Chiropractic is a health care approach that focuses on the relationship between the body's structure–mainly the spine–and its functioning. Although practitioners may use a variety of treatment approaches, they primarily perform adjustments to the spine or other parts of the body with the goal of correcting alignment problems and supporting the body's natural ability to heal itself. The term "chiropractic" combines the Greek words cheir (hand) and praxis (action) to describe a treatment done by hand. Hands-on therapy–especially adjustment of the spine–is central to chiropractic care. Chiropractic, which in the United States is considered part of complementary and alternative medicine (CAM), is based on these key concepts: The body has a powerful self-healing ability. The body's structure (primarily that of the spine) and its function are closely related, and this relationship affects health. Therapy aims to normalize this relationship between structure and function and assist the body as it heals. Family and Integrative Medicine A healing-oriented medicine that takes account of the whole person (body, mind, and spirit), including all aspects of lifestyle. It emphasizes the therapeutic relationship and makes use of all appropriate therapies, both conventional and alternative. Principles of integrative medicine include: - A partnership between patient & practitioner in the healing process - Appropriate use of conventional & alternative methods to facilitate the body's innate healing response - Consideration of all factors that influence health, wellness & disease, including mind, spirit & community, as well as body - A philosophy that neither rejects conventional medicine nor accepts alternative medicine uncritically - Recognition that good medicine should be based in good science, inquiry driven & open to new paradigms - Use of natural, less invasive interventions whenever possible - The broader concepts of promotion of health & the prevention of illness as well as the treatment of disease - Practitioners as models of health & healing, committed to the process of self-exploration & self-development Acupuncture Acupuncture is the best know of the many modalities that make up Traditional Chinese Medicine (TCM). TCM is a holistic system of health care and maintenance that includes a variety of techniques, including acupuncture, herbal medicine, moxibustion, cupping and Tui Na (Chinese bodywork and acupressure), as well as dietary and lifestyle guidelines. The interdependence of body and mind is an important philosophical concept within TCM, with treatment focused on the person as a whole. The primary focus is to maintain balance between the patient’s mental, physical and spiritual aspects. Traditional acupuncture, which has a 2500-year history, utilizes a holistic approach to health maintenance and disease management – in contrast to the more recently developed medical acupuncture, which uses limited techniques based on Western medical diagnoses. Traditional acupuncture, a highly effective system of medical care, is rooted in the premise that health is dependent on the body’s vital energy (“Qi”) flowing in a smooth and balanced manner throughout the meridians (channels), which connect all tissues and organs of the body. When this energy flow becomes unbalanced, symptoms begin to surface and illness results. The acupuncturist restores balance to the patient’s Qi by inserting fine needles into specific points on the meridians, correcting any disharmonies by stimulating the body’s natural healing abilities. In the presence of this subtle yet profound intervention, symptoms resolve and patients often experience renewed energy.
Chinese Herbal Medicine Chinese herbal medicine makes use of individual herbal substances which are combined in formulae that individually address the specific health concerns of each patient. There are presently more than 450 substances used in Chinese herbal medicine. Most are of plant origin, although mineral and animal substances are sometimes used. Herbs are combined to address not only a patient’s presenting signs and symptoms but also the root of their illness. Therefore, persons presenting with similar signs and symptoms may receive very different herbal prescriptions. Herbal formulae are continuously modified as the patient’s condition changes. Herbal medicine aims to treat as well as prevent disease. It strengthens the body, enhances immunity and promotes a sense of general well-being. Body Work / Massage Therapy The term bodywork describes any therapeutic, healing or personal development work which involves touching, energetic therapies or physical manipulation. The terms massage and body work are often used interchangeably. However, while bodywork includes all massage techniques, it also includes many other types of touch and healing therapies that additionally incorporate assessment techniques and tools that can allow the patient to benefit their posture and/or aim to enhance their awareness of the body-mind connection. Naturopathy Naturopathic medicine is a form of comprehensive health care that blends the practice of modern medicine and natural therapeutic approaches. By providing individualized assessment and treatment, naturopathic medicine offers healing on a variety of levels including mental, emotional, and physical. Naturopathic doctors (N.D.'s) analyze the underlying causes of concern, and provide treatments that facilitate the body’s own natural ability to heal. |