ACUPRESSURE: Based on the principles of acupuncture, this ancient Chinese technique involves the use of finger pressure, rather than needles, on specific points along the body to treat ailments such as tension and stress, aches and pains, and arthritis.  Although the older of the techniques, acupressure tends to be overlooked as the Chinese developed more "technological" methods for stimulating points with needles and electricity. However, acupressure is a gentle yet powerful healing technique which relies on senitivity of touch to locate and release imbalances within the body. Acupressure continues to be more effective in relieving tension-related ailments.

Theory of accupressure

Acupressure focuses on the natural bioenergy or Qi (pronounced Chi) flowing through the body. The theory was developed that if a stimulus in the form of heat, pressure, or a needle was applied to specific points on the body, it would relieve the symptoms of many conditions. It was determined that these points were not random but followed energetic pathways along the body, and each one was linked to a particular internal organ.

Technique of accupressure

The practice of acupressure has developed primarily through a combination of instinct and hands-on experience. Its principles and healing techniques have also been influenced by individuals who could feel or see trigger points and meridian pathways. Some healers integrated breathing meditations and mudras (hand positions) while others added herbal remedies and massage. A series of gentle stretches, joint manipulations, and noninvasive pressure to different pressure points will stimulate the corresponding glands of the body to balance the flow of vital energy through the body, thus stimulating the body's natural healing ability. A combination of pressures applied by the palms, thumbs, elbows, and sometimes the knees and feet are used.

Although acupressure is a holistic treatment encompassing the mind, body, and spirit, on a physical level it can have the effect of improving the circulation and the flow of lymph. Acupressure also works directly on the central nervous system promoting relaxation, calmness, and a sense of well-being. This technique is also used for general preventive health care.

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

For more dictionary entries, see » Therapy Dictionary

Bach Flower therapy is a unique medicine system that can change very subtle emotional and psychological states of being. Terror, depression, anxiety, irritability , intolerance, lack of confidence, hatred or selfishness... two drops thrice a day of the right remedy can uproot such deep-seated personality traits. And, in the process, heal the body.

Read more here: » Bach Flower Remedies: Bach Flower Remedies for spiritual harmony

This article explain the revolutionary, yet ancient, method of massage/healing developed by Dieter Dorn.

Read more here: » Introduction to Gentle, Manual Joint- and Back-Therapy (GMT) by Dieter Dorn

Past Life Therapy is not for the weakminded or frail-hearted. It leads a person into the depths of his own psychological makeup, but the return trip is well worth the cost of the journey, and that cost is almost always a deflation to the person's ego! After all, who wants to believe they have committed acts that were harmful to others? Or wants to remember terrible crimes in which they were a participant, or tortures in which they have been a victim in one lifetime and perhaps returned to gain revenge in subsequent lives?

Read more here: » Past Life Therapy: The New Psychiatry - Past Life Therapy

Gem Therapy for the Modern Age

The history of gemstone therapy dates back for thousands of years. It is known that the ancient Greeks, Egyptians, and Judaic cultures utilized gems for both healing and general enhancement of life, but it was the ancient Vedic culture of India that gave us the greatest inheritance of this knowledge. The metaphysical properties and how persons can increase their own well-being on the physical, emotional, and even spiritual planes through the proper use of gemstones is a science delineated in the Vedic scriptures to a far greater degree than the texts of any other ancient culture.

Read more here: » Gemstones Crystals: Gem Therapy for the Modern Age

Herbal therapy or botanical therapy or herbalism:

employs parts of plants (seed, stem, flowers, root, bark, leaf) for the relief of conditions, ailments, or complaints; the earliest known form of medicine. Some popular herbs and common applications are:

algae (spirulina): the most commonly used variety is blue-green algae. Algae is available in powder, tablet and supplemental fruit drink forms. Used to reduce cholesterol levels and to treat degenerative disorders, including arthritis. Unproven medical benefits include treating obesity, colitis, and diabetes mellitus.

aloe or aloe vera: plant widely used as a skin moisturizer and healing agent, especially in treating cuts, burns, insect stings, eczema, bruises, acne, poison ivy rash, sunburn, and psoriasis.

arnica: used as an external remedy for bruises, sprains, and sore muscles and joints.

