Alternative Medicine Information

Therapy Information

Acupressure

Acupressure is an ancient healing method that uses therapeutic touch to skillfully press key meridian points, which stimulate the body's natural self-curative abilities. When these trigger points are pressed, they release muscular tension, and promote circulation of blood, and the body's innate energy to aid healing. Advantages of Acupressure include relieving pain, balancing the body, and maintaining good health. Acupressure's healing touch reduces tension, increases circulation, and enables the body to relax deeply. As a result, acupressure has become a popular therapy for pain associated with arthritis. By relieving muscular and physical stress, acupressure strengthens resistance to disease and promotes wellness.

Acupuncture

As one of the most widely recognized and successful healing practices in the world, acupuncture utilizes fine, disposable needles to influence or change the physiological nature of the body. The acupuncturist stimulates certain points, called “acupoints”, along the course of meridians pathways to help restore the normal balance and flow of energy (“Qi”, pronounced “chi”) so organs and bodily systems can work together in harmony. When Qi is balanced, the body can then repair itself and maintain its own health. The points along these meridians are carefully chosen according to your personal health goals. After the needles are placed, there is a therapeutic time of deep relaxation. Most people find this process gives them relief from pain, restored balance and renewed outlook. Acupuncture is used to treat a wide variety of disorders and has been clinically proven by many distinguished researchers.

Alexander Technique

The Alexander Technique teaches people to change faulty postural habits, relieve chronic tension and stress, improve mobility, alertness, and performance. People tend to practice the Alexander Technique for a variety of reasons, most commonly to relieve pain by learning better coordination of the musculoskeletal system. Others study the Technique to enhance performance. Athletes, singers, dancers and musicians use the Technique to produce fuller breath, richer voice, and accuracy of movement. Stress management is a growing motive for lessons. The most far-reaching reason people study the Technique is to achieve greater conscious control of their habitual reactions.

Allergy Testing

Health professionals continue to recognize allergic reactions as a leading factor in a number of illnesses and disorders. However, many people with allergies and food intolerances never seek professional testing because of misconceptions about the procedure. Allergy tests have been greatly improved over the years, are now convenient and generally considered to be accurate. Along with a patient's medical history, the results of the allergy tests can confirm that the symptoms are the result of allergies rather than some other cause and can identify the specific substances that trigger allergic reactions. Practitioners can then determine the most appropriate and effective treatment. Allergy and food intolerance testing is a relatively diverse field and should be conducted by an experienced practitioner who will select the most effective testing method based on individual patient conditions.

Aromatherapy

Aromatherapy is the use of essential oils combined with the soothing power of massage to promote natural healing and health. Aromatherapy is a truly holistic therapy that helps to relieve many stress and stress related conditions. Essential oils are chosen which have an affinity with certain systems of the body to help alleviate respiratory, digestive, circulatory or hormonal problems. Essential oils also have subtle effects on the mind and emotions, helping to give feelings of relaxation, balance and harmony. Aromatherapy massage is designed to assist in lymphatic drainage, it increases the nourishment and oxygen to the tissues, easing muscular aches, pains and helping with fatigue.

Ayurvedic Medicine

The name Ayurveda is derived from two Sanskrit words, Ayur meaning life and longevity, and Veda meaning knowledge or science. In other words Ayurveda means "the Science of Life" that teaches people to live in a natural balance. Ayurvedic Medicine is based on the premise that disease is the natural end result of living out of harmony. Natural is an important word because Ayurveda portrays symptoms as the body's normal way of communicating disharmony. Thus, Ayurveda's approach to healing is to re-establish harmony between one-self and the environment. Once re-established, the need for the body to communicate disharmony diminishes, symptoms dissipate, and healing is said to have occurred. Ayurveda focuses on each person and the disharmony the person is manifesting as a unique entity. It could be said that no two people are alike, and no two disorders are alike. Therefore, Ayurveda does not approach the cure of a disorder as much as it approaches the cure of a person. Ayurvedic medicine treats most acute and chronic conditions with plant based formulas, dietary advice, and detoxification therapies.

Baby Massage

The benefits of Baby Massage have been enjoyed in many cultures around the world for thousands of years. Popularity is quickly growing in the Western world, as current research clearly shows the numerous health benefits it provides for a child's physical, mental and emotional development. The techniques commonly used include elements of Swedish massage, reflexology and yoga. Baby Massage is playful and fun for parents and babies alike. It creates an intimate space of nurture, mutual trust and respect in which the child can unfold its unique being and develop its full potential, while it supports a feeling of increased confidence and competence in the parents.

