An A-Z, alphabetical listing to the tools and techniques associated with natural healing.
ACUPRESSURE – This ancient healing method can easily be applied without the use of a practitioner. Acupressure uses the same meridian points as acupuncture, but without the needles. By applying pressure to those specific points on the body, one can promote the circulation of blood, and life force energy ( chi ), as well as relieve muscle tension and pain.
Self-treatment is easy, and completely safe, with no side effects. There are many resources available for learning this ancient healing art. It is most effective for reducing pain, re-balancing energy, and eliminating tension. It is a good choice to use along with other healing therapies.
ACUPUNCTURE – An ancient Chinese healing method that focuses on smoothing and restoring the life force energy ( chi ) of the body. It requires the use of a practitioner. After a thorough examination to assess the individual’s energy imbalances, certain points along the meridians (energy pathways) are chosen, and a very slender needle is then inserted at each of those points. Insertion of the needles is, virtually, painless. Needles may stay inserted for up to 20 minutes. A variety of sensations may be felt afterwards, reflecting the energy changes that are taking place within the body.
Acupuncture is an extremely effective healing method. A variety of ailments can be successfully treated using acupuncture, from pain to serious health problems and disease. It often requires several sessions to eliminate the problems entirely, and herbal formulas are often included as part of the treatment.
AROMATHERAPY – This healing “tool” brings results within seconds! It requires no practitioner. Aromatherapy relies on the sense of smell to shift energy patterns. Using fragrant, concentrated (essential ) oils from flowers, fruits, and plants, Aromatherapy can calm the body when under stress, energize the body when tired, lift depression, eliminate headaches, and much more! The uses of essential oils in Aromatherapy are endless as are the various ways of utilizing them..
Learn more by reading books and applying what you learn. It’s easy, economical, and an extremely powerful healing “tool”. Use Aromatherapy along with other Natural Healing Therapies to enhance healing.
AYRUVEDA – An ancient healing method that is over 2,500 years old, with origins in East Indian philosophy and practice. The main goal is to help the body heal itself by bringing it back into balance. It utilizes the concept of “doshas” in each individual – Vata, symbolized by air, Kapha, connected to earth, and Pitta, which is the fire dosha. The idea is to balance these doshas within each individual, and connect them to our environment . . . food, seasons, time of day, etc. It often works with the energy of the Chakras, opening these energy centers to promote balance and healing.
Ayruveda requires the use of a practitioner who will examine the patient and diagnose the energy imbalances The patient is then brought back into balance through the use of herbs, oils, massage and diet. Several sessions of treatment may be required before achieving balance. A wide range of ailments and illness may be addressed by using Ayruveda.
BACH FLOWER ESSENCES – This technique, created by Dr. Edward Bach, is based on the idea that negative emotions are the underlying cause of illness. He discovered that certain plants help to alleviate a wide range of negative emotions. He found a method to capture the “essence” of these plants. The resulting liquid is then ingested, placing “drops” into a beverage, or under the tongue. These “flower essences” can be purchased without a prescription, and are reasonably priced. Using them requires no practitioner. They are non-toxic and cause no side effects. It is important to learn the various essences and the emotions they address to be able to choose the best one to use. One can find a variety of literature and books to read to gain this information.
Bach Flower Essence Therapy is extremely effective in dealing with a wide range of emotions, including depression, shock, trauma, fear, anger and suicidal thoughts. It is currently becoming a known fact that our thinking – based on emotions – does, indeed, affect our health. This healing “tool” would be quite effective used in conjunction with other healing methods.
BIOFEEDBACK – This is a healing “tool” that requires a practitioner. The goal is to help individuals “see” the level of their tension and other body processes that react to stress. To accomplish this, the patient is hooked up to a machine, such as an electromyograph (EMG), which monitors these reactions. Various types of devices may be used to monitor a variety of stress responses. The EMG can also be used to relax muscles, relieve headaches, backache, neck pain, stress-related asthma, and ulcers.
Biofeedback is considered more a learning experience than a “treatment”. It can be used along with other natural healing therapies, and is particularly effective when combined with visualization.
