Glossary

Glossary of Terms

This is by no means a complete list of

Complementary/Alternative Health modalities.

These terms are a compilation of practices

taken from several different sources.

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Acupressure ~ A technique that stimulates specific acupuncture points through applying pressure with the fingers or hands.

Allergy Elimination ~ Treatment to balance the bodies reactions to allergy inducers.

Amma Bodywork Therapy ~ Amma is a form of Asian Bodywork Therapy. It is based on the same principles, energetic pathways, and points as acupuncture. However, Amma bodywork uses acupressure (instead of needles) to stimulate and balance Qi (life energy) in the body. Amma is invigorating and uses deep tissue manipulation to treat the channels of the body. Amma focuses on balancing the musculoskeletal system and promoting the proper circulation of Qi, Blood, and Fluids, which are fundamental in the regulation of physiological processes. Based upon a complete health history intake and tongue and pulse observation, specific acupressure points are selected to be manipulated with circular thumb pressure.

Animal Communications ~ Connecting with animals through higher power communications.

Animal Energy Work ~ This modality can include Reiki, Healing Touch for Animals, Tellington Touch, Quantum Touch, Medical Intuitive, Chakra Clearing and Balancing, Aromatherapy and Sound therapy for animals, Animal Communication, Matrix Energetics.

Aromatherapy- French chemist Rene Gattefosse's experiments with pure essential oils derived from aromatic plants led him to coin the term "aromatherapy" to describe the physical and psychological benefits of the powerful scents given off by these oils. Today aromatherapy remains a specific and specialized branch of herbal medicine.

Asian Bodywork Therapy ~ Asian bodywork is one of the three main branches of Traditional Chinese Medicine (TCM). Asian bodywork uses acupressure to stimulate points in the body which lie along the channels/meridians of the body. Asian bodywork seeks to regulate the flow of Qi, Blood, and Fluids in the body to promote health and balance. There are many forms of Asian bodywork such as Amma bodywork, Shiatsu, and Tui Nai. (See also: Traditional Chinese Medicine, Qi, Meridians/Channels, Yin & Yang. See Acupuncture definition).

Astrology/Astrological Services ~ Astrology is the study of how events on earth correspond to the positions and movements of astronomical bodies. These astronomical bodies included are the sun, moon, planets and stars. Depending on the position of these bodies at the exact moment of a person's birth, Astrologers believe these bodies and their movements reflect that person's character. The knowledge of the person's character and their relation to the bodies enables astrologers to predict a person's destiny. This prediction is not limited to one person. A prediction could be for an individual, group or nation.

Aura Color Healing- Drawing equally from ancient Hindu beliefs and the work of modern psychic healers like Edgar Cayce, aura or color healers look for a dark or grayish area in a multi-colored aura field surrounding the body to indicate potential health problems. Color healers apply remedial colors where they notice a color deficiency.

Bach Flower Remedies/ Flower Essences - A specific cross between homeopathy and herbal medicine developed by English practitioner Dr. Edward Bach, the thirty-eight Bach Flower remedies derived from English wildflowers serve as catalysts to alleviate the underlying causes of stress. Since then, many practitioners have gone beyond Bach to develop a whole range of Flower Essences from a wide variety of American, European and Australian wildflowers.

Bioenergetics- As a bodywork approach, bioenergetics focuses on the pattern of muscular tension in a person and how that tension directly relates to the person's emotional history and childhood relationships. Bioenergetic exercises such as breathing techniques seek to open blocked or tense areas of the body.

Biofeedback ~ Biofeedback involves using electronic instrumentation to monitor specific, often unconscious physiological activities and habit patterns of your body and then "feed back" the information to you. Once you are aware of what your body is doing, you can change those patterns to reduce or eliminate your symptoms.

BodyTalk - The BodyTalk System works gently to identify and clear imbalances caused by stress, trauma or injury. It restores the body's innate ability to heal, thereby initiating physical, emotional and mental healing and wellbeing, without the use of drugs or supplements.

Channeling ~ Is a practice of allowing a higher power or message to come through from the universal energies.

