Acupuncture
Acupuncture is a part of Traditional Chinese Medicine, which originated in China over 5,000 years ago. This ancient art of healing has become widely accepted throughout the western world over the past 30 years. Acupuncture is a natural therapy, which has several major benefits:
- Assists in the prevention of disease
- Treats both the symptoms and the cause of disease
- Offers a holistic approach that links body, mind and emotions
- Effectively treats many common ailments
- Can provide drug-free pain relief
How does it work?
In Chinese Medicine the human body is likened to a highly complex electrical circuit, but instead of circulating electricity, the body circulates a specialised biological energy or life force called Qi (chi). The Qi flows through countless energy pathways called meridians throughout the body, linking and integrating the organs and tissues to make sure that they function to perfection. During physical or emotional stress, exposure to harsh weather or a prolonged unhealthy life-style, the balance and strength of Qi flowing through the meridians is disrupted, resulting in a discomfort or disease.
Kinesiology
Kinesiology is a form of complementary medicine that uses muscle monitoring to assess information about a person’s health. It originated in the 1960s, combining Western Techniques with Eastern Wisdom to promote physical, emotional and spiritual health. Using this gentle bio-feedback system, Kinesiology can identify blockages in our natural energy flow. These blockages can result from physical or emotional trauma, nutritional or chemical imbalances or unresolved stress.
Kinesiology was originally the term used to describe the study of movement dynamics in the human body, which derived from Kinetics: the study of movement. A chiropractor named George Goodheart developed the science of Applied Kinesiology (AK) in the 1960s. AK is now practiced by many Chiropractors’ around the world.
Touch for Health was created by another Chiropractor, Dr John Thie, which is a Kinesiology system based on AK research. These systems are a fusion of Eastern Energy Principles, Western studies in structural and reflex sciences and muscle feedback, to monitor the body's response to various stimuli. There are now many different types of Kinesiology practices, some of which will specialise in specific areas, for example, Allergy Testing or Holistic Kinesiology.
Massage Therapy
Massage involves a manual application of pressure and movement to soft body tissues the skin, muscles, tendon, ligaments, and fascia (membranes surrounding muscles). Massage is believed to increase blood circulation and flow of lymph (fluid from body tissues that flows into the blood stream). It helps the body to heal itself by promoting the flow of blood and lymph, stimulating nerves, conditioning the skin, and stretching and loosening muscles to keep them elastic. Massage also has a positive psychological effect. When we are stressed, our breathing becomes more rapid and shallow, our hearts work harder and digestion slows down. Chronic stress can influence a number of illnesses including migraines, depression, and hypertension. Massage therapy can help to relieve tension and counteract the effects of stress on the body.
Bowen Technique
Bowen Technique (Bowtech) or Bowen Therapy is unique in the field of bodywork. Its relatively few, gentle "moves" over muscle and other soft tissue address the whole body, stimulating it to reset and heal itself. The healing may occur at all levels as needed: physical, chemical, emotional, mental, energetic, etc.
A Bowtech session consists of several series of gentle moves through light-weight clothing (or on skin). In a Bowtech clinic, the patient usually lies on a bed or massage table or, for comfort, sometimes sits in a chair. However, Bowtech can be done anywhere -- on the sports field, in a hospital room, at the site of an accident, on an airplane or train.
Lymphatic Drainage
Lymph Drainage Therapy (LDT) is an original hands-on method of lymphatic drainage developed by Bruno Chikly, MD, of France. Created out of his award-winning research on the lymphatic system, LDT takes traditional lymph drainage techniques and adds a level of precision consistent with recent scientific discoveries. Using exacting anatomical science and distinctive manual processes, LDT enables practitioners to detect the specific rhythm, direction, depth and quality of the lymph flow anywhere in the body.
From there they can use their hands to perform Manual Lymphatic Mapping (MLM) of the vessels to assess overall circulation and determine the best alternate pathways for draining body-fluid stagnations. Therapists work with flat hands, using all the fingers to simulate gentle, specific wave-like movements. These subtle manual manoeuvres activate lymph and interstitial fluid circulation as well as stimulate the functioning of the immune and parasympathetic nervous systems.
Naturopathy
Naturopathy is a complementary health approach that encompasses clinical nutrition, diet habits and lifestyle, herbal medicine, iridology, specific vitamin and mineral therapy and emotional wellbeing. Naturopathy is a culmination of the wisdom and history of traditional medicine blending together with modern scientific advancements in herbal medicine and specific nutrients.
Naturopathic medicine treats health conditions by utilizing the body's inherent ability to heal. Naturopathic physicians aid the healing process by incorporating a variety of alternative methods based on the patient's individual needs. Diet, lifestyle, occupation, personal and family history are all considered when determining a treatment regimen.
Nutritionist
A Nutritionist will spend time reviewing your diet and lifestyle in order to tailor a program specific to your needs. They will teach and empower you, so you own the tools you need to make positive change.
A Nutritionist follows naturopathic principles of holistic healing, and will use such tools as:
- Iridology
- Diet
- Vitamin and mineral therapy
- Lifestyle advice
Reflexology
Whilst the art of reflexology dates back to Ancient Egypt, India and China, it wasn't until 1913 that Dr William Fitzgerald introduced this therapy to the West as zone therapy. He noted that reflex areas on the feet and hands were linked to other areas and organs of the body within the same zone.
In the 1930's Eunice Ingham further developed this zone theory into what is now known as reflexology. She observed that congestion or tension in any part of the foot is mirrored in the corresponding part of the body.
Reflexology is a complementary therapy, which works on the feet to help heal the whole person not just the prevailing symptoms.