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 Acupressure is an ancient healing art that uses the fingers to press key points on the surface of the skin to stimulate the body's natural self-curative abilities. When these points are pressed, they release muscular tension and promote the circulation of blood and the body's life force (sometimes known as qi or chi) to aid healing. Acupuncture and acupressure use the same points, but acupuncture employs needles, while acupressure uses the gentle, but firm pressure of hands (and even feet). There is a large amount of scientific data demonstrating why and how acupuncture is effective. But acupressure, the older of the two traditions, was neglected after the Chinese developed more technical methods for stimulating points with needles and electricity. Acupressure, however, continues to be the most effective method for self-treatment of tension-related ailments by using the power and sensitivity of the human hand. Foremost among the advantages of acupressure's healing touch is that it is safe to do on yourself and others - even if you've never done it before - so long as you follow the instructions and pay attention to the cautions. The only equipment needed are your own two hands. You can practice acupressure therapy any time, anywhere. Acupressure can be effective in helping relieve headaches, eye strain, sinus problems, neck pain, backaches, arthritis, muscle aches, tension due to stress, ulcer pain, menstrual cramps, lower backaches, constipation and indigestion. Click here to find an Acupressure practitioner. |
 Acupuncture is an ancient oriental healing technique based on the Taoist philosophy of balancing energy meridians within the body, thus allowing the body to heal itself. Fine needles are painlessly inserted at key points corresponding to body organs to relieve pain and cure disease and dysfunction. Related techniques include the use of low voltage, electric current (electro acupuncture) or massage at key points (acupressure). |
 The therapeutic use of plant-derived essential oils to promote physical and psychological well-being. It is often used in combination with massage or other therapeutic modalities as part of a holistic treatment approach. Aromatherapy is helpful for a wide range of conditions, including, but not limited to skin conditions such as acne, eczema, menopause, PMS, stress-related conditions, migraines, sinus issues, depression and mood disorders. |
 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. The muscles must be relaxed in order to effectively perform deep tissue massage, otherwise tight surface muscles prevent the practitioner from reaching deeper musculature. It helps with chronic muscular pain and injury rehabilitation, and reduces inflammation-related pain caused by arthritis and tendinitis. It is generally integrated with other massage techniques. Click here to find a Deep Tissue Massage practitioner. |
 Jin Shin Do (JSD) is a unique synthesis of ancient and modern techniques which balance the "natural" flow of energy in the body/mind. This ancient Japanese technique of direct finger pressure on key (also, "Qi") points in the body. It relates chronic tension or "armoring" to blockages along the energy pathways or meridians. A firm but gentle finger pressure on selected acupoints in areas of tension is to be used to draw attention and to release muscular holding patterns, allowing the smooth, harmonious, balanced flow of energy through the bodymind. |
 Jin Shin Jyutsu is an ancient art of harmonizing the body's energy. It involves the application of the practitioner's hands on the recipient's body at select locations known as "safety energy locks" (SEL's). Using both hands, the practitioner simultaneously holds two SEL's and may combine multiple SEL's into a series of holds called a "flow." The hands are used as "jumper cables" to redirect or unblock the flow of energy along its pathway. Jin Shin Jyutsu is not a physical manipulation of tissue and utilizes only minimal hand or finger pressure. Because of it's gentle nature, Jin Shin Jyutsu is especially well-suited for individuals with weaker constitutions, particularly the elderly and those with severe illnesses. |
 Based on the discoveries of Drs. Janet Travell and David Simons in which they found the causal relationship between chronic pain and its source, myofascial trigger point therapy is used to relieve muscular pain and dysfunction through applied pressure to trigger points of referred pain and through stretching exercises. These points are defined as localized areas in which the muscle and connective tissue are highly sensitive to pain when compressed. Pressure on these points can send referred pain to other specific parts of the body. |
 Myofascial release is the three-dimensional application of sustained pressure and movement into the fascial system in order to eliminate fascial restrictions and facilitate the emergence of emotional patterns and belief systems that are no longer relevant or are impeding progress. First, an assessment is made by visually analyzing the human frame, followed by the palpation of the tissue texture of various fascial layers. Upon locating an area of fascial tension, gentle pressure is applied in the direction of the restriction. Myofascial release is an effective therapeutic approach in the relief of cervical pain, back pain, fibromyalgia, scoliosis, neurological dysfunction, restriction of motion, chronic pain and headaches. Click here to find a Myofascial Release practitioner. |
 Massage, bodywork and somatic therapies is the application of various techniques to the muscular structure and soft tissues of the human body. The application of massage, bodywork and somatic therapy techniques may include, but is not limited to, stroking, kneading, tapping, compression, vibration, rocking, friction, pressure and those techniques based on manipulation or the application of pressure to the muscular structure or soft tissues of the human body. This may also include non-forceful passive or active movement and/or application of techniques intended to affect the energetic systems of the body. The use of oils, lotions, powders or other lubricants may also be used. Click here to find a Deep Tissue Massage practitioner. |
 Naturopathy integrates a wide range of natural therapeutics emphasizing the healing power of nature to treat the causes of disease, rather than suppressing the symptoms. As part of a holistic medical health care system with an emphasis on education and prevention, the naturopathic physician seeks to motivate the individual toward a healthy and balanced diet, lifestyle and mental attitude. Treatments such as homeopathic medicines, clinical nutrition, traditional Oriental medicine and acupuncture are used to enhance the body's natural healing process. included. Massage, bodywork and somatic therapies specifically exclude diagnosis, prescription, manipulation or adjustments of the human skeletal structure, or any other service, procedure or therapy that requires a license to practice orthopedics, physical therapy, podiatry, chiropractic, osteopathy, psychotherapy, acupuncture, or any other profession or branch of medicine. |
