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Acupuncture and Traditional
Chinese Medicine
Chinese Medicine is an ancient holistic healing system
that includes acupuncture, massage, herbal medicine,
nutrition and qigong. Each facet of this system helps
restore and maintain health by unblocking the flow of
energy (Qi), and balancing Yin and Yang in the
body. Practitioners of Oriental medicine attempt to
understand and treat not only the symptoms but also
the cause of illness. Because there is no separation
between the physical, energetic and emotional bodies, healing
occurs on several levels simultaneously.
Acupuncture is the insertion of needles at specific
points along the paths of energy in the body. This ancient
art is now used worldwide to restore harmony, alleviate
pain, promote well-being and address a variety of health
concerns. Acupuncture needles are used only once. They
are very thin, sterile, and designed to cause little
discomfort upon insertion. Often, people are surprised
to find how relaxing acupuncture treatments can be.
In addition to acupuncture, practitioners of Chinese
medicine may use herbs, Asian bodywork, nutritional
counseling, movement arts, moxibustion, cupping, electrostimulation
or other adjunct therapies to complete a treatment.
Chiropractic
Chiropractic addresses the patient with a holistic
approach, incorporating aspects such as nutrition and
lifestyle, and treats the cause of the problem, not
only symptoms. With specific adjustments of the spine
and extremities, chiropractic physicians restore the
natural balance of the nervous system, facilitating
improved function of nerves, muscles and joints, allowing
the patient to appreciate an improved state of health.
Classical Homeopathy
Homeopathy is a system of medicine that has been in use for over 200 years
and was originated by the German physician Samuel
Hahnemann in the late 18th century. He recognized
that a person’s various symptoms are all connected and
when synthesized paint a picture of a fundamental disharmony.
He saw disease as a limitation of an individual’s ability
to maintain balance, harmony, freedom, and creative
expression in the world. He discovered that homeopaths
could help restore health by re-establishing freedom
and balance. Homeopathy is based on the premise that
“like cures like” and uses minute doses of a very
precisely chosen remedy to stimulate the body’s own
healing mechanisms. The medicines are of natural
origin and range from botanical, animal, and mineral
sources.
Craniosacral Therapy
Craniosacral Therapy is a subtle yet effective technique
that strengthens the natural ability of the body to
heal itself. The practitioner uses a light touch to
monitor the rhythm of cerebrospinal fluid flowing through
the craniosacral system - the protective membranes surrounding
the brain and spinal cord. This system extends within
the body to the bones of the face and skull down to
the sacrum in the lower back. The practitioner gently
detects and corrects restrictions within this system,
addressing many conditions such as headache, chronic
fatigue, TMJ pain, motor impairment, learning disabilities
and others.
Herbal Medicine
Herbal medicines come in many forms, including dried
bulk herbs for making decoctions and tea, powders, capsules,
pills, liquid extracts, external washes, plasters, salves,
oils, tinctures, syrups, lozenges and elixirs. Herbs
are used for medicine by every culture in the world.
Herbs are especially important in the therapeutics of
Chinese medicine and naturopathy. Some preparations
are made by herbal companies and others can be formulated
specifically for you by your practitioner. Herbal medicines
can benefit almost any kind of condition. They can relieve
acute situations such as common colds or bodily
injury, and they can improve long- standing and chronic
situations such as arthritic pain or digestive disorders.
With continued use, herbs can have a profound effect
on metabolism, sleep, energy, and mood; as well as on
the specific functions of the organ systems and their
dynamic inter-relationships. Herbal medicine is a wonderful
complementary therapy that combines excellently with
the energetic and physical modalities offered by acupuncture,
chiropractic and naturopathic care.
Holographic Healing
Holographic Healing is a form of energy medicine, which
works through the understanding that the physical body
manifests from the energetic body. Physical discomfort
and disease often begin with a disturbance in the human
energy field, occurring as a thought, belief or emotion.
For example, if people tend to push through things when
the going gets tough, they may hold a lot of tension
in a particular area of their bodies in order to make
it through. This tension is a blockage in the flow of
energy in the body, which can, over time, lead to physical
illness or injury. In the deeply receptive state initiated
by a Holographic Healing, buried feelings are given
a safe space to be cleared, which releases the blocked
energy. The whole field is then charged and balanced,
reconnecting the body with a healthy flow. If one of
the energy centers, or chakras, in the body is not processing
properly, the chakra can be restructured. Likewise,
if an organ in the body is not metabolizing properly,
it can also be restructured with Holographic Healing
to prevent or heal an illness. The physical body can
be directly worked on through the energetic matrix from
which it extends. In a Holographic Healing, pain and
sickness in the form of stagnant or discordant energy
are drawn out and damaged structures can be repaired.
