modalities – Page 10 – MyWellness Network

Holistic, Alternative and Integrative Medicine

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There are a wide range of different forms of holistic, alternative and complementary treatments, many with differing philosophies, but what they all have in common is seeing people as consisting of more than just a physical body. Therapy is aimed at the whole person, who is seen as a unique individual, an inter-relationship of physical, emotional, and spiritual components. A brief note on terminology: at one time the word used for these different forms of attempting to heal was “alternative” medicine. Gradually it has become known as “complementary” to highlight the fact that it can be used to complement conventional medicine. More people like to think of it as “integrative” care, in which an individual can integrate both conventional medical treatment and complementary therapy approaches.

Dr. Andrew Lipton, D.O. – Family Practice, Osteopathy, Chelation/IV Therapy, Nutrition – Main Line of Philadelphia and Southeastern Pennsylvania

Dr. Marina Yanover, ND, LAc – Naturopathic Medicine Family Practice & Acupuncture – New York City, Manhattan, Brooklyn, Connecticut

Dr. Ronald Dushkin, M.D. – Homeopathic Medicine and Alternative Medicine – New York City and Northern New Jersey (NJ)

Dr. Jonathan Singer, D.O. – Preventive Medicine, Complementary Medicine, Holistic Family Medicine – Denver, Colorado (CO) and Cheyenne, Wyoming (WY)

Live Well Holistic Health Center – Dr. Martin Orimenko, DC, ND, FIACA – Director – Chiropractic and Body Work, Massage, Acupuncture, Acupressure, Nutrition, Cleansing, Ayurvedic Medicine, Emotional and Lifestyle Counseling, Nutritional Supplements – Ardmore, PA, Main Line PA, Philadelphia, Southeastern PA

Ame Salon and Spa
– Holistic Wellness, Massage, Reiki, Nutrition, Integrative Medicine – Wayne, Delaware County PA, Main Line PA, Southeastern Pennsylvania, Delaware

Ayurvedic Medicine
Ayurveda is the name of the 5000 year-old comprehensive system of medicine that combines natural therapies with a highly personalized approach to the treatment of disease. Ayurvedic Medicine places equal emphasis on body, mind and spirit, and strives to restore the innate harmony and balance in each individual. It involves a system of constitutional (metabolic body type) diagnosis and herbal therapeutics, cleansing methods, lifestyle and diet, designed to guide an individual back into harmony with his or her environment.

Homeopathy
Homeopathy is a system of medical treatment originated by Samuel Hahnemann in Europe 200 years ago. This natural and effective medical system is currently in use throughout the world, and is enjoying a renaissance in the United States. Philadelphia’s Hahnemann Hospital was founded as a homeopathic hospital, as was the Hospital of the Medical College of Pennsylvania. Homeopathic practitioners administer small but energetically-active doses of natural substances to persons with an illness, in order to “signal” their systems to respond more completely, so that the illness may be resolved. Treatment is based on each individual’s “constitution”, or unique qualities based on physical, emotional, spiritual, and historical elements. These natural medicines are regulated by the FDA and are manufactured under the strict guidelines of the Homeopathic Pharmacopea. Homeopathic treatment can be used in the treatment of people with acute, recurrent and chronic conditions.

Holistic Nursing
Holistic nurses have the unique ability to provide services which facilitate wholeness. The concepts of Holistic Nursing are based on a broad and eclectic academic background, a sensitive balance between art and science, analytical and intuitive skills, and the opportunity to choose from a wide variety of modalities to promote the harmonious balance of human energy systems. The holistic nurse assists people to assume personal responsibility for wellness.

Immunological Testing
Technologies now exist which allow the measurement of the cell populations directly involved in the immune system. These are referred to as T cells, B cells and natural killer cells. The immune system is our first line of defense against the constant assault by bacteria, viruses and environmental pollutants. A weakened immune system can result from improper nutrition, bacteria, viruses, stress, cancer, cancer treatments or depression increases susceptibility to disease. With medical supervision, and immune testing individuals may be better directed to complementary treatment programs.

IV/Chelation Therapies
Chelation Therapy is a method wich can be used for drawing toxins and metabolic wastes from the bloodstream. Chelating agents, administered intravenously, are used to remove arterial plaque, rid the body of toxic metals, and reduce internal inflammation. Chelation has been used with degenerative diseases, arthritis, diabetes, scleroderma, and lupus. By restoring circulation in the body, in some cases chelation therapy may help with cardiac and circulation problems. Chelation practitioners hold certification from the College of Advancement in Medicine, and require medical supervision.