CHINESE MEDICINE – Also called TCM, or Oriental Medicine, this ancient form of healing requires a practitioner, called a Doctor of Oriental Medicine (D.O.M.). Dating back thousands of years, Chinese Medicine addresses the life force energy ( chi ) of the body. Based on the idea of Yin-Yang, the goal of TCM is to bring the energy of the body back into balance. Yin is considered to be cold, wet, slow, soft, etc, while Yang is considered to be hot, active, dry, hard, etc. Illness may originate when one’s nature becomes either too Yin or too Yang. While the Yin/Yang is always in motion – never fixed – the goal is to try and maintain a general balance between the two. To do this, a D.O.M. works on the energy in the Meridians of the body.
Meridians are pathways of life force energy ( chi ) running throughout the body. This energy may become imbalanced, – weak in some areas, too strong in others – causing many health problems over time.
Chinese Medicine may incorporate the use of acupuncture and/or herbal formulas to rebalance this energy. After a thorough examination, which includes tongue and pulse diagnosis, the patient is treated based on his individual and unique energy imbalance. Treatment usually requires a series of visits to monitor the progress being made. Treatments are adjusted to reflect the changes in the energy flow. Eventually, the energy becomes unblocked, and balanced, causing health problem to disappear. In ancient China, a Doctor of Oriental Medicine only got paid if he CURED the patient!
Chinese Medicine is extremely effective in treating all types of illness, from acute problems to more serious ailments of long duration. It’s a slow process, but it has the ability to cure!
CHAKRA BALANCING – The Chakras are circular centers of life force energy primarily located along the spine from the base of the spine to the crown of the head. There are seven primary Chakras, and each one corresponds to a color, certain organs and glands, and emotions. To maintain good health, it is important that the energy of each Chakra is clear and spinning freely in its circular pattern.
When the Chakra energy becomes clogged, or stuck, – usually from emotional issues – it can, over time, begin to affect health and promote negative behavior patterns.
There are various methods which can release emotional blockages, rebalance stuck Chakra energy, and help the Chakras to spin the energy free and clear. You can seek the help of a natural healing practitioner, or learn these methods, yourself, from books or classes. “Energy Medicine” by Donna Eden, plus various other Energy Therapies, can help with this.
Chakra clearing and balancing is a good choice to accompany any other healing therapy, or to do on a regular basis to maintain good health.
CHIROPRACTIC – Chiropractic treatment is based on the idea that disease is caused by vertebrae going out of alignment (subluxation) causing spinal nerve interference. This physical interference can disrupt messages from the nerves to the brain. Organ and gland function can be affected by this nerve disruption. To restore the nerve transmissions, and normal function to the affected parts of the body, an “adjustment” is made to reposition the misaligned vertebrae by using a quick “thrust” or “push”.
There are a variety of techniques used to re-align the vertebrae – most are done by hand, but some use machines and/or activators (a small hand tool ) to push the bone back into place.
It definitely requires the use of a practitioner – Chiropractor, or D.C. – who first does an extensive exam, which may include x-rays to determine which vertebrae are out of alignment, and whether or not it may be causing health problems. The use of heat, exercise and nutritional supplementation may be used in conjunction with the adjustments. At first, several sessions may be necessary to alleviate the major problem. After the problem has been corrected, one is often encouraged to come, regularly, for adjustments to keep the body in alignment and to maintain good health.
Chiropractic treatment is extremely effective for back problems, pain, numbness, tingling, headaches, dizziness, knee problems and more. In many circles, Chiropractic adjustments are considered to be the most effective treatment for back pain. Relief may be felt the same day, or within days if one needs a series of treatments. (adjustments).
NETWORK CHIROPRACTIC – Also called Network Spinal Analysis, founded by Donald Epstein in the early 1980’s. This form of Chiropractic treatment is based on the same premise as regular Chiropractic. However, instead of using a “thrust” or “push” to re-align the spine, it involves gentle techniques – very light touches on energy trigger points – that help align the body by using the breath to rock the spinal column, and move vertebrae. It also helps to teach the brain and spinal cord to better cope with life’s stresses. Easing away the tension allows the breath to flow more easily, helping to sustain good health.
Chiropractic treatment is very effective, alone, or in conjunction with other healing therapies.
COLOR THERAPY – Color Therapy utilizes color to strengthen the energy of the body. Primarily using the colors of the Chakras, – seven energy centers located along the spine – corresponding to the colors of the rainbow, Color Therapy may utilize visualization, gemstones, or light to focus on specific colors that will help strengthen, or balance, the individual’s energy.
Believing in the power of nature, through stones and light, or the power of the mind, in visualization, Color Therapy is best used along with other healing therapies to rebalance the body. Since color affects mood, this therapy is useful for anxiety, stress, depression, or headaches and allergies.