astragalus: from a family of peas that benefits digestive processes and the immune system; increases resistance to disease and infections; restores depressed immunity, and is used to treat peripheral vascular diseases and to restore peripheral circulation.

black cohosh: helps relieve sinusitis and asthma; lowers cholesterol levels and blood pressure; relieves pain, morning sickness, hot flashes, and menstrual cramps.

burdock: with diuretic and orexigenic properties, used to treat cutaneous eruptions, rheumatism, gout, anorexia nervosa, and eczema.

calendula: traditionally used to treat gastric and duodenal ulcers, amenorrhea, dysmenorrhea, and epistaxis; varicose veins, hemorrhoids, and conjunctivitis.

capsicum/capsaicin/cayenne fruit: taken orally to improve circulation, digestion, and stop bleeding from ulcers, to relieve nausea, rheumatism, arthritis, and pleurisy. Used externally for painful muscle spasms of shoulder, arm, and spine and to treat arthritis, rheumatism, neuralgia, lumbago, chilblains, intractable pain associated with shingles (herpes zoster), postmastectomy, diabetic neuropathy, and cluster headaches.

cat's claw bark: used to treat AIDS patients, arthritis, neurobronchitis, allergies, rheumatism, diverticulosis, Crohn's disease, peptic and gastric ulcers, gastritis, parasites, colitis, leaky bowel syndrome, dysentery, hemorrhoids, cancer, herpes, diabetes, and inflammation.

chamomile: often made into a tea and used as a digestive aid, nerve tonic, sleep aid, and appetite stimulant.

cranberry fruit: used for the relief of ladder and urinary tract infections, blood disorders, stomach ailments, liver problems, vomiting, appetite loss, scurvy, and cancer.

dong quai root: used for hot flashes, menopause, premenstrual syndrome, vaginal dryness, anemia with dizziness and palpitation, amenorrhea, dysmenorrhea, constipation, rheumatic arthralgia, menorrhalgia, rheumatalgia, functional bleeding, chest, and abdominal pain.

echinacea herb, also called purple coneflower: bitter herb used for colds and chronic infections of the respiratory tract and lower urinary tract, treatment of Candida albicans infections, prostatitis, polyarthritis (rheumatoid arthritis). Externally, an ointment is used for poorly healing wounds and chronic ulcerations, burns, eczema, psoriasis, and herpes simplex.

evening primrose oil: aids in weight loss, reduces high blood pressure, and helps to treat all skin disorders, female disorders such as cramps and heavy bleeding, hot flashes, multiple sclerosis, arthritis, and alcoholism.

feverfew: used for prophylaxis and treatment of migraine headaches, nausea, vomiting, arthritis, fever, and menstrual disorders. .

flaxseed: used for female disorders, colon problems, inflammation, and tumors. Promotes strong nails, bones, and teeth and healthy skin.

garlic cloves: used in the West primarily for its cardiovascular effects, principally as a support to dietetic measures at elevated levels of lipids in blood and as a preventive measure for age-dependent vascular changes. Garlic is also used for atheroma, prophylaxis of atherosclerosis, hypertension, respiratory infections, and catarrhal conditions and as a natural antibiotic.

ginger rhizome: primary uses of ginger are prophylaxis of the nausea and vomiting of motion sickness, dyspepsia, stomachic. It is also used as a tonic digestant in sub-acid gastritis, for lack of appetite, as a postoperative antiemetic for minor surgical procedures, for colic, for morning sickness, anorexia, bronchitis, and rheumatic complaints.

ginkgo biloba leaf extract: improves memory loss, brain function, depression, cerebral and peripheral circulation, oxygenation, and blood flow. Good for tinnitus, asthma, Alzheimer's disease, heart and kidney disorders, and glucose utilization.

ginseng root: used for impotence, stress, cocaine withdrawal, energy, diabetes, colds, and chest problems. Promotes lung function, enhances immune function, stimulates appetite, and normalizes blood pressure. Varieties popularly used include American ginseng, Asian ginseng, and Siberian ginseng.

