Glossary of Healing Modalities

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A

Acupressure
An ancient Chinese healing technique, acupressure uses similar principles as acupuncture but without the needles. Specific points on the body receive pressure with fingers. The goal is to relieve a variety of symptoms including tension, stress, aches, pains, menstrual cramps, or arthritis. This can also be done on a preventative measure for general, ongoing health and wellbeing.

Acupuncture
An ancient Chinese method for balancing the flow of energy or life force - known as qi (chee) - believed to flow through pathways (meridians) in your body. By inserting needles into specific points along these meridians, acupuncture practitioners believe that your energy flow will re-balance. Acupuncture can be used for prevention as well as for the treatment of a great variety of disease conditions, including pain.

Aikido
A Japanese martial art, this is both spiritual in nature and a self-defense technique. The goal is to synchronize and balance one's chi (vital energy) with that of one's opponent, so that the opponent's strength and weight are used against him or her. Many of the moves are flowing, fluid and graceful - similar to those of tai chi.

Akashic Record
: The Akashic Records are a dimension of consciousness that contains a vibrational record of every soul and its journey. This vibrational body of consciousness exists everywhere in its entirety and is completely available at all times and in all places. As such, the Records are an experiential body of knowledge that contains everything that every soul has ever thought, said, and done over the course of its existence, as well as all its future possibilities. As we engage in the spiritual energy of the records we become more aware and recognize our true connection to Source. Akashic Records can be read remotely.

Art Therapy
A form of expressive therapy that uses the creative process of making art to improve a person's physical, mental, and emotional well-being. The creative process involved in expressing one's self artistically can help people to resolve issues as well as develop and manage their behaviors and feelings, reduce stress, and improve self-esteem and awareness.

Astrology
The study of the influence that distant cosmic objects, usually stars and planets, have on human lives. The position of the sun, stars, moon and planets at the time of people's birth is said to shape their personality, affect their romantic relationships and predict their economic fortunes, among other divinations.

Ayurvedic Medicine
Ayurvedic medicine is India's traditional, natural system of medicine that has been practiced for more than 5,000 years. The patient is classified according to three metabolic body types: vata, pitta and kapha. This complete holistic health system for mind, body, and spirit treats the patient as whole rather than treating symptoms alone. It works as a preventative means of coping with imbalance and disease.



B

Biofeedback
A technique that trains people to improve their health by controlling certain bodily processes that normally happen involuntarily, such as heart rate, blood pressure, muscle tension, and skin temperature. Biofeedback is an effective therapy for many conditions, but it is primarily used to treat high blood pressure, tension headache, migraine headache, chronic pain, and urinary incontinence.

Bodywork
A term used in complementary medicine to describe any therapeutic, healing or personal development technique that involves working with the human body, such as massage, deep tissue manipulation, craniosacral therapy, movement awareness, and energy medicine. Bodywork techniques aim to reduce pain, improve posture, stimulate blood and lymphatic circulation, and promote deep relaxation and enable the body to rally its own recuperative powers.



C

Chinese Medicine
A variety of ancient and modern therapeutic methods, including acupuncture, herbal medicine, massage, heat therapy, and nutritional and lifestyle counseling-that treats a broad range of chronic and acute illnesses.

Chiropractic
A health care discipline that emphasizes diagnosis, treatment and prevention of mechanical disorders of the musculoskeletal system, especially the spine, under the hypothesis that these disorders affect general health via the nervous system. It often involves manual therapy, including manipulation of the spine, other joints, and soft tissues.

Clairvoyant
Refer to someone who has the ability to gain information about an object, person, location or physical event through means other than the known human senses, a form of extra-sensory perception.

Coaching
People hire a life coach when they are making a career transition, starting a new business, feeling dissatisfied, re-evaluating life choices, or simply looking for personal and professional breakthroughs. This is a professional service that offers clients feedback, insights, and guidance from an outside viewpoint.

Colon Hydrotherapy
The absorption of nutrients is enhanced when the colon is cleansed. This safe and painless process involves infusing filtered and temperature regulated water into the large intestine to dislodge impacted material and dilute bacteria and toxic concentrations. Colon Hydrotherapy to improve muscle tone and facilitate peristalsis action.

