21st Century Health Delaware Valley Wellness Network
DELAWARE VALLEY WELLNESS NETWORK INC.
Guide to the Complementary Therapies

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Introduction

There are a wide range of different forms of alternative and complementary treatment, 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. At Delaware Valley Wellness Network we like to think of it as "integrative" care, in which an individual can integrate both conventional medical treatment and complementary therapy approaches. In no way are these therapies to be a substitute for medical treatment. We recommend advising your medical practitioners of your participation in all complementary approaches.

Enclosed is a brief description of a number of approaches to help you gain a clearer understanding of the therapies available today. The practitioners at Delaware Valley Wellness Network employing these methods include Acupuncturists, Body Workers, Chiropractors, Dentists, Energy Therapists, Homeopathic Educators, Macrobiotic Educators, Nurses, Nutritionists, Physicians, Psychotherapists, Psychiatrists, Stress Reduction Educators, and Yoga Teachers.


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.

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.

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.

Yoga (see Movement Therapies)


CHINESE MEDICINE

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.


BODY WORK and MOVEMENT THERAPIES

Most of these techniques involve body awareness and movement reeducation. However, many massage therapists refer to their work as "body work," thus there is a crossover in many instances. For the purpose of clarifying these techniques, we have separated body work from the massage therapies.

Alexander Technique

Developed by Frederick Alexander, these techniques rebalance the body through awareness, movement and touch. They involve becoming conscious of faulty habits and postures, so that a new body image is constructed, allowing improved motion, balance, posture and body responsiveness. The Alexander teacher guides one through activities with gentle touch and the client's own coordination emerges, resulting in an experience of kinesthetic lightness. Thinking becomes clearer, sensations livelier, movement more pleasurable, and feelings more accessible.

Feldenkrais Method

A technique developed by Moshe Feldenkrais which imparts a sense of exploration, experimentation, and innovation that allows each person to find his or her optimal style of movement. Includes two approaches: Awareness Through Movement, a slow and gentle sequence designed to replace old patterns of movement with new ones; and Functional Integration, where the practitioner actively guides the client's body through individualized movements.

The Feldenkrais Method involves innovative movement sequences which address every joint and muscle group and all aspects of human functioning. It is an effective tool for orthopedic and neurological problems.

Kinesiology

Kiniesology involves muscle testing for functional neurological evaluation, establishing strengths and weaknesses. Usuallyconducted by a Chiropractor who received special training in this technique.

Neuro Emotional Technique (N.E.T.)

N.E.T. is a methodology of finding and removing neurological aberrations (Neuro-Emotional Complexes) in the body. These negative emotions (conscious or unconscious) have, as a component part, specific emotional neurophysiological patterns, which may manifest as a spinal subluxation and a specific imbalance in a muscle or acupuncture meridian. N.E.T. is ultimately a method of finding and removing vertebral subluxation.

Physical Therapy

The art and science of musculoskeletal rehabilitation. Physical therapists work with clients in all areas of medicine, such as pediatrics, geriatrics, orthopedics, cardiology, neurology and rheumatology. Therapists focus on areas such as strength, movement, posture, balance and pain management to assist clients in achieving optimal independence. There are a variety of treatment methods, such as exercise, hot or cold therapy, aquatic therapy, hands-on healing techniques, etc. to assist clients.

Phoenix Rising Yoga Therapy

Individualized yoga sessions in which the practitioner assists the client in yoga postures according to an individualized program developed between the practitioner and client.

Somatic Work

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.

Rubenfeld Synergy

A pioneering form of integrated therapy, combining elements of Alexander Technique and Feldenkrais Method with Gestalt Therapy. It involves touch, movement and talk therapy.

Trager

Trager is a hands-on approach to mind/body education. Gentle, rhythmic body movement promotes relaxation,mobility, and mental calm, and releases disconnections in the central nervous system. It helps clients recognize and release habitual patterns of tensions that are present in posture and movement.

Unergi Holistic Therapy

Unergi combines elements from the Alexander Technique, Feldenkrais Method, and Rubenfeld Synergy, with creative expression, the healing forces of nature, the chakras, dream work and spirituality. Developed by Ute Arnold, training programs for holistic therapy, and private sessions.

