Holistic Palpate Energy Therapy: A form of aura balancing.

(See also: Holistic Palpate Energy Therapy, Body Mind and Soul, Alternative Health, Alternative Health Dictionary)

Holistic Medicine - Therapies that treat the whole person's mind and body, as opposed to just the part of the body where symptoms occur.

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

HUMOR THERAPY

Therapeutic humor is defined as any intervention that promotes health and wellness by stimulating a playful discovery, expression or appreciation of the incongruity of life's situations. This intervention may enhance health as a complementary treatment of illness to facilitate healing or coping, whether physical, emotional, cognitive, social, or spiritual.

The earliest historical reference to humor therapy is from the fourteenth century, when French surgeon Henri de Mondeville wrote, "Let the surgeon take care to regulate the whole regimen of the patient's life for joy and happiness, allowing his relatives and special friends to cheer him, and by having someone tell him jokes."

Children love humor and, even when they are the ones who are ill, often say things to cheer their parents.

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

DANCE THERAPY

Dance/Movement therapy is the psychotherapeutic use of movement as a process to assist in the emotional, cognitive, social and physical integration of the individual.

Dance/Movement therapists help a wide range of people, from ill children to seniors in their declining years, from the mentally ill to normal people who have lost touch with their inner truth. When words alone are not enough, dance/movement therapists are there to help.

Dance therapists are employed in psychiatric hospitals, clinics, day care, community mental health centers, developmental centers, correctional facilities, special schools and rehabilitation facilities. From young children to the elderly, regardless of their illness, all benefit from the joys that come from simple gentle movement and dance.

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

MUSIC THERAPY

Music therapy is the prescribed use of music by a qualified person to effect positive changes in the psychological, physical, cognitive, or social functioning of individuals who have health or educational problems.

The idea of music as a healing influence that can affect health and behavior is as least as old as the writings of Aristotle and Plato. The 20th century discipline began after World War I and World War II when community musicians of all types, both amateur and professional, went to veterans' hospitals around the country to play for the thousands of veterans suffering both physical and emotional trauma from the wars. The patients' physical and emotional improvements in response to music led the doctors and nurses to request that hospitals hire musicians. 

For children, illness and hospitalizations disrupt normal living patterns, school and important social activities. Music therapy helps to reduce this disruption by providing sensitive, creative interventions--including playing instruments and writing songs. These interventions also offer acute and chronically ill children the chance to learn, express themselves, interact with family and peers and, simply, relax and enjoy themselves. Even parents and siblings can join the fun and experience the benefits. The power of music is documented: Studies have shown that music can influence heart rate, respiration, blood pressure, pain perception, physical health and well-being. Music is loved by young and old.

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

JOURNALING THERAPY

Journaling therapy is the purposeful and intentional use of a written record of one's own thoughts and feelings to assist in psychological healing and personal growth. It is often used as a tool in many psychotherapy and recovery programs. Healthcare practitioners find that written expression fills a very important role in the therapeutic process by providing a means for emotional expression in circumstances where interpersonal communication is not possible or may not be desired. 

People have kept journals and diaries to record dreams, memories, and thoughts since ancient times. The expression of emotions has long held a central role in the study and practice of psychology. Throughout history, psychologists have advocated the expression of emotions as essential for good mental and physical health.

Since the early 1980s, interest in this topic has resulted in numerous research studies investigating the health benefits of expressive writing. Even children benefit from writing down their experiences and how they feel about what is happening. They have the opportunity to say things in their personal journal that they would prefer not to share with their parents or health care workers at certain times during their illness.

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

ENERGY THERAPY

The evolution of scientific concepts and technological developments of the late 20th Century has created possibilities for studying subtle energies and their relationship to human systems. Understanding and facilitating the use of subtle energies, both for therapeutic purposes and for the study of human potential, may bring to consciousness a new awareness of the depths of the human psyche.