 Nutritional therapy uses whole foods and, where necessary, supplementation, to encourage the body's natural healing and regain balance within the body. A nutritional therapist guides her or his clients towards optimal health by detoxifying the body, correcting vitamin and mineral deficiencies, restoring healthy digestion as well as conducting discussions around the reduction of stress and developing a positive attitude. The nutritional therapist asks questions concerning medical history, dietary history, family history, menstrual or endocrine problems, digestion, energy levels, and exercise. Your nutritional therapist may also use additional tests such as functional blood analysis, saliva panel analysis, hair mineral analysis, hormone tests and food intolerance tests to complete the client's assessment. |
 PNF stretching is a combination of static passive stretching and isometric stretching. Usually the assistance of a massage therapist is required although for some stretches it is not essential. The most common PNF stretching technique is the contract-relax method. It consists of stretching a muscle group passively, contracting the muscle group isometrically while in a stretched position, relaxing the muscle group and finally increasing the stretch passively. P NF stretching is currently the fastest and most effective way known to increase static-passive flexibility. It is not really a type of stretching but is a technique of combining passive stretching in order to achieve maximum static flexibility. PNF was initially developed as a method of rehabilitating stroke victims |
 Reiki is an ancient healing technique. It is a laying on of hands touch healing system that transfers healing energy from the giver to the receiver. During a traditional Reiki session the receiver lays on a treatment table fully clothed. When the session begins the receiver will experience a gentle sense of relaxation. The Practitioner will gently lay their hands on the receiver in various positions to free the "Ki" energy and allow the healing process. The recipient falls into a deep relaxed state similar to a meditative state. It is in this stage that the body begins to regenerate and heal. Reiki treats the whole person including mind, body and spirit. In addition to creating relaxation, peacefulness and well being, Reiki compliments any other type of "conventional" treatment the client may be receiving and may help with side effects such as from chemo. Reiki is also helpful with a wide range of conditions such as pain relief, migraines, depression and mood disorders. |
 Developed in Japan, shiatsu is a finger-pressure technique utilizing the traditional acupuncture points of Oriental healing. Similar to acupressure, shiatsu concentrates on unblocking the flow of life energy and restoring balance in the meridians and organs in order to promote self-healing. With the client reclining, the practitioner applies pressure with the finger, thumb, palm, elbow or knee to specific zones on the skin located along the energy meridians. The treatment brings about a sense of relaxation while stimulating blood and lymphatic flow. The benefits of this treatment may include pain relief and a strengthening of the body's resistance to disease and disorder. Click here to find a Shiatsu practitioner. |
 One of the most commonly taught and well-known massage techniques, Swedish massage is a vigorous system of treatment designed to energize the body by stimulating circulation. Five basic strokes, all flowing toward the heart, are used to manipulate the soft tissues of the body. The disrobed client is covered by a sheet, with only the area being worked on exposed. Therapists use a combination of kneading, rolling, vibrational, percussive and tapping movements, with the application of oil, to reduce friction on the skin. The many benefits of Swedish massage may include generalized relaxation, dissolution of scar tissue adhesions and improved circulation, which may speed healing and reduce swelling from injury. Click here to find a Swedish Massage practitioner. |
 Trigger point myotherapy is a non-invasive therapeutic modality for the relief and control of myofascial pain and dysfunction. The goal of treatment is the client's recovery from or a significant reduction in myofascial pain. The treatment goal is achieved through a systematized approach. Treatment consists of trigger point compression, myomassage, passive stretching and a regime of corrective exercises. Success may be measured subjectively by the level of pain reduction experienced by the client and objectively through increased range of motion, strength, endurance and other measures of improved function. Trigger point myotherapy relies heavily on client-therapist interaction, including verbal and non-verbal elements. The myotherapist encourages the client to be personally responsible for their improvement, with attention to such factors as nutritional intake, stress, proper exercises, mechanical abnormalities and other physical components. These elements protect the client from delayed diagnosis, delayed treatment or contraindicated treatment that are the concerns of first order. Trigger point myotherapy is an integrating approach to myofascial pain and dysfunction. Click here to find a Trigger Point Myotherapy practitioner. |
 Tui na is an ancient Chinese system of manual therapeutics with a wide range of techniques and indications. While Traditional Chinese Medical precepts form its theoretical basis, clinical experience governs its application. Tui na techniques are applied by various parts of the practitioner to the client and range from those that are light and soothing to those that are strong and invigorating. Refined over the centuries, tui na facilitates healing by regulating the circulation of Blood and Qi (vital energy), which controls body function and enhances resistance to disease. The term "tui na" (pronounced t-weigh na) combines the names of two of the hand techniques, "tui" to push, and "na" to lift and squeeze, which are used to represent the system. Practitioners of tui na claim there are more than 365 hand techniques, although they can be generally placed in the category of pressing, rubbing, waving, shaking, percussion or manipulating. The term tui na first appeared in the Ming Dynasty text Pediatric Tui Na Classic in 1601. Click here to find a Tui Na practitioner. |