The holistic health modalities listed below are a fraction of the alternative health practices available. The descriptions of these holistic health modalities are designed to give you a brief understanding of what the modality is designed to do, what to expect during a session with the holistic practitioner and how the modality may assist you in finding balance in mind, body and spirit. None of the descriptions are intended to imply or suggest a replacement for traditional medical treatment.
Acupuncture
An ancient Chinese healing modality, acupuncture stimulates points along the body’s energy streams, called meridians. The energy meridians flow similarly to the circulatory system, delivering energy to every part of the body. When a meridian is disrupted or blocked, energy is unbalanced causing discomfort and disease in the body. Acupuncture is the use of extremely thin needles, strategically inserted at trigger points to free blockages.
Why you might want to try it:
Reduce pain, relieve sinus conditions, relieve gastrointestinal conditions, remove energy blockages, reduce fatigue.
What to expect:
The practitioner will tap very thin needles into points along your body in accordance to intake exam and symptoms being relieved. You will be unclothed, either fully or in a specific area corresponding to the points to be stimulated. Acupuncture is a pain free procedure.
Why you might want to try it: What to expect:
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Aromatherapy
Aromatherapy is the art and science of using essential oils to help balance, detoxify, de-stress and restore balance and homeostasis to body, mind and spirit. Essential oils are the life essence substances of the plants from which they are derived. They stimulate the sense of smell which impacts how we feel. Specific oils have a affinity for and corollary effect on certain body systems or conditions.
Each scent has a different effect on the system, therefore you may use Aromatherapy for relaxation, pain relief, detoxification, insomnia, as well as to increase alertness and stimulate brain functioning.
An Aromatherapy consultation will consist of the practitioner asking a series of questions in order to understand the condition(s) and which preparations would best serve to alleviate the symptoms. The practitioner then crates an essential oil formulation for the specific condition(s). The practitioner instructs the client in how to use the oil.
Chakra Balancing Chakras are energy centers within the body. Often described as energy wheels, they should all be ‘spinning’ freely and at the appropriate speed in order to maintain energy levels and health. When any one chakra is not moving energy efficiently the balance of the entire body is compromised and may result in fatigue and illness. When the chakras are balanced all systems; body, mind and spirit are in better harmony. Why you might want to try it: What to expect:
To relieve fatigue and feel more energetic.
You will usually recline on a massage table. The practitioner may gently place hands at various positions on the body. The practitioner may use crystals during the session. You will be fully clothed. Chakra balancing is sometimes incorporated in a massage or Reiki treatment.
Chiropractic Why you might want to try it: What to expect:
The Chiropractic profession is based on the fact that the nerve system regulates and controls all functions in the human body. The spine houses the central nerve system, and as the nerves extend out from the spine to the body systems they may be "pinched" off by misaligned vertebrae (known as subluxation). The chiropractor locates and re-aligns the vertebrae, taking the pressure off the nerve, therefore allowing the body to function free of interference.
Chiropractic adjustments have been known to help with back pain, pinched nerves, sciatica, carpal tunnel syndrome, headaches, stress, whiplash and more.
An adjustment is done by a chiropractic doctor. Quick pressure is exerted on the effected spinal bones to release them from their misaligned position. This pressure often results in an audible cracking sound as the movement results in trapped gas being released. The resulting sensation is usually that of relief. You are fully clothed during an adjustment.
Colon Hydrotherapy
Colon Hydrotherapy, also known as colonic, is the infusion of warm water into the colon via a disposable speculum inserted into the rectum. Colon Hydrotherapy flushes accumulated waste from the walls and folds of the colon, aids in removing toxins from the body and promotes general health and well being.
Why you might want to try it:
If you have recurring constipation, suspect you have an overgrowth of yeast, are on a detoxification program, are experiencing gas and bloating.
What to expect:
A colon therapist gently inserts a thin tube into the rectum. Water flows through the tube into the colon. Waste can be flushed through the same tube or out directly into a drain, depending on the type of equipment being utilized. You are unclothed and draped, from the waist down, at the least.
CranioSacral Why you might want to try it:
CranioSacral refers to the brain and spinal cord. CranioSacral therapy is used to detect and alleviate imbalances or blockages in the craniosacral system and free the central nervous system of restrictions. The CranioSacral therapist employs light touch to relieve pressure on the brain and spinal cord. The techniques employed improve flow of the cranial fluids, alleviate pressure along spinal and cranial nerve pathways, and activate the parasympathetic nervous system which controls healing, rest and repair of the body, thus potentially correcting or improving conditions such as migraines, TMJ, chronic fatigue, neck and back pain, some sleep disorders, generalized anxiety and more.