You can seek a Color Therapist, but by learning more on your own you will eventually be able to do this type of therapy on your own.
ENERGY MEDICINE – This particular therapy was created by Donna Eden. It is a combination of many forms of energy healing; some dating back to ancient times. By utilizing the best in all areas of energy healing, Donna has compiled a series of exercises and movements that have a profound effect on the life force energy (chi) of the body, which serves to put the body in a state of heightened energy and good health. Thumping, tapping, arm movements, breathing, are a few of the means by which this healing tool works.
One must learn these techniques before being able to do them – without a practitioner – at home. You can do this by taking a class, seeing an Energy Medicine practitioner, or reading Donna’s book “Energy Medicine”. To find a practitioner near you, go online to the “Energy Medicine Directory”.
Energy Medicine is one of the most powerful healing tools! It is best practiced on a daily basis to keep the body strong and healthy. It also is an excellent choice to use along with other therapies for serious illness or injury.
FOOD THERAPY - Healing with whole foods is a very simple, yet powerful, way to re-balance energy, and promote good health. People often confuse Food Therapy with “good eating habits, nutrition, or dieting”. But, they’re not the same thing.
Healing with food is based on the idea that – as with everything in nature – food has energy, and food also has a thermal nature ( hot, cold, neutral ). By becoming aware of your own energy level, and thermal nature when addressing your health problems, you can choose to eat, or eliminate certain foods to keep your body in balance, helping to rid yourself of the imbalances that promote illness and disease. For example, are you always tired, cold, have poor digestion, pale tongue, and prefer hot drinks over cold? Then you tend to have a “cold” thermal nature ( Yin), and would benefit from avoiding cold, raw, food, and eating foods with, say, ginger or cinnamon, which are warming to the system. Or, maybe you’re always hot, needing iced drinks, robust and active with a bright red tongue? These reflect a “warm, or hot” thermal nature ( Yang ), and would benefit from eating raw, cooling foods like salads, citrus, and green tea. Besides taking into account the thermal nature, and energy of food, many foods such as garlic, honey, vinegar and radishes – to name a few – have inherent healing properties making them a good choice to eat for specific health problems.
While many Chinese Medicine and Ayruveda practitioners use foods to heal, this is something you can learn to do on your own. There are many books on healing with foods. Becoming mindful of the foods you choose to eat is a wonderful way to maintain good health, as well as compliment other healing therapies.
HERBAL HEALING – A very ancient form of healing, found in both Eastern and Western therapies. Herbs are unique because they have “active constituents” which give them the ability to heal. Every herb contains several healing constituents, making it a valuable tool to address a wide range of health problems. Many herbs have antibiotic and anti-viral properties, are expectorants, aid digestion, address women’s health issues, blood pressure, sore throats, insomnia, headaches, plus much, much more!
The herbs can be taken in many different ways. The most effective way is in “extract” form, which is a liquid taken by the drop in water or other drink. Herbal extracts go directly into the bloodstream, quickly, to speed the healing process. Herbal teas are another quick and easy way to ingest herbs. This method has been used for centuries and is quite effective. While the use of only one herb for healing is good, using a blend of several herbs in an “herbal formula” is better. Herbal poultices are often placed, externally, on wounds or infections, to promote healing. Fresh or dried herbs used in cooking are a good way to maintain good health.
Chinese herbs are extremely powerful and are found in Chinese Medicine formulas which date back thousands of years. BEWARE of attempting to use Chinese herbs on your own because of their strong ability to re-direct the energy of the body, quickly!
Seeking the help of an Herbalist is best if the condition you’re treating is chronic, or severe. Otherwise, by taking classes, or reading about Herbal Healing, you can grow many of your own herbs, and learn to make teas and extracts, yourself!
Herbal healing is especially effective in treating acute health problems, such as colds, flu, headaches, stomach problems, etc. However it is also effective for chronic problems, especially when used along with other healing therapies.
HOMEOPATHY – The basic principle of homeopathy is “like cures like”. After a thorough diagnostic session, which takes into account many factors, a specific remedy is given in tiny amounts that would normally create the symptoms you’re trying to cure, believing that doing this stimulates the body’s natural ability to combat the disease.
These remedies are made up of animals, plants, minerals, and chemicals. There are over 3,000 known remedies and many are available in health food stores.
