An ancient Chinese alternative medical treatment used to promote healing, control pain, and treat other conditions including allergies and drug withdrawal. This technique involves inserting thin needles into specific points of the body known as “acupuncture points” to block pain by stimulating the nerves. It is based on the theory that a counter- irritant (puncturing) prevents the painful impulses from traveling up the spinal cord by blocking them.
A collection of all knowledge where all that transpires in an individual’s world, every moment of existence, is recorded. It can be understood as the imprint of all experiences of all lifetime in all realities. These records can be “read” or accessed by one that is attuned properly. Attunement can be achieved by employing various techniques and spiritual disciplines (e.g. yoga, meditation, prayer, visualization). Based on an individual’s responses in the past, the Akashic reader can explore probable future responses.
Refers to treating a person’s mood or health for psychological and physical wellness with the use of essential oils (extracts or essences) from flowers, herbs, and trees to promote health and well-being, vitality and rejuvenation of the body, mind and spirit. Treatments include massage, facials, body wraps, baths, inhalation and teas.
Angels ranked above the highest rank in the celestial hierarchy whose task is to carry God’s messages, inspire and guard large groups of humans and rule over the army of angels.
The study of how events on Earth are influenced by the Sun, Moon, stars and planets. The word astrology comes from the Greek word astrologia, which literally means star study. Astrologists study of the influence that distant cosmic objects, usually stars and planets, have on human lives. The position of the sun, stars, moon and planets at the time of people's birth is said to shape their personality, affect their romantic relationships and predict their economic fortunes, among other divinations. Mesopotamians were the first to use astrology more than 5000 years ago.
Ayurveda roughly translates as the “knowledge or science, of life” and refers to the ancient Hindu science of health and medicine. This very personalized and natural healing system focuses on establishing and maintaining balance of the life energies within us, rather than the individual symptoms. This is done through the use of dietary modification, massage, yoga and herbal preparations. Ayurvedic massage, for example, loosens and releases deep-seated toxins in the joints and tissues into the system for elimination.
Discovered by Dr. Edward Bach, a form of Flower Essence Therapy. Specially prepared flower essences, containing the healing energy of plants, are prescribed and used to treat the patient’s negative emotions, thus relieving blockages in the flow of human energy that cause physical illness. This homeopathic remedy consists of 38 remedies, each for a different disposition.
A simple, safe and astonishingly effective system of integrative health care. BodyTalk is a holistic approach to healing, based on proven principles of energy medicine. BodyTalk helps synchronize the body’s natural functions - to achieve and maintain healing and growth on all levels: physical, emotional, mental and spiritual. The benefits of this system are:
- Allergies
- Headaches and Migraines
- Back Pain
- Prenatal Care
- Insomnia
- Emotional Issues
- Stress/Anxiety
- Depression
- Chronic Fatigue
- Digestive Disorders
- Viruses
- Infections
- Immune System Health
- Recovery after Injuries and Trauma
Also referred to as Bowen Therapy, this technique is a holistic system of healing that was developed in Australia in the 1950s by Tom Bowen. This form of gentle therapy is performed through clothing and consists of alternating between physical manipulation of the muscles and connective tissue, and periods of rest, during which the body is allowed to respond to the treatment. It helps to rebalance the body, increase performance, relieve muscle and tendon strain, and increase quality of life. Typically a session takes 30 to 45 minutes.
Shallow and tense breathing affects the energy channels of the body (meridians). Different breathing exercises that can reduce and prevent this, are belly breathing (breathing from the abdomen with slow, deep breaths), conscious breathing (deeper and relaxed breathing), yoga breathing (breathing using not just the diaphragm, but also the collar bones and ribs), and mudra breathing (meditative breathing to slow the breath and quiet the mind). Benefits can include improved respiratory function, stress and tension relief, increased energy and overall enhanced health.
CCMBA
(Complete
Cellular Mind Body Alignment)
A healing technique developed by Dr. Sharon Forrest that, using energy balancing, works with your Higher Self to release stored trauma and emotions from the body, mind and spirit. The end result of a CCMBA session varies from structural re-alignment and emotional release through to spiritual awakening and totally new outlook on life. The treatment lasts approx. 90 minutes.
