Let’s first define holistic health:

By practice it includes yoga, massage, acupuncture, and the like. Holistic health is a term used by alternative health practitioners to describe medical care that views physical, mental, and spiritual aspects of life as closely interconnected and balanced. Okay, wait…

Let’s back up…

and just define holistic. It’s a Greek word meaning “all” or “total”.

Many physicians today are too focused on solving a problem with drugs. They fail to take the time to ask questions about the person’s “total” or holistic health. And, as we know the term “doctor” today, doing that is not really in their job description.

Here lies the reason there is desperate need for holistic health practitioners.

Check out the articles and other less commonly known tidbits on wellness and holistic health below. The writers fall within the category of holistic health practitioners. Their words are well worth reading.

by Mary Monroe

In Chicago you can reserve a “wellness suite” at the Marriott Fairfield Inn and Suites, complete with organic cotton bedding, aromatherapy dream sachets and a healthy minibar. If you’re in danger of defaulting on your student loan, you can participate in American Student Assistance’s “wellness” program for repayment. And if your dog’s coat is a little dull, you can get Old Mother Hubbard® Wellness® Pet Food supplements (broccoli, cauliflower, kelp and garlic—yum yum!).

[We] have no shortage of “wellness” opportunities, but [you] may be mystified by what the concept of wellness really means. “The word has been co-opted for so many purposes, including some that are the opposite of what wellness is,” says wellness pioneer Donald B. Ardell, PhD, of Tampa, Florida, who wrote High Level Wellness: An Alternative to Doctors, Drugs, and Disease (Rodale 1977), the first mass-market wellness book. He has since written more than a dozen books on wellness and writes a daily essay connecting what he calls “real wellness” with current events and health issues, available at www.seekwellness.com/wellness.

“In the 1960s Halbert L. Dunn [a physician] was the first to use the term wellness, referring to a lifestyle approach that pursued elevated states of physical and psychological well-being. He described it as a disciplined commitment to self-mastery,” recalls Ardell. “Since then, the term has gotten confused with holistic health, disease prevention, health education and health promotion. Somehow wellness got ‘stuck’ in the health field, which has more of a disease/treatment framework. But wellness could just as well be founded in psychology, sociology or even public policy. I think it’s often easier for people to think of wellness in terms of ‘quality existence’ rather than health.”

Ardell defines wellness as “a choice to assume responsibility for the quality of your life.” The areas most closely associated with wellness, says Ardell, are “self-responsibility; exercise and fitness; nutrition; stress management; critical thinking; meaning and purpose, or spirituality; emotional intelligence; humor; play; and effective relationships.”

The National Wellness Institute defines wellness in a similar way, as “an active process through which people become aware of, and make choices towards, a more successful existence.” The institute identifies six dimensions of wellness: physical, spiritual, intellectual, social, emotional and occupational.

Ardell concedes that despite our focus on wellness, people are not getting well. “Based on the evidence, we’re going downhill. Expecting more of themselves than is realistic or healthy overwhelms people. [Corporate coach] Grant Donovan and I have created a new concept, called “I Can’t Do It,” that encourages people, with a lot of humor, to recognize that they can’t do it all, and to start focusing on small, realistic things they can do.”

Wellbeing, not wellness

Kate Larsen, PCC, founder of Winning LifeStyles Inc., in Minneapolis, also emphasizes small but significant changes to enhance wellness — but she’s reluctant to use the “w” word. Larsen is an adviser, a faculty member and a mentor coach for Wellcoaches® and has been a lifestyle and business coach for more than 12 years.

“I prefer to use the word well-being, rather than wellness,” she says. “Wellness seems like such a corporate word. People light up when I talk about well-being, but when I use the word wellness, I can practically see them sink down in the chair. Right away they start talking about how they’re not eating right, they don’t exercise enough — they feel they don’t measure up. Wellness sounds like there are grades of it that you can pass or fail, and that you can compare yourself to others. But people get that well-being is only determined by you, and that it includes happiness, contentment, having the capacity to be flexible, creative, patient — all the things that make up physical, mental, emotional and spiritual well-being.”