Craniosacral Therapy
A light touch technique designed to assist the body in self-correction by monitoring and palpating the flow of the cerebral spinal fluid. This therapy is a system of full body evaluation and treatment that views the individual as an integrated whole and utilizes gentle, non-invasive techniques. It is helpful for many conditions, including chronic pain, headaches, immune system diseases, neurologic disorders, TMJ, postural imbalances, and more.

Crystal Healing
A vibrational healing method that has been used by healers as far back as Hippocrates. Using the scientific qualities (piezo-electricity) of quartz crystals to dissolve cellular blockages within the human energy field helps balance and align the body, mind, and spirit.



D

Detoxification
Detoxification is the process of clearing or neutralizing toxins from the body and clearing excess mucus and congestion to facilitate a return to health. Many of these toxins come from our diet, drug use, and environmental exposure, both acute and chronic.

Doula
The word "doula" comes from the ancient Greek meaning "a woman who serves" and is now used to refer to a trained and experienced professional who provides continuous physical, emotional and informational support to the mother before, during and just after birth; or who provides emotional and practical support during the postpartum period.



E

EMDR
Eye Movement Desensitization and Reprocessing (EMDR) is an integrative psychotherapy approach that has been extensively researched and proven effective for the treatment of trauma. EMDR is a set of standardized protocols that incorporates elements from many different treatment approaches. To date, EMDR therapy has helped millions of people of all ages relieve many types of psychological stress.

Emotional Freedom Technique (EFT)
Emotional Freedom Technique is a form of psychological acupressure that uses a gentle tapping technique instead of needles to stimulate traditional Chinese acupuncture points. Based on a theory that negative emotions are caused by disturbances in the body's energy field, tapping on the designated points on the face and body is combined with verbalizing the identified problem followed by a general affirmation phrase. Restoring the balance of the energy system allows the body and mind to resume their natural healing abilities.

Energy Healing/Energy Medicine
A physically non-invasive therapy that seeks to restore the natural, smooth flowing nature of the body's energetic field by releasing stagnant, excessive and/or depleted energies from the body and its cells.

Enneagram
The Enneagram is intended as a tool of self-discovery, the idea being that one can recognize and avoid the pitfalls of unhealthy behavior patterns by learning about one's type and how it typically responds to stresses. The Enneagram describes nine personality types, each with its own motivations, concerns, and unique way of viewing life.

Equine Massage Therapy
Based on the same principles used for human, massage provides non-invasive, hands-on treatment that provides numerous and lasting benefits to our horses. Massage is currently used successfully by racetracks across the country, show barns, and the US Olympic team. In addition to benefiting these competitive equine athletes, massage benefits pleasure horses of all breeds and disciplines.

Esalen® Massage
Esalen emphasizes the use of slower and longer, flowing techniques. It includes long, lengthening strokes with gentle rocking and stretching, passive joint movement, sculpting of deep musculature. This fluid style not only relieves stress but integrates the entire body system, bringing it into balance.



F

Far Infrared Sauna
Far Infrared energy is part of the sun's natural wavelength that is not visible to the human eye. Free of toxic electromagnetic fields, far infrared wavelengths penetrate deep into our muscle tissues, fat cells and organs inducing relaxation and promoting healthy sweating which can remove toxins and heavy metals from the body.

Feldenkrais®
The Feldenkrais Method improves posture, coordination, flexibility and suppleness. Dr. Feldenkrais' teachings are recognized as a dynamic methodology to improve neuromuscular control and biomechanical efficiency.

Flower Remedies
The use of flower essences to release emotional blockages and activate one's higher abilities and soul purpose. It is sometimes used to break the cycle of addiction. The flower essences are made up of subtle liquid preparations made from the fresh blossoms of flowers, plants, bushes, and even trees.



