|
Glossary
of Professional Services |
Acupuncture
Thin, solid, sterile stainless-steel
needles are inserted into specific points to stimulate the body's
natural energy (Qi or Chi). In 1997, the National Institutes
of Health officially recognized acupuncture as an effective treatment
for pain and nausea. |
|
|
Ayurvedic Medicine
Ayurvedic medicine is India's traditional, natural system of
medicine that has been practiced for more than 5,000 years. This
complete holistic health system for mind, body, and spirit treats
the patient as a whole rather than treating symptoms alone, and
it works as a preventative means of coping with imbalance and
disease. |
|
Back
To Top |
Chinese Medicine
A holistic perspective on health and
illness which treats the relationship of a symptom to the person
as a whole. Traditional Chinese medicine encompasses a vast range
of therapies including acupuncture, herbs, bodywork, exercise
and diet. |
|
|
Herbal Therapy
Natural plants or plant-based substances
are used to treat a range of illnesses and to enhance the functioning
of the body's systems. Though herbal therapy is not a licensed
professional modality in the U.S., herbs are prescribed by a
range of practitioners, form holistic M.D.s to acupuncturists
to naturopaths. |
|
Back
To Top |
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 stimulate a person's
immune system and defense system to correct itself naturally. |
|
|
Medical-Holistic
Differing from traditional allopathic
(Western) medicine, holistic medicine looks at the whole person,
including analysis of physical, nutritional, environmental, emotional,
social, spiritual and lifestyle values. It encompasses all stated
modalities of diagnosis and treatment including drugs and surgery,
if no safe alternative exists. It also focuses on education and
self-responsibility to achieve balance and well being. |
|
Back
To Top |
Meditation
A mental technique for deep relaxation,
meditation helps to focus and calm the mind. It may be used to
heal the body, quiet the mind, and provide a sense of inner balance. |
|
|
Naturopathic Medicine
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. In many states,
naturopathic doctors (ND) are legally defined as physicians licensed
to diagnose and treat in a general family practice. Some NDs
are also licensed midwives or licensed acupuncturists. Note:
It is recommended that you ask the Practitioner their background
and credentials. |
|
Back
To Top |
Therapeutic Touch [TT]
A specific method of healing touch developed by Dolores Krieger,
and practiced by registered nurses and others to relieve pain
and stress. A TT practitioner attunes to the client's energy
field, finds weak or congested areas, and re-balances or refreshes
them using touch techniques. Treatment may release tension, promote
relaxation, decrease pain, and help facilitate the body's natural
healing process. It 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. |