Homeopathy requires a practitioner to be most effective. It has the potential to address chronic diseases, emotional problems, acute illness and headaches.
HYDROTHERAPY ( water therapy ) - Water, in all forms and temperatures, has many therapeutic uses, whether used internally, or externally. Using water to cure illness dates back to the earliest of Civilization – particularly the Greeks and Romans. Baths, ice packs, saunas, mineral springs, compresses, hot tubs, alternate hot and cold applications are all some of the ways water is used for healing. Water therapies have the ability to restore blocked energy flow, helping the body to heal itself. Learn more about it, and practice it yourself, to enhance other healing therapies, or maintain good health.
MEDITATION – An ancient practice used to calm, center and focus the body and mind. It can be done alone or in groups, with or without a teacher. It requires no specific religious belief, nor is Spiritual Awareness an automatic benefit of Meditation. Today, most people meditate to rid the body of stress, and the toxic effects of stress, such as high blood pressure. Numerous studies show that Meditation has many healthful benefits – besides lowering blood pressure – and is often recommended, even by Western doctors.
Meditation sessions can last from 10 minutes to an hour or more, and are effective regardless of the length of time you choose. Four main factors are usually necessary to successfully meditate …a quiet environment, a comfortable, upright sitting position, a center of focus, such as an object, a sound, a phrase, or the breath, and a relaxed attitude, allowing thoughts to come and go as they please. Meditating daily produces the best results.
Meditation is an extremely effective healing tool, since it counteracts stress, which is a leading cause of illness. It produces a clear, focused mind which helps people in all areas of life, especially in coping with stressful situations. Meditation should be something you do daily to promote good health and well-being. It is an excellent choice to use with other healing therapies.
MIND-BODY THERAPY – “As you think, so shall you be” is the theory behind using Mind-Body therapy. More and more studies show a link between toxic, negative thinking and emotions, and illness or disease. Your thoughts – running through your head all day – make up your “world”. Thoughts that are filled with anger, resentment, fear, worry, etc, directly impact many aspects of the body, especially the immune system. Thoughts have energy, and this energy interacts with the energy of our body either raising it up, or dragging it down and causing imbalances. By thinking thoughts of love, gratitude, and faith, we can turn off the destructive, toxic cycle of negativity and, instead, begin to positively affect our body and enhance our immunity, and overall energy.
Learning to recognize toxic thoughts and replacing them with positive thoughts may require the help of a practitioner, or therapist. However, you can begin this reversal process, yourself, and is something that should be done daily, as well as along with other healing therapies, especially in times of illness or disease.
NUTRITIONAL THERAPY – “You are what you eat” is the idea behind nutritional healing. More than ever, people are abusing their health with improper eating habits, and choices, producing illness and disease. Many studies are proving, more and more, that what we choose to eat can, and does, ultimately affect our health. While many foods are destructive, to our bodies, many others promote health and healing. Choosing what we eat is something we can do, ourselves, daily. Volumes have been written on what choices we should be making to maintain and promote good health.
If you feel you need assistance in this area, any Natural Healer, or Nutritionist, can help you. A healthy diet is essential for making any Natural Therapy you choose more effective.
QI GONG - Seldom considered a healing therapy, it, nevertheless, can play an important role in nourishing the life force energy ( chi ) of the body, stimulating the heart, internal organs, circulation, and metabolism. It also has a positive effect on muscles and joints, and balances the mind.
By utilizing breath, meditation and movement, this ancient practice has been shown to lower blood pressure, slow the aging process and keep the body and mind working at peak efficiency. Qi Gong should be practiced daily to achieve optimum benefit. The movements, and poses can be learned by reading books, watching DVD’s, or taking classes. It is an extremely powerful healing tool with far-reaching effects.
REFELXOLOGY – This ancient technique is used to both relax and promote healing in the body. It is based on the belief that the feet, especially, are really “maps” of the entire body, and that certain points on the foot correspond to various organs, glands, and parts of the body. By applying pressure to various, specific areas on the feet it is believed that one can move energy, thereby improving circulation, eliminating toxins, and generally rebalancing the body to promote health and healing. Often, Reflexologists apply this technique to the hands and ears, as well, which are also thought to reflect the entire body.
While it is best to see a Reflexologist for serious problems, one can learn the specific areas and points by reading books, and applying these techniques, yourself, at home on a regular basis to maintain good health.
