JIN SHIN DO

Developed by psychotherapist Iona Marsaa Teeguarden, Jin Shin Do combines gentle, yet deep finger pressure on acu-points with simple body focusing techniques to release physical and emotional tension. The client determines the depth of the pressure.

Jin Shin Do promotes a pleasurable, trancelike state during which the recipient can get in touch with the body and access feelings or emotions related to the physical condition. This body/mind approach, performed on the fully-clothed client, is a synthesis of a traditional Japanese acupressure technique, classic Chinese acupuncture theory, Taoist yogic philosophy and breathing methods, and Reichian segmental theory. The client lies on her back on a massage table while the practitioner holds “local points” in tension areas together with related “distal points,” which help the armored places to release more easily and deeply. A typical session is about 11?2 hours.

Jin Shin Do acupressure is effective in helping relieve tension and fatigue, stress-related headaches and gastro-intestinal problems, back and shoulder pain, eye strain, menstrual and menopausal imbalances, sinus pain, and allergies. (With medical problems, the client is asked to consult a doctor.) Over a period of 10 or more sessions, armoring is progressively released in the head, neck, shoulders, chest, diaphragm, abdomen, pelvis, and legs.

After sessions, clients typically feel deeply relaxed and may even feel euphoric. If the client is responsive, there will be significantly less tension and pain together with an increased sense of well-being for hours or days. This response will tend to extend after further sessions. In the case of chronic fatigue, initially the client may feel more tired after a session, because the body is demanding rest. It is advisable to schedule sessions with time to rest and relax afterward. On the other hand, Jin Shin Do can be used before athletic events to improve performance, for horses as well as for people. “The Way of the Compassionate Spirit” is based on the eight “Strange Flows” that regulate the entire body/mind energy.

(See also: JIN SHIN DO , Alternative Health, Massage, Bodywork, Body Mind and Soul)

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Alchemical Bodywork: Combination of Alchemical Hypnotherapy and various forms of bodywork. Its principle is that emotion can become stuck in the body and is locatable.

(See also: Alchemical Bodywork , Alternative Health, Body Mind and Soul)

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Deep Tissue Bodywork: This term covers a range of therapies such as myofascial release, Bonnie Prudden method, Hellerwork and Rolfing. All these techniques go deeper than the standard Swedish massage, applying deep pressure to the actual muscle tissue itself to open and release tension.

(See also: Deep Tissue Bodywork , Alternative Health, Body Mind and Soul)

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CRANIOSACRAL THERAPY

Craniosacral therapy is a gentle, noninvasive method of evaluating and enhancing the function of a physiological body arrangement called the craniosacral system. Developed by John E. Upledger, D.O., O.M.M., this manual therapy enhances the body’s natural healing processes and has proven effective in treating a wide range of medical problems associated with pain and dysfunction.

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. Since this system influences the development and function of the brain and spinal cord, any imbalance or dysfunction in the craniosacral system could cause sensory, motor, or neurological disabilities. These problems may include chronic pain, eye difficulties, scoliosis, motor-coordination impairments, learning disabilities, and other dysfunctions of the central nervous system.

Craniosacral therapy encourages the body’s natural healing mechanisms to improve the functioning of the central nervous system, dissipate the negative effects of stress, and enhance health and resistance to disease.

The craniosacral therapy practitioner uses a light touch to assist the natural movement of fluid within the craniosacral system. Therapists generally use only 5 grams of pressure, roughly the weight of a nickel, to test for restrictions in various parts of the craniosacral system. It’s often possible for the evaluation alone to remove the restriction and allow the system to correct itself.

(See also: CRANIOSACRAL THERAPY , Alternative Health, Massage, Bodywork, Body Mind and Soul)

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AIKIDO

This noncompetitive Japanese martial art aims to harmonize energy with that of a partner or opponent in order to achieve both physical and emotional mastery through peaceful resolution.

Aikido literally means the path to the coordination of body, mind, and spirit. Aikido is a defensive system of continuous, circular motions, combining many of the fluid, dance-like movements of t’ai chi along with more subtle, stylized techniques.

When practiced properly, successful defense is achieved through minimal action. Originally seen as a combination of religion and martial arts, aikido was created by Morehei Ueshiba in the early 20th century.

(See also: AIKIDO , Alternative Health, Massage, Bodywork, Body Mind and Soul)

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STRUCTURAL INTEGRATION

Based on the work of Dr. Ida P. Rolf, structural integration is based on the idea the entire structural order of the body needs to be realigned and balanced with the gravitational forces around a “central vertical line” representing gravity’s influence.

Therapeutic intervention is directed toward the myofascial system - the ligaments, muscles, tendons, and surrounding connective tissues.

A practitioner of structural integration has a 10-session cycle of work - they use different angles and degrees of physical pressure to stretch and guide fascia to a place of easier movement. The process is not intended to “cure” symptoms; its goal is to create a more resilient, higher-energy system free of inhibitions due to past trauma.

See: Rolfing.