For relief from TMJ, migraines, back or neck pain. As an alternative or adjunct to massage.
What to expect:
The practitioner will employ gentle pressure to various places on your head and spine. A craniosacral treatment can be performed on a fully clothed patient, but if you are receiving a treatment in conjunction with a massage you may be unclothed.
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Why you might want to try it: What to expect:
Crystal Healing is a holistic modality which employs the energy of natural crystal gemstones to aid the health of the body. Each crystal is believed to contain particular healing properties. When placed on a part of the body, the crystal radiates its energy property to that location. The practitioner uses his/her intuition to place the crystals.
Increased relaxation, increased energy balance, removal of energy blockages.
The practitioner will place crystals of different properties at strategic locations on your body for a period of time. You will be fully clothed for the session.
Ear Candling Why you might want to try it: What to expect:
Ear candling is used to gently remove excess wax, fluid and/or debris from the ear. A specially designed hollow taper beeswax candle is used for the process. Ear Candling is said to help restore clarity of hearing that has been diminished by wax build up.
To relieve swimmer’s ear, wax build up, itching in ear, headaches, sinus congestion.
You will recline on a massage table. A hollow taper candle will be gently placed in the opening of your ear. The practitioner closely monitors the lit taper. The heat from the candle creates a gentle vacuum in the ear which draws out excess fluid and/or wax. Many feel so relaxed during the procedure that they fall asleep. You are fully clothed during the session.
Electro-Therapeutic Point Stimulation (ETPS) Why you might want to try it: What to expect:
ETPS is a non-invasive modality which applies low frequency stimulation to ancient motor/trigger points in stages. ETPS is based upon the premise that ancient philosophies combined with modern electro-therapy technology can provide synergistic therapeutic results.
Why you might want to try it:
Pain relief from migraines, sciatica, frozen shoulder, constipation, menstrual cramps, sinus problems, headaches, and more.
What to expect:
An assessment is taken to determine the degree of pain you are experiencing. The practitioner uses a hand-held pointer device with the tip about the size of a ballpoint pen. The point is pressed to various acupuncture points around the body while a direct current is emitted in stages, with the goal of reducing the pain. You may feel a slight sensation of heat. There are no needles and the device will not puncture the skin. You are clothed for the session.
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Emotional Freedom Techniques (EFT)
Emotional Freedom Techniques uses the meridians associated with acupuncture and acupressure. It involves tapping key juncture points along these ancient Chinese meridians of the body in conjunction with other neurologically stimulating actions to free any blocks in any meridian. The tapping is done while focusing on whatever issue the person is endeavoring to overcome. The combination of focusing on the challenge and tapping to unblock the meridians is said to free the issue from the person’s experience.
You can use EFT to lessen or erase any physical or emotional condition. You can easily learn the EFT sequence and techniques in order to perform them on yourself.
The practitioner will gently tap on specific points on your face, neck, and hands. You will be fully clothed for treatment.
Energy Healing Why you might want to try it: What to expect:
Energy Healing is a broad term that often encompasses many modalities. The practitioner uses intuition and intentionality to flow energy through his/her hands and to the client. Energy healing is used to balance the energy of the body, remove blockages, promote energy flow and increase health and well being.
Relieve pain, stress and fatigue. Increase relaxation and energy flow in the body.
There may be light touch or the hands may hover above the body. You may be reclined on a massage table or sitting in a chair. You will be fully clothed for the session.
Homeopathy Why you might want to try it: The examination will be in accordance with the type of practitioner administering the homeopathic remedy. An intake questionnaire is completed to determine history and symptoms. The remedy is often drops or very small pellet-like substances placed under your tongue.
Homeopathy is based on the premise "like cures like." Minute dosages of substances that produce the symptoms of the illness are administered in order to stimulate the body's own healing power to remove the underlying cause of the problem. To treat disease, the body needs a little stimulus to its own healing process. Homeopathy aims to stimulate the body's own healing responses.
An alternative or complement to traditional medicines; there are few, if any, side effects to homeopathic remedies.