Most experts agree that well-being — or wellness — is different for everyone and is constantly changing. “ Life is constantly changing,” says Carrie Myers Smith, of Landaff, New Hampshire, coach, personal trainer and owner of Women in Wellness. “To be well is to take control of what we can at any given time, but also to be able to go with the flow and be the best we can be in any given situation.”

Debbie Rosas, of Portland, Oregon, co-creator and founder of The Nia Technique, a body-mind-spirit fitness and personal growth program that integrates martial arts, dance arts and healing arts, adds that wellness is self-defined. “Wellness is a resonance, a vibration and a state of being. It is also a perspective that is very subjective and may not look like our preconceived notions. One person says, ‘I’m well,’ while another person might say, ‘You’ve got to be kidding!’ But it’s how they’ve defined wellness for themselves. Perhaps they’re not totally well, but they’ve stopped smoking, for example, so they have improved their wellness. It’s not something anyone else can define for you.”

Larsen notes that her own recent bout with cancer expanded her view of wellness. “I was on chemotherapy, my aerobic capacity was diminished, I gained weight from the drugs, I had lots of exercise limits, and my body and skin aged 10 years. I had to ask myself, ‘How’s your well-being now that you’re sick as a dog and can barely move? If my wellness is only about physical attributes or the ability to excel, then it’s all gone. Instead, I learned that well-being changes as your life changes. It’s fluid, flexible and evolving.”

Larsen’s life-threatening experience also gave her a new perspective on clients–and gave clients a new appreciation of her. “I was able to talk about how important it is to be authentic, and that authenticity is more than looking perfect on the outside. And I could make the point by taking off my wig and showing my bald head with a 5 o’clock shadow,” she laughs. “Not every speaker can do that!”

Larsen says, “Now I relate better to clients who don’t want to or can’t work out, or who are coming back from ground zero. I know what it’s like to go to the gym to work out, get exhausted from just walking up the steps and have to turn around and go home.”Gloria Keeling, founder of the Strong, Stretched and Centered mind-body training program and now owner of BeFitAfterFifty.com, a personal training business, says, “I work with a lot of clients in their 50s, 60s, 70s and 80s, and I see that wellness is about doing the best [you can] with what you’ve got at the moment. For younger clients, wellness might be more about goal setting and ambition, but it changes with age. Some people in their 80s run marathons; others are happy to walk a few blocks. But few people get through that last third of their lives without some major health challenges, even if they’ve taken good care of themselves. Wellness is learning how to reach past the challenges and limitations and find the joy. It’s amazing to watch what people go through and see them come out the other side. A lot of wellness is about the tenacity of the human spirit.”

What is the Turkey Trot?

An annual race scheduled the day of Thanksgiving in Redding, CA.

If we want to participate in the race, what’s the first thing we need to do?

Set your goal. Do you want to register for the 6-mile race or the 2-mile fun run/walk?

How do we go about accomplishing that?

The Training Progression…

Follow the progression 2-months before Thanksgiving Day. Every other week the program is modified to enhance your performance, speed, and strength (evaluate the dates below). It’s your responsibility to practice over the 2-month span. Refer to this page every 2-weeks for your modified personal workout.

The practice is done in intervals. Interval training is especially healthy before races. It helps you utilize stamina and strength when you need it most. Also, it aids in recovery.

We’ve divided the trainings into groups, so look to see what group you’d best fit in depending on your current fitness level.

Each practice should include at least a 5-minute warm-up, 5-6 cycles of the interval ratios shown below, a 5-minute cool down, and final stretches. The practice should last between 20 and 30 minutes performed 3x a week.

October 10th

Level 1 1 min: 30 sec ratio (Walk to Squat)

Level 2 1 min: 15 sec ratio (Walk to Jog)

Level 3 1min: 30 sec (Jog to Sprint)

October 24th

Level 1 1 min: 30 sec (Walk to Power Walk)

Level 2 1min : 30 sec (Walk to Jog)

Level 3 1min : 45 sec (Jog to Sprint)

November 7th

Level 1 1 min: 45 sec (Walk to Power Walk)

Level 2 1 min : 45 sec (Walk to Jog)

Level 3 1 min : 1 min (Jog to Sprint/Quick Run)

We are inundated with print and TV ads for dietary supplements to boost our metabolism or to suppress appetite. From exotic herbs to hoodia and gender-specific weight loss pills, Americans are dropping loads of coin on supplements. And, getting nothing in return but more weight on the scale and empty pocket books.