This allows for a clearing of emotional and psychological
issues as well as a return to physical health.
Jin Shin Do
Jin Shin Do is a system of acupressure that uses simple,
direct finger pressure to help relieve common tensions
and discomforts. One hand holds an acupoint within the
affected area while the other hand holds one or more
acupoints that help release the tense or sensitive area.
This is a very gentle method of pain relief and stress
reduction, using a traditional theory of energy pathways
in the body.
Chair Massage
Chair massage is perfect for the workplace because it is done fully clothed while seated, so the major muscles of the back are
easily accessible. This is also good for the client with lower back injuries who may have problems rising
from the table.
Deep Tissue Massage
The primary focus of deep tissue massage is on altering
body structure and muscle restrictions. This technique
requires a precise understanding and intimate knowledge
of the body's bones, muscles, fascia, and other connective
tissue. A skilled therapist will release chronic patterns
of muscular tension with slow strokes, direct pressure,
or friction using the fingers, thumbs or elbows to lengthen
the soft tissue, and thus release any restrictions.
This technique is more specific in focus and is applied
with greater pressure and at deeper layers of the muscle
than Swedish massage, and that is why it is called deep
tissue.
Myofascial Release
Myofascial release is a deep tissue massage that focuses
on relieving chronic tension at various sites in the
body. With the application of gentle traction, pressures,
and positioning, the therapist releases adhesions, increases
the range of motion of joints, and relaxes muscles.
Chronically tense muscles restrict blood flow and fatigue
the body. Both fascia and muscle tissues can become
shortened if they are improperly used. Myofascial release
coaxes muscles in spasm to relax and breaks adhesions
in the fascia. Bodies respond to these therapies by
releasing tension that has been stored in the fascia,
thus allowing more functional flexibility and mobility
of the muscles, fascia, and associated structures. The
overall effect is to help the client achieve optimum
body awareness and health by breaking chronic cycles
of muscular spasm and pain.
Naturopathic Medicine
A licensed naturopathic physician (N.D.) attends a four-year
graduate level naturopathic medical school and is educated
in many of the same basic sciences as a medical doctor (M.D.).
However, naturopathic physicians also study holistic and nontoxic
approaches to therapy with a strong emphasis on disease prevention
and optimizing wellness. In addition to a standard medical
curriculum, the a naturopathic physician is required to
complete additional training in:
- Clinical nutrition
- Homeopathic medicine
- Botanical medicine
- Environmental medicine
- Hydrotherapy (Water therapy)
- Physical medicine
- Lifestyle counseling to support health
A naturopathic physician takes rigorous professional board exams so that he or she may be licensed by a state or jurisdiction as a primary care general practice physician.
Pregnancy Massage
This approach addresses the specific needs of the expecting mother. The client is bolstered by pillows, allowing for optimal positioning to support the growing baby and mother's body. Pregnancy massage may be done on a massage table, or comfortably clothed on a futon.
Reflexology
This approach involves the manual stimulation of reflex
points on the ears, hands, and feet. Similar methods
like shiatsu and acupressure have been practiced in
China for thousands of years. Thumb pressure is applied
to specific points that correspond to specific areas
or organs of the body. One of the contemporary explanations
for how it works is that compression by specific touch
techniques affects a system of points and areas that
are thought to "reflex" through neurological
pathways to distant parts of the body. The pressure
on these reflex points is used to relieve stress and
tension, to improve blood supply, to promote the unblocking
of nerve impulses, and to help restore homeostasis or
balance in the body.
Shiatsu
With roots in Zen philosophy, Shiatsu is an elegant
form of Japanese massage. It is a clothed, full body
massage that emphasizes the flow of energy (ki) through
channels. Shiatsu includes numerous stretches, but it
is considered neither "hard" nor "soft."
Rather, the goal of Shiatsu is to find a balanced pressure
that exactly matches the patient's receptivity at that
moment. With subtle touching techniques it is ideal
for the prevention of disease because it can find slight
excesses and deficiencies long before symptoms appear.
Patients frequently feel rejuvenated, refreshed, centered
and more present after a Shiatsu treatment. While Shiatsu
can be relaxing, and can resolve the pains of tension
or injury, it is also an invaluable tool for optimizing
total health by maintaining the continuous goal of restoring
harmony throughout the body.
[ When you come for a Shiatsu treatment, it is important
for you to wear appropriate clothing: clean socks and
full-length, loose-fitting, stretchable clothes without
belts, buttons or buckles - no jeans, shorts, or skirts.
]
Sports Massage
The emphasis of sports massage is on the prevention
of injury; it enhances tissue elasticity and increases
flexibility and range of motion in joints. Following
physical activity, massage helps remove built-up metabolic
toxins and restores muscle tone and range of motion.
