Alternative Natural Therapies Guide
A
Acupressure is using deep finger pressure at certain points, reducing tension, increasing circulation and offers relief for many complaints.
Acupuncture is a system of healing originating in China, Treating health problems by the insertion of fine needles into the body at specific points.
Alexander Technique is taught by observing one's own mannerisms while in motion, by training the body's own sense of location and effort, called the kinaesthetic sense.
Allergy Testing Treatments are performed in order to diagnose specific allergies, in order that a suitable treatment may be decided. There are many different types of Allergy Tests available, some of which are performed only by medical Doctors. Other practitioners using Allergy testing in their diagnoses, include Naturopaths, Homeopaths, Kinesiologists, Herbalists and Nutritionists.
Animal Therapy combines many modalities to offer a form of healing for animals using only natural, non-invasive, drug-free methods, with an emphasis upon prevention. Naturopathy, Herbal Medicine, Homeopathy, Flower Essences, Mineral Therapy, Massage, Aromatherapy, Detox Therapy, Nutrition, Kinesiology, Iridology and others may be used.
Aroma Therapy Oils in aromatherapy are extracted from plants and herbs to treat conditions ranging from infections and skin disorders to immune deficiencies and stress.
Ayurveda itself is a holistic healing science that can be applied to every activity in life and for some, becomes a complete way of life.
B
Beauty Therapy (holistic) Holistic Beauty Therapy is becoming popular in addition to traditional salon treatments. Many salons now offer a range of body massage treatments sometimes with the use of aromatherapy essential oils, also offering reflexology, body wrap, henna body art.
Body Harmony is a an open system of treatment, it represents a philosophy that takes into account all aspects of the client: physical, mental, emotional and spiritual.
Bowen Therapy Technique is a cross fibre muscle release technique that balances and stimulates energy flows, resulting in a deep sense of overall relaxation.
Brain Gym develops the brain's neural pathways the way nature does: through movement.
Breathwork uses the breath clear unresolved issues, limiting beliefs and past events in our lives that are standing in the way of us reaching our potential, allowing our dreams to be fulfilled and feeling alive, happy and inspired.
Buteyko Breathing Technique is a method of breathing retraining, designed to restore normal breathing rate and depth.
C
Chiropractic examine the spine (after taking a case history) to ascertain any injuries, accidents or tension that may be causing irritation to the spinal nerve roots.
Colonic Irrigation Practitioners believe that toxins built up in the bowel may be responsible for many health problems and the goal is, therefore, to flush them from the colon.
Core Energetics builds upon disciplines such as psychology, psychoanalysis, characterology, psychodynamics, Reichian therapy and bio-energetics. Core energetics works on the body, mind, energy and soul system to access and clear unconscious childhood traumas.
Counselling and Psychotherapists use a professional but interpersonal relationship with their clients, to enable them to develop an understanding about themselves and to make changes in their lives.
Cranio-Sacral Therapy is a hands-on energy healing technique, whereby therapists gently mobilise and release the craniosacral system, which includes the soft tissue of the head (cranium), the spine down to its tail end (the sacral area) and the pelvis.
Crystal Therapy uses semiprecious and precious stones to enhance mental, spiritual and physical healing. It is based on the belief that certain crystals and gems possess a powerful energy that can positively affect imbalances in human energy fields and thus promote health and well-being.
D
Days Spas offer facials ,massage, body wraps, salt "glows" or scrubs and exfoliation, waxing or other hair removal such as pulsed light hair removal, far infrared saunas, photo rejuvenation.
E
Ear Candling involves using a specially made hollow candle which is held gently on the edge of the ear to create a vacuum in the ear, drawing out old wax, residues of past infection and fungus.
EFT(Emotional Freedom Therapy) centres on the theory that the cause of all negative emotions is a disruption in the body's energy system. Practitioners use their fingertips to stimulate certain meridian energy points, on the face, hands and upper torso, while the patient is "tuned in" to the problem Emotional Healing restores harmony, energy and balance within the human energy system through touch.
Exercise Physiology helps the body to work in the way that it was designed to. Training the core muscles to work correctly and also developing exercise programs in order to help you reach your physical goals, whether they are fitness, weight loss, health or rehabilitation.
F
Feldenkrais Method is recognised for its demonstrated ability to improve posture, flexibility, coordination, self-image and to alleviate muscular tension and pain. The effectiveness is in its ability to access the nervous system's own innate processes to change and refine functioning.
Feng Shui is an ancient Chinese art of manipulating and arranging the surrounding environment in order to attract positive life energy, or "Chi".
Flower Essences have been an ancient tradition being used throughout the world by the Australian Aboriginals, the Egyptians, in India, Asia, South America and Europe. Negative emotions and thoughts, and even diseases are treated by choosing a remedy to match the temperament of the patient and their current state of mind
G
H
Hellerwork There are three basic principles to Hellerwork - deep tissue bodywork, movement education and dialogue.