Bowen Therapy

Bowen Therapy is a holistic and multidimensional approach to pain relief and healing. It is based on the recognition that the underlying cause or source of many musculoskeletal, neurological, neuromuscular and other health or pain problems could be found in the soft tissue or fascia. Bowen therapy utilizes subtle inputs to the body (known as “moves”), stimulating the body to heal itself. The treatment can provide relief for many types of injuries and other health problems via the body’s innate healing ability. The practitioner’s moves deliver signals to the nervous system at specific locations (on muscles, tendons, ligaments, or nerves), and the body responds in its own time, within its vital capacity. In contrast to other hands-on treatment, where the practitioner imposes correction on the client through manipulation, Bowen Technique facilitates the body in healing itself, with minimal intervention.

Chinese Herbal Medicine

Chinese herbal medicine is an essential tool of Oriental medicine to treat local and systematic disorders and to maintain health. It involves the science of combining natural herbs to form powerful medicinal formulas that enable the body's natural ability to heal itself. A typical formulation can contain from 4 to 15 herbs and is custom-tailored not only to fit a particular disorder or associated symptoms, but also to fit each individual person’s pattern of disharmony. Chinese herbal medicine can be used alone as a primary treatment and is commonly used for various organ dysfunctions. Other times Chinese herbal medicine and acupuncture are combined to promote optimal therapeutic treatment. Herbal medicine is especially suited for chronic health issues and conditions where the body requires nourishment. Herbs have very few side effects when prescribed by qualified herbal medicine practitioners.

Chiropractic

The vast majority of patients who seek chiropractic care do so for complaints of the musculoskeletal system, most often for conditions affecting the spine. Since the musculoskeletal system, which includes the spine, connective tissue, and joints of the extremities, accounts for more than half of the body’s mass and is the greatest energy user, it is important to address complications. The chiropractic adjustment is the cornerstone of chiropractic care and is used to bring balance and alignment to the body by treating subluxations or slight bone misalignments in the spine. The primary goal of a chiropractic adjustment is to treat areas of decreased movement in the joints of the spine which can create a reaction in surrounding tissues (ligaments, muscles and nerves) resulting in pain, dysfunction and muscular spasm. Correction of spinal misalignments not only reduces pain and inflammation, it reduces muscle spasm, tension and normalizes spinal biomechanics. More importantly, it can remove nerve irritation and interference, which can improve overall health and wellness. Chiropractors are also trained to prescribe therapeutic exercise and other non-invasive treatment.

Cognitive Behavior Therapy

Cognitive Behavior Therapy is a structured and action-oriented, problem solving therapy which has been found to be highly effective in treating anxiety and depressive disorders. This therapy is strategically devised to treat different problems in different individuals. CBT utilizes the "here and now" approach, emphasizing current life factors that maintain the problem, though past experiences that are directly relevant to the client's distress is welcomed into the discussion. Cognitive-behavior therapists help patients to understand that although biological and environmental conditions can contribute to problems, the patients create, to a large degree, their own psychological disturbances and have the ability to significantly change these disturbances. Therapists play an integral part in correcting the disturbed evaluations, emotions, and behaviors of their clients by guiding them toward rational goals and purposes and assisting them in generating alternative courses of action. In cognitive treatment, clients learn to detect and dispute their irrational beliefs by discriminating them from their rational alternatives. Over time, this enhanced awareness will lead them to actively challenge their dysfunctional thoughts by employing cognitive, emotive, and behavioral methods of change.

Counseling

Counseling offers support for numerous transitions and obstacles in life, including problems with mental health and addiction by helping people make positive changes in their lives. Individual Therapy focuses on specific issues related to the person in counseling. Individuals come to therapy for a variety of reasons such as depression, anxiety, trauma or loss, relationship problems and other stressful situations. In individual therapy, a person works with their therapist to identify and resolve problems. Couples Therapy addresses issues between partners in a relationship, provides education and helps the couple create healthy expectations. Couples tend to enter counseling in order to resolve problems and/or to decide whether to remain together or to separate. Family Therapy is appropriate when there is a need to address issues that affect the entire family. Some find family life to be dominated by frustration, anger, and confusion. Family therapy can help soothe relationships by teaching new ways to cope with and respond to conflict.