WHY DON’T THEY WORK?

Most people suffering from depression due to poor body image, increasing amounts of body fat, and dissatisfaction with body composition need to learn to stoke metabolism. Remember that you are not a victim of your metabolism, you are the CREATOR of it!

Avoiding food is not the answer! Whether it’s the result of will power or the outcome of the use of some pill you will ultimately lose muscle, alter thyroid activity, and reset your metabolism (slowing it down!)

Suppressing appetite and losing water are the short term strategies for dropping pounds, but the long term ramifications make those short term reliances on the scale detrimental both metabolically and emotionally.

You CANNOT attain healthful fat loss by taking a pill. Think about it, if their were a magic bottle, we wouldn’t have an obsesity issue today.

Have you noticed? Men tend to focus their fitness programs on strength training. And for women it’s just the opposite. Ladies tend to lean towards the treadmill. The truth is that men and women need both for optimum health.

Why is strength training important?

The most important reasons are to prevent injuries, improve muscle balance, and correct alignment. It also increases metabolic rate. This means you burn more calories at work and rest.

Why is Cardio important?

Regular cardiovascular exercise improves our heart muscle function, decreases cholesterol, and burns fat and calories. We need it for long term health.

For optimal health and weight management, schedule in about 3-5 heart pumping sessions of walking, jogging, etc, and 2-3 sessions of weighted exercises.

Your current level of activity will determine the length of time for cardio. For most people you can do 30 minutes or more. If you’re sedentary, try a 10 minute session and build up in 5 minute increments every week.

The weight training session should include 8-15 reps of 1-3 sets covering all your major muscle groups. Should take between 10 and 30 minutes.

Stretching tricks to manage pain
and eventually rid yourself of achy back

Whether you’re a soon-to-be mom who works inside or outside the home, chances are you’re physically uncomfortable with your new pregnant state.

Are you anxious, nervous, and in unchartered waters?

So…let’s begin prenatal yoga:

Yoga offers the privilege to achieve optimum health and enjoyment during pregnancy. It’s fun learning to move correctly to accommodate your growing belly!

Prenatal yoga demands you listen to your changing body. Specific poses are appropriate for each trimester, as noted near the name of each pose.

When practicing the poses below safety is most important. If something doesn’t feel right, it’s probably not working for you. Move onto something that does. You’re always safe with…

Relaxation and breathing techniques
are essential during
pregnancy.

Of course, check with your doc before you begin any exercise program. And, don’t forget to nourish yourself and your baby with healthy food choices.

The human body works as one unit to allay aches and pains in specific areas so… memorize the following sequence of movements and breaths to implement into your daily walk with pregnancy and say hello to…

confidence during labor & excellent recovery…

…good-bye to painful, achy pregnancy. You can also check out custom exercise and yoga videos! They’re specialized for soon-to-be moms by trimester, and they have post-natal boot camp!