(See also: STRUCTURAL INTEGRATION , Alternative Health, Massage, Bodywork, Body Mind and Soul)

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ST. JOHN

St. John’s neuromuscular therapy seeks out the cause of pain, focusing on creating a balance between the muscular and nervous systems.

This bodywork focuses on five basic principles - biomechanics, ischemis, trigger points, postural distortion, and nerve entrapment and compression - that are important factors in the body’s physical homeostasis. Also, attention is given to hormonal balance, nutrition, and elimination of toxins. This therapy is used to treat soft-tissue pain throughout most of the body.

(See also: ST. JOHN , Alternative Health, Massage, Bodywork, Body Mind and Soul)

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APPLIED KINESIOLOGY

Applied Kinesiology is a healing system that evaluates and treats an individual’s structural, chemical, and mental aspects. It employs muscle testing and other standard methods of diagnosis.

Applied Kinesiology therapeutically utilizes nutrition, manipulation, diet, acupressure, exercise, and education to help restore balance and harmony in the body and maintain well-being throughout life. (From Alternative Healing, by Hugh Burroughs and Mark Kastner) Dr. George Goodheart, a chiropractor in Detroit, Mich., discovered the technique in 1964 during a patient treatment.

After applying a few seconds of deep pressure on the man’s severe muscular dysfunction, he found the problem was eliminated. His wide background in a variety of therapies assisted him in his development of the technique. Dr. John Thie developed a simplified version of Applied Kinesiology called Touch for Health in 1970.

(See also: APPLIED KINESIOLOGY , Alternative Health, Massage, Bodywork, Body Mind and Soul)

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BREEMA BODYWORK

The Breema system places particular emphasis on the experience and comfort of the practitioner, teaching that we can best support others by being truly present with them.

Its Nine Principles of Harmony are key in this practical approach to self-understanding that nurtures and harmonizes the mind, body, and feelings of the practitioner as well as the recipient. Done with the recipient fully clothed on a padded floor, Breema bodywork uses a wide variety of rhythmic movements, gentle stretches, and fully-supported postures.

The system includes Self-Breema exercises that also release physical, mental, and emotional stress.

(See also: BREEMA BODYWORK , Alternative Health, Massage, Bodywork, Body Mind and Soul)

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ATTUNEMENT

Attunement is a non-touch (or light touch) approach to healing, employing spiritual techniques (prayer and meditation) to restore one’s naturally vibrant energetic and physical well-being.

Attunement balances the flow of energy through the endocrine glands, organs, bones, and other tissues of the body - establishing alignment between the body, mind, and emotions and harmonizing these elements with the “spirit” - described as the radiant source of life and healing.

Sharing attunement with clients invites them to share a sacred energetic or vibrational space characterized by stillness and peace, where healing at all levels can occur. This life-giving process is the doorway through which an individual may enhance or recover health of body, mind, and spirit.

(See also: ATTUNEMENT , Alternative Health, Massage, Bodywork, Body Mind and Soul)

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CHAIR MASSAGE

Also called on-site and seated massage, chair massage includes techniques that provide fully-clothed seated massage, bodywork and somatic therapies to clients, generally in a corporate or business setting. Practitioners utilize shiatsu, amma and/or Swedish techniques.

(See also: CHAIR MASSAGE , Alternative Health, Massage, Bodywork, Body Mind and Soul)

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Actualism bodywork: Component of Actualism designed to assist awakening the body and its consciousness to the indwelling Creator and to the love of this  entity. It includes nerve work, which helps to deepen one's enjoyment of life-energies.

(See also: Actualism bodywork , Alternative Health, Body Mind and Soul)

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HELLERWORK

Movement education and deep-tissue bodywork are the major components of Hellerwork, named for founder Joseph Heller.

Emphasizing vertical realignment of the body and release of chronic stress and tension, Hellerwork involves 11 sessions: in each session, one hour is devoted to bodywork and 30 minutes to movement therapy.

Additionally, the therapist uses verbal dialogue to explore emotional factors that may be contributing to tension in the client's physical make-up. As a preventative technique, the goal of Hellerwork is to produce permanent, corrective change in alignment and movement.

(See also: HELLERWORK , Alternative Health, Massage, Bodywork, Body Mind and Soul)

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NUAT THAI

This form of traditional Thai medical massage that originated in the Vajrayana Yogic medicine of Tibet. Translated and creatively adapted to the needs of the modern West by Anthony B. James, Ph.D., Nuat Thai massage facilitates and promotes a harmonious state of being.

The ancient Tibetans and subsequently the Thai carefully recorded various states of disease and imbalances of the body, mind, and emotions and, over time, devised methods for influencing the course of these imbalances. This was important, since these imbalances often kept people from experiencing life in a full and productive way.

Nuat Thai incorporates elements of mindfulness, gentle rocking, deep stretching, and rhythmic compression to create a singular healing experience. This work, a unique form of Vajrayana yoga, focuses on balancing energy and creating wholeness of mind, body, and spirit in the client and practitioner.

The four principle methods used in Nuat Thai are Wai Khruu (prayers and spiritual practice), herbs, diet, and laying-on of hands. In the hands-on aspect, the practitioner literally takes the client through a series of specific postures called asanas, progressively facilitating energy and balancing chakra function.