Yoga

Yoga is a system of self-improvement which includes engaging in various postures, relaxation exercises and breathing techniques for balancing energy flow, and lifestyle management. There are a number of types of yoga,the more popular forms include Hatha and Kundalini. Other popular forms include Kripalu and Iyengar, named after individual teachers.


ENERGY WORK

Barbara Brennan Work

Developed by Barbara Brennan, this involves a four year training program. Practitioners work with the energy system through laying on of hands techniques which address spiritual, emotional, and physical issues. Through an in-depth system of training these practitioners utilize channeled guidance as well as counseling support to assist an individual's process of centering and returning to the self, to assist individuals in their healing process.

Cranio-Sacral Therapy

This technique works with the cerebrospinal fluid which is housed within the cranium, spine and sacrum. The craniosacral rhythm circulated by hydraulic movement can be balanced through the light touch of a therapist.

Polarity Therapy

This therapy is based on the premise that all nature is permeated by energy fields and currents. The flow and balance of this energy in the body is the basis of health. Varying degrees of touch release blocks and restore balance.

Reiki

Reiki Practitioners are initiated, training is passed down. Practitioners transmit Universal Life Energy, which guides Chi, or life force, by a light touch, or placing hands in specific positions gently on and around the body.

Therapeutic Touch

Therapeutic Touch involves laying on of hands, assessing and unblocking energy, evoking relaxation and the client's healing potential, as guided through the practitioner's intention. It is a contemporary interpretation of many ancient healing practices, in which practitioners consciously direct or sensitively modulate human energies to reduce anxiety and stress, reduce pain, and ease problems associated with autonomic nervous system dysfunction. Therapeutic Touch has currently been taught to more than 37,000 nurses, doctors, and health practitioners.


EXPRESSIVE THERAPIES

The Expressive Therapies, also known as the Creative Art Therapies involve, Art Therapy, Movement Therapy, Music Therapy, and Drama Therapy. Each modality may utilize arts, movement, art, music, drama, in the process of psychotherapy to further development, growth, and integration of the self. The focus is utilizing the creative process to help an individual mobilize awareness and resources available within. Depending on the therapists style and training,and the client's needs, therapy may involve an integration of art mediums or focus on a particular art medium.


HOLISTIC AND PREVENTIVE MEDICAL CARE

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.

Chiropractic

This is primarily a physically oriented therapy which aims to normalize the activity of the nervous system through the manipulation of bones and joints. While some practitioners use the methods only to help musculoskeletal problems, most apply a sophisticated theory that misalignments of the spine may cause a range of diseases, from arthritis to hormonal disorders. Many chiropractors have sought additional training and integrate more mind/body oriented approaches, such as nutrition based on reflex testing, or neuro-emotional technique.

Dentistry--Holistic

Biological Dentistry stresses the use of nontoxic restoration materials for dental work, and focuses on the unrecognized impact that dental toxins and hidden infections can have on overall health. It treats the teeth, jaw and related structures with specific regard to how treatment will affect the entire body. Dental problems such as cavities, infections, toxic or allergy-producing filling materials, root canals, and misalignments of the teeth or jaw can have far-reaching effects throughout the body.

Herbal Medicine--Herbology

Herbal Medicine is the most ancient form of health care known to mankind, and herbs have been used in all cultures and are integral to the practice of medicine throughout history. In general, herbal medicines work in much the same way conventional pharmaceutical drugs--via their chemical makeup. Herbs contain a large number of naturally occurring chemicals which have biological activity. Extensive scientific documentation now exists concerning their use for health conditions, including heart disease, cancer, HIV, PMS, insomnia, indigestion, and many others.

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 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 degenerativediseases, 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 smears and 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 a whole 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, osteopaths generally utilize various forms of physical manipulation, which allow the body's innate healing mechanism to operate more efficiently.

Vision Therapy (Behavioral Optometry)

Optometric visual training, sometimes called vision training, is that part of optometric care devoted to developing, improving and enhancing visual performance. Visual training, usually combined with appropriate lenses, may remedy, improve or prevent many types of problems related to visual stress, including learning-related visual problems.


MASSAGE

Acupressure/Shiatsu (see Chinese Medicine)

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 Do (see Chinese Medicine)

Hanna Somatics (see Body Work--Somatic Work)

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.