G

Graston Soft Tissue Release
A form of myofascial release used to effectively detect and treat scar tissue, adhesions and restrictions in the neuromusculoskeletal system which can disturb normal function and cause pain and weakness. Graston breaks down scar tissue and reduces restrictions in the soft tissue with the assistance of stainless steel instruments designed to fit the contour of the body.

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 cancer treatment programs for pain management.

Guided Inquiry
A body-based process which helps you identify unhelpful body/mind habits.



H

Herbal Body Wraps
An excellent detoxifying treatment. A fleece sheet is soaked in an infusion of blended herbs then wrapped around the body. The body is then kept very warm with the addition of heated blankets for 20 minutes letting the herbs draw out impurities.

Herbal Medicine
A traditional medicinal or folk medicine practice based on the use of plants and plant extracts. It is also known as botanical medicine, medical herbalism, herbal therapy, herbology, and phytotherapy. Natural plants or plant-based substances are used to treat a range of illnesses and to enhance the functioning of the body's systems.

Holistic Counseling
A counseling approach which focuses on the whole self, feelings, thoughts, and how these are connected to the body. Holistic Medicine - the form of alternative medicine which focuses on (a) personal accountability for one's health; (b) the human body's ability to heal itself; and (c) balancing the body, mind, and spirit with the environment.

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.

Hydrotherapy
Hydrotherapy techniques can range from Russian baths, steam inhalation, sitz baths, and ice packs to hot compresses. For all, it's the application of hot or cold water that creates the benefit to the patient.

Hyperbaric Oxygen Therapy
Hyperbaric Oxygen Therapy is the most efficient method of transporting oxygen to cells throughout the body. Safe and painless, it involves breathing concentrated oxygen inside a specially designed, pressurized chamber. With enhanced oxygen delivery to the tissues, brain and organs of the body, it assists in a wide range of neurological disorders as well as a variety of other health conditions.

Hypnotherapy
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.



I

Infant Massage
Usually taught to parents and caregivers of babies in a group class format. Infant Massage has been shown to help with bonding, calming, communication, and healthy maturation for both baby and parent.



K

Kofutu
A healing and spiritual development technique that utilizes Master Symbols in a Healing Script. Rather than channeling energy Kofutu activates the healing resources within the recipient. The Kofutu Healer selects symbols for specific physical or psychological issue and the Kofutu Energy guides the healing to Whatever is in the Highest and Best Spiritual Interests of the recipient. In advanced Kofutu Training Scripts are provided to Activate Spiritual Gifts to assist in enlightenment.



L

Labyrinth Facilitator
A labyrinth mirrors our journey through life. Everything that happens during a walk is viewed in terms of metaphor. A labyrinth facilitator is someone trained to describe the labyrinth and its history, hold sacred space while others are walking, provide workshops around the labyrinth, and facilitate discussions surrounding experiences on the labyrinth.



M

Manual Lymph Drainage Therapy
A type of gentle massage which is intended to encourage the natural circulation of the lymph through the body. The proper functioning of the lymphatic system is critical to our body's ability to filter out toxins and foreign substances, detoxify, and maintain a healthy immune system.

Massage Therapy
Therapeutic stroking, rubbing, or kneading of the skin, connective tissue and underlying muscle and other soft tissue of the recipient for the purpose of physical and psychological relaxation, improvement of circulation, relief of sore muscles, and other therapeutic effects. May include modalities such as Swedish, Esalen, Sports, Shiatsu, and Myofascial Release.

Medical Intuitive
This work is done by intuitively scanning the body for areas of imbalance that may need alignment or treatment. A medical intuitive can 'see' and pinpoint specific illnesses, imbalances, weaknesses and preclinical disease states in the human body. Often times the Medical Intuitive will be able to explain the connection of the energy to an emotion or an event causing the illness.

Meditation
A mental technique for deep relaxation, meditation helps to focus and calm the mind. Meditation is the art of relaxing your mind and body in an effort to relieve stress and feel calm and at peace. There are different forms of meditation including prayer, TM (Transcendental Meditation), mindfulness meditation, Zen, Buddhist, and Taoist meditation.

