Acupressure is an ancient form of healing believed by some to be even older than
acupuncture. It involves the use of the fingers (and in some cases, the toes) to
press key points on the surface of the skin to stimulate the body's natural ability to
heal itself. Pressing on these points relieves muscle tension, which promotes the
circulation of blood and qi (pronounced "chee") -- the vital energy or "life force" --
to aid in the healing process.
Acupressure and acupuncture are somewhat similar. Acupressure is sometimes
referred to as "needleless acupuncture," because both forms of healing use the
same points to achieve the desired results. The main difference is that an
acupuncturist stimulates points by inserting needles, whereas an acupressurist
stimulates the same points using finger pressure.
Stimulating specific points on the body can trigger the release of endorphins
(chemicals produced by the body that relieve pain). When endorphins are
released, pain is blocked, and the flow of blood and oxygen to the affected area is
increased. This causes the muscles to relax and promotes healing. In
acupressure, as with most traditional Chinese medicine concepts, local
symptoms are considered an expression of the whole body's condition.
When performed correctly, acupressure increases circulation, reduces tension
and enables the body to relax. Reducing tension, in turn, strengthens the immune
system and promotes wellness. However, applying acupressure too abruptly, or
using too much force during treatment, can lead to bruising and discomfort. Great
care should be used when applying pressure to points on or near the abdomen,
groin, armpits or throat. Special care should be when treating pregnant women or
those with recently-formed scars, burns, infections or skin lesions.
Deep tissue massage is a type of massage aimed at the deeper tissue structures of
the muscle and fascia, also called connective tissue. Deep tissue massage uses
many of the same movements and techniques as Swedish massage, but the
pressure will generally be more intense. It is also a more focused type of massage,
as the therapist works to release chronic muscle tension or knots (also known as
"adhesions.")
A sample of hair sent to the laboratory for analysis will show levels of potentially
toxic elements and levels of essential elements that are necessary for normal body
function. Reference ranges are determined by the type of hair submitted, gender,
and age. The toxic elements on the hair chart begin at 50%. The body has natural
exposure to organic forms of all Earth elements, but inorganic forms or overloads of
toxic elements above 50% can impact health. The hair analysis provides a screening
for physiological excess of toxic elements which, in turn, create deficiencies or
mal-distribution of essential elements in the body. Clinical research indicates that
hair levels of specific elements, particularly toxic elements such as cadmium,
mercury, lead, and arsenic, are highly correlated with pathological disorders. The
hair proves to be more indicative of body stores than blood or urine.
A primary health care practitioner. They are trained to be the doctor first seen by the
patient for general health care, for advice on keeping healthy, and for the diagnosis
and treatment of acute and chronic conditions. They also serve those whose
treatment by conventional means has not met their needs and who seek
naturopathic care as an alternative.
Neuromuscular Reeducation™ (NMR) is a hands-on technique / approach to the
evaluation and functional treatment of soft tissue injuries that occur via trauma,
repetitive motion, or chronic postural fatigue. It can reduce chronic tension and pain.
The idea behind Neuromuscular Reeducation is that if you can locate the adhesion
and scarred area, you can take the muscle through a functional range of motion while
using manual deep pressure to break up the adhesion and restore full range of
motion. This in turn allows the body to regain its normal movement pattern, thus
decreasing pain and improving function.
Polarity is an energy-based healing art developed in the 20th century by Osteopath
Randolph Stone. In a session, a Polarity Therapist uses a blend of nutrition, movement
exercises, touch and conscious body-centered dialogue to support the client's health
on many levels (physical, mental, emotional and spiritual.) The Polarity therapist can
engage what Dr. Stone called "the wireless anatomy of man" by working with different
reflex points throughout the body, including the hands, feet and face. The Polarity
Therapist recognizes that, when given the chance, the body and its energies know
best how to heal. Health is a process whereby a person comes to deeply know herself.
Reflexology is the application of pressure, stretch and movement to the feet and
hands to effect corresponding parts of the body. Reflexologists view the feet and
hands as a mirror image of the body. By applying technique a reflexologist can break
up patterns of stress in other parts of the body.
While not strictly under the auspices of massage, Reiki (pronounced "ray-key") is
often practiced in conjunction with bodywork. The word Reiki comes from two
Japanese words - rei, meaning higher power or universal force, and ki, meaning life
energy. Loosely translated, Reiki means universal or spiritually-guided life-force
energy. Practiced for thousands of years throughout Japan, China, Tibet and other
Asian nations, Reiki was "rediscovered" in the late 19th century by Dr. Mikao Usui,
a Buddhist monk and educator, who used the therapy to heal the sick.
Today, Reiki is used as a method of healing illness and reducing stress through
light touch or, more commonly, by placing the hands near or above the body in
specific positions or patterns. Through these positions, a Reiki practitioner can
correct energetic imbalances in the body by removing toxic energy, improving
health and restoring a person's energy levels.
This technique utilizes a combination of light touch, breathing exercises, relaxation
techniques and verbal communication to work in helping clients to connect to
themselves emotionally in order to reduce tension and stress throughout the body.
Generally regarded as the most common form of massage, Swedish massage
involves a combination of five basic strokes and concentrates on the muscles and
connective tissues of the body for improved circulation, relaxation, pain relief, and
overall health maintenance and well-being. Swedish massage is also one of the less
demanding techniques for massage therapists to practice as it usually does not
involve deep-tissue work.
Acupressure
Reiki
Rosen Method
Barbara Brennan Energy Healing
Swedish Massage
Naturopathic Physician (N.D.)
Neuromuscular Re-education
Definitions of Services
Reflexology
Deep Tissue Massage
Hair Analysis
Polarity Therapy
An enlightening system of healing that combines hands-on healing techniques
with spiritual and psychological processes touching every aspect of your life.
Based on the living dynamics of our Human Energy-Consciousness System and its
relationship to the greater world of which we all are intimately a part, Brennan
Healing Science can transform your life into the balanced, enlightened experience
of mystery that you have always wanted it to be.