Chiropractic ~ There are many different types of Chiropractic methods available today. The main objective is to eliminate pain and return the spine's alignment to its normal, healthy state through adjusting structural misalignments. Licensed in all 50 states, chiropractic doctors make up the largest single group of alternative medicine practitioners in the United States.

Clergy ~ Reverend, Minsister, Pastor..etc.

Coaches/Coaching ~ coaching refers to an educational system of self improvement that integrates tools, techniques and practices. Coaching/Coaches can be for personal growth, relationships, financial success and more.

Colon Hydrotherapy ~ Colon hydrotherapy, also known as colonic irrigation, is a procedure, sometimes associated with naturopathy. Similar to an enema, it involves the introduction of discrete amounts of water, sometimes infused with minerals, into the colon using medically-approved colon hydrotherapy devices. Colon hydrotherapy cleanses the colon through gentle water infusions.

Complementary/Alternative Healthcare ~ Includes a wide variety of non-traditional healthcare approaches to benefit the person as a whole. The person's mind, body, spirit, lifestyle and environment are considered in many of these holistic approaches. Complementary healthcare practitioners seek to treat the root of the problem.

Counselors, Licensed ~ "Therapist", "Psychotherapist" and "Counselor" are terms that are essentially synonymous, they all focus on the mental and emotional health of their clients. In most states they refer to people who have undertaken a postgraduate, masters degree in a field that prepares them to providing counseling to individuals, couples or families.

Counselors, Various ~ Non-licensed ~ Such as Spiritual Counseling, Life Coaching, etc.

CranioSacral Therapy ~ By gently manipulating the bones of the skull, practitioners seek to enhance the functioning of the CranioSacral system, a fluid circulatory system that surrounds and protects the brain and spinal cord. Practitioners of the Upledger method follow the teachings of Dr. John Upledger, based on his practice and research at the Michigan State University.

Crystal Therapy Healing ~ Colorful crystals hold incredible healing powers that can transfer to the human body. They can bring one clarity and strength. Usually in a session you are laying down and Crystals are placed on your Chakras.

Detoxification Therapy ~ Found in almost all alternative medical systems from Ayurveda to naturopathic, detoxification techniques seek to cleanse the body of chemicals, pollutants, and other toxins to improve overall health.

Dowsing ~ A dowser uses a dowsing rod, dowsing stick, doodlebug (when used to locate oil) or divining rod--to locate such things as underground water, hidden metal, buried treasure, oil, lost persons. Dowsing is used for clearing homes and entities.

Ear Candling ~ A natural, non-intrusive procedure that may help alleviate the painful effects of chronic headaches or sinus conditions, ear infections, allergies or vertigo, as well as minor hearing loss due to excessive earwax build up.

EFT: Emotional Freedom Technique ~ This healing modality will give you quick and easy methods of handling anxiety, fears, phobias, trauma, or addictions. A technique that empowers you with tools that will always be with you. EFT works with your field of energy and gives you control over whatever you are working on. This easy-to-learn method is particularly helpful if you are feeling stuck with some issue.

Energy/Intuitive Healers ~ An energy/intuitive healer works in conjunction with the purest energetic forces to help the individual discover, experience and embody the liberating and self healing power of elevated compassion and love.

Falun Gong ~ (also called Falun Dafa) Five sets of easy-to-learn gentle movements and meditation have deep inner meanings, they also help to reduce stress and can bring great improvements in health and fitness.

Feng Shui ~ This ancient Chinese art holds that arranging one's environment into certain harmonious patterns can bring a sense of abundance, balance and happiness into one's life. From the proper placement of the headboard to the addition of water to a garden, Feng Shui combines beautiful design concepts with an underlying sense that a person's space can be an important factor in their psychological and spiritual well-being.

Guided Imagery- This technique concentrates on using images or symbols to train the mind to create a definitive physiological or psychological effect. Practitioners may teach clients how to relieve physical problems caused by stress, such as tension headaches. The technique has also been effectively used in some cancer treatment programs for pain management.