The PrePostnatal yoga poses…

	1. Mountain (Good for all stages of pregnancy) The simple act of standing straight, balanced and still, perfectly aligned, is one of the most difficult. Requires concentration, but after while is relaxing. Technique: Stand with knees over ankles, hips over knees, and shoulders over hips. Shoulders pull back towards back pockets. Chin surface with the floor. Gaze at one thing and breathe. Benefits: Helps to reduce stress and remain centered and grounded. Teaches muscles to cope with uneven weight distribution in the major muscles and joints. Tones the muscles of the legs, abdomen. Improves blood circulation to all internal organs. Makes you feel strong, tall and calm.
	2. Cat & Cow w/ Chair(Good for all stages of pregnancy) Technique: Stand with soft knees and place hands on something immobile in front of you (stretch can also be done on all fours if desired). Inhale, lead with the tailbone tilting it up to the ceiling as you hyperextend the spine and bring chin up away from the floor. Look to the sky. In Cat stretch, exhale and push pelvis gently forward bringing chin to chest. Do 5 cycles. Benefits: Tones, stretches and relaxes the back and shoulder muscles. Massages the internal organs, glands and abdominal muscles. Opens and relaxes the chest and lungs.
	3. Blissful Baby Pose (Good for all stages of pregnancy)Technique: Lie flat on back and bring the right knee up towards the chest. Grab hold of the sole of the right foot from the inside with the right hand. Bottom of the foot should look as if pressed flat against the ceiling. Thigh should be resting on the right side of the torso. Keep the left leg on the floor with heel extended. Hold for a minute, then lower the right leg backto the floor. Repeat on the left side. Then bring both knees in towards the chest, and take hold of both feet. Hold the position for a minute. Keep the back of the neck long throughout the pose. Benefits: Releases tension in the thighs, pelvis and groin; improves circulation and mobility in the hips and pelvis. Your back can relax deeply while the hips and pelvis open, maintaining length in the spine. The feet and legs benefit from being above the heart and head.
	4. Modified Inversion 1 & 2 (Practice during 2nd/3rd trimester and postnatal) Ensure the hips are not too close to the wall to avoid pressure on the blood vessels in the groin. Technique: Sit with the knees bent on a mat or blanket sideways on to the wall. Place the hands flat on the floor behind the bottom, then swing the legs up gently to the wall as the back lowers to the floor. Place the heels against the wall with the legs apart, allowing them to gently drop towards the floor. You can support the thighs by the hands depending on personal comfort. Hold the posture for as long as you’d like, relaxing and focusing on the breath. Benefits: Helps reduce pressure on varicose veins and hemorrhoids, and prevents them from worsening. Rests the legs and feet; eases and helps prevent swelling in the lower legs, ankles and feet by reducing fluid retention. Improves heart and lung function, beneficial for both mom and baby.
	5. Standing Twist (Third trimester movement) Technique: Stand facing a chair. Place one foot on the chair and stretch the spine up tall. Place right hand at tailbone and begin twisting to the right as other hand presses against outside of the right knee. Look over the right shoulder and breathe. Hold for a few breaths and come back to mountain pose. Repeat stretch on the other side. Benefits Strengthens and revitalizes the spinal muscles and increases their flexibility. Massages the abdominal organs. Tones the ankle and knee joints.
	6. PFM Exercises (pelvic floor muscle)(Good for all stages of pregnancy) Helps maintain healthy pelvic, anal, and vaginal muscles before, during, and after delivery.Technique: Lie comfortably and place feet on floor, arms to the side. Exhale, contracting through the pelvic floor (a.k.a. the muscles you use to stop urinating mid-flow), thighs and buttocks as you tilt the pelvis upward and sink the small of the back into the floor. Hold for the exhale then inhale and release back down. Benefits: Relaxes the lower back and relieves back-ache.Strengthens all the muscles of the pelvic floor. All women, pregnant or not, will benefit from practicing these contractions daily.
	7. Child’s Pose (w/prop) (Good for all stages of pregnancy.)Technique: Sit on knees and separate them as far apart as is necessary for your baby belly. Place hands down and lower forehead to a cushion in below. Bring arms towards feet, palms up and indulge into the stretch as long as is uncomforable. Benefits: Creates space in the entire back improving nourishment of the discs. Can relieve backache. Regulates pituitary function. Provides a gentle stretch to the hips, thighs and ankles. Increases blood flow to the brain relieving stress.
	8. Victorious Breath Technique: Lie or sit comfortably, close the eyes. Inhale, through the nose and exhale through the mouth with an “aahhh” sound (like when you clean a pair of glasses.) Use your diaphragm to exhale and open your throat. Start with 10 cycles and increase with practice.Benefits: Energizes the body and calms the mind. Slows the heart rate, helping to relieve high blood pressure. Can relieve insomnia.

Can poor sleep affect your weight?

People may not know this, but studies show people who sleep too little are more likely to raid the refrigerator.

When someone is running on restricted sleep, and they’re keeping their calories constant throughout the day, and keeping the same level of activity as they normally would if they slept deeply, their body, communicated by the fat cells, will think it needs to have more food. Not only will they want to eat more, but they’ll crave the wrong foods.

Sleep restriction is also associated with metabolic changes that can lead to obesity.

