscles involved, opening the joints and releasing tension.

Polarity Therapy: Emphasizing energy-flow in the body, emotional tension and/or pain is released when the flow of energy is restored. Polarity is based on the belief that positive and negative poles exist in every cell. The body is gently manipulated to balance the positive and negative energies.

Process Acupressure: An integrative body/mind/soul approach that combines traditional acupressure techniques with process psychology skills. It helps individuals reclaim energetic balance in their bodies, which promotes better health.

Reflexology: (Zone Therapy) Commonly focuses on the reflex points of the feet, hands, and ears, which are less common areas of application. Known in China as a healing therapy for many thousands of years. By applying firm pressure with the thumb to the foot, an impulse is conveyed causing a reflex response. This stimulates body organs.

Reflexo-Therapy: A form of massage that works through deep pressure on reflex points together with moist heat. Reflex points lie deep within the body, connected to the nervous and lymph systems. The procedure and healing power of the lymphatic fluid, rich in oxygen and nutrients, rushes to the damaged area pushing out toxins, which frees the body from pain and speeds the healing process.

Reiki: A Japanese word meaning "universal life energy." Various versions all aim to relieve the body of physical, emotional and spiritual "blockages." All lay on hands in certain positions to transmit this universal life energy (it's the energy, not the person, that heals).

? T'ai Chi Chuan: The major goal of T'ai Chi Chuan is health and longevity. To achieve this, one must follow the Tao (Way), which means harmonizing with nature and the universe. This harmonizing must be both internal and external. A method by which external affairs are regulated (self-defense) while the chi (breath) is cultivated (yoga).

Therapeutic Touch: A method, derived from the laying-on of hands, using the hands to direct human energies to help or heal someone who is ill.