Hair Analysis ~ Offers an accurate assessment of the concentration of minerals in the body - both those that are essential and those that are toxic.

Healing Touch- This form of energy therapy uses a very light hands-on approach to align and balance the human energy field. See also Therapeutic Touch.

Hellerwork® ~ Developed by Joseph Heller, an early student of Ida Rolf, Hellerwork fuses movement education and deep tissue bodywork into a specific sequence designed to realign the body and release chronic pain or stress.

Herbalist ~ Herbology uses plants as medicine. Herb refers to any part of a plant used for medicine or flavoring. In Chinese herbology, animals and fruits are also used in herbal medicine. Despite differences in terminology and in the herbs used, there is a common thread that joins these systems: all treat the body as a ‘whole', and they each utilize the energy of plants to ‘work as needed' in synergy with the natural energy in each individual.

Holistic Medicine ~ The philosophy of holistic medicine states that the practitioner must use safe methods of diagnosis and treatment while emphasizing the care of the whole person, including physical, mental, emotional, and spiritual aspects.

Homeopathy ~ Based on the hypothesis of "like cures like" and a deep emphasis on the principles of holistic medicine (treat the whole person). Homeopathic remedies work by stimulating the body's own healing power by introducing tiny doses of natural substances that should trigger a person's body to correct itself naturally. Remedies are derived from substances such as plants, minerals, or animals.

Hypnotherapy ~ First developed by Anton Mesmer (1734-1815), hypnotic techniques can induce everything from a light to a heavy hypnotic state to help a client overcome psychological or physical problems. From helping people to overcome a craving for cigarettes to managing chronic pain from an illness or accident, trained hypnotherapists work with a wide variety of problems.

Jungian Analysis & Consultancy ~ Jungian Analysis based on the theories of Carl Jung is a therapeutic approach that is very effective is treating many types of psychological problems.

Kinesiology ~ Developed in the 1960s by chiropractor George Goodheart, this technique evaluates an individual's structural, chemical and mental health through a form of muscle testing. Practitioners use a variety of therapeutic techniques including nutritional counseling, manipulation, acupressure, and exercise.

Laughter Therapy ~ Laughter, Therapeutic ~ Laughter exercise, done alone or in groups.

Lymphedema Treatment ~ Treatment of swelling that occurs most often in your arms or legs. The swelling occurs when a blockage in your lymphatic system prevents the lymph fluid in your arm or leg from draining adequately.

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Martial Arts- While the West often thinks of the martial arts as a sport or form of self-defense, these techniques originally developed in the East to increase mental acuity, health, and spiritual development through intense physical training. The many forms range from more externally oriented types such as karate and tae kwan do, which emphasize muscle and endurance, to the internally oriented tai chi and aikido, which seek to restore harmony and balance to the body.

Medical Doctor ~ In a medical context, any medical professional with an MD, a PhD, or any other doctoral degree.

Medical Intuitive ~ A medical intuitive is a psychic or intuitive counselor who specializes in perceiving information concerning the human body. Medical Intuitives can energetically see and diagnose the insides (organs, glands, blood, etc.) of our bodies.

Meditation- A mental technique, meditation helps to focus and calm the mind, creating a restful state of physical being. Meditation comes in a variety of forms. Through silence and inner reflection, meditation may increase self-awareness. Techniques may include breath work, sitting or walking meditation, chanting and visualization. Meditation aims to increase relaxation and reduces stress. Meditation is an experiential process.

Midwifery- Midwives work with women so they can experience a healthy pregnancy and a safe natural childbirth as well as providing necessary education and follow-up care. Licensed midwives or nurse-midwives (both are recognized in Washington) receive extensive training in gynecology, fetus development, obstetrical complications, nutritional assessment, counseling, community health, family planning, various forms of delivery management, and other issues surrounding pregnancy and birth.

Mind, Body Communication ~ Body/Mind Counseling covers a number of techniques intended to change negative patterns learned from infancy. Counselors in this field tend to use a less structured process than psychotherapists, utilizing bodywork techniques, lifestyle counseling and Interactive Guided Imagery, a systematic way to connect and communicate with your body and tune into its wisdom for healing and health.

