| | |
|
| acupressure | A non-invasive way of encouraging the body to heal itself through stimulation of specific acupoints on the body, using massage. The therapist will use deep, focused finger pressure to manipulate acupuncture points to restore and harmonize energy flow for optimum physical and spiritual health. |
| |
|
| | Traditional Chinese pressure-point massage used to stimulate the flow of energy in the body. |
|
| acupuncture | Traditional Chinese healing technique based on Taoist philosophy. It can be administered by using needles, low-voltage electric current (electro acupuncture), or pinpoint massage (acupressure). |
| |
|
| | Acupuncturists strive to encourage proper circulation of energy, called qi (pronounced "chee") by inserting very fine needles into acupoints on the body's surface in order to influence physiological function of the body. Good health is the result of balanced, freely-flowing qi, while illness results from sluggish, blocked, or over-stimulated qi. As internal harmony is achieved, the body's natural ability to heal itself, relieve pain and stress, and improve internal regulatory systems is engaged. |
|
| aerobic exercise | Any sustained rhythmic exercise (such as brisk walking, running, or dance) that uses the large muscle groups of the body and increases the heart rate from 50 to 90 percent of its maximum. |
|
| alexander technique | Method of re-educating the mind and body to improve movement. The focus is on applying the appropriate amount of energy for each activity in order to improve posture and balance and to eliminate stress-inducing habits. |
| |
|
| | This technique teaches people how to release painful muscle tension, improve posture and move with greater ease by demonstrating correct habits of posture, body movement, and neuro-muscular co-ordination. It is based on the concept that self-created tension and poor habits lead to poor health. |
|
| algotherapy | Seaweed bath that is a form of thalassotherapy. |
|
| anaerobic | Opposite of aerobic exercise, anaerobic exercise --such as weightlifting and bodybuilding-- involves muscular work that causes the body to use more oxygen than it takes in. |
|
| antagonists | The muscles that oppose the movement of the prime movers. |
|
| anti-aging | Product or treatment that combats or defends against the aging process. |
|
| apitherapy | The therapeutic use of such products of the honeybee as honey, bee pollen, royal jelly, propolis and even bee venom, which has been used to treat conditions of joint inflammation such as arthritis. |
|
| applied kinesiology | Study of muscles, especially the mechanics of human motion. |
| |
|
| | A healing system that uses muscle testing as a method of evaluating a patient's structural, chemical and mental aspects. Practitioners of applied kinesiology may use nutrition and exercise, as well as acupressure and other physical manipulation to restore balance to a body. |
|
| aqua aerobics | Aerobic exercises performed in a pool using the support and resistance of the water to burn fat, strengthen bones, and increase cardiovascular health and endurance. The buoyancy of the water greatly reduces the chance of injuring joints or muscles. |
|
| aromatherapy | Treatments such as massage, facials, body wraps, or hydrobaths that include the application of fragrant essential oils. Different oils are used for different therapeutic benefits. |
| |
|
| | As a supplement to medical care, Aromatherapy is a branch of Herbalism in which essential oils and other natural aromatic substances are used for psychological and physical therapeutic benefit. |
|
| art therapy | The use of art for therapeutic purposes, based on the premise that art reflects the personality of its creator. A therapist will assess a patient and formulate a plan for treatment based on observations made of the materials a patient chooses and his or her behavior in creating a simple art piece. |
|
| asanas | Various yoga postures or poses. The practice of these physical poses is a fundamental stage in many branches of the yoga system |
|
| assessment | The collection and interpretation of information provided by the client, massage practitioner and referring medical professional. |
|
| aston-patterning | Aston-Patterning is a movement maintenance program to improve balance, increase strength and endurance and reduce fatigue. It may include bodywork and training in posture, movement, ergonomics and fitness. |
|
| audiology | Audiologists are concerned with the assessment and treatment of hearing disorders. Using highly complex instruments and testing devices, the audiologist evaluates hearing functions and designs a program of treatment which may include the selection of a hearing aid, training in speech-reading and listening skills, or referrals to other professionals. |
|
| auriculotherapy | A health care procedure in which stimulation of the auricle of the external ear is utilized to alleviate health conditions in other parts of the body. |
|
| Ayurveda | Ancient Indian system of traditional folk medicine from India using a variety of techniques, incorporating nutrition, herbal medicine, aromatherapy, massage, and meditation to restore the organism to perfect balance |
|
| ayurveda | Ayurveda means "complete knowledge of the totality of life." Is is a 5,000 year old tradition based on the Vedic texts of India and is the worldıs most ancient, comprehensive and natural mind/body health care system. Ayurveda uses herbs, aromas, meditation, yoga and diet consulting to address health issues. It offers what many find lacking in Western Medicine: a focus on the root cause, rather than the symptoms; on the person rather than the problem; and on the mind and spirit as well as the body. |