Our body will interpret lack of sleep as a state of stress, an unhealthy one, causing imbalance in hormone levels, because the cortisol is running high. Not to mention the adverse effects on glucose levels which can lead to diabetes and obesity.

When you sleep well, at least 7 hours, you’re renewed, you feel better, and you’ll feel more likely to head outside or off to the gym to exercise. It’s a sign of a balanced lifestyle.

Created by Joseph Pilates who believed that our modern life-style, bad posture, and inefficient breathing were the roots of poor health. He believed that our physical and mental health are intertwined. He designed his exercise program around principles that support this philosophy, including concentration, precision, control, breathing, and flowing movements.

Pilates Exercise Week 1:
Single Leg Circle
Corkscrew

Vitamin Supplementation: FishOil

1. It has Omega-3 which is an essential fatty acid.
2. Fights against and prevents heart disease, diabetes, and builds resistance against common sicknesses like cold and flu.
3. Can also be found in flaxseed, walnuts, and others, but the fishoil is the only one that carries 2 forms of the essential fatty acid.

Pilates Exercise Week 2:
Roll like a ball
Pilates roll-up

Mineral Supplementation: Potassium

WHY DO WE NEED POTASSIUM?
· Assists in muscle contraction (If you’re cramping a lot, you could be lacking it)· Maintains fluid and electrolyte balance in body cells. · Potassium is also important in releasing energy from protein, fat, and carbohydrates during metabolism.

HOW TO PREPARE FOODS TO RETAIN POTASSIUM
Potassium is lost in cooking some foods. To retain potassium, cook foods in a minimal amount of water, and cook for the shortest possible time.· Some fruits that contain it are: apricots, pomegranate, grapefruit, prunes, banana· Veggies: Cauliflower, artichokes, sweet potato, tomatoes· Meats: Turkey, chicken, and other meats

Pilates Exercise Week 3
Double leg stretch
The Push-up

Vitamin Supplmentation: CQ10 (coenzyme 10)

An antioxidant, naturally found in the body. It’s found and needed in every cell in the body. There are especially high concentrations in the heart which is why it’s attributed to heart health.

As its name implies, it works in conjunction with other nutrients in the body, like the B Vitamins, and then produces necessary chemical reactions in the body to produce energy.

CQ10 is considered an antioxidant because it inhibits free radical damage, so it may have qualities of fighting off potentially cancerous cells.

Pilates Exercise Week 4
Spine Lengthener
Leg kick (in plank)

“Let food be thy medicine and let thy medicine be thy food.”

Hippocrates, said it best.

Eating naturally nutritious foods is the most important aspect of your diet. Even the best vitamins and supplements available will not propel you to optimal health if you eat unhealthy food. If your diet consists of mainly pre-packaged and/or fast foods, and you take a Centrum or One-a Day, you probably think you feel fine. Your body knows otherwise.

When it comes down to it, even the most healthful eater might want to consider vitamin supplements due to the lack of nutrients in our soil.

Multivitamins provide the body with a combination of most of the vitamins and minerals needed in a single source.

Which Vitamin do I choose?

A lot of vitamins claim to be the best, but the truth is there are a lot of good products out there. Experiment until you find a high quality product that works for you.

	My husband, Adam, with my parents in Yosemite last year.
	Torty’s biggest supporters, mom and dad, Rod and Valerie Long
	Our booth promoting Zen Parties at the Bridal and Event Fair.
	Big sister Cameron, husband Reynald, and son Jericho (he’s 3!).
	Redding’s first LEKI Nordic Walking class at the YMCA June 2006.
	Our dogs, Pataca and Piini.

]]> http://www.tortys.com/2009/02/769/feed/ http://www.tortys.com/2009/02/mind-body-therapy-philosophies/ http://www.tortys.com/2009/02/mind-body-therapy-philosophies/#comments Wed, 11 Feb 2009 07:47:35 +0000 shirlyn http://www.tortys.com/?p=743 Mind & Body Therapy Philosophies

Whatever your ailment, this page will point you to a mode of natural healing, apart from hospitals. The following treatments, along with

proper nutrition and functional movement, will restore you to youthful health.

Here you’ll find descriptions of the following alternative therapies for healing. Keep an eye out for new methods developing in our midst.