Mind, Body, Spirit Healing ~ As spiritual beings on this material journey, our body reflects that which is going on in our mind and spirit. Our body can direct us to the path we need to take to know, integrate and heal ourselves. By engaging your spirituality and your connection to your Source you can become free of lack, limitation, struggles, addictions or illness. Mind, body, spirit healing will teach you to get in touch with your own healing abilities by working with hypnosis, your chakras, field of energy, and your Higher Power. It will also help you access current and existential issues that may have begun in another lifetime.

Myofascial Release Therapy ~ Myofascial Release is a very effective hands-on technique that provides sustained pressure into myofascial restrictions to eliminate pain and restore motion. The theory of Myofascial Release requires an understanding of the fascial system (or connective tissue). Fascia is very densely woven, covering and interpenetrating every muscle, bone, nerve, artery and vein as well as all of our internal organs.

Naturopathic Doctor ~ Adhering to the principles of holistic medicine, naturopathic doctors can use various natural methods to treat patients, including nutritional supplements, herbal medicine, homeopathy and lifestyle counseling. Naturopathic medicine treats the person as a whole rather than focusing on symptoms. Many acute and chronic conditions can be treated effectively using naturopathic modalities.

Naturopathic Physician ~ Same as Naturopathic Doctor but in addition Naturopathic Physician's can also cut, diagnosis and prescribe.

Neuro-Linguistic Programming (NLP) ~ This set of techniques works on almost a hypnotic level to change unconscious patterns of thought, behavior and language. NLP practitioners look for clues in a person's set speech and behavior patterns and then provide the mental tools that clients can use to alter that behavior.

Nutritional Counseling ~Counseling on a wide variety of issues ranging from proper levels of vitamins, minerals and other nutrients to weight loss, food allergies and optimal health. Many follow a "whole foods" approach to proper diet.

Open Circle ~ Group meeting to share beliefs or further spiritual experiences and education in a safe environment. Services are open to the public and everyone with an open heart and open mind is welcome.

Ortho-Bionomy® ~ Ortho-Bionomy combines gentle movements and comfortable body positions to stimulate an inner awareness of natural balance and physical and emotional well-being.

Qigong: (also known as Chi-Kung) combines movement, meditation and breathwork to increase the flow of vital "qi" energy in the body, improve blood circulation and strengthen the immune system.Its benefits may include toning the body, creating greater flexibility and a tremendous sense of relaxation.

Spiritual Community ~ A warm, dynamic, and spiritually supported community that celebrates the divine presence in all life, through positive thought and action.

T'ai Chi ~ This Chinese Taoist martial art form combines mental concentration, coordinated breathing and slow, graceful body movements to increase well-being, lessen stress, and strengthen the body. Many refer to tai qi as moving meditation, which can be relaxing and centering.

Therapeutic Touch- Therapeutic Touch, a specific method of healing touch developed by Dolores Krieger, is taught in many nursing colleges throughout the United States. Used for relaxation and reducing anxiety, Therapeutic Touch is based on the assumption that a human energy field extends slightly beyond the skin.

Past Lives/Regression Therapy ~ Based on the belief that current physical and emotional problems stem from unresolved issues from early childhood or even past lives, therapists use hypnosis or other techniques to bring a patient to an altered state of consciousness and to help the individual finally to resolve the root causes of their problems.

Quantum-Touch® ~ Quantum Touch is a style of energy work in which practitioners use their hands or thoughts to project healing energy to patients. Followers of Quantum Touch believe that the body is very capable of self-healing, but needs to be vibrating at a high frequency in order to thrive. The practitioner brings their own body into that high frequency through special breathing patterns and meditation, and then entrains (or brings into similar frequency) the patient's body so that it can heal itself.