Herbal Medicine supports holistic treatment, with prevention of disease being as important as the treatment of a particular illness. Another benefit of choosing herbal medicines is that a profound transformation in health can be achieved, without the danger of the inherent side effects common in drug-based medication.
Holistic Doctors obtain details from the patient of not only their symptoms, but as much as possible about their background. This will include their lifestyle, diet, mental outlook, and ambitions as well as their medical history.
Homeopathy is a low-cost, non-toxic system of medicine. The system of homeopathic healing assists the natural tendency of the body to heal itself
Hypnotherapy is a powerful form of Psychotherapy combing cognitive therapeutic counselling techniques with subconscious healing techniques.
I
Iridology is the study of the iris, or coloured part of the eye. The iris reveals changing conditions of every part of the organ of the body.
J
K
Kinesiology combines muscle testing and monitoring, with the principles of Traditional Chinese Medicine to assess energy and body function, applying a range of gentle yet powerful healing techniques to improve health, wellbeing and vitality.
Kinesiology (Applied) can determine health imbalances in the body's organs and glands by identifying weaknesses in specific muscles.
Kinesiology (Educational) It uses Manual Muscle Testing and assesses the
client's learning ability and coordination in relation to neurological
integration.
Kinesiology (SFEF) It is a therapy that balances the physical, emotional,
chemical and electrical systems in the body.
Kinesiology (Transformational) It works with the individual's own innate
wisdom thus allowing the opportunity to live life consciously and
intentionally.
L
Laser Therapy can be used for a variety of things including acupuncture, hair removal, skin disorders and muscular conditions.
Life Coaching A Life Coach works one to one with a client, over an extended period of time. The coach will help the client to set and achieve goals, provide encouragement and feedback and assist them to discover new ways of tackling situations.
Lymphatic Drainage is a gentle whole body treatment thatÊrelaxes the nervous system and aids the body's immune system.
M
Magnetic Field Therapy involves the placing of magnetic devices on or near the body to relieve pain and facilitate healing.
Massage (Chinese) is an ancient tradition, being part of Traditional Chinese Medicine. This effective and comprehensive therapy is also closely related to Herbal Medicine, Acupuncture and Acupressure.
Massage (Connective Tissue) is an intense but non-invasive technique which does not involve the use of oil or lotion, for releasing myofascial restrictions.
Massage (Corporate / Workplace) is performed in various workplaces, throughout most cities and metropolitan areas.
Massage (Deep Tissue) It is designed to reach the deep sections of thick muscles, specifically the individual muscle fibres.
Massage (Hawaiian) It balances the body and the mind, and heals a person physically, emotionally and spiritually.
Massage (Indian Head) massage works on the upper back, shoulders, upper arms, neck, scalp, ears and face.
Massage (Infant) Most Infant Massage Therapists are actually Instructors, who run classes that teach the parent or caregiver how to massage their own child
Massage (Mobile Service) services are provided by some therapists for clients who are either unable to attend a Massage Clinic or find it more convenient to have a treatment at their own home
Massage (Pregnancy) in addition to the nurturing and emotional support provided by the practitioner. Massage reduces peripheral swelling, soothes the nervous system, helps to prevent insomnia, muscle cramps and back pain.
Massage (Remedial) Remedial Massage provides a healing treatment that can be gentle or strong, deep or shallow.
Massage (Sports) is a type of massage that is specifically tailored to sporting injuries or ailments.
Massage (Stone Therapy) utilises both hot and cold stones incorporated with massage techniques in order to bring about a feeling of deep relaxation and wellbeing.
Massage (Swedish / Relaxation) is a system of long strokes, kneading, friction, tapping, percussion, vibration and shaking motions that apply pressure between muscles and bones, rubbing in the same direction as the flow of blood returning to the heart.
Massage (Thai) is an interactive manipulation of the body using passive stretching and gentle pressure with the hands and feet.
Meditation It is suggested that anyone interested should try several styles of Meditation, to ascertain which is most suitable for their beliefs and lifestyle.
Myofascial Release Therapy uses hands-on manipulation of the entire body to promote healing, release and pain relief
Myopractic integrates together the soft tissues and skeleton to achieve deep relaxation and relieve chronic pain. Myotherapy is applied in the preventative, corrective and rehabilitative phases of therapy to restore and maintain the normal integrity of the soft tissue structure (muscles, tendons, ligaments and fascia) of the human body.
N
Natural Fertility Management is a method of managing fertility, in order to avoid or achieve pregnancy.
Naturopathy is a practice of preventing, assessing and treating conditions of the human mind and body. By integrating conventional health sciences with a range of natural therapies and traditional medicines, naturopathy treats the patient's mental, emotional and physical states for a lasting effect
Neuro Linguistic Programming (NLP) is a behaviour technique that teaches people how to change or adopt new behaviours as required and to choose mental and physical states of wellbeing. In effect, it is about knowing what is going on inside oneself and others
Nutritionists work with clients to assess and analyse individual nutritional needs and develop personalised nutrition plans. During this process, they educate, advise, counsel, monitor and provide support.