Craniosacral Therapy

Craniosacral Therapy is a very gentle bodywork method that focuses on stimulating and recalibrating the movement of the cerebrospinal fluid of the central nervous system to facilitate innate healing processes. The craniosacral system consists of the membranes and cerebrospinal fluid that surround and protect the brain and spinal cord. It extends from the bones of the skull, face and mouth, which make up the cranium, down to the sacrum, or tailbone area. Since this vital system influences the development and performance of the brain and spinal cord, an imbalance or restriction could potentially cause any number of sensory, motor or neurological difficulties. Practitioners can identify and encourage a release of those restrictions in the body. CST effectively complements your body’s natural healing process, and has been known to help alleviate a wide variety of problems. In fact, Craniosacral Therapy is so gentle that it safe and beneficial for people of all ages, from very young to very old. It is often appropriate when other therapies may be unsafe, such as during pregnancy or after an operation, accident, fall or injury.

Deep Tissue Massage

Deep Tissue Massage is a massage technique that aims to relieve tension in the deeper layers of muscle tissue. Its purpose is to "unstick" the fibers of a muscle while releasing deeply-held patterns of tension, removing toxins, while relaxing and soothing the muscle. Deep Tissue Massage involves the massage therapist using his/her elbows, fingers, or knuckles to apply compression or deep pressure to spasmed or knotted muscles, fibrous adhesions and trigger points in order to bring about a more profound state of relaxation. This technique may include the use of petrissage (specific kneading strokes) and effleurage (smoothing and gliding strokes), which are administered with progressively increasing degrees of pressure, while cautiously monitoring the client's verbal feedback and body's reflex responses. Deep Tissue is not a forceful massage, meaning it does not require that the therapist strain in order to press through hard and tight muscles or thick fibrous tissue. Instead, this technique requires patiently lengthening soft tissue layer by layer to release holding patterns that are preventing a client from relaxing. The emphasis for each deep tissue session is to alter muscle tightness and restriction in order to decrease tension, with the client ideally leaving the session feeling invigorated and relaxed.

Detoxification

Today, the average person is bombarded by environmental toxins and chemicals like never before in human history. These toxins can reach levels beyond the body's natural capacity to cleanse itself, thus making us highly susceptible to chronic illness and disease. The GI tract can develop microscopic ulcerations, imbalance in bacteria and fungus, granulomas, hypersecretion of mucus, and many other problems. Compounding these issues, deposits of fatty acids in the liver along with liver cells can begin to die, bile flow can become inhibited making digestion of fats difficult, often resulting in dysfunctional organs and tissues throughout the body. To address these problematic disorders natural health practitioners and doctors who specialize in integrative medicine, are increasingly determined to address the cumulative effects of toxins. By detoxifying the body and addressing the health of an individual as a whole, they are able to start correcting the imbalances caused by years of built op toxicity.

Emotional Freedom Technique

Emotional Freedom Technique (EFT) is a unique form of “psychological acupuncture” that uses the ancient Chinese meridian system to relieve psychological stress and physiological pain. EFT balances the energy system with a tapping procedure which stimulates designated meridian endpoints on the face and body. Restoring the balance of the energy system neutralizes emotional conflicts at their source, which then allows the body and mind to resume their natural healing abilities. EFT is gentle and safe, easy to apply, and is non-invasive. Unlike other energy healing methods, EFT incorporates an emotional element to the healing process, addressing unresolved emotional issues as a likely cause of physical illness, psychological dysfunction, and personal performance limits.

Energy Healing

All matter is made up of energy including the human body. There are numerous instruments designed to measure the energy of many things, which show the electromagnetic fields around and within them. Because one's body is made up of energy, when the energy system is depleted, unbalanced or there are blocks within the natural flow, complications can arise. This can manifest physically through disease, mentally in negative thoughts, emotionally through an array of uncomfortable feelings and can affect one’s quality of life. The energy system is multidimensional with a very delicate and complicated structure, with each layer having its own function and identity, linked to the next layer. Due to this delicate balance, individuals are often impacted by limitations, blocks, and distortions, which can originate from anywhere and at any time. Core level energy healing focuses on the deepest level of an individual’s energy field where change is most vitally needed for permanent movement toward health, harmony and wholeness.