Readings ~ Akashic Record, Angel, Aura, Clairvoyant Psychic, Life Guidance, Numerology Chart, Palmistry, Psychic, Tarot ~ See also Astrology; Channeling

Reconnective Healing ~ It introduces our body to unique energies and attunes us to "new" frequencies of energy/light and information, which allow for healing on all levels, physical, mental, emotional, spiritual and more. In a Reconnective Healing session, the practitioner often uses their hands to access and allow the flow of these more comprehensive healing frequencies (energy/light/information) and allow them to interact with the person. It does not require any physical touching of the body.

Reflexology ~ a system of massaging specific areas of the foot or sometimes the hand in order to promote healing, relieve stress, etc., in other parts of the body.

Reiki ~ Reiki is a Japanese technique for stress reduction and relaxation that also promotes healing. It is administered by "laying on hands" and is based on the idea that an unseen "life force energy" flows through us and is what causes us to be alive. If one's "life force energy" is low, then we are more likely to get sick or feel stress, and if it is high, we are more capable of being happy and healthy.

Rolfing® ~ Developed by Ida Rolf, this system of body restructuring and movement education works with gravity to realign the body. Rolfers often focus bodywork on the myofascia, the connective tissue that surrounds muscles, to release tension.

Shamanism/Shamanic Healing ~ A shaman is a medicine man or woman. Shaman are spiritual beings with the ability to heal, work with energies and ‘see' visions. The essential characteristics of shaman are mastery of energy and fire as a medium of transformation. Shamanism is a spiritual practice that acknowledges existence and communication beyond the physical. Many people associate shamanic healing with the use of Native American rituals to help correct a spiritual or physical imbalance within a person.

Skin Care Therapy ~ Treatment and care of the Skin.

Spiritual Community ~ A warm, dynamic, and spiritually supported community that celebrates the divine presence in all life, through positive thought and action.

Therapeutic Massage ~ Massage modalities include but are not limited to: cranio-sacral, deep tissue, reflexology, sports, Swedish, Trigger point, lymphatic drainage, prenatal, & myofascial release. Techniques used include but are not limited to: stroking, kneading, tapping, compression, vibration, rocking, effleurage, friction, petrissage, & tapotement. Massage may be used to increase circulation & range-of-motion, support immune system function, maintain health or promote rehabilitation, as well as a sense of well-being.

Thermography ~ a procedure in which an infrared camera (one that senses heat) is used to measure temperature differences on the surface of the body. The camera makes pictures that show areas of possible abnormal cell growth because abnormal tissue gives off more heat than normal tissue does. This is a safe, non-invasive alternative to mammograms.

Time Line Therapy ~ Time Line Therapy is one of the most powerful, fast and effective process, for healing the wounds of early childhood, letting go negative emotions such as anger, sadness, fears, anxiety, guilt, unwanted behaviors, and limiting decisions, to create the quality life you desire, thus gaining inner peace, happiness, loving and supporting relationships, and financial abundance.

Tuning Fork Therapy (SomaEnergetics) ~ Tuning forks using the ancient and until recently hidden frequencies of the Solfeggio to release energy blocks and invite spiritual awareness.

Wellness Centers ~ A center that uses natural methods to achieve and maintain wellness.

Wellness & Consciousness Consultant ~ Wellness & Consciousness Coaching using The BodyTalker® Infrared Scanner to scientifically Decode your programmed Organ/Gland electrical energy Flow Patterns into your Unconscious Decisions that are creating the problems in your Life, Body, Business & Relationships.

Wholistic Nutrition ~ Wholistic Nutrition uses food as medicine to help balance vitamins and minerals in the body. It is used preventatively and correctively. There are many forms including -but not limited to- Chinese dietary therapy, Aryvedic, and western nutrition. Most forms subscribe to "You are what you eat" and encourage a diet specific to your needs. Most diets encouraged are high in fruits and vegetables and low in saturated fats, refined products, and sugars.

Yoga ~ There are many different styles of yoga. In general, yoga uses stretching techniques, holding specific postures (called asanas), and deep breathing exercises to create awareness in the body and generate prana (vital energy). Yoga teaches strength and flexibility as well as tools to create inner balance and harmony.