What to expect:
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Hypnotherapy
Hypnotherapy employs guided deep relaxation techniques to assist the client in modifying behavioral patterns, releasing stress, promoting general well being. It is believed that during the state of deep relaxation the client is receptive to suggestions that lead to altered behavior. The hypnotherapist designs and employs sets of positive suggestions tailored to the targeted issues.
Why you might want to try it:
If you would like to remove habits such as smoking and over-eating; resolve emotional issues, relieve stress.
What to expect:
The hypnotherapist will do an intake interview for history and to determine the issue(s) you wish to work on. You will sit comfortably in a chair, close your eyes and relax while you listen to the hypnotherapist’s positive suggestions. There may be soft music playing during the session. You will be fully clothed.
Ionic Footbath An Ionic Footbath is a detoxification modality developed to balance and restore the body’s pH and electromagnetic energy. What to expect:
Why you might want to try it:
Relief from such ailments as arthritis, allergies, gout, edema, headaches, neuralgia (nerve pain), stress, digestive challenges and more. Assistance in removing heavy metals from the body.
You will place your bared feet into a footbath unit of ionized warm water for between 18 and 23 minutes. During that time the water will change color as the toxins are extracted from your body through the pores of your feet. You should wear garments that can be moved up above the calves. Specific nutritional supplements may also be recommended to help improve your energy and balance your body's nutritional needs.
Lymph Drainage
A gentle pumping massage technique designed to purge the lymph nodes of toxins, cleansing and stimulating the lymphatic system. There are some certified practitioners who utilize a lymph stimulator device that provides a deep stimulation without manual manipulation of the nodes.
Why you might want to try it:
Swollen lymph glands anywhere in the body.
What to expect:
Lymph drainage is often included in a general massage without the patient distinguishing it from any other technique used during the massage. If the practitioner is using a lymph stimulator machine, there is a gentle stroking of the stimulator wand over the affected lymph gland area. With either technique you are unclothed for the session.
Why you might want to try it: What to expect: Note: Massage can also be performed while you sit, fully clothed, on a massage chair.
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Massage
Massage is the rhythmic application of pressure to the muscular structure of the body, gently kneading and stretching muscles and connective tissue. Therapeutic massage increases blood flow, promotes lymph drainage, decreases muscular pain, releases stress and increases feelings of relaxation and well being.
Massage is known to relieve pain, decrease stress, temporarily reduce blood pressure and heart rate, increase lymph flow, improve sleep, promote general health and well being.
A massage is performed on a massage table. The table will have a space cut out to accommodate your face during the time you are lying on your stomach. You will be disrobed during the massage and covered by a sheet. The massage therapist uncovers only the area being massaged at a time. You may leave on undergarments if you wish. Some massage tables are heated or heated coverings are used to increase comfort. Bolsters are often used to support knees or other areas of the body in order to release stress on the back.
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Matrix Energetics Why you might want to try it: What to expect:
Matrix Energetics uses intention to change patterns in the quantum field thus changing the state of a condition or situation. The practitioner employs light touch in conjunction with focused intent to shift the molecular structure of the condition.
Can be applied to a broad spectrum of symptoms of the body and conditions in your life.
The practitioner may touch you gently on two points of your body. You will be fully clothed for treatment.
Naturopathy
Naturopathy is based on the belief that healing will occur naturally in the body if it is given what it truly needs. Naturopathy helps you recognize the healing power of nature, find and eliminate the root cause of poor health, empower yourself through health education, honor your total person and prevent “dis-ease”.
Why you might want to try it:
If you are not getting results from traditional medicine and would like to work toward identifying the root cause of an ailment. To naturally bring balance back to or maintain balance in the body.
What to expect:
An in-depth health questionnaire is completed to evaluate your body systems, nutritional status, lifestyle factors, complete health history, and identify the root causes using various diagnostic tools. Based on the evaluation consultation and diagnostic findings the Naturopath will recommend a personalized total program which may include lifestyle modifications, nutritional guidelines, or supplement recommendations to help you reach your optimum potential for health and wellness. You are fully clothed for the session.
Reconnective Healing What to expect:
Reconnective Healing is a powerful form of healing that utilizes higher frequencies (energy waves) to restore the body to its original perfect state. The Reconnective Healer scans the patient’s body for energy blocks. With hands held above the patient, the healer sends waves through the entire body. These high frequency waves work with the patient’s body in the healing process. Reconnective healing aids patients with physical, emotional and spiritual issues. It improves physical pain as well as emotional pain. It serves to help clarify spiritual issues.