goldenseal: used to strengthen the immune system; acts as an antibiotic; has anti-inflammatory and antibacterial properties, potentiates insulin, and cleanses the body. Good for colds, flu, inflammation, glandular swelling, gum disease, morning sickness, diabetes, hypoglycemia, and ulcers.

grape seed extract: used as a dietary supplement for antioxidant and other cardiovascular benefits and for anti-inflammatory actions.

green tea leaf: believed to act as an antioxidant to prevent cancer and possibly other diseases; reduces the risk of stroke; lowers the risk of cardiovascular disease.

kava kava rhizome: used to treat nervous anxiety, stress, and restlessness.Contraindicated in pregnancy, nursing, or endogenous depression.

licorice root: used for catarrhal conditions of the upper respiratory tract and gastric/duodenal ulcers. Licorce is an ingredient in cough drops and syrups, tonics, laxatives, and antismoking preparations.

ma huang: has been used to relieve allergies, asthma, hay fever, colds, and inflammatory conditions. The plant contains two primary alkaloids, ephedrine and pseudoephedrine.

passionflower: said to possess sedative, hypnotic, antispasmodic, and calming effects. Used to treat neuralgia, seizures, hysteria, nervous tachycardia, spasmodic asthma, and insomnia.

saw palmetto berry: used primarily for urination problems in benign prostate hyperplasia stages 1 and 2.

St. John's wort: traditionally used as a muscle relaxant to relieve menstrual problems, as a mild tranquilizer and as a treatment for depression and insomnia.

valerian root: used primarily for restlessness, sleeping disorders based on nervous conditions; also good for headaches, colic, gas, pain, stress, anxiety, muscle cramps, and spasms.

(See also: Herbal therapy , Alternative Medicine, Body Mind and Soul)

For more dictionary entries, see » Therapy Dictionary

When the painting is based on Vedic Principles you can get in touch with the source of all creation. Now anyone can go to the Oneness Festival in India and try out how Vedic Art turns life into a masterpiece of Art. Agneta Milde found Vedic Art ten years ago and writes about it here.

Read more here: » Spiritual Art: Vedic Art

Spiritual Psychology is based on an understanding of humans being multi-layered entities with a mind, body and Soul. How do we awaken the Soul Aspect of our being and how come we could meditate on a mountaintop for eons without significantly touching our underlying emotional traumas? Likewise, how come we could do psychoanalyze ourselves for a lifetime without moving a step closer to enlightenment. How do we reconcile this uneasy alliance between our emotional and spiritual selves?

Read more here: » Spiritual Psychology: Spiritual Psychology and Samskara Shuddi

somatic therapy (somatic disciplines, somatic methods, somatics, somatic techniques, somatic therapies): Field that encompasses aikido, the Alexander Technique, applied kinesiology, Arica, Aston-Patterning, Awareness Through Movement, bioenergetics, Body-Mind Centering, Capoeria, Continuum, CranioSacral Therapy, Eutony, Focusing, Functional Integration, Hakomi, Hellerwork, judo, karate, kundalini yoga, kung fu, Lomi (see lomi-lomi and Lomi work), Oki yoga (see Oki-Do), Process-Oriented Psychotherapy (process psychology), rebirthing, reflexology, Resonant Kinesiology, Rolfing, Rosen work (see Rosen Method), sensory awareness, SHEN, somasynthesis, tai chi, Touch for Health, Trager, Trans Fiber, yoga therapy, and Zero Balancing.

Subtle-energy elements are a commonality of somatic therapies. Thomas Hanna, founder of the journal Somatics, coined the word somatics.

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

For more dictionary entries, see » Therapy Dictionary

Acupuncture and acupressure are two non-drug therapies which are making their presence felt in the complementary medicine scene. And acupressure and reflexology are getting the crowds because of ease of practice. But how do these gentle systems work?

Read more here: » Acupuncture and Acupressure: How do Acupuncture and Acupressure work?

The Benefits of Gem Therapy

The proper stone can bestow fantastic benefits. There should also be a strong meditation by the wearer of the results desired before beginning its use. Even in children, where the parents are the ones devoting all the mental energy, we have seen dramatic improvements. The use of pearls with young children has been shown to be effective in helping to calm hyperactivity. It seems to make them think with more clarity.