Nurse Midwifery
Certified, alternative form of women’s health care, includes full-scope OB-GYN care with annual exams, birth control, breast checks, pap smearsand other gynecological testing, as well as prenatal care and delivery.

Osteopathy
Since its inception over 100 years ago, the central tenets of osteopathic medicine are on prevention as well as cure, and to treat the patient as awhole rather than narrowly focusing on a specific ailment. The best known part of osteopathy is osteopathic manipulation, which is based on an understanding of the inter-relationships of the structure and the function of the body. In treating patients, osteopathic doctors generally utilize various forms of physical manipulation, which allow the body’s innate healing mechanism to operate more efficiently.

Massage and Physical Therapies

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Massage is one of the oldest, simplest forms of therapy and is a system of stroking, pressing and kneading different areas of the body to relieve pain, relax, stimulate, and tone the body. Massage does much more than create a pleasant sensation on the skin, it also works on the soft tissues (the muscles, tendons, and ligaments) to improve muscle tone. Although it largely affects those muscles just under the skin, its benefits may also reach the deeper layers of muscle and possibly even the organs themselves. Massage also stimulates blood circulation and assists the lymphatic system (which runs parallel to the circulatory system), improving the elimination of waste throughout the body.

The Healing Point – Prenatal Massage, Pregnancy Massage, Sports Massage, Myofascial Release, Shiatsu, Deep Tissue Massage – Montgomery County, PA, Southeastern Pennsylvania

Maury Malyn, MS, PT – Myofascial Release, Physical Therapy – Main Line of Philadelphia, Center City Philadelphia and Chester, Delaware and Montgomery County, PA

The Henderson Center – Dr. Jon Garzillo – Chiropractors, Shiatsu Therapists, Massage Therapists – King of Prussia, PA, Montgmery County PA, Southeastern Pennsylvania

Ame Salon and Spa
– Hair Salon, Waxing, Facials, Nails, Day Spa, Holistic Wellness, Massage, Reiki, Nutrition – Wayne, Delaware County PA, Main Line PA, Southeastern Pennsylvania, Delaware

Acupressure/Shiatsu
Acupressure is a term encompassing any number of massage techniques that use manual pressure to stimulate energy points on the body.

Deep Tissue Work
This term describes a large variety of hands-on methods which focus on the deeper tissues of the body. Examples of deep tissue work include Rolfing, connective tissue massage, and deep friction massage. This work is often done around a joint and on the
ligaments and tendons which lie below the muscle level.

Jin Shin
Jin Shin Jyutsu was developed in Japan by Jiro Murai, who rediscovered the ancient qi flow in his own body and mapped a powerful system of healing points. Combinations of points are held with the fingertips for a minute or so, usually with the client lying on his or her back. Various schools of Jin Shin style have evolved, including Jin Shin Do and Jin Shin acupressure.

Hanna Somatics
Addresses the traumas,tensions, memories stored in the musculoskeletal system. Practitioners utilize a number of therapeutic techniques to facilitate release work and awareness for further integration/development of the self. Dr. Thomas Hanna’s Somatic exercises, based on the work of Moshe Feldenkrais®, are body reeducation movements that make changes in the sensory-motor areas of the brain in order to maintain internal control of the muscle system. Also referred to as Biokinetics.

Myofascial Release
A hands-on technique used to work the connective tissue or fascia around a muscle. This can be helpful if a person is experiencing muscular or joint pain.

Oriental Body Therapies
Refers to techniques and training in various Chinese Massage therapies.

Reflexology
Reflexology involves stroking or applying pressure to one part of the body in order to effect changes in another part of the body. This method emphasizes free-flowing vital force, or Chi. It is usually applied to the feet.

Shiatsu
Shiatsu, like acupuncture, deals with the flow of vital energy along meridians in the body. Shiatsu uses the application of gently applied deep finger pressure, as well as other manipulative techniques, to affect the balance of energy in the body. This “touching” stimulates the immunological and natural curative abilities of the body to move toward balance. It also releases endorphins into the blood stream and beneficially affects the nervous system.

Swedish Massage
Massage techniques based on a circular pattern of stroking and kneading, often a more gentle form of massage, depending upon the practitioner’s style.