1. Alexander technique
2. Trager method
3. Bowen method
4. Rolfing®
5. Rosen method

6. Cranio-Sacral therapy
7. Feldenkrais method®
8. Reiki
9. Heller method
10. Shiatsu
11. Home Herbal Remedies

1. Alexander Technique

Some of the basic concepts in Alexander technique include:

1) There are only two ways your head can move in relation to the rest of your body: down and not down.

2) Your head moves first.

3) The poise of your head on the top of your spine determines your balance and coordination.

4) We are all born with the ability to move easily, naturally and gracefully.

5) What we’re used to feels right because we’re used to it.

6) To change the way you move you must change the way you think.

7) Learning a new way of thinking takes practice.
Alexander demonstrated that “Use affects Functioning”, if you misuse yourself in the activities of your life, your functioning will deteriorate. With each Alexander lesson a person learns how to recognize and unlearn habits of tension interfering with good posture and effortless movement.

Alexander used mirrors to be sure that he was doing what he thought he was. Practitioners recommend you try the technique by observing yourself in a mirror. The website listed below offers this self-taught lesson:

[Look in the mirror] “Pay special attention to the relationship of your whole head to the rest of your body. Notice how this relationship changes as you perform simple activities like talking, walking or raising an arm or leg. How does what you see in the mirror correspond to what you think you’re doing, and what do you feel you’re doing?…

Stiffen your neck a little as you gently push your head down towards the rest of your body. What effect does this have on your ability to breathe, speak and perform simple activities? What happens when you just leave yourself alone? Is there a relationship between your head and your body that you tend automatically to go back to? …

Can you sense how your body reacts to stressful situations? How about pleasant experiences? Does the presence of some people act as a stimulus to tighten your neck? Do others seem to encourage freedom and expansion in your body? Notice the effects of sound on your physical body. Experiment [by] noting the effects of actively listening to the highest pitched sounds available to you. These could be high musical notes, the chirping of birds, even the sound of wind blowing through the branches of a tree. Then, shift your conscious attention to the lowest-pitched sounds you can hear - drum beats, the sounds of heavy machinery, for example. What effect does this shift have on the way you’re using your body?

Keep in mind that Alexander’s purpose in performing his investigations was to improve the quality of his performance. So begin to observe other people–and animals and small children–with a view toward becoming a good judge of quality of movement. Keep a look out for particularly good examples of ease, balance and co-ordination. Look also for particularly bad examples. Can you make any generalizations about quality of movement and the nature of the head/body relationship?”

You would go to an Alexander practitioner to change the habits of a lifetime, so the nature off the lesson will go to the essence of your outlook and approach to life.

References & Further reading:
http://www.alexandertechnique.com
The Use of the Self by F.M Alexander

2. Trager Method

Milgon Trager M.D. used light rhythmic, rocking and shaking movements to loosen joints and muscles, ease movements, and release ingrained patterns of physical and mental tension.

There are two aspects; one in which you as the client are passive and the other in which you are active. The passive aspect is usually referred to as the tablework, and the active aspect is called Mentastics.

The Trager method purportedly helps release deep-seated physical and mental patterns and facilitates deep relaxation, increased physical mobility, and mental clarity; patterns that may have developed in response to accidents, illnesses, or physical/emotional trauma, including the stress of everyday life.

The passive movement is reinforced by Mentastics, which is simple, active movements which you, the client, can do on your own, during your daily activities. They have the same intent as the table work: releasing deep-seated patterns.

Trager method allows people the ability to recall the feeling of deep relaxation, and how it feels to move freely and easily.

References & Further Reading:
http://www.trager.com
Movement As a Way to Agelessness: A Guide to Trager Mentastics by Milton Trager
Moving Medicine: The Life and Work of Milton Trager, M.D. by Milton Trager, Cathy Hammond Ph.D

3. Bowen Method

The Bowen Method is based on the work of Thomas Ambrose Bowen, an Australian Osteopath. He understood that the muscles move the bones, not the opposite. There are several versions of the technique being taught by the people who learned from Bowen himself. This is probably due to the particular time each student was with Bowen during the evolution of his work.