Nuat Thai massage is an excellent alternative therapy for rehabilitation, pain relief, and stress reduction. It is nurturing, calming, and enlivening. Training is comprehensive and the practitioner level may take up to two years.

(See also: NUAT THAI , Alternative Health, Massage, Bodywork, Body Mind and Soul)

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PRANIC HEALING

Pranic Healing is a new science of bioenergetic healing. Developed in the Philippines by Master Choa Kok Sui, it is a practical, easy-to-learn, and highly effective healing art using prana, a vital life force, to correct energetic imbalances underlying most physical, psychological, and psychospiritual ailments.

Pranic Healers are trained to use their hands to accurately evaluate the energetic condition of the aura, 11 major chakras, and corresponding minor and mini chakras. Healers then seal holes and cracks, clean out devitalized energy, and energize with fresh prana.

Advanced practitioners are trained to deliver healing down to the cellular level. Removing devitalized energy before energizing makes healing more efficient and helps clients avoid “healing crises.” All work is done off the body and sessions are painless.

Pranic Healing can be performed on its own or as a complementary therapy to modern medicine and other healing modalities. Different levels of training are offered. Basic Pranic Healing teaches seven fundamental techniques to heal simple and moderate illnesses.

Advanced Pranic Healing specializes in healing severe ailments, and teaching the correct proportion, sequence, combination, and use of colored pranas. Pranic Psychotherapy focuses on the healing of mental and emotional disorders, and working with the root and web of chakras to disintegrate and transmute negative psychic energies. It took 20 years of scientific experimentation and research to develop Pranic Healing, which synthesizes the best techniques of the Tibetan, Chinese, India, and Filipino healing systems.

It is known internationally and is practiced in more than 30 countries. Master Choa Kok Sui has authored Pranic Healing, Advanced Pranic Healing, Pranic Psychotherapy, and Pranic Crystal Healing, which have been translated into 21 languages.

(See also: PRANIC HEALING , Alternative Health, Massage, Bodywork, Body Mind and Soul)

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Life Impressions Bodywork: Healing process developed by Donald Van Howten (Ravi Dos). It includes cranial membrane treatment (probably Cranio-Sacral work) and pulse work and borrows from Ayurveda and Hakomi.

Its principles include the following.

(a)           Humans are spirits.

(b)           Bodily tissues accumulate history.

(c)           This imprint of experiences becomes outdated.

(d)           Updating idea imprinted tissues (the method's intention) releases bound beliefs and energy.

(See also: Life Impressions Bodywork , Body Mind and Soul, Alternative Health, Alternative Health Dictionary)

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AI CHI (FLOWING AQUATIC ENERGY)

Ai chi is a water exercise and relaxation program, created by Jun Konno, to help aquatic practitioners and students enjoy the water in a flowing, yet powerful progression.

Ai chi, created by combining t’ai chi concepts with shiatsu and Watsu techniques, is performed standing in shoulder-depth water using a combination of deep breathing and slow, broad movements of the arms, legs, and torso. The ai chi progression moves from simple breathing to upper extremity movement to movement of the trunk, and finally to lower extremity movement.

Ai chi promotes relaxation, stability, and coordinated breathing. It improves flexibility, mobility, and strength, and it will animate the mind as well as the body.

(See also: AI CHI , Alternative Health, Massage, Bodywork, Body Mind and Soul)

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Structural Bodywork: System of deep tissue therapy promoted by Charles (Chuck) Ruland (see Somatic Dialogue and Structural Alignment). it can effect energetic Alignment, a body felt sense of Spirit, and the release of old habits and old trauma. Structural Bodywork appears identical to, or a variation of, Structural Alignment.

(See also: Structural Bodywork , Body Mind and Soul, Alternative Health, Alternative Health Dictionary)

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BioEssence bodywork: Component of BioEssence bodywork based on Zen Shiatsu.

(See also: BioEssence bodywork , Alternative Health, Body Mind and Soul)

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acu-meridian energy transmission bodywork: Component of the Er Mei Qi Gong Therapy External Energy Diagnosis and Treatment system.

(See also: Acu-meridian energy transmission bodywork , Alternative Health, Body Mind and Soul)

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ZERO BALANCING

Zero balancing was developed by Fritz Smith, M.D., and has its roots in osteopathy, acupuncture, Rolfing, and meditation. Relaxing, yet energizing, zero balancing integrates fundamental principles of Western medicine with Eastern concepts of energy.

This technique provides clients the possibility of healing by addressing the energy flow of the skeletal system. By working with bone energy, zero balancing seeks to correct imbalances between energy and structure, providing relief from pain, anxiety, and stress.

A zero balancing session, which consists of gentle acupressure focusing on joints and bones, generally takes 30 to 40 minutes and is done through the client’s clothing while they lie on a massage table. For the massage therapist or bodyworker, zero balancing may enhance other modalities and open new avenues of energetic and structural balancing through touch.

(See also: ZERO BALANCING , Alternative Health, Massage, Bodywork, Body Mind and Soul)

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