Thai Massage
Originating in Thailand thousands of years ago, this is an expanded form of floor massage, involving long, relaxing, slow stretching movements. It is a comprehensive, full-body massage, which also utilizes the meridian system common to Eastern cultures. Shiatsu is a modern, shortened version of Thai Massage.

Trigger Point Therapy
Trigger points are points on muscles, ligaments and tendons that, when
touched, are extremely painful and, because of that pain, often cause
referred pain to another part of the body. The Nimmo Receptor-Tonus
Chiropractic Technique uses digital pressure to remove “nerve interference” at trigger points. This develops a response (reflex) from the body which causes the blood vessels to open up and enlarge. Built-up toxins then have a chance to escape into the blood stream.

Acupuncture Shiatsu and Chinese Medicine

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Chinese Medicine is a philosophy of nature that involves herbal preparations, food therapy, exercise, and massage, and acupuncture. It involves a completely separate form of anatomy, physiology and diagnosis which relates to imbalances of energy or Qi in the body (Qi is pronounced “Chee”). Energy circulates through pathways known as meridians or channels. Acupressure and Acupuncture seeks to rebalance these disturbances through stimulation of specific points along these channels.

Mary Ann Settembrino – Licensed Acupuncturist – Narberth Family Medicine and Acupuncture – Main Line of Philadelphia and Southeastern Pennsylvania

Dr. Marina Yanover, ND, LAc – Naturopathic Medicine Family Practice & Acupuncture – New York City, Brooklyn, Connecticut

The Henderson Center – Chiropractors, Shiatsu Therapy, Massage Therapists – King of Prussia, PA, Montgomery County PA, Southeastern Pennsylvania

Chinese Medicine modalities include:

Acupressure
Acupressure is a term encompassing any number of massage techniques that use manual pressure to stimulate energy points on the body.

Acupuncture
Acupuncture is a system of treatment which has been in existence for thousands of years. It is totally different from Western Medicine, having its own complete system of anatomy, physiology and diagnosis, which relates illness to imbalances of energy in the body. This imbalance causes a disruption in the flow of vital energy, Qi, that circulates through pathways in the body known as meridians and channels. Acupuncture seeks to re-balance the fundamental disturbance in the body’s energy through the stimulation of specific points which lie along these channels. There are, in fact, two types of acupuncture which are used. The most common is the Traditional Chinese method, and the other is known as “trigger point needling”. The latter is of most value in treating painful conditions, but it also has a variety of other uses.

Chinese Herbs
Herbal medicine is a primary part of Chinese Medicine. Formulas may contain six to nineteen different substances from the vegetable, animal and mineral kingdoms, and are assembled with great care. They are prescribed to treat the root cause of the disease and its manifestation, and the formula must also be balanced within itself.

Electro-Acupuncture
Electro-acupuncture has become widely used as an effective way to treat pain. By adding micro-current to the acupuncture points, the muscles and painful area relax and the Qi flows more smoothly. Just as with traditional acupuncture, needles are inserted in patient- specific points on the body to which a device is connected. The device genereates an electric pulse through small clips attached to the needles. Most patients feel a tingling sensation, some patients do not feel anything at all.

N.A.E.T.
An allergy elimination technique, developed by Dr. Devi Nambudripad, with over fifteen years of research. N.A.E.T. (Nambudripad’s Allergy Elimination Technique) is a combination of kinesiology, acupressure and acupuncture that clears and rebalances the energetic and nervous systems. By eliminating energy blockages that cause allergic reactions, N.A.E.T. restores the body to a balanced and healthy state.

Five Element Shiatsu
Five Element Shiatsu is based on the naturalistic Chinese Medicine’s Law of the Five Elements. The Five Elements are Wood, Fire, Earth, Metal and Water and they have corresponding physical and emotional aspects in people. These physical and emotional energies move in specific pathways or meridians on the surface of the entire body. The goal of the Five Element Shiatsu practitioner is the maintenance of a smooth flow of these energies through the body to help prevent or alleviate dis-ease which they believe is the result of poor energy flow caused by the effects of an unbalanced lifestyle: excessive work, little exercise, poor diet, and stress.