Based on ancient Indian belief that chakras, or energy centres, are located at specific points between the top of the skull and the base of the spine, and each are related to specific organs of the body. Balancing or opening these charkas promotes good health and emotional well-being. Balancing can be through hands-on techniques, meditation, visualization, exercises, yoga, or music, in conjunction with crystals, aromas, and other complementary items.
A New Age word for mediumship which consists of psychic communication in the physical world with unseen entities. It involves allowing a spirit to use the body of a human, “the channel”, for the purpose of communication. Channels variously involve speaking, writing and/or body language while in a trance-like state.
One of the most popular alternative therapies, grounded on the principle that when the skeletal system is correctly aligned and the nervous system is functioning properly, the body can heal itself. Treatment by a licensed practitioner is generally done with the hands, manipulating the joints and spine of the patient as they lie on a specially designed, padded table. Seeks to relieve pressure on the nerves, restore natural balance and equilibrium.
Also referred to as “the art of listening”. This holistic healing practice uses a non-invasive technique of a very light touch at the base of the skull to assess the flow of the craniosacral rhythm. Once the blockage is identified, the flow of the cerebrospinal fluid is optimized, allowing the body’s natural healing responses to function by easing restrictions of nerve passages caused by trauma. It is used by massage therapists, naturopaths, chiropractors and osteopaths. A session generally lasts 30-90 minutes with the client remaining fully clothed.
A mineral substance found naturally in the earth, having powerful electrical and magnetic qualities. Crystal healing is the belief that crystals have energies and properties that are able to improve health and heal the human mind and body. Using the appropriate crystal may retune an energy system or rebalance a body’s energies, thus enhancing well-being.
The therapeutic application of crystals and gemstones for mental, physical, emotional and spiritual healing. Based on the belief that crystals have energies and emit healing vibrations that are able to promote healing and improve health. In this form of therapy, gemstones are immersed in water or worn/held by the patient to facilitate balance and harmony.
Performed by a “diviner” who is able to sense through a pendulum (made of suspended crystal, wood or metal) or dowsing rod, the vibrations of impulses and the radiations emitted from things and people. These natural radiations, or wavelengths, can be read to find the presence and location of illnesses.
Ear candling is a method that removes ear wax and "toxins" from a person's ear. It is also called “ear coning”. It involves placing a hollow candle in the ear canal and lighting it; the rising hot air pulls out the toxins and wax, to alleviate physical, emotional and spiritual ailments.
A general term for therapies that are based on the concept that energy fields exist in the human body that can be stimulated through various techniques to promote wellness. These chakra balancing treatments can include (but are not limited to) acupuncture, shiatsu, reflexology, craniosacral treatment, meditation, and reiki.
The ancient Chinese art of placement based on the philosophy of the movement of natural energy through our environments. Focuses on positioning objects, furniture, buildings, etc. to create balance and harmony through the healthy flow of chi (energy). The goal is to achieve optimal health and prosperity in one’s life by first supporting one’s environment with the rhythms of the cosmic whole.
Referred to as Graphology, is the study of handwriting as a means of analyzing personality traits and character. Also used as an aid in the diagnosis and tracking of diseases of the brain and nervous system. The characteristics, traits and strokes of an individual’s handwriting are examined, revealing health issues and mental illness.
An alternative treatment of disease developed by Samuel Hahnemann based on the Law of Similars. It involves the consumption of very small doses of naturally occurring substances, called remedies, which would in larger doses in a healthy person, produce symptoms of the same ailment being treated. The result is the stimulation of the body’s natural defenses mechanisms and processes to prevent or treat illness.
Ancient tradition of Africa, Asia and the Middle East that involves staining the skin with a dye made from the crushed leaves of the henna plant. Historically used as part of social and holiday celebrations to paint elaborate patterns on the hands and feet, these intricate designs last approximately 3 weeks. Also known as mehndi.