Midwives
Midwives work with women so they can experience a healthy pregnancy and a safe natural childbirth. Midwives also provide necessary education and follow-up care. Licensed midwives or nurse-midwives 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

Myofascial Release
Fascia is the connective tissue that provides support and protection for most structures within the human body, including muscle. This soft tissue can become restricted due to overuse, injury, trauma, infectious agents, emotional trauma or inactivity, often resulting in pain, muscle tension, and corresponding diminished blood flow. MFR is an effective hands-on technique helping to eliminate pain, restore motion, and increase vitality.



N

Nambudripad?s Allergy Elimination Techniques (NAET)
A non-invasive, drug free, natural solution to eliminate allergies of all types and intensities using a blend of selective energy balancing, testing and treatment procedures from acupuncture/acupressure, allopathy, chiropractic, nutritional, and kinesiological disciplines of medicine.

Naturopathic Medicine
Naturopathic practitioners are state-licensed practitioners who aim to restore and support the body's own healing ability. Naturopathic doctors perform physical exams, order lab testing, and prescribe a variety of natural treatments, including clinical nutrition, botanical medicine, homeopathy, physical medicine, exercise, and hormone replacement therapy.

Neuro-Linguistic Patterning (NLP)
Neuro-Linguistic Patterning is a useful model of beliefs and techniques that offer a way to use the mind and body to achieve excellence in learning, business, counseling, relationships, sports and other experiences of life.

Nutritional Therapy
Nutrition therapy is a system of healing based on the belief that food, as nature intended, provides the medicine we need to obtain and maintain a state of health: Our food is our medicine and our medicine is our food. It focuses on eating or eliminating particular foods, vitamins, and nutrients for therapeutic benefit.



O

Osteopathy
Like medical doctors (M.D.'s), an osteopathic physician provides comprehensive medical care, including preventive medicine, diagnosis, surgery, prescription medications, and hospital referrals. In diagnosis and treatment, they pay particular attention to the joints, bones, muscles, and nerves and are specially trained in osteopathic manipulative treatment ' using their hands to diagnose, treat, and prevent illness.



P

Personal Trainer
Someone employed to help another with their fitness, especially by means of a personalized diet program and exercise regime. They help to assess your fitness level, set up a program for you and keep you motivated.

Pilates
The Pilates Method is an exercise system focused on improving flexibility and strength for the total body without building bulk. A series of controlled movements engaging your body and mind is performed on specifically designed exercise apparatus and supervised by extensively trained teachers.

Play Therapy
Play Therapists are licensed counseling professionals trained to utilize the powers of play to help children, teens and adults address and resolve problems.

Polarity Therapy
A comprehensive health system involving energy-based bodywork, diet, exercise and self- awareness. It works with the Human Energy Field, electro-magnetic patterns expressed in mental, emotional and physical experience. In Polarity Therapy, health is viewed as a reflection of the condition of the energy field, and therapeutic methods are designed to balance the field for health benefit.

Prolotherapy
Prolotherapy involves injecting a non-active irritant solution into the body, generally in the region of tendons or ligaments for the purpose of strengthening weakened connective tissue and alleviating musculoskeletal pain.

Psychic
Being sensitive to energy emanating from guides such as angels, or a higher self. The ability to hear, see, feel energy from a source other than self.

Psychotherapy
Usually conducted by a trained, certified, or licensed therapist, psychotherapy aims to increase the individual's sense of their own well-being. Psychotherapists employ a range of techniques based on experiential relationship building, dialogue, communication and behavior change and that are designed to improve the mental health of a client or patient, or to improve group relationships (such as in a family).



Q

Qi Gong
(Also spelled Chi Gong or Chi Kung) Combines movement, meditation and breathwork to increase the flow of vital Qi ("chee") energy in the body, to improve blood circulation and to strengthen the immune system. Qi Gong is effective for stress management and as a safe modified fitness exercise for cardiovascular, neuromuscular, arthritic, and other chronic immune disorders.

Quantum Reflex Analysis (QRA)
QRA is a kinesiologically based limbic system testing method. This method allows the practitioner to determine the correct type and amount of supplementation needed for a client by localizing an area of concern on the body, and balancing it with appropriate corrections, quickly and accurately.