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 (see Chinese Medicine)

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.


NATUROPATHY

As is common with virtually all complementary therapies, naturopathy is based upon the notion that the body is a self-healing organism. The naturopath works to enhance the body's own ability to heal itself by using a combination of nutrition, herbal medicine, homeopathy, and advice on exercise. Some also use such approaches as counseling, hydrotherapy and Traditional Chinese Medicine. As one would expect from a specialty requiring a high level of competence in many fields, there are, as yet, few naturopathic physicians in the United States.


NUTRITION

This speciality provides dietary education and guidance on the restoration and maintenance of health using dietary balance, and if necessary, nutritional supplementation. As an example, practitioners might recommend regular doses of vitamins to maintain health, as well as using high dosages of vitamins under certain circumstances. They will also concentrate on identifying food sensitivities and subtle nutritional deficiencies, and recommending individually tailored diets using whole, unprocessed foods.

Macrobiotic Education

Includes natural principles of diet and lifestyle, which includes focusing on locally grown and seasonal foods, as well as organically grown foods. Made popular in the 70's from its founder Misio Kushi. Teachers teach principles of cooking, food combination as well as exercise and hygiene practices.

Nutritional Testing

Nutritional practitioners can determine individual biochemistry and nutritional status by utilizing many new preventive diagnostic procedures, such as nutrition assessment and risk analysis factor. These include physiological data, personal and family health history, dietary intake analysis, and scientifically biochemical screenings.

Nutritional Supplementation Education

Employing vitamins, minerals, amino acids and other similar substances to create optimum nutritional content and balance in the body.


PSYCHOTHERAPY

Psychotherapy is a treatment which primarily addresses issues such as addictions, anxiety, depression, gender issues, health recovery, parenting, physical and emotional pain, anxiety, stress, self-esteem, relationships, and family issues. Treatment approaches depend of the style and approach of a particular therapist, as well as the relationship between client and therapist. Some methods associated with all psychotherapy may be physical health and practices, imagery, dream work, emotional catharsis, expressive arts, meditation, states of consciousness, existential questions, acceptance of disowned aspects of self, spiritual disciplines, present moment awareness, problem-solving skills and establishing individual paths to wholeness.

Body Oriented Psychotherapy (Mind/Body Psychotherapy)

This approach furthers exploration of the mind/body connection. Practitioners utilize a range of techniques to facilitate the relationship and health between all parts of the self: mind, body, and spirit. Practitioners often utilize awareness techniques, breath work, and emotional release. Additional Body-oriented approaches include: Bioenergetics, Dance-Movement Therapy, Barbara Brennan Work, Body Synergy, Cranio-Sacral, and Somatic Work.

Gestalt Psychotherapy

This involves a partnership between client and therapist toward the emergence of self support and authenticity. The client is invited into a conscious experience of interior process and relating style while the therapist takes an active role attending to the clients dialogue and body language, emphasizing awareness, rather than interpretation, experience rather than just talking.

Transpersonal Psychotherapy

Transpersonal psychotherapy aims at the integration of physical, emotional, mental, and spiritual aspects of well being. Transpersonal therapy seeks to help clients blend the spiritual and personal dimensions of their lives, fulfill their unique, creative individuality and expand their experience of consciousness and being. Therapy focuses on a clients sense of life purpose, explores personal and spiritual concerns and experiences, stabilizes and integrates insights, helps clients expand their perceptions and sense of identity, and cultivates meaning and sacredness in life.


Disclaimer:The material presented here is solely for educational purposes. DVWN does not endorse any of these treatment methods to provide a substitution for medical treatment. DVWN does not claim any of these therapies to provide diagnosis, treatment or a cure for any conditions. Practitioner membership in DVWN is based on meeting service or practitioner required training, certification and/or licensure and the payment of a uniform yearly fee to DVWN, which is not dependent on referrals. DVWN members may be removed for failure to maintain State required licenses or liability insurance or to pay the yearly fee. DVWN does not offer medical advice, but provides a referral service between DVWN members and the general public guided by specific requests such as physical condition or service location, with subsequent referrals made to DVWN by callers resulting from client-directed searches. Customers to DVWN are tracked through a non-identifying record of first name and last initial.


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