Hawaiian Massage

Born in the Islands of the South Pacific, this subtle, yet powerful form of massage has its roots firmly planted in the intuitive or spiritual core of bodywork. Feeling compassion for the client, rather than treating them as an object to be 'fixed', allows for harmony to be created inside the body. This incorporates two of the main assumptions of Huna; everything seeks harmony and everything seeks love. Thus, Hawaiian massage is also called 'loving hands' massage and works gently yet deeply into the muscles using continuous, flowing strokes to enable restoration and heart-opening peace. The Hawaiians look at things in terms of energy, following the premise that an idea or belief can block energy flow. Using body and energy work to help release the blockages allows for spirit, circulation, oxygen and life flow through body and mind. This results in a sense of total relaxation and well being.

Herbal Medicine

Herbal medicine, sometimes referred to as Herbalism, is the use of plants, in a wide variety of forms, for their therapeutic value. Herb plants produce and contain a variety of natural compounds that act upon the body and are used to prevent or treat illness while promoting a healthy lifestyle. Used by over 80 percent of the world’s population, botanical medicines are the oldest known form of healing and when used correctly can play an important role in the treatment of both acute and chronic conditions. The recognition of their value is widely increasing as people seek greater understanding of one’s body and mind and thereby assume more responsibility for their own health and well being. Herbs, when properly used, are safe, gentle and very effective. They should be treated like other medicine as it is important to follow the recommendations made by experienced herbal practitioners.

Homeopathy

Homeopathy is a natural system of medicine that has been in existence for more than 200 years and is practiced widely throughout the world. Homeopathic medicines are called remedies and are regulated by the US Food and Drug Administration. All remedies are made from natural substances and are designed to stimulate the body’s innate healing ability. Homeopathy brings about a cure by restoring harmony to the individual, which in turn brings relief from symptoms. It works on the founding principle that like cures like. That is, “a substance that can produce symptoms in a healthy person can cure those symptoms in a sick person”. Homeopathy regards symptoms as the body’s healthy attempt to restore itself to balance. A homeopath will choose a remedy that is similar to the present symptoms rather than opposing or suppressing them as in conventional medicine. The example of a vaccine is helpful here. According to vaccination theory, a vaccine is taken to prevent illness. Sometimes, people respond to the vaccine with a cold. It passes, and one’s body gains immunity. In this way, the homeopathic remedies not only alleviate the individual symptoms of the illness, but deal with the underlying state to ensure the illness does not return.

Hypnotherapy

Hypnotherapy is a therapeutic modality that uses hypnosis to help people make positive changes in their lives. It is a simple but extraordinarily powerful state, in which the hypnotherapist helps clients achieve a deep level of relaxation, thereby accessing the subconscious mind, through imagery and positive suggestion to change old habits, patterns or beliefs. Unlike traditional counseling therapies, which try to make logical, rational sense of problems, hypnotherapists believe problems do not come from a rational or logical place. Rather, the root of most issues is emotional and it is the unconscious (or subconscious) mind that governs all emotions. All behavior, learning and change occur at the unconscious level. Instead of merely focusing on symptom removal, which many times just opens the door for secondary symptoms to appear, hypnotherapy combines physical and emotional release therapies to transform suffering into inner strength. In a moment of insight, a new life course can be set in motion. People who fear hypnosis mistakenly believe that someone takes control of their mind. In reality, hypnotherapy enables a person to use the power of the mind to regain control of their life.

Kinesiology

Kinesiology enables a practitioner to detect and correct imbalances that relate to stress, nutrition, learning problems, minor injuries, and other daily issues. As a non-invasive therapy, Kinesiology is grounded in the study of anatomy and physiology and uses muscles to monitor stress and imbalance within the body. A fundamental premise of kinesiology is that the body has innate healing energy and is always doing its best to care for itself, but sometimes needs to be helped into a better position to achieve this care. Kinesiology recognizes the flows of energy within the body not only pertain to muscles, but to every tissue and organ. These energy flows can be evaluated by testing the function of the muscles, which reflect the body’s overall state of structural, chemical, or emotional balance. Kinesiology looks beyond symptoms and does not diagnose or treat disease and is primarily concerned with imbalances in the body’s energy. Energy flow can become interrupted due to injury, emotional trauma, nutritional deficiency or other unresolved stress. The exact nature of blockage in the energy flow is then identified though various muscle testing techniques. Acupressure massage, light touch and other simple corrections are made to restore muscle balance, which in turn directly affect one's well being and overall health.

