Health and Wellness Glossary 2011 Bioenergetics: A psychotherapy that works


through the body to engage the emotions. Perform- ing specifi ed postures and exercises causes the release of layers of chronic muscular tension and defensiveness, termed “body armor.” The unlock- ing of feelings creates the opportunity for under- standing and integrating them.


Biofeedback: A relaxation technique that moni- tors internal body states and is used especially for stress-related conditions such as asthma, migraines, insomnia and high blood pressure. During biofeed- back, patients monitor minute metabolic changes (e.g., temperature, heart rate and muscle tension), with the aid of sensitive machines. By consciously thinking, visualizing, moving, relaxing, etc., they learn which activities produce desirable changes in the internal processes being monitored.


Bodywork: Massage and the physical practices of yoga are perhaps the best-known types of body- work; both have proven successful in relieving ten- sion and stress, promoting blood fl ow, loosening stiff muscles and stimulating the organs. Massage therapies encompass countless techniques, includ- ing Swedish massage, shiatsu and Rolfi ng. The same is true for yoga.


Other types of bodywork include martial arts prac- tices like aikido, ki aikido and Tai chi chuan. Some others are the Alexander technique, Aston pattern- ing, Bowen, Breema bodywork, Feldenkrais meth- od, Hellerwork, polarity therapy, Rosen method, Rubenfeld synergy and Trager.


Finding bodywork that improves mental and phys- ical health is a highly individual process. Several types may be combined for the greatest benefi t.


Chelation therapy: A safe, painless, nonsurgi- cal medical procedure that improves metabolic and circulatory function by removing undesirable heavy metals such as lead, mercury, cadmium and copper from the body. A series of intravenous injections of the synthetic amino acid EDTA are administered, usually in an osteopathic or medical doctor’s offi ce. The EDTA blocks excess free radi- cal production, protecting tissues and organs from further damage. Over time, injections may halt the progress of the underlying condition that triggers the development of various degenerative condi- tions such as diabetes, arthritis, Parkinson’s and Alzheimer’s diseases, and cancer.


More recently, chelation therapy also has been used to reverse symptoms of atherosclerosis or ar- teriosclerosis (hardening of the arteries) by remov- ing obstructive plaque built up in the circulatory system.


Chinese Medicine: Traditional Chinese Medicine (TCM) is one of the world’s oldest and most com- plete systems of holistic health care. It combines the use of medicinal herbs, acupuncture, food therapy, massage and therapeutic exercise, along with the recognition that wellness in mind, body and emotions depends on the harmonious fl ow of life-force energy (qi or chi, pronounced “chee”).


Chiropractic: Based on the premise that proper structural alignment permits free fl ow of nerve ac- tivity in the body. When spinal vertebrae are out of alignment, they put pressure on the spinal cord and the nerves radiating from it, potentially leading to diminished function and illness. Misalignment can be caused by physical trauma, poor posture and stress. The chiropractor seeks to analyze and cor- rect these misalignments through spinal manipula- tion or adjustment.


Colon therapy: An internal bath that washes away old toxic waste accumulated along the walls of the colon. It is administered with pressurized water by a professional using special equipment. One colon- ic irrigation is the equivalent of approximately four to six enemas and cleans out matter that collects in the pockets and kinks of the colon. The treatment is used as both a corrective process and for preven- tion of disease. Colonics are used for ailments such as constipation, psoriasis, acne, allergies, head- aches and the common cold.


Color therapy and colorpuncture: Color thera- pists believe that the vibrations of color waves can directly affect body cells and organs. Thus, differ- ent hues can treat illnesses and improve physical, emotional and spiritual health. Many practitioners also claim that the body emits an ‘aura,’ or ener- gy fi eld, with colors refl ecting a person’s state of health. Color therapists apply colored lights or ap- ply color mentally, through suggestion, to restore the body’s physical and psychic health.


Colorpuncture combines the insights of light phys- ics with the knowledge of the meridian points em- phasized in Chinese acupuncture. The noninvasive technique is used to clear blockages in the merid- ians and restore healthy energy fl ow. Kirlian pho- tographs track improvements.


Another related sensory healing technique is light therapy, which attempts to restore well-being and can be successful in treating the depression known as Seasonal Affective Disorder (SAD).


Counseling/Psychotherapy: These terms encom- pass a broad range of practitioners, from career counselors, who offer advice and information, to psychotherapists, who treat depression, stress, ad- diction and emotional issues. Formats can vary from individual counseling to group therapy. In addition to verbal counseling techniques, some ho-


18 Natural Awakenings of Northwest Florida


listic therapists may use bodywork, ritual, energy healing and other alternative modalities as part of their practice.


Craniosacral therapy (CST): A manual therapeu- tic procedure to remedy distortions in the structure and function of the craniosacral mechanism—the brain and spinal cord, the bones of the skull, the sacrum and interconnected membranes. Craniosa- cral work is based upon two major premises: that the bones of the skull can be manipulated, because they never completely fuse; and that the pulse of the cerebrospinal fl uid can be balanced by a prac- titioner trained to detect variations in that pulse. CST is used to treat chronic pain, migraine head- aches, temporomandibular joint disorder (TMJ), ear and eye problems, balance problems, learning diffi culties, dyslexia and hyperactivity.


Crystal and gem therapy: Practitioners use quartz crystals and gemstones for therapeutic and healing purposes, asserting that the substances have rec- ognizable energy frequencies and the capacity to amplify other frequencies in the body. They also absorb and store frequencies and can essentially be programmed to help effect healing. In the ancient art of ‘laying-on of stones,’ practitioners place crystals and gemstones on various parts of the body, corresponding to its chakra points (energy centers), in order to balance energy fl ow.


Dance/movement therapy: A method of express- ing thoughts and feelings through movement, de- veloped during the 1940s. Participants, guided by trained therapists, are encouraged to move freely, sometimes to music. Dance/movement therapy can be practiced by people of all ages to promote self- esteem and gain insight into their own emotional problems, but is also used to help those with seri- ous mental and physical disabilities. In wide use in the United States, this modality is becoming estab- lished around the world.


Decluttering: Based on the theory that clutter drains both physical and mental energy. Declut- tering involves two components. The fi rst focuses on releasing things (clothing, papers, furniture, objects and ideas) that no longer serve a good pur- pose in one’s life. The second focuses on creating a simple system of personal organization that is easy to maintain and guards against accumulating things that are neither necessary or nourishing.


Dentistry (Holistic): Regards the mouth as a mi- crocosm of the entire body. The oral structures and the whole body are seen as a unit. Holistic dentistry often incorporates such methods as homeopathy, biocompatibility testing and nutritional counsel- ing. Most holistic dentists emphasize wellness and preventive care, while avoiding (and often recom- mending the removal of) silver-mercury fi llings.


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