The first thing accomplished during a Bowen Method session is to restore balance to the body. The pelvis is the focus of this task. Bowen realized that when the structure of the body became misaligned, it was the muscles of the body pulling the structure out of alignment.

Bowen Method differs from massage in that most massage techniques are applied to the muscle with the strokes going with the fibers of the muscle. Also, groups of muscle are rubbed at once. The Bowen Method is applied to specific points in the muscle where tension tends to accumulate. These moves are applied across the fiber of the muscle rather than with the fiber. This allows the fascia of the muscle to be released, restoring blood flow and allowing the muscle to return to its normal state of tension.

Bowen method differs from chiropractic work in philosophy. Chiropractic basically believes that most of the body’s problems stem from the spine being out of alignment. With the Bowen Method, the reason the spine becomes out of alignment is due to tight muscles pulling on their spinal attachments, causing the misalignment. The two can work in tandem.

References & Further Reading:
http://www.bowenmethodcenter.com/faq_training.php
http://www.irisdiagnosis.net

4. Rolfing®

Rolfing® was developed over a 50 year period of study by the late Dr. Ida P. Rolf. One of Rolfing’s primary goals is to balance the human structure in relation to the force of gravity.

Rolfing® frees unhealthy binding of tissues, allowing the muscles and bones to return to balanced relationships. When the fascial system is organized through the process, the body’s major segments are freed to align themselves properly. Following Rolfing, people have reported an elimination of or reduction of chronic pain, greater range of motion, improved coordination, and a feeling of rejuvenation.

In Rolfing®, the whole human being is addressed toward balance to release tension throughout the structure. When lasting results are desired, a Rolfer will suggest a 10 session series (It’s beneficial with even one session!)

During a treatment an evaluation of vertical posture, weight bearing, body typology and gait analysis will be done. Then palpation of the different tissues and joints will aid the Rolfer in finding specific restrictions interfering with your body’s mechanics.

References & Further Reading:
http://www.crystalinks.com/rolfing.html
http://www.rolfingla.com

5. Rosen Method

Rosen Method Bodywork is distinguished by its gentle, direct touch. “Using hands that listen rather than manipulate,” is how most pracitioners explain the process.

The theory behind Rosen Method involves the relation between bodily tension and how we experience ourselves psychologically.

Rosen Method Movement is set to music. Easy, unhurried movements are designed to improve alignment and flexibility. They also increase range of motion, ease of breathing, and deepen awareness of the body. These movements are done individually as well as in a circle or with partners.

Marion Rosen developed this form of exercise to prevent physical difficulties before they arise and to help her clients feel better and age gracefully.

References & Further Reading:
http://www.rosensouthwest.com
http://www.rosenmethod.com

6. Cranio-Sacral Therapy

Cranio-Sacral therapy is a gentle, hands-on method of evaluating and enhancing the functioning of a physiological body system called the craniosacral system—made up of the membranes and cerebrospinal fluid that surround and protect the brain and spinal cord.

Cranial-Sacral Therapy, developed by Osteopath John Upledger in the 1970’s, focuses initially on the membranes encasing the brain and spinal cord. Experienced practitioners can sense the cranial rhythmic impulse by touch. The goal of treatment is to ensure an even, rhythmic flow of the cranial rhythmic impulse. It affects the connective tissue linking all the organs, bones, and muscles of the body.

Practitioners use a soft touch to release restrictions in the craniosacral system to improve the functioning of the central nervous system.

By complementing the body’s natural healing processes, it is increasingly used as a preventive health measure for its ability to bolster resistance to disease, and is effective for a wide range of medical problems associated with pain and dysfunction, including:

· Migraine Headaches
· Chronic Neck and Back Pain
· Motor-Coordination Impairments
· Colic
· Autism
· Central Nervous System Disorders
· Orthopedic Problems
· Traumatic Brain and Spinal Cord Injuries
· Scoliosis
· Infantile Disorders
· Learning Disabilities
· Chronic Fatigue
· Emotional Difficulties
· Stress and Tension-Related Problems
· Fibromyalgia and other Connective-Tissue Disorders
· Temporomandibular Joint Syndrome (TMJ)
· Neurovascular or Immune Disorders
· Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder
· Post-Surgical Dysfunction

Excerpt taken from www.craniosacral.com

References & Further Reading:
http://www.craniosacral.comCraniosacral Therapy: Touchstone for Natural HealingBy John E Upledger
Working Wonders: Changing Lives with CranioSacral TherapyBy Upledger Institute

7. The Feldenkrais® Method

The Feldenkrais Method® was developed by physicist and martial artist, Dr. Moshe Feldenkrais. Feldenkrais is a unique approach for changing the way people organize their potential for movement and skill, for consciousness and thought, and for making an effective relationship with the world in which we live.