R

Raw Food
Raw foodism is a lifestyle promoting the consumption of uncooked, unprocessed, and often organic foods as a large percentage of the diet. Raw foodists typically believe that the greater the percentage of raw food in the diet, the greater the health benefits.

Reconnection, The
Clears the chakras, meridians, vortexes, and reconnects them with the newer, higher frequencies of the Earth's grid, our neighboring planets and the fullness of the universe. Beneficial side effects may include but are not limited to; better clarity, an acceleration on one's life path and an acceleration of healing on all levels.

Reconnective Healing
Allows the entire spectrum of axiotonal healing frequencies to penetrate and balance one's body on physical, emotional, mental and spiritual levels without expectation or an agenda. The one that receives the healing is the "Healer."

Reflexology
This touch technique is based on the idea that specific points on the feet and hands correspond with organs and tissues throughout the body. The practitioner (typically a massage therapist) applies pressure to these points of these areas using hands, fingers, and thumbs to treat a wide range of stress-related illnesses and ailments as well as provide relieve to related muscles.

Reiki
A Japanese technique used to heal emotional, spiritual, and physical pain through the transmission of universal life energy, called "ki" 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. Reiki is used for the healing of animals as well as people.

Rolfing® Structural Integration
Rolfing is a holistic, hands-on, deep tissue modality that manipulates and changes the myofascial system throughout the body. Through educated touch and movement education, a client's posture and structure, their whole being is reorganizes within the field of gravity.



S

Shamanism
A system of healing based on spiritual practices present in most indigenous cultures. The shaman acquires knowledge, wisdom, and spiritual power from personal helping spirits encountered on journeys into other realities. They return with vital information about healing. Shamans are considered "walkers between the worlds" and retrievers of souls.

Shiatsu
Shiatsu is a style of bodywork developed in Japan. It is similar to acupuncture, but uses finger pressure instead of needles. Shiatsu's name comes from two Japanese words -- "shi" or finger and "atsu" or pressure. Shiatsu's goal is to restore the healthy flow of energy throughout the body.

Somatic Experiencing®
A naturalistic, body-centered, awareness approach to healing trauma by working directly with the nervous system and the dysregulated, unresolved responses to traumatic stress. A gentle process guided by inquiry and sensation, SE helps restore self-regulation and well-being.

Spirituality
Having the nature of spirit, soul, God, sometimes religion or a higher consciousness.

Swedish Massage
This most common form of massage uses strokes, manipulations and movements to stimulate, relax or rehabilitate the body. It involves the use of hands, forearms or elbows to manipulate the superficial layers of the muscles to improve mental and physical health. The benefits of Swedish massage include increased blood circulation, mental and physical relaxation, decreased stress, muscle tension and improved range of motion.



T

Tai Chi
An ancient Chinese martial arts form of meditation with a constant flow of energy and movement. It combines mental concentration, slow breathing and dance-like movements to increase chi (life energy).

Tarot
Tarot is believed to have been created in Italy in the late 14th century, though theories on the origins of tarot differ widely. A tarot deck can be used for divination, meditation, self-improvement, spiritual purposes, and card games or as a tool of understanding.

Thai Massage
The application of slow, rhythmic compressions and stretches along ten of the most important "sen" (the body's energy lines) using the palms of the hands, thumbs, elbows and feet. Practitioners position the body into yoga-like poses and gently rock the body to more deeply open joints and facilitate relaxation and balanced energy.

The Work
The Work of Byron Katie is a simple yet powerful process of inquiry that teaches you to identify and question the thoughts that cause all the suffering in the world.

Therapeutic Touch (TT)
A method of healing touch developed by Dolores Krieger and practiced by registered nurses and others to relieve pain and stress. A practitioner attunes to the client's energy field, directs energy, finds weak or congested areas, and re-balances or refreshes them. There is usually no actual physical contact.