Massage Therapy

Massage therapy recognizes numerous techniques to skillfully manipulate the soft tissues and joints of the body. The purpose of massage therapy is to prevent, develop, maintain, rehabilitate or augment physical function or relieve pain. It is a health oriented therapy that provides relief to an array of discomforts stemming from stress, muscular overuse or other painful conditions. After careful evaluation, a massage therapist works on the body's soft tissues (muscle, connective tissue, tendons, ligaments and skin) using varying degrees of pressure and movement. Massages are usually performed in quiet settings, and sometimes with soothing background music or aromatic oils to enhance the relaxation response. Clients are directed to lie down on a special massage table or sit in a massage chair, commonly known as “seated massage”. The therapist will encourage deep relaxation by gently and methodically releasing muscle and joint tension throughout the body. Note that massage, like other hands-on therapies, involves personal talents that go beyond specific training, certification, or licensure. Some people are simply gifted with their hands. Furthermore, what works for one person may not work for another. For these reasons, don’t hesitate to use all available resources to find the best massage therapist for your needs.

Naturopathy

Naturopathic doctors are designated as primary care physicians and are clinically trained in natural therapeutics. Their practice is based on the same biomedical sciences and diagnostic techniques as conventional doctors, however, their philosophy and approach differs considerably. Naturopathic physicians recognize that living things have a natural capacity to heal. Thus, naturopaths help to facilitate the body’s healing ability by identifying and removing obstacles to recovery. They work to discover the root causes of disease and their goal is to treat curatively rather than only managing symptoms. Naturopaths believe symptoms are the body’s warning signs of an underlying problem that should be investigated rather than suppressed. If an individual has a cold, instead of targeting the virus or bacteria and suppressing symptoms, they work to enhance the immune system as well as other channels of elimination. ND's do not advocate the use of pharmaceutical drugs to treat illness because synthetic compounds are often associated with negative side effects. Instead, naturopathic doctors use herbal medicine and nutritional supplements, which the body can openly tolerate and process, yielding little to no adverse effects. Licensed naturopathic physicians need to complete a four year postgraduate level medical program, including two years of training. They are required to pass professional board exams to become licensed as general practice naturopathic doctors within licensed states or as individual jurisdictions allow.

Nutrition

Nutrition is a specialty field focusing on maximizing potential for optimal health, improving quality of life and preventing disease. Mainstream medicine does not emphasize the significance of poor nutrition as a major factor in various health disorders. Although some people are aware of the health benefits associated with sound nutrition, the range of conflicting information is often confusing. Nutritionists guide their clients through the maze of information from books, magazines, supplements and diets on the market. They work with clients to identify and help correct the nutritional causes of illness, and are qualified to design personalized diet and lifestyle programs. Nutritionists also specialize in the biochemistry of food and its affect on physique. While it is advisable for someone who is trying to lose weight to visit a professional, it is also useful for people of a healthy weight to see a nutritionist as well. Even if an individual's diet is sound and balanced, a nutritionist can still reveal holes and patterns to encourage optimal health. Nutritionists can typically provide individualized assessments of current dietary habits, specific food suggestions, meal plans and recipes, with a focus on natural or unprocessed foods.

Orthopedic Massage

Orthopedic Massage is a scientifically based system for massage designed to treat painful conditions through the use of directional soft tissue mobilization and Eastern healing techniques. Applied through the clothing in side-lying, face up, face down, or sitting positions to a diverse patient population, the orthopedic massage therapist seeks to gain functional results and not just provide symptomatic relief. OM is especially effective for lower back pain, neck stiffness and pain, shoulder rotator cuff injury, and many other acute, chronic or injury based conditions. Additionally, an exciting benefit of orthopedic massage for the client is the normalization of neurological function. For example, it is common for patients to suffer with back or neck pain, because they perpetually tense or clench one shoulder higher than the other, resulting in excessive tension and holding patterns of which they are unaware. By re-educating the nervous system through the use of muscle energy technique, Orthopedic Massage can facilitate the client's return to normal function. Active participation in this process, along with coaching from the therapist, empowers the client to realize how they unconsciously hold tension in their body and helps them learn how to modify those postural behaviors that aggravate their condition. While this style of bodywork is generally used to help heal soft tissue injuries, many athletes and dancers receive orthopedic massage regularly to enhance their performance.