Why you might want to try it:
Relief from pain or any specific health issue. Spiritual growth and enhancement. Emotional and spiritual guidance.
You will lie fully clothed on a massage table while the practitioner holds his/her hands above the body.
Why you might want to try it:
For stress relief, to increase energy flow and remove blockages, to understand which body system corresponds to tender points on the feet and why.
What to expect:
You will be fully clothed except for bared feet. You may be seated or reclining. The practitioner uses thumbs and fingers to compress points on your feet. You may feel tenderness in some of the areas being compressed. It is common to experience a general sense of well being at the end of the session.
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Why you might want to try it: What to expect:
Reiki
Reiki is a popular form of energy work which employs gentle touch. The practitioner intentionally allows energy to flow through the hands and to the recipient while placing hands at various points on the body.. Reiki lifts and energizes, clears and strengthens, and innately heals the receiver in the way that is needed.
A gentle way to relieve stress, balance the body, relieve pain, release energy blockages.
You will usually recline on a massage table, but you can also receive while sitting in a chair. The practitioner gently places hands on various parts of the body. You will be fully clothed unless Reiki is performed in conjunction with a massage.
Holistic Assessment Tools Applied Kinesiology/Muscle Testing Applied Kinesiology is a diagnostic tool that employs the feedback from muscle testing to determine the body’s reaction to a given stimuli or determine how the body is functioning. Muscle testing can also be used to determine the best supplements or form of therapy for the client.
Why you might want to try it:
To check how your body reacts to a particular item, such as a supplement.
What to expect:
The practitioner will ask you to hold your arm out from your body and then press down on it while you hold it strong. You will then hold the item being tested in your hand and the practitioner will press down again. Based on the strength of your arm while holding the item, a determination is made regarding your body’s sensitivity to the item. You are fully clothed for the session.
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BioEnergetic Assessment/EAV
BioEnergetic Assessment utilizes a computer-based instrument, which measures the energetic patterns of each organ and system in the body through the acupuncture points on the hands and feet and gives indication of the degree of inflammation, degeneration or level of stress present. Once the energetic imbalances have been isolated, the BEA can then be used to assist your practitioner in the creation of an individualized healing strategy for restoring an energetic balance in the body.
Why you might want to try it:
BEA is known to detect such conditions as ADD/ADHD/Autism/PDD, allergies, Candida, dental issues, heavy metal toxicities, hormonal imbalances, immune system deficiencies, parasites, virus’.
What to expect:
The process of BEA screening is non-invasive and painless. A pointer tool, which is connected to the computer, is pressed to various acupuncture points on your hands and feet while you hold a metal bar in your opposite hand. The results are compiled and displayed on the computer monitor. The practitioner then uses the results and the computer program to design an individualized health restoration program. You are fully clothed during the procedure.
EPFX/SCIO
EPFX/SCIO/QX is a Quantum Biofeedback Bio-Resonance system used to detect weaknesses, imbalances in the body and remove stress from those areas. During testing, the EPFX device resonates with over 10,000 tissues, organs, nutrients, toxins, emotions and allergens for one hundredth of a second each, and records the degree to which the body reacts. The device then emits frequencies that balance the body based on the test results.
Why you might want to try it:
Quantum Biofeedback is a valuable assessment tool that is useful for identifying the state of any dis-ease. Stress is the root of all dis-ease and Quantum Biofeedback can retrain any part of the body to operate at the optimal level.
What to expect:
An initial questionnaire is completed, documenting lifestyle and current symptoms. You will put on a headband, wristbands and ankle bands which are attached to a computer. A three minute computer test is run and then the next 45 minutes are spent analyzing and going over the results with you and supplying the body with counter frequencies for any imbalances detected. A 30-day detoxification and refortification program or a regimen of supplements may be suggested. You are fully clothed for this procedure.
Iridology
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The eye’s iris reflects the state of all the body systems due to relationships between the eye, nervous system, and organs and tissues of the body. Iridology is a cursory examination of the functioning of the body's organs and systems via the inspection of the iris.
Why you might want to try it:
To determine genetic predispositions and glaring weakness or dysfunction in various body systems.
What to expect:
The practitioner will ask questions about lifestyle, diet, family and health history. An eyepiece and light are used to examine the iris. Dietary recommendations are made based on the findings of the exam. You are fully clothed for the session.