Behavioral Medicine

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BEHAVIORAL MEDICINE

This is a rapidly growing therapeutic system which is founded upon the ever increasing amount of scientific evidence — technically called Psychoneuroimmunology — that the ways in which people behave, think and feel, have both subtle and profound effects on the body. Thus things like negative thoughts and feelings may themselves be a source of illness. The best known of these, and the most highly researched, is emotional stress as a cause or at least a contributing factor to disease. So, therapists working with this model employ an array of stress reduction techniques to help people with painful and/or serious illnesses, as well as working on negative thoughts and feelings to prevent the development or progression of illnesses, and to restore wellness.

Karen Clark-Schock, PsyD, ATR-BC – Behavioral Medicine, Hypnotherapy, Psychotherapy, Art Therapy – Paoli, Chester County, PA

John Salerno, PhD, MSW – Behavioral Medicine, Biofeedback, Psychotherapy – Central NJ (Hunterdon, Monmouth, Ocean County)

The Hypnosis Center, LLC – Hypnotherapy, Hypnosis, Smoking Cessation, Weight Loss, Treating Depression, Phobias and Pain Control – Metro New York City (NYC) area

Penny Goldberg, L.C.S.W., B.C.D. – Licensed Pyschotherapist, Couples Therapy, Marriage Counseling, Imago Relationship Therapist, Behavioral Counseling – Main Line of Philadelphia PA

Express Yourself Health and Wellness Coaching, LLC – Sonia Decker, M.A. – Holistic Health and Wellness Coaching, Stress Relief and Stress Management, Success Coaching, Individual Coaching, Group Coaching – Central and Northern New Jersey – Union County NJ, Morris County NJ, Somerset County NJ, Middlesex County NJ, Essex County NJ, Hudson County NJ

Dr. Elizabeth Webb, Ph.D. – Homeopathic Medicine, Holistic Healing, Intuitive Counseling, Herbal Nutrition and Medicine, Color and Mineral Therapy, Past Life Regression and Hypnotherapy, Foot Reflexology, Reiki – West Chester, Chester County PA, Southeastern Pennsylvania, Delaware

Behavioral Medicine includes:

Biofeedback Training
A technique in which one learns to consciously monitor and gain control over automatic, reflex-regulated body functions by using information obtained from various types of instruments and electronic devices. Biofeedback is a holistic, non-invasive, client-centered method of training the body to self-regulate physiological functions. The biofeedback therapist can coach the client in learning new skills, to reduce stress, eliminate headaches, control asthmatic attacks, recondition muscles, and relieve pain.

Hypnosis, Hypnotherapy
Therapist-facilitated techniques utilizing skills of relaxation,meditation or imagery to help a client with changing behaviors, such as habits. These techniques have a measurable effect on the reduction of the stress response in the body. Most Hypnotherapists are Licensed as Psychologists, Nurses, or Psychiatrists.

Mindfulness Based Stress Reduction
Developed by Jon Kabat-Zinn, this training involves techniques for stress reduction, and pain management. Often taught in classes, but may be experienced individually with the assistance of a teacher.

Stress Reduction Training
Refers to a group or individual program that may include a combination of education, awareness exercises, relaxation training, and integration of massage, expressive therapy, verbal therapies, visualization techniques, depends on style and training of the practitioner. Usually taught by an educator, nurse or psychologist.

What is Homeopathy?

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Homeopathy is a system of medical treatments originated by Samuel Hahnemann in Europe 200 years ago. This natural and effective medical system is currently in use throughout the world, and is enjoying a renaissance in the United States. Philadelphia’s Hahnemann Hospital was founded as a homeopathic hospital, as was the Hospital of the Medical College of Pennsylvania. Homeopathic practitioners administer small but energetically-active doses of natural substances to persons with an illness, in order to “signal” their systems to respond more completely, so that the illness may be resolved. Treatment is based on each individual’s “constitution”, or unique qualities based on physical, emotional, spiritual, and historical elements. These natural medicines are regulated by the FDA and are manufactured under the strict guidelines of the Homeopathic Pharmacopea. Homeopathic treatment can be used in the treatment of people with acute, recurrent and chronic conditions.

Sponsored By:
Dr. Elizabeth Webb, Ph.D. – Homeopathic Medicine, Holistic Healing, Intuitive Counseling, Herbal Nutrition and Medicine, Color and Mineral Therapy, Past Life Regression and Hypnotherapy, Foot Reflexology, Reiki – West Chester, Chester County PA, Southeastern Pennsylvania, Delaware