Read more here: » Gemstones Crystals: Gemstones Crystals - The Benefits of Gem Therapy

Qi - Light and Color

In the Taoist philosophy of feng shui, everything is made of energy or qi. Qi is categorized into the Five Elements which is also known by their colors: earth is yellow; fire is red; water is black; wood is green; and metal is white. The names for different colors are a convention for people to refer to different wavelengths of light. Adhering to this mode of thought, everything is made of a variation of light energy or color.

Read more here: » Feng Shui: Qi - Light and Color

Spiritual Healing with Colour Therapy is a method of natural healing, which is centred upon the universal life force energy. By attuning with this energy the healer acts as a channel by laying the hands on the body channelling this life force energy. Colour helps to restore the balance of vibrational electromagnetic components of light that make up our auras, which we see as the seven colours. Treatment consists of light being passed through various coloured prisms generated through a Light Box.

Read more here: » Colour Therapy: Short introduction to Spiritual Healing with Colour Therapy

AURA THERAPY

Every substance in the universe, both living and dead tissue, emits energy and has therefore a radiation pattern. This radiation, termed 'aura', thus forms distinctly different force fields in the case of each item, in the same manner as a fingerprint. The individual auras are in contact with a universal field of spiritual energy from which they draw their power.

Artists and mystics have from ancient times seen and portrayed this effect all over the world. Aura therapists say that although we are usually not aware of it consciously, auras, rather the effect of interacting auras, determine our first responses to people and situations. Developed and understood properly, it is a quicker and more sensitive gauge than more rational faculties. The unease or elation that one feels immediately on meeting another person is thus caused by the auras being in harmony or without it.

The auras of plants, animals and minerals are said to communicate and interact with one another as part of a single living system. Each person's aura is thought to be made up of the radiation from all the cells and chemicals within the body and their interaction. The visible aura, which is much in evidence in all religious texts, is said to be an oval extending from a few centimeters to a meter around the body, sometimes more at the head. The light being composed of seven coloured rays, each associated with particular organs of the body and conveying a distinct message. The variations in shape, colour & strength a reflection of each individual's uniqueness.

Therapists believe that personality and emotions too can be interpreted from auras. One with soft, fringed edges for instance is likely to indicate a person too susceptible to the influence of others. Firm but fluid boundaries would indicate openness but not vulnerability. And a hard, distinct outline belonging to one who is defensive and insecure. Similarly, lots of red within the aura would indicate anger while a predominance of blue would stand for idealism.

Treatment comes in the form of adding extra colours to improve a dull or depleted aura or using complimentary colours to offset to help balance one that is too strong. The therapists only acting as conduits for transferring the universal spiritual energy into the auras of patients, by touching the latter's auras or by using visualisation to transmit energy. However, active patient in the entire process is extremely crucial which involves their becoming more self-aware of their spiritual nature.

(See also: AURA THERAPY , Ayurveda, Ayurvedic Dictionary, Alternative Health, Body Mind and Soul)

For more dictionary entries, see » Therapy Dictionary

Chinese auricular therapy (Chinese auricular acupuncture, traditional Chinese auricular acu-points therapy, traditional Chinese auricular acupuncture, traditional Chinese auricular therapy): Group of TCM techniques whose channel theory differs from that of body acupuncture. Its apparent principle is that several areas and more than a hundred acupoints on the auricle (the outer portion of the ear) interactively relate to other areas or to diseases. The fetuslike contour of the auricle inspired the distribution of points thereon. Chinese auricular therapy, which differs from auriculotherapy, includes: auricular analgesia, auricular diagnosis, auricular magnetic therapy, auricular massage, auricular moxibustion, auricular point injection, the auricular point laser-stimulating method, bleeding manipulation, and the seed-pressure method.

(See also: Chinese auricular therapy , Body Mind and Soul, Alternative Health, Alternative Health Dictionary)

For more dictionary entries, see » Therapy Dictionary

The techniques of past life therapy have been proven effective for many specific conditions. Still, there are cases where results just don't seem to develop in the course of good therapeutic practice. In these cases, the reason may be that we are not using the right tool for the job. The client will locate the real source of a condition if the therapist asks the right questions.