Sports massage prior to activity helps prevent injury
during physical exertion. Deep friction and pressure
are commonly used to warm and manipulate muscle fibers.
Both active and passive stretching are included to help
retain and restore flexibility and motion in all the
joints. These treatments can sometimes be uncomfortable
as they release tightened muscle tissues and help heal
injuries. By communicating with your practitioner about
your comfort level the amount of pressure can be appropriately
applied. Sports massage will often not be a total relaxation
experience; so don't anticipate a full-body treatment.
Instead, the session will generally concentrate on specific
fatigued, contracted or inefficient muscles. You may
also be changing positions and providing resistance
as part of the work.
Swedish Massage
Swedish massage is a traditional therapeutic technique
used to relax muscles, increase circulation, and remove
metabolic toxins. It can help recipients obtain a feeling
of connectedness, a better awareness of their body and
the way they use and position it. Common applications
include: long gliding strokes, knuckling, kneading,
friction, tapping, beating, gentle shaking, and direct
pressure. Oil or lotion is applied during most of these
treatments, which provides the massage therapist with
the ability to apply the strokes and manipulations without
pulling the skin or hair. Swedish massage shortens recovery
time from muscular strain and stretches the ligaments
and tendons, keeping them supple. Swedish massage also
stimulates the skin and nervous system while at the
same time relaxing the nerves themselves. As it can
help reduce emotional and physical stress, it is often
recommended as part of a regular program for stress
management. It also has specific clinical uses in a
medical or remedial therapy.
Thai Massage
Traditional Thai Massage, also called Thai Yoga Massage,
comes to us from Thailand via India. It combines rhythmic
pressure along the muscles and energy channels (sen)
with stretching and movement of the body and limbs.
Many say it feels like having Yoga done to you. Thai
massage is unique in that the practitioner uses more
than just hands and thumbs, but also forearms, elbows,
knees and feet. No oils or lotions are used. Thai massage
is done on a comfortable mat on the floor to allow space
for the stretches and movements. Both the patient and
the practitioner wear loose, comfortable clothing. The
ultimate goal of Thai Yoga Massage is to bring total
relaxation, joy and enlightenment to the recipient and
the provider.
At the Center for Vibrant Health, Acupuncture can be
integrated into your Thai massage experience.
Trigger Point Therapy
This is a deep tissue technique that uses direct pressure
to specific points on the body, called trigger points,
in order to release chronically contracted muscles.
Trigger points are accumulations of waste products around
a nerve receptor. Often times they feel like nodules
or taut bands of fibers within the soft tissues. Trigger
points form in muscles that have been overused or injured
due to an accident or surgery. Common characteristics
are increased muscle tension and muscle shortening.
Trigger points can present themselves as referred patterns
of sensation such as sharp pain, dull ache, tingling,
pins and needles, heat and/or cold, can cause loss of
range of motion and muscle weakness, and can create
symptoms such as nausea, ear ache, equilibrium disturbance,
or blurred vision. To release a trigger point, static
pressure is applied for 10 seconds or up to one minute
while the client breathes deeply. This action flushes
the toxins and calms the nerves, allowing muscles to
involuntarily relax and lengthen. Stretching should
be done as "home work" to encourage the muscles
that have been treated to stay in a lengthened position.
Psychotherapy
Psychotherapy is based upon proven healing traditions
and on recent advances in neurological and behavioral
science. Different types of psychotherapy can address
individuals, couples, families or groups. Psychotherapy
can employ a variety of effective approaches, including:
psychoanalytic, insight-oriented, interpersonal, family
systems, cognitive and behavioral. Each type may put
different degrees of emphasis on feelings, thoughts,
relationships, or the unconscious. All forms of psychotherapy
share the following assumptions: (1) therapy must be
tailored to the individual; (2) trust is essential;
(3) privacy is crucial. Many approaches involve formulation
of goals, such as understanding the underlying patterns
influencing one's current life situation, resolving
difficulties by correcting distortions of thoughts and
feelings, improving communication, increasing self-awareness,
resolving conflicts, and/or modifying behaviors that
are causing distress.
Qigong
Qigong is a practice of energy work that helps improve
health, calm the mind and develop a stronger connection
with nature. Components of qigong practice include breathing,
visualization, movement and meditation. Qigong includes
lying, sitting, standing and walking forms that can
often be modified for the physical ability of the individual.
Qigong can be practiced alone or in a group, and many
styles can be practiced daily to heal, strengthen and
calm. In addition, a practitioner can use qigong to
perform Qi blockage diagnosis and Qi emission to help
a patient with the healing process. Regular practice
of qigong leads to physical and emotional health and
balance as well as to a deeper understanding of one's
spiritual nature.
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