TERMINOLOGY

Acupuncture

An ancient Chinese technique involving the insertion of fine needles just under the skin in specific locations in order to relieve pain and treat a wide variety of complaints. The World Health Organization says acupuncture can be beneficial in many medical conditions ranging from neurological and gastrointestinal to mental and emotional ones.

Botanical Medicine

The use of plants for medicinal purposes, generally in the form of tinctures or powders. Also called ‘herbal medicine'.

Craniosacral Therapy

Therapeutic massage that focuses on releasing restrictions of the Cranial sutures and the underlying membranes through gentle hands-on contact with the bones of the skull. Craniosacral Therapy is gaining acceptance by health professionals worldwide as a successful treatment modality to improve overall body functioning. It treats a range of conditions, from headaches and ear infections to stroke, Spinal Cord Injury, and Cerebral Palsy. It has been especially successful in treating newborns and infants for common conditions such as earaches, sinus congestion, vomiting, irritability, and hyperactivity.

Holistic

Sometimes spelt wholistic. It means targeted to the whole person - mind, body, and spirit. Holistic medicine considers not only physical health but also the emotional, spiritual, social, and mental well-being of the person.

Homeopathy

Natural form of medicine that uses immeasurably small doses of medicines to stimulate the body's own defense and healing process. Homeopathy focuses on bringing the entire body back into homeostasis, or balance.

Lymphatic Drainage

Therapeutic massage that uses a delicate pumping technique to drain lymph nodes of water and trapped toxins. It promotes the elimination of toxins while it soothes and relaxes, and is an excellent choice for relieving the pain and swelling of sinusitis.

Naturopathy

Naturopathy is used to diagnose and treat people using natural therapies such as nutrition, supplements herbal medicine and homeopathy. The philosophy of naturopathic medicine is to focus on helping the body to heal itself.

Neuromuscular

Of, relating to, or affecting both nerves and muscles. As in 'neuromuscular massage'.

Oriental Medicine

Oriental Medicine is really a catch-all for the forms of acupuncture, herbal medicine, massage and exercise that originated in Asia and are now practiced worldwide. It is the most widely integrated form of energy medicine in western cultures. Traditionally used for prevention, it is has garnered modern acclaim for successful treatment of a variety of acute and chronic conditions without the adverse side-effects found in Western medicine.

Organic Food

Food from plants and animals that have been grown without the use of synthetic fertilizers or pesticides, and without antibiotics, growth hormones, and feed additives. In 2003, the US government specified standards for labeling a food organic.

Qigong

Qigong (chee-GONG) is a component of traditional Chinese medicine that combines movement, meditation and the regulation of breathing to enhance the flow of vital energy (qi, pronounced chi) in the body, to improve blood circulation and to enhance immune function.

Reflexology

An ancient Chinese technique that uses pressure-point massage (usually on the feet, but also on the hands and ears) to restore the flow of energy throughout the entire body.