O
Osteopathy The philosophy of Osteopathy is to treat the whole person, not just the symptoms. It places emphasis on the relationships between the body's structure, framework and function, teaching the appreciation of the body's ability to heal itself.
P
Personal Training is a service providing effective exercises plans catered to the individual's needs.
Physiotherapy assesses a patient's condition and to find the underlying causes of pain, whether it be in the joints, muscles or nerves.
Pilate's is a series of movements that engage body and mind, performed on specifically designed exercise apparatus or on floor mats and supervised by extensively trained teachers.
Podiatry is the diagnosis and treatment of disorders of the foot and lower leg.
Polarity Therapy utilizes 4 main therapeutic techniques: bodywork, diet, yoga exercises and self awareness. It incorporates gentle rocking of the body with occasional rotation and stretching of the legs and the body is recharged by placement of the therapist's hands on the negative and positive points of the body. It is a very relaxing and non invasive therapy
Pranic Healing healing can be used for spiritual, psychological and physical conditions. As it works by treating the patient through their aura, it is a drug free treatment and clothes do not have to be removed. It is very non-invasive.
Psychotherapy use a professional but interpersonal relationship with their clients, to enable them to develop an understanding about themselves and to make changes in their lives.
Q
R
Reconnective Healing is often a life-changing experience, utilizing new frequencies to allow for the healing of the body, mind and spirit.
Reflexology is based on the principle that congestion or tension in any part of the foot mirrors congestion or tension in a corresponding part of the body. These parts, known as reflex points can also be found on the hands and other body parts, however, the most commonly treated area is the feet.
Reiki treatment follows a traditional pattern of hand positions, resting without pressure on or above the body. Reiki is pure energy, and brings about deep relaxation and healing.
Remedial Therapies therapies are an extension of remedial massage which involve the application of a range of physical skills, to assist in bodily aches, pains, discomforts and physical limitations.
Rolfing aims to realign the body by using deep pressure and stroking massage techniques to stretch shortened and tightened myofascia back into shape.
S
Shiatsu is a traditional hands-on Japanese healing therapy that has been formulated over the last 100 years from the traditional Japanese amma massage which is a feel good, therapeutic massage.
Sound Therapy uses specially recorded classical music and nature sounds to retrain the way you process sound and the way you listen. It educates and exercises your ear and brain to focus on those sounds which are useful to you and to filter out those that are not. It can restore the ability to hear frequencies which may have become diminished through ear infections or loud noise exposure.
Spiritual Therapy covers a very wide range of treatment styles and may also be known by such names as Energetic Healing, Vibrational Healing or Clairvoyant Healing. Generally speaking, one of the key definitions of these modalities is that they are therapeutic and healing in some way (emotionally, mentally, physically) without the needed for the client to take any medicines or remedies. The healing is effected purely through the use of Energy, Prana, Chi or Light.
Sports Injury Therapy injury therapy is a type of therapy that treats muscle, joint, ligament or tendon injuries.
T
Tai Chi is an ancient Chinese discipline that integrates mind, body and spirit. Practitioners use meditation and deep breathing as they move through a series of continuous exercises, called 'forms', which resemble slow-moving ballet.
Thought Field Therapy a meridian therapy and works by tapping specific meridian points on the body in a certain sequence. When these points are tapped in the correct order for a patient's specific disorder, the patient notices a rapid and dramatic improvement in the way that they feel. Usually, the patient is no longer troubled by their disorder.
Touch For Health uses muscle monitoring or testing combined with Chinese medicine to diagnose and correct energy imbalances within the body. It may use acupressure, touch or massage.
Traditional Chinese Medicine (TCM) is a complete medical system that has diagnosed, treated and prevented illness for over 23 centuries. While it can remedy ailments and alter states of mind, TCM can also enhance recuperative power, immunity, and the capacity for pleasure, work and creativity.
Trigger Point Therapy consists of physical therapy, manipulation and stretching. A firm digital pressure is applied by the practitioner, who is able to locate the specific points causing pain and restricted movement and these may often be located in places different to where the client actually feels the pain.
U
V
W
Weight Loss is the process of losing body mass, usually by means of reducing body fat content.
Woman's Health is an umbrella term for all the issues that commonly affect women. Some examples of these conditions may include menstrual problems (endometriosis, painful periods), menopause, infertility management, pregnancy care, breastfeeding, and breast problems. Beauty therapies are also included.
X
Y
Yoga is a therapy that aims to unite the mind, soul and body. Most yoga styles are derived from hatha yoga, a type of yoga that focuses on the body and breath and aims to develop control the body through poses (or asanas).