Trager®
A gentle, nonintrusive, psychologically grounded physical approach to muscle relaxation, focusing on the integration of the mind and body. It uses a combination of hands-on tissue mobilization, relaxation and movement reeducation called Mentastics.

Trigger Point Therapy
Trigger Point Therapy (also known as Myotherapy or Neuromuscular Therapy) applies concentrated finger pressure to "trigger points" (painful irritated areas in muscles) to break cycles of spasm and pain.

Tui Na
Tui Na is a type of Asian bodywork which focuses on balancing the flow of energy in the body, and it is one of the oldest forms of massage, dating back to at least 1700 BCE in China. It is an important aspect of Traditional Chinese Medicine (TCM), and it is used to treat a variety of conditions as well as systemic problems.



V

Vastu
More ancient than Feng Shui, Vastu originated in India and is the science of architecture that has been re-discovered and updated to correct the major energetic stressor of the modern world: Electromagnetic Field pollution.



W

Watsu® (Water Shiatsu)
Gentle movement, massage and stretching while being floated in warm water, an ideal medium for opening energy pathways and freeing the body. The fluid movement and continual support of the water and the practitioner promote deep states of peace and relaxation, and release of deeply held tension and patterns.



Y

Yoga
Yoga means "union"- integrating all aspects of the individual - body with mind and mind with soul - to achieve a happy, balanced and useful life, and spiritually, uniting the individual with the supreme. It incorporates a system of postures, breathing, and meditation for optimal health, mental and emotional balance. Forms of "physical" Yoga include Hatha (Iyengar, Bikram, Ananda, Anusara, Astanga, Vinyasa/Power, etc.) and Kundalini.







Professional Credentials

BCIA:	Biofeedback Certification Institute of America
CAS:	Certified Addiction Specialist
CCH:	Certified in Classical Homeopathy
CCHT:	Certified Clinical Hypnotherapist
CCST:	Certified Craniosacral Therapist
CCT:	Certified Colon Therapist
CHT:	Certified Hypnotherapist
CNC:	Certified Nutritional Consultant
CNLP:	Certified Neuro Linguistic Programmer
CPCC:	Certified Professional Coach
CPM:	Certified Professional Midwife
DACNB:	Diplomate of the American Chiropractic Neurology Board
DC:	Doctor of Chiropractic
DCC:	Distance Credentialed Counselor
Dipl. OH:	Diplomate of Oriental Herbology
DMV:	Doctor of Veterinary Medicine
DO:	Osteopathic Physician
DOM:	Diplomate in Oriental Medicine
DSS:	Doctorate of Spiritual Studies
EBW:	Equine Body Worker
EEM-CP:	Eden Energy Medicine - certified practitioner
ESMT:	Equine Sports Massage Therapist
GCFP:	Guide Certified Feldenkrais Practitioner
GLBTQQI:	Gay, lesbian, bisexual, transgender, queer and questioning
GPCT:	Global Professional Association for Colon Therapy
LAc:	License in Acupuncture
LCSW:	Licensed Clinical Social Worker
LM:	Licensed Midwife
LMT:	Licensed Massage Therapist
LPC:	Licensed Professional Counselor
MA:	Masters of Arts
MAOM:	Masters of Acupuncture and Oriental Medicine
MD:	Medical Doctor
MED:	Masters of Education
MFCC:	Licensed Marriage Family & Child Counselor
MFT:	Licensed Marriage Family Therapist
MS:	Masters of Science
MSTCM:	Master of Science in Traditional Chinese Medicine
NCC:	Nationally Certified Counselor
NCTMB:	Nationally Certified in Therapeutic Massage and Bodywork
ND:	Naturopathic Doctor
NP:	Nurse Practitioner
NTS:	Natural Therapeutic Specialist
OH:	Oriental Herbology
OM:	Oriental Medicine
PA:	Physicians Assistant
PHD:	Doctor of Philosophy
PSYD:	Doctorate in Psychology
PT:	Physical Therapist
RCST:	Registered Craniosacral Therapist
RM:	Reiki Master
RN:	Registered Nurse
RNP:	Registered Nurse Practitioner
RPT:	Registered Play Therapist