Osteopathic Medicine

In the United States, Doctors of Osteopathic Medicine are fully trained and licensed physicians who practice the entire range and scope of modern medicine. Osteopaths attend their own medical schools, receive the same post graduate training as their M.D. counterparts, and receive hundreds of hours of additional education in the principles of osteopathy, applied in practice as osteopathic manipulative treatment. DOs believe structural problems in the spinal column can affect the nerves that radiate out to the various organs, thus causing disease. OMT is considered a whole system of evaluation and treatment designed to achieve and maintain health by restoring normal function to the body. It is the Osteopath's highly developed sense of touch that allows the physician to palpate or feel the patient's "living anatomy" (i.e. flow of fluids, motion of tissues, and structural make-up). In more clinical terms, a DO can sometimes detect physical problems that fail to appear on an X-ray. The Osteopath's job is to "set" the body up to heal itself. To restore this normal function, the Osteopath gently applies a precise amount of force to promote movement of the bodily fluids, eliminate dysfunction in the motion of tissues, and release compressed bones and joints. DO's are taught the body’s systems work together, and a physical disturbance in one area may greatly impact functions elsewhere. Thus, determining the root of an imbalance is a fundamental principal and once the underlying causes have been diagnosed, treated, and removed, the body is then free to repair itself or to respond to other appropriate therapies.

Physical Therapy

Physical therapy is a non-invasive treatment used to reduce pain and restore the proper function of an individual’s muscular-skeletal system. Thorough evaluation is needed to determine the source of an injury, including medical history, observation of posture, as well as movement and palpation (using hands to feel and "see" the problem). Therapists examine the area of the body involved to determine the exact nature of an injury and any issues or factors that may have contributed to it. This evaluation may include mobility and strength assessment, neurological testing, joint mobility assessment, and other testing techniques. Based on these results, therapists often develop treatment plans that describe strategy, purpose, and the anticipated outcome. Treatment consists of therapeutic exercise and other clinically proven methods including specific massage techniques used to promote proper circulatory, lymph and connective tissue mobility within the musculoskeletal system. As part of the treatment and rehabilitation process, therapists often help patients improve flexibility, range of motion, strength, balance, coordination, and endurance. Physical therapists will also work with individuals to prevent loss of mobility by developing fitness and wellness oriented programs for healthier and more active lifestyles.

Pilates

Pilates (pronounced "puh-lah-teez") is an innovative system of mind-body exercise evolved from the principles of Joseph Pilates. Through the strengthening of core muscles, participants are able to create stronger and healthier bodies. When one is able to strengthen the entire group of abdominal muscles, the spine is not required to rely solely on the skeletal system for support; in addition, the muscles and connective tissues may assist. As a result, the spine is strengthened and lengthened, allowing for more space between each vertebra and thus, the ability to withstand the shock absorption required for everyday life and higher impact activities. Another important function of Pilates is that of increased flexibility while strengthening the body. Many of the exercises are performed in reclining or sitting positions, and most are low impact and partially weight bearing. Pilates is also commonly used in physical therapy facilities to rehabilitate injuries. As a therapeutic exercise, Pilates has been proven to help reduce pain caused by spinal injuries and dysfunctions, disc and joint disease, fibromyalgia and other chronic conditions by promoting decompression of the joints and increasing strength and flexibility of muscle tissue. Pilates focuses on the deep muscles that support the vertebral column and the pelvic viscera; if strengthened uniformly they are able to support natural movements without compromise. It's a safe and effective form of exercise that may be practiced by people of all ages and all fitness levels.

Pregnancy (Prenatal) Massage

Pregnancy massage uses gentle techniques to help alleviate some of the discomforts associated with pregnancy. The sensitive nurturing touch of a trained Prenatal Massage Therapist can melt away the various aches of pregnancy. These include lower back, neck and shoulder pain, fatigue, joint tenderness and stretch marks. Massage therapy often improves circulation, which means better nutrition for mom-to-be and the baby, as well as decreased swelling and varicose veins. Regular massage improves posture, muscle tone and flexibility, training the body for labor. As one learns to recognize and release tight muscles, she will feel better prepared for the demands of active birthing. Studies have shown that regular massage in pregnancy contributes to shorter, less painful labor and can reduce labor complications, medication, and interventions. Pregnancy Massage addresses the specific needs and concerns of pregnant women. Thus, each session is customized for her changing body, with different positioning and techniques in each trimester. Pregnancy massage is safe in all trimesters, but is most effective when treatments begin early before troublesome patterns can become established. Although most pregnant women can benefit greatly from regular massage, not all women are good candidates. Certain conditions may indicate the need to avoid additional stimulation to the body. High blood pressure, preeclampsia, previous preterm labor, severe swelling, fever, or infectious diseases are examples of such conditions. A high-risk pregnancy of any kind would require clearance from a primary prenatal care provider before receiving massage.