There are many terms applied to different techniques of energy therapy, see lthe following links: Pranic Healing, Therapeutic Touch, Reiki

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

POETRY THERAPY

Poetry therapists come from all occupations, from doctors and therapists to teachers. Poetry therapy is provided in many settings where people deal with personal pain and the search for growth.

Poetry therapists use all forms of literature and the language arts. They use the power of poems, stories, journals, fairy tales, folk tales, memoirs and songs to help in the healing process. Poetry is healing both when read or written. Parents and siblings can read poems to children, and children enjoy writing and reading their own poems.

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

ART THERAPY

Although visual expression has been basic to humanity throughout history, art therapy did not emerge as a distinct profession until the 1930's. In the beginning of the 20th Century, psychiatrists became interested in their patients' artwork, and studied it to see if there were links between the art and the illness of their patients.

At the same time, art educators were discovering that the free and spontaneous art expression in children's art represented both emotional and symbolic communications. Since then, the profession of art therapy has grown into an effective and important method of communication, assessment, and treatment in many populations.

Art provides children with a wonderful form of self-expression as well as helping them occupy their time while in the hospital or during recuperation from medical procedures. Art therapy is also an activity that encourages participation by the whole family.

(See also: ART THERAPY, Alternative Health, Holistic Health, 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)

GARDENING THERAPY

Horticultural therapists (HT) are specially educated and trained members of rehabilitation and therapy teams who involve patients in all phases of gardening.

HT professionals use this type of treatment as a complementary therapy along with doctors, psychiatrists, psychologists, occupational therapists, physical therapists, behavioral specialists, vocational skills instructors and others. Horticultural therapists are experts on the medical and psychological benefits of gardening and facilitating improvement of the patients' physical, social and mental well-being. 

Horticultural therapy can be applied at hospitals and institutions, vocational training facilities, nursing homes and assisted living centers, halfway houses, rehabilitation facilities, correctional facilities, schools, arboreta and botanical gardens, farms and horticultural businesses, and community gardens.

Everyone who enjoys gardening knows that working with plants fulfills basic human needs. Horticultural therapy can facilitate these benefits on many levels. Groups for whom horticultural therapy has proven to be beneficial include people who are physically disabled, mentally ill, developmentally disabled, elderly, substance abusers, terminally ill and socially disadvantaged. It can be used with families, as therapy for an ailing member, or a memorial to a departed loved one. Gardening therapy may be as simple as plants on a patio, perhaps with small sculptures. Ill children and the elderly benefit from directly experiencing nature: Planting, watching their plants grow and enjoying the blossoming flowers.

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

CRYSTAL THERAPY

Dates back to Incan, Egyptian, Mayan, Atlantean, and Lemurian Civilizations. In this healing practice, quartz crystals, and other stones and crystals are placed on and around the body to stimulate and sensitize subtle vibrational patterns, release energy blockages, and harmonize vibrational frequencies.

Crystals are used to draw and amplify light and color to the body's aura, thus raising its vibrational frequency, and facilitate healing. The emotional, physical, psychological and spiritual effects of such work are moving and profound. Quartz Crystals can also be used to record dreams and other information when programmed to do so.

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

For more dictionary entries, see » Holistic Health Therapies Dictionary

CRYSTAL THERAPY

A crystal is a mineral that is nearly transparent and colorless or has a slight color.

Practitioners of crystal healing believe that crystals, particularly quartz crystals such as amethyst or clear quartz, contain energy that enhances healing of both body and mind. They believe that crystals can be "charged" with this healing energy, in a manner similar to the charging of a flashlight battery. The charged crystal can then be used to alter the energy patterns in the person receiving treatment.

Crystals, gem stones, and healing stones are beneficial for ill children and adults not only because of their healing energy but because of their beauty and tactile smoothness. Many novelty shops sell flat indented smooth stones, called "worry stones," that help instill as sense of peacefulness when rubbed.

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

SACRAL CRANIAL THERAPY

Works by helping the body’s natural healing mechanisms dissipate the negative effects of stress on the central nervous system. 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 area.