The focus is on the process of learning and awareness.

Feldenkrais® helps us to explore deeply conditioned ways of being embodied. It teaches new, more effective ways to address neuromuscular limitations that contribute to pain and dysfunction.

There are two modes of learning. One where the practitioner’s touch and verbal cues offer you greater self-awareness of movement patterns. The other is “Awareness Through Movement®” lessons, which consist of 12 lessons of whole body exercises, not necessarily done in sequence. They consist of slow, easy movements. Through them you’ll learn how to “reduce force and increase sensitivity.” A fragmented example would be taking your eyes right while your head turns left.

Feldenkrais himself urges in “Awareness Through Movement®,”

Do one [lesson] every night before going to sleep and in a few weeks you’ll find considerable improvement in all function to life.(Pg. 55)

References & Further Reading:
http://www.feldenkrais.com
Awareness Through Movement By Moshe Feldenkrais Ph.D
Mindful Spontaneity By Ruthy Alon
Thanks to contributing practioners: Linda Johnson and Bob McGrath of Movement Matters in Redding, CA

8. Reiki

Reiki is a Japanese holistic, light-touch, energy-based modality. Reiki helps to establish a normal energy flow of ki (life force energy) throughout the system. This is thought to enhance and accelerate the body’s innate healing ability.

Through a series of hand positions either directly on, hovering over the body or by distance healing, the Reiki practitioner allows for the flow of energy through their body. The client’s body then draws off the amount of energy that is required. Some clients report feeling various sensations: heat, cold, pressure, etc.

Reiki sessions are simple in nature, but after experiencing it, many clients keep coming back for more relaxing feelings.

References & Further Reading:
www.Reiki.big.com

9. Heller Method

Founded in 1979 by Joseph Heller, a former aerospace engineer, Hellerwork is a form of Structural Integration and is derived from Rolfing™.

Hellerwork combines and refines themes that developed from the Human Potential Movement. Hellerwork does not fall into any category of established health care, health and physical fitness programs, or mental health therapies.

Hellerwork augments the benefits of these other modalities, however, in that it releases chronic tension and stress in the body and assists clients in becoming aware of emotional stress that may be related to physical tension.

Joseph Heller lives and works in Mt. Shasta, CA. Practitioners may be available in your area.

References & Further Reading:
Bodywise by Joseph Heller
http://www.hellerwork-trainings.com

10. Shiatsu

Shiatsu holds its roots in Japan. Shiatsu combines Japanese Anma massage, Ampuku abdominal massage, and Do-In therapeutic exercise techniques with insights from Western anatomy and physical therapy.

Like other forms of Asian bodywork, Shiatsu is based on the principles of Chinese medicine and is designed to restore the flow of energy in the body. It’s known especially for its use of rhythmic pressure along energy channels. Practitioners lean their own body weight into the recipient’s body to improve energy flow and the circulation of blood and lymph.

There are three main styles or theoretical schools, each identified with an individual who provided the original distinctive focus: Namikoshi (Nippon style), Masunaga (Zen Shiatsu), and Serizawa (Acupressure Shiatsu). Some Practitioners do a blend of all three.

Check your local area phone book for practitioners. If you’re in Redding, CA click In-home massage to see if this therapy is right for you.

References & Further Reading:
http://www.balanceflow.com
Shiatsu Theory and Practice By Carola Beresford-Cooke

11. Home Herbal Remedies

Specific herbs can be used to treat many common ailments safely and effectively. Anyone can learn to draw from the land in order to heal. Herbal remedies have been used since the beginning of time. They are still prevalent all over the world and are a cost-effective choice for many who suffer from common sicknesses.