A Reflexology session usually lasts 30 min. to an hour, and is done in a relaxed atmosphere. It can promote a deep sense of relaxation, well-being, and vitality. Reflexology is most useful for simple conditions, such as asthma, headaches, constipation, kidney stones, sinus trouble, or pain. This “foot massage” is an excellent “tool” to use along with other healing therapies.
REIKI – Based on the belief that we all have a “life force energy”, Reiki means “Universal Life Energy”. A certified Reiki practitioner places hands over certain organs or chakras
(energy centers) and allows the Life Force Energy to flow through her hands and into the troubled areas, unblocking and balancing disturbed energy, enabling the body to begin healing itself. The result is a feeling of well-being. Often, fatigue, pain, headaches, or immune system problems disappear.
Total healing may require more than one 30 – 60 minute session. Reiki is quite relaxing and centering, and is a very effective healing tool to use along with other healing therapies.
SOUND HEALING – Sound has been used for healing by various cultures for thousands of years. It takes many forms, such as mantras, drumming, chanting, singing prayer, and crystal singing bowls. No matter which form you choose, it all has a profound healing effect on the body.
Today, in addition to these, many CD’s have been made specifically for healing with sound. It is believed we each have a set of frequencies to which we best resonate, which helps us with re-balancing our energy, and healing. Drumming, chanting, and the singing bowls are especially capable of sending out sound waves that vibrate the Chakras (energy centers) that may become blocked. This vibration frees the blockages and strengthens the body to aid healing or maintain health.
Sounds of nature – such as waterfalls, fountains, the ocean, birds – also have the power to heal, as they help our body to relax, feel soothed, and help with stress and insomnia. Experiencing sounds of nature is something each of us can do, ourselves. There are many books written on the positive effects of sound healing. Some claim it can even cure cancer! Pleasant, and easily available, sound healing is a wonderful therapy to use along with other healing therapies.
SUPPLEMENTS – The role of nutritional and herbal supplements is to support the body during times of illness, or imbalance. When a body is out of sync, and not working at peak efficiency, supplements can make a big difference in how a person feels and reacts to this malfunction. Supplements are not meant to be a substitute for eating well, or getting proper rest. They are not a quick fix!
Supplements work in proportion to their quality. Therefore, it is important when purchasing supplements to make sure to choose reputable brands. Read information on the source and processing of the ingredients. Inexpensive, poor-quality supplements will NOT be effective, and will NOT produce the desired result because they are not easily absorbed into the body – which is essential for results – and go right through the system, making them a waste of money. Always choose reliable brands, with proven effectiveness.
Supplements are a necessary part of most healing therapies. They support the body while healing, and speed the healing process. Some are taken on a temporary basis, while others may need to be taken regularly to maintain good health.
Vitamin and Mineral supplements are considered a necessary supplement to take in today’s world. Many of the nutrients in the foods we eat are missing, through growing, processing, and refining, and supplementing that loss with a “vitamin supplement” is the answer to replacing those lost nutrients.
TAI CHI – 3,000 years old, this ancient Chinese form of movement has many health benefits. It helps to balance and connect the body and the mind. The movements are slow and graceful, and require mental focus, plus muscle control. The movements serve to move and strengthen the energy in the Meridians (energy pathways). Tai Chi is taught at many places to learn the 108 basic movements, which can then be done, daily, at home.
Some health benefits of Tai Chi are relieving joint stiffness and arthritis, muscle weakness, circulation problems, sleep disorders, poor concentration, increasing flexibility, deepening breath, building the body’s defenses, and increasing energy.
Tai Chi is an extremely powerful healing tool to use daily, and also along with other healing therapies.
YOGA – Over 6,000 years old, Yoga has its roots in East Indian philosophies. Today, it can be found as a basis for many mind-body fitness activities. “Hatha” yoga is the most common form used today. It consists of body postures, gentle stretching with the breath, meditation, and relaxation.
The effects of yoga on health are often felt quickly. It strengthens mental and spiritual balance, making it easier to cope with stress and worry.
Breathing techniques in yoga improve the energy flow, unblocking stuck energy and promoting wellness. Each posture addresses specific energy of the body, glands, and organs. A person is encouraged to go only as far as comfortable in each posture, while being conscious of the breath.
Learning yoga requires a teacher, either through a class, a DVD, or on TV. After learning the philosophy and postures, it can be done, daily, at home.
Yoga should be practiced weekly- or daily- and is an excellent choice to use along with other healing therapies.