CranioSacral Therapy is a gentle method of detection and correction that encourages your natural healing mechanisms to reinstate the balance of the central nervous system. In the 1900s, Osteopathic Physician, William Sutherland observed that the bones of the skull were structured to allow for movement. In 1970, Dr. John E. Upledger further observed the rhythmic movement of the CranioSacral system during the performance of surgery, and was soon to understand how a hydraulic system using cerebrospinal fluid might function inside a membranous sac encased within the skull and spinal canal. He therefore incorporated and refined Dr. Sutherland’s techniques with success.

Later he led a team of physiologists, biophysicists and bioengineers to test and document the influence of therapy on the CranioSacral system. The natural movement of this fluid and soft tissue can be treated in such a way as to help the body self-correct. CST can be applied to a wide range of conditions.

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

THERAPY: treatment and care of someone to combat disease, injury, or mental disorder.

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

Holistic health , Holistic medicine , Holistic therapies, Wholistic health, Wholistic medicine, Wholistic therapies:

Health as viewed from the perspective that humans and other organisms function as complete, integrated units rather than as aggregates of separate parts.

See also: Holistic therapies, Wholistic health, Wholistic medicine, Wholistic therapies)

HOLISTIC/WHOLISTIC: an adjective meaning targeted to the whole person - mind, body, and spirit. Wholistic medicine considers not only physical health but also the emotional, spiritual, social, and mental well-being of the person.

(See also: Holistic/wholistic, Alternative Health, Body Mind and Soul)

MASSAGE THERAPY: This is a general term for a range of therapeutic approaches with roots in both Eastern and Western cultures. Involves the practice of kneading or otherwise manipulating a personÕs muscles and soft tissue.

What is Massage therapy?

Massage is the oldest therapy known to mankind.  It started about 5000 B.C. and was used by almost all cultures including China, Rome, Greece, and India.

Massage includes a number of disciplines that share the use of pressure, friction, and strain on the muscles and joints for therapeutic physical response.

Purpose of massage therapy

There are several purposes for massage therapy, including preventive, general health, relaxation, stress relief, pain relief, rehabilitative, warming up for sports, and psychological transformation.

Effects of massage therapy

Therapeutic massage has a cumulative effect on both soft tissue repair and decreasing stress, therefore receiving regular massage therapy is recommended to achieve the best results.  The benefits are numerous for people of all ages and activity levels. Almost everyone will enjoy the positive effects from receiving a massage.  Therapeutic massage feels wonderful and is very healthy.  In addition, human touch is a physical need.  Massage therapy provides a safe and caring way to receive the physical contact needed by all.

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

PET THERAPY: a therapeutic approach based on the idea that expressing affection for a pet helps people feel happier, maintain a positive outlook, and therefore improve their health.

According to several studies, having a pet can reduce stress, lower blood pressure, and ward off loneliness and depression. Many nursing homes and some prisons have developed pet therapy programs, with excellent results.

(See also: Pet therapy, Alternative Health, Body Mind and Soul)

POLARITY THERAPY: based on a theory of energy flow in the body developed by Randolph Stone, a doctor of naturopathy, osteopathy, and chiropractic. Asserts that balancing the flow of energy in the body is the foundation of health. Specific points along the currents are said to hold positive or negative energies.

Practitioners use gentle touch and guidance in diet, exercise and self-awareness to help clients balance their energy flow, thus supporting a return to health.

Polarity

Polarity is an energy approach which helps to balance magnetic energy circulating naturally in the body. Quite as the electrical supply network of a city which connects houses between them, the body with an energy network which connects each organs and each cell between them.

It is is by contacts, on quite precise points, which the therapeutist supports the physical, psychological and emotional releasing of tensions by restoring balance between the overloaded circuits and those sub-used. Polarity gets a relaxation and supports personal awakenings which allow the car-cure of the body.

(See also: Polarity therapy, Alternative Health, Body Mind and Soul)