A Wisdom Archive on Dysfunction

Accounts that may relate to symptoms of schizophrenia date back as far as 2000 BC in the Book of Hearts, part of the ancient Ebers papyrus. However, a recent study1 into the ancient Greek and Roman literature showed that, while the general population probably had an awareness of psychotic disorders, there was no recorded condition that would meet the modern diagnostic crite ...

Read more here: » Schizophrenia: Encyclopedia II - Schizophrenia - History

Schizophrenia is often described in terms of "positive" and "negative" symptoms. Positive symptoms include delusions, auditory hallucinations and thought disorder and are typically regarded as manifestations of psychosis. Negative symptoms are so named because they are considered to be the loss or absence of normal traits or abilities, and include features such as flat, blunted or constricted affect and emotion, poverty of speech and lack of motivation. Some models of schizophrenia include formal thought disorder and planning difficulties in a ...

Read more here: » Schizophrenia: Encyclopedia II - Schizophrenia - Overview

A wide range of psychological, emotional, physical, and social effects has been attributed to child sexual abuse, including anxiety, depression, obsession, compulsion, grief, post-traumatic stress disorder symptoms such as flashbacks, emotional numbing, pseudo-maturity symptoms, and other more general dysfunctions such as sexual dysfunction, social dysfunction, dysfunction of relationships, poor education and employment records, eating disorders, self-mutilation, and a range of physical symptoms common to some other forms of PTSD, such as se ...

Read more here: » Child sexual abuse: Encyclopedia II - Child sexual abuse - Effects of sexual abuse on children

Hallucination:
(1) Perception of objects or beings with no reality or not present within normal sensory scanning range.
(2) Experience of sensations with no exterior cause, usually as a result of nervous dysfunction.
(3) Perceptions not in accord with consensus reality.

 
(See also: Hallucination, Pagan, Paganism, Pagan Dictionary )

MUSCLE ENERGY TECHNIQUE
Muscle energy is a direct, noninvasive manual therapy used to normalize joint dysfunction and increase range of motion. The practitioner evaluates the primary areas of dysfunction in order to place the affected joints in precise positions that enable the client to perform gentle isometric contractions. These directed movements help correct neuromuscular and joint difficulties.

 
(See also: MUSCLE ENERGY TECHNIQUE, Alternative Health, Massage, Bodywork, Body Mind and Soul )

UNTIE
UNTIE was developed in the United States in the early 1980s as an alternative to exerting force into soft tissues that may already be painful to the touch.
 
It is basic to UNTIE that soft tissue dysfunction, no matter how deep within the body, can be felt in the skin. These patterns of dysfunction are palpable once the proper awareness and sensitivity have been developed. Patterns are infinitely variable expressions of soft tissue dysfunctions that are synergistically related to the dysfunctions.
 
The skilled practitioner can readily access even the deepest layers of soft tissue by working with the associated patterns. Changes in the patterns are stimulated by the presence of the practitioner’s fingers and determined by the body’s natural desire to reach homeostasis. The fingers respond to the changes without any application of force, will, or preconceived routine. The hands move gently in concert with the changes. Once the patterns release, the soft tissues are re-evaluated to confirm they have normalized and musculoskeletal integrity has improved.
 
Although other approaches may not specifically address soft tissue patterns, the patterns are affected, since there is contact with the skin as soft tissues are manipulated. The more thorough the method used, the more likely it is that the patterns will be released, allowing for more complete, long-term change.
 
Because the foundation of UNTIE is sensitivity, it readily deals with the unique patterns of the individual. It is a procedure for working “with” the body, not “on” the body.

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

ACUPUNCTURE
Acupuncture is an ancient oriental healing technique based on the Taoist philosophy of balancing energy meridians within the body, thus allowing the body to heal itself.
 
Fine needles are painlessly inserted at key points corresponding to body organs to relieve pain and cure disease and dysfunction. Related techniques include the use of low voltage, electric current (electro acupuncture) or massage at key points (acupressure).

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

SPINAL RELEASE
Spinal release allows therapists to correct distortions of the central nervous system and restore the body’s center of gravity.
 
The therapist works with techniques that address the eight muscle groups of the lower back. Practitioners also focus on the soft-tissue release procedures for the neck and back as they help identify curvatures of the spine and other dysfunctions.

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

NEUROMUSCULAR THERAPY
Is a scientific technique used to bring about structural homeostasis (balance) between the musculoskeletal and nervous systems. In order to achieve this, the physiological principles that govern the performance of both systems are analyzed. The five principals of Neuromuscular Therapy are: Ischemic (lack of blood vessels), Trigger points (low neurological activity, when stimulated or stressed become high activity, accompanied by tingling, burning/cold sensations), Nerve Compression/Entrapment, Postural Distortion, and Biochemical Dysfunction.

 
(See also: NEUROMUSCULAR THERAPY, Alternative Health, Holistic Health, Body Mind and Soul )

Chiropractic
Chiropractic is a therapeutic system based upon the premise that interference with nervous system function predisposes the body to a disease state. The method of work focuses on restoring normal condition by correcting the vertebral segments of the spinal column, which are a primary cause of nerve dysfunction. Central to chiropractic technique is the "adjustment" of the specific spinal vertebra that are out of alignment or subluxated.

 
(See also: Chiropractic, Alternative Health, Healing, Body Mind and Soul )

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 )

TRIGGER POINT MYOTHERAPY
Trigger point myotherapy is a noninvasive therapeutic modality for the relief and control of myofascial pain and dysfunction. The goal of treatment is the client’s recovery from or a significant reduction in myofascial pain. The treatment goal is achieved through a systematized approach.
 
Treatment consists of trigger point compression, myomassage, passive stretching, and a regime of corrective exercises. Success may be measured subjectively by the level of pain reduction experienced by the client and objectively through increased range of motion, strength, endurance, and other measures of improved function.
 
Trigger point myotherapy relies heavily on client-therapist interaction, including verbal and nonverbal elements. The myotherapist encourages the client to be personally responsible for their improvement, with attention to such factors as nutritional intake, stress, proper exercises, mechanical abnormalities, and other physical components. These elements protect the client from delayed diagnosis, delayed treatment, or contraindicated treatment, which are the concerns of first order.
 
Trigger point myotherapy is an integrating approach to myofascial pain and dysfunction.

 
(See also: TRIGGER POINT MYOTHERAPY, Alternative Health, Massage, Bodywork, Body Mind and Soul )