Reflexology

Reflexology is a simple, non-invasive and effective heath modality based on the principle of pressure or reflex points located throughout the feet, hands and outer ears which correspond to every system, organ and gland in our bodies. By skillfully applying pressure to these points through the use of specific thumb, finger and hand techniques, a signal is generated throughout the peripheral nervous system. From there it enters the central nervous system where it is processed in various parts of the brain. It is then relayed to the internal organs to allocate the necessary adjustments needed for proper function. As a result, nerve pathways are stimulated, circulation is increased, and congestion is often cleared. Clients experience states of profound tranquility and sometimes even tend to dose off. They also report decreased pain, improved health and other therapeutic benefits. Reflexology can be used in a preventive way, or to soothe and relieve pain associated with various conditions. Above all, reflexology imparts a deep sense of relaxation and well-being.

Reiki

Reiki is a gentle Japanese hands-on technique or healing modality based on bioenergetics that is used for stress reduction, relaxation and health. It is a healing technique that allows the practitioner to focus "Ki" or life force energy and transmit that energy to another person. The word Reiki is composed of two Japanese words - "Rei" which can be translated as universal, higher power, and "Ki" which can be translated as "Spiritual or life force energy." It is a simple, natural and safe method of spiritual and physical healing and self-improvement that everyone can use. The client remains fully clothed and can be either sitting, or lying on a massage table while the practitioner gently places their hands on or above them. Reiki is a form of spiritual energy and for many practitioners, a way of life. It is a healing system and not a religion, and as such is acceptable to people from a wide range of faiths however, one does not have to believe in a particular religion for it to be effective. Reiki has many benefits which have been documented in numerous clinical studies and can be used in conjunction with any other healing modalities.

Sports Massage

Sports massage is primarily used to help athletes reach and maintain peak performance and to assist in recovery afterwards by facilitating the healing processes. Sports massage therapy is not only a post-trauma treatment, it can be used preventatively to help the soft tissue eliminate any micro-traumas before they become more serious. It is also able to clear up post-operative scar tissue and release incorrect postural holding patterns due to the build up of muscle tension. Thus, sports massage therapy can be broken down into three main categories: (pre and post) event, maintenance, and rehabilitation. An athlete’s warm-up is commonly considered to be critical before an event because it can decrease the likelihood of injury, increase performance, and improve blood circulation. Pre-event sports massage supplements the warm-up phase and can provide athletes with an added edge. In order to receive the maximum benefit, pre-event sports massage should be administered several hours prior to a competition and in conjunction with a thorough warm-up. This type of modality is shorter than a typical massage and is used to prepare the muscles for competition. Post-event sports massage can accelerate the removal of fatigue toxins, prevent soreness and jumpstart the process of removing lactic acid build up within the major muscle groups. Maintenance sports massage therapy can recharge and revitalize the body and reduces the risk of new injury or aggravating an existing condition.

Yoga

Yoga is an ancient science developed over thousands of years by seekers of health, balance and enlightenment. The whole system of Yoga is built on three main principles: exercise, breathing, and meditation. The exercises of Yoga are designed to put pressure on the glandular systems of the body, thereby increasing its efficiency and total health. The body is looked upon as the primary instrument that enables one to work and evolve in the world. Thus, breathing techniques are based on the concept that breath is the source of life in the body. One gently increases breath control to improve the health and function of both body and mind. These two systems of exercise and breathing then prepare the body and mind for meditation, and the client finds an easy approach to a quiet mind that allows silence and healing from everyday stress. Regular daily practice of all three parts of this structure of Yoga produce a clear, bright mind and a strong, capable body. Yoga is suitable for most adults of any age or physical condition. Because of the nonstrenuous nature of our approach to exercise, even those with physical limitations can find a beneficial routine of Yoga. ACMZONE does not recommend most Yoga exercises for for pregnant women or for nursing mothers. However, regular practice of breathing and meditation is encouraged.