In China and neighboring countries, acupuncture has been practiced for 6,000 years. It consists of the use of very fine needles and other devices to stimulate and balance the flow of energy—known as chi or qi—through channels or meridians in the body. Disease occurs because of imbalances in the meridian system. Acupuncture is based on ancient Chinese ideas about the rhythm and harmony of the universe as a whole—the Tao—and the relationship of human beings to that universe. Health is viewed as a dynamic interaction between each individual's inner environment and the exterior world.

The Alexander Technique is concerned with the mechanics of coordination and balance and our control over them. These things begin to deteriorate in most of us quite early in childhood, and the process continues as the stresses of modern life take their toll. Excessive effort and tension become insidiously ingrained in our habits of movement, thought, and feeling. Through an increase in muscular tensions we may notice this deterioration in neck, back, legs, and wrists. The Alexander Technique aims to help you take a fresh look at the way you think and move, in everyday activities as well as specific skills.

Aromatherapy employs highly concentrated essential oils extracted from herbs and flowers that contain hormones, vitamins, antibiotics, and antiseptics. Applied to the skin—often in massage—or through inhalation, the oil or combination of oils can be used for medicinal, meditative, restorative, or relaxation purposes.

Astrology uses a birth chart to map the positions of the planets relative to the location and moment of birth. The interpretation of the chart incorporates the angular relationships between the planets and the signs of the zodiac, the area of the chart in which they fall, and other symbolic indicators to examine the different experiences and psychology of the individual. A trained astrologer then analyzes the pertinent information, exploring how the various aspects of the client's personality may be integrated, and finding ways to draw the greatest fulfillment from the energies symbolized in the chart.

Avatar is a powerful and speedily effective course based on the simple truth that your beliefs will cause you to create or attract situations and events that you experience as your life. Explore your own belief system with the tools to modify things that you wish to change.

The Sanskrit word meaning "science of life," Ayurveda is Yoga's sister science, dating back to the ancient Vedic civilization, the oldest tradition of knowledge in human history. Ayurveda is not a "modality" but a comprehensive body of knowledge based upon the observation of living beings and their environment, appreciation of the balance between the individual and the cosmos, and how to maintain balance and develop the consciousness that underlies and integrates all aspects of life, leading to self-realization—the goal it shares with Yoga. Ayurveda does this through its insight into the various body/mind constitutions, called Prakriti, which is the innate balance of three primary principles, or energies, called Doshas. Health is defined as the maintenance of balance among the Doshas according to one's unique constitution. Its methodologies include, but are not limited to: nutrition, herbalism, aromatherapy, yoga asana, meditation, and bodywork.

Bau Biologie is the study of the biological and ecological aspects of living in buildings, and provides methods for detecting and eliminating sources of environmental pollution and sick building syndrome that cause biological stress and contribute to ill health and disease. This includes harmful electrical and magnetic radiation, indoor air and water pollution, molds, and toxic building materials.

Since most illnesses have a number of contributing factors, from hormones to stress, physical trauma, environmental toxins, and