A Hawaiian religious healing system that uses the natural forces and hidden knowledge of the mind, to accomplish healing, spiritual development and goal attainment. Much of what is known today about Huna is due to the research of Max Freedom Long, whose writings focused on translating this ancient Hawaiian wisdom. Based on the wisdom that there are three levels of consciousness, the “three selves”, the high self (spirit), the middle self (conscious mind) and the low self (unconscious mind), which function effectively when working harmoniously. A wide range if techniques are used to achieve this, including telepathy, rituals, massage, herbs, meditation.
The trance-like state of altered consciousness and extreme concentration, naturally occurring or artificially induced by a hypnotist. A subject under hypnosis is in direct communication with their unconscious mind and is therefore, susceptible to heightened suggestibility, accounting for the effectiveness of hypnotherapy. The power of hypnosis has been recognized to enhance learning, heal emotional scars, improve performance, change habits and speed the healing process.
This form of therapy uses hypnotism to deeply relax the conscious mind and induce a hypnotic trance during which the subconscious mind is brought into alignment with the conscious mind. In this state, the therapist assists in identifying core causes of problems, by uncovering and exploring memories, emotions and events to overcome these issues at the inner level. Used commonly for treatment of emotional problems (i.e. stress, depression), offering pain relief, conquering phobias, relieving amnesia and changing habits.
Used mainly by masseurs and hairdressers to relieve tension and stress by massaging the head, neck, and facial areas, with the purpose of manipulating energy channels. This technique soothes and harmonizes the body's natural balance, helping to promote physical and psychological wellbeing.
Uses their natural intuitive abilities to “read” the aura or electromagnetic energy field that every living thing possesses, specifically the emotional, physical and spiritual auras. They are able to “sense” on a purely material level (not tune into the spirit world). Tools used by the reader, aside from their “sixth sense”, can include tarot cards, numerology, astrology, and palmisPlease try.
The study of the iris of the eye to diagnose disease under the theory that the iris serves as a map of the body and gives warning signs of physical, mental and spiritual problems. It states that every bodily organ corresponds to a location within the iris and the relative health of each organ can be determined by examining the iris. Used as an alternative diagnostic tool by some therapists to identify the underlying causes of disease.
One of the most powerful and fundamental laws of the universe which states that we attract all events, people and circumstances into our lives through our thoughts and feelings. Widely defined simply as “like attracts like” and “thoughts become things”, which stipulates that our thoughts are energy and act like magnets, drawing to them life experiences of similar vibration. We attract to our lives whatever we give our attention, focus and energy to, whether wanted or unwanted.
The practice of assisting clients to determine and achieve personal goals. A coach works in partnership with a client, enabling them to define personal success and overcome barriers in achieving that success. The aim is to increase the client’s power across life’s seven foundations; health, spiritual, work, finances, personal relationships, family and social life. Draws from a number of disciplines, including sociology, psychology, career counseling.
Lomi lomi literally means “to break up into small pieces with the fingers” and is an ancient Hawaiian form of healing massage. This technique has the practitioner using the palms, forearm, fingers, knuckles, elbows, knees, feet and sometimes, sticks and stones, in the traditional “out and away” stroke on the client’s body. It cleanses and relaxes the body both physically and spiritually in order to achieve internal harmony. Benefits include increased circulation, relaxation of tension spots, and pain relief.
Communication with the afterlife. The “medium” can contact a spirit through three methods: intuitive; the most common way where the spirit is sensed and messages are received through clairvoyance, clairaudience and clairsentience, trance; where the spirit talks through the medium, who has consciously “withdrawn from themselves”, and physical; in this fairly rare process, the spirit is able to physically make things occur, such as moving objects or making them appear/disappear.
Naturopathic medicine, originating from Europe, is a form of therapy that depends on natural forces, rather than surgery or drugs, to treat disease. It focuses on the concept that the body is a self-healing organism and will heal itself given the right stimulus. This science treats the whole person rather than the afflicting problem. Naturopathy is essentially the practice of using natural agents and physical means to provide a healthier balance of internal chemisPlease try. This holistic system of healing includes herbs, vitamins, massage, counseling, as well as diet and nutrition.
NEURO-LINGUISTIC PROGRAMMING (NLP)
NPL practitioners examine the relationships between how we think (neurology), how we communicate (linguistics), and observable patterns of behaviour and emotion (programs). The neuro-linguistic therapist analyzes the words and phrases you use, along with your facial expressions and body movements, to describe your ailment. Based on this information, they will determine the problems in your perception of your disorder, and assist you in understanding the root cause. Once this is accomplished, they will then help you remodel your thoughts and mental associations and replace them with positive thoughts and patterns.
The study of numbers, date and year of one's birth to determine their influence on one's future life. All words, names and numbers may be reduced to single digits which correspond to certain characteristics that influence one’s life. Numerology is used to analyze a person’s character; assess weaknesses, strengths and natural gifts; predict one’s future and fate; and discover the best times to make decisions and take action.
The science of food and nutrients, their action, interaction and balance, in relation to health and disease. Nutrition is important to sustain life and for optimal performance of the body, including body growth, health maintenance and reproduction.
Medical science that deals with orthoses designed to improve posture, function and mobility. This practice specializes in designing, making, fitting and teaching the use of orthopaedic appliances needed to support a disability, correct a weakened joint or limb, or straighten the body.
Also known as chiromancy, this practice consists of evaluating a person’s character or future by “reading” the palm of that person’s hand. It is believed that the size, qualities and intersections of the various “lines” and “mounts” in a person’s hand can be analyzed to foretell their future or reveal their past. Also examined, are the characteristics of the fingers, fingernails, fingerprints, skin, shape of the palm and flexibility of the hand.
PLR is a therapeutic technique in which the patient is hypnotically regressed back in time to a previous life. Performed by a trained hypnotherapist to diagnose the ailments of the patient by bringing to consciousness and resolving past life traumas or emotionally charged events.
The practice of reading energy vibrations of an object or area. Historical Information can be related by physically touching or simply being in close contact, including the characters, surroundings or events connected with the material object. Some psychometrists (one who possesses this psychic ability) are able to sense mental problems or physical illness by touching an object belonging to a patient.
A person with the ability to see, hear and feel by use of senses other than the natural senses. A psychic is sensitive to the electrical, magnetic and other energies emanating from an individual, known as the aura. Psychic faculties include such extra-sensory perceptions as clairvoyance, clairaudience, precognition, psychomePlease try and others.
An ancient Chinese technique based on the belief that each part of the body is interconnected through the nervous system to the feet, hands and ears. The therapist applies pressure to acupuncture points in these areas, restoring balance and opening blocked meridians, to enhance the flow of energy throughout the body. Promotes relaxation and healing, improves nerve and blood circulation, and encourages the body’s immune response.
Reiki means “universal life force energy”. It is a gentle Japanese energy-based modality. Through a series of hand positions either directly on or just above the body, the energy worker allows for the flow of energy through their body. The client’s body then draws off the amount of energy that is required. This hands-on healing results in a relaxing spiritual state of being which then allows cells to heal and replenish.
Sometimes referred to as Structural Integration, Rolfing is a deep massage technique developed by Dr. Ida Rolf that involves optimally positioning the body’s organs, bones and tissues. By manipulating the deep fascia and muscles, as well as educating about body position and posture, improvements can be made to a person’s physiological and psychological processes, in particular relieve stress, treat chronic pain and increase energy. Also improves balance and flexibility.
Samagra is a part of enrichment to fully integrate with self, family, culture, counPlease try, earth, and nature. Using the tools of archetypes, meditation, yoga, and dialogue, insights into integral action, awareness, and living, are explored. Samagra seeks to promote wholeness, respect, interconnectedness and spirituality.
Chanting is the process of rhythmically repeating or singing a mantra, a religious or mystical syllable, or poem, typically from the Sanskrit language. Playing chants before or after performing yoga postures has many health benefits, including lowering blood pressure and slowing the heart rate.
This ancient healing art emphasizes the caring of the soul and healing it through soul retrieval. A shamanic healer acts as a medium between the visible world and an invisible spirit world and uses mystical powers for the purposes of healing, divination and control over natural occurrences. It is based on the belief that the condition of the soul must be addressed and if healthy, other healings can then manifest mentally, physically and emotionally
Japanese form of physical therapy and therapeutic massage. It is based on the Chinese medical theory that disease and pain are caused by blocked qi (energy) along energy pathways in the body. Shiatsu is known as a Yang process (balancing from the outside to inside), where the therapist uses fingers, palms, elbows or knees to apply acupressure; the treatment of symptoms by applying pressure to specific points on the body. This full body massage is normally done clothed.
Refers to a range of therapies in which sound is used to treat physical (for example, arthritis, pain during labour, sports injuries) and mental (including stress, anxiety, and depression) conditions. It is based on the theory that all life vibrates, including the human body, and that treatment by sound waves restores healthy balance to the body. Focuses on balancing energy, specifically resonant frequency, within the body to treat ailments.
Most common of the massages, this technique was developed in Sweden in the 19th century. A system of therapeutic massage combined with passive and active exercise for the muscles and joints. The therapist uses massage oil and three basic strokes; long, strong strokes, kneading, and small circles to manipulate the superficial layers of muscle tissue. Used to stimulate blood circulation, ease muscle pain and tension, improve flexibility and promote relaxation.
An ancient Chinese mind-body exercise and fighting system consisting of 108 smooth, flowing, strengthening sequences, meditation and breath regulation, which can be best thought of as a moving form of yoga and meditation combined. Directs “chi” or life energy, through the body, mind and spirit, creating a sense of relaxation. Movements are effective in returning the skeletal structure, muscles and organs to their natural alignment. Health benefits include improved blood circulation and enhanced immune functions.
Also referred to as Yoga Massage, this technique originated in India and emphasizes rhythmic stretching, pressing and loosening of the body. The body is stretched into many yoga-like positions. This body therapy is used for healing, health, and transformation. A session usually lasts two hours or more.
A set of 78 cards representing virtues, vices, and elemental forces of nature, used to answer questions. The cards are typically shuffled as a deck and laid out in a pattern, and based on the cards positions, are then interpreted to reveal facts about the subject of the reading. The tarot reader can interpret the symbolism to ascertain past, present, and future events.
Tea leaf reading is an ancient practice interpreting patterns made by tea leaves in a cup. Specifically, tasseography is a tool for tapping into the subconscious by applying meditation to pattern recognition and symbolism. In addition to the reading of tea leaves, the tradition of tasseography includes the reading of coffee grounds and wine sediments.
Therapeutic Touch is a contemporary interpretation of several ancient healing practices. It is a consciously directed process of energy exchange during which Practitioners use their hands (by touching or not, the preference of which is indicated by the client) as a focus for facilitating healing. Research studies have found that Therapeutic Touch reduces anxiety, regulates and supports the immune function, alters the perception of pain and encourages general healing. Research and experience have shown the effectiveness of Therapeutic Touch in eliciting a relaxation response and reducing anxiety by changing the perception of pain, facilitating the body’s natural restorative process and enhancing the rapport between a client and a practitioner, counselor or therapist. Therapeutic Touch is used by health professionals, holistic practitioners, therapists, counsellors, clergy, educators and private individuals in hospitals, hospices and palliative care units. Therapeutic Touch is taught and practiced throughout the world, including numerous universities and colleges in Canada and the United States. It is accepted in the policies and procedures of an increasing number of health care institutions world wide and as an intervention in a number of Ontario hospitals, and in Ontario is governed by the TTNO (Therapeutic Touch Network of Ontario).
Defined as “to yoke or unite”, this Hindu series of mental, spiritual and physical systems is designed to aid in enlightenment and in achieving a state of perfect spiritual insight and tranquility. Yoga improves breathing and focuses on the alignment of the body by increasing body awareness, posture, flexibility of body and mind, and calmness of spirit. This is done through practices of holding a variety of asanas (body positions) and the centering of the mind and breath in a meditative way. It is also believed that yoga cleanses the body of toxins, improving blood circulation and muscle tone.