Read more here: » Regression Therapy: The Three Faces of Regression Therapy

See also these related archives:

Cross-Over exercise, Crude herb moxibustion, Cruise Ship Spa, Cryotherapy, Crystal Healing, Crystal healing, Crystal Therapeutics, Crystal Therapy, Crystledyne Therapy, Cupping, Curanderismo, Curative eurhythmy, Cuy ritual, Cybex, Cymatic therapy, Cymatics, Dance & Movement Therapy, Dancercise, Daniel's Diet, Daoyin, Day Spa, Dayan Qigong, De la Warr system, Dead Sea Mud Treatment, Deep Emotional Breathwork, Deep Emotional Release Bodywork, Deep Memory Process, Deep Muscle Massage, Deep Muscle Massage / Primmer Deep Muscle Therapy, Deep Tissue Bodywork, Deep Tissue Massage, Degriefing, DeHypnotherapy, Depossession, Descending Sun, Destination Spa, Detoxification, Detoxification Therapy, Developmental Manual Therapy, Dhatus, Diagnosis, Diagnosis Process, Diagnostic acupressure, Diamond Approach, Diamond method, Dian xue, Dianetics, Diathermy, Didgeridoo vibrational healing, Diet #7, Diet Planning, Dietics, Dimensional clearing, Dinacharya, Direct Bi-Digital O-Ring Test Method, Direct Command, Direct healing, Direct image substitution, Direct moxabustion, Directed Esoteric Toning, Distant Healing, Distant pranic healing, Distant pulse diagnosis, Divine Healing from Japan, Divine therapy, Divine will healing, Dna Activation And Healing, Dna Repatterning, Do-in, Do-In, Dolphin Therapy, Dolphin-assisted therapy, Dong gong, Doshas, Doshic Imbalances, Double Circle, Double Dosha Body Types, Dowsing, Dph, Dr Lynch's Holistic Self-Health Program, Dragon Style, Drama, Dream Changing, Dream counseling, Dream Learning, Dreamwork, Drisana, Drown radio therapy, Dulse Scrub, Dynamic Self Inquiry, Dynamic Spinal Therapy

For more dictionary entries, see » Therapy Dictionary

organic process therapy (OPT): way to rediscover one's body-feelings, mind, and spirit, and to return to one's unobstructed, unfractured Organic Self.

(See also: Organic process therapy , Body Mind and Soul, Alternative Health, Alternative Health Dictionary)

For more dictionary entries, see » Therapy Dictionary

BIORHYTHMS: According to the principle of biorhythms, life is a series of progressive 'ups' and 'downs'.

1. The physical cycle includes resistance to disease, strength, and coordination.
2. The emotional includes sensitivity, mood, perceptions, and mental balance, and the
3. intellectual affects memory, alertness, and logic.

Because the cycles are of varying length, they rarely overlap. For example, while the intellectual cycle may be peaking, the emotional cycle may be in decline, and the physical cycle a variant somewhere in between. The 'highs' of the cycles are times of maximum effectiveness, and tend to produce positive thoughts and moods, while the 'lows' are times of negativity and possible risk--because one is prone at these times to make errors of judgment.

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

For more dictionary entries, see » Therapy Dictionary

What is the brain’s unique role in connecting a human being to what many call God? New scientific information about the human heart identifies it as the very first connection point between the physical body and its Creator source. Amazing recent evidence indicates that the heart begins to beat in the unborn fetus even before the brain is formed so it appears that the heart truly holds primary status as the initiator of human life.

Read more here: » Science and Spirituality: How are your Heart and Brain connected to God?

Polarity energy balancing massage: System based on the work of Randolph Stone (see Polarity Therapy). It has four branches: (1) energy balancing bodywork technique, (2) Polarity Yoga, (3) diet, and (4) body/mind/spiritual psychology.

(See also: Polarity energy balancing massage , Body Mind and Soul, Alternative Health, Alternative Health Dictionary)

For more dictionary entries, see » Therapy Dictionary

Creative Dance Therapy: Method taught by Kim Hirt and promoted by Life Spectrums, in Harrisburg, Pennsylvania. It is a means of exploring one's inner self, one's outer self, and their connection.

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

For more dictionary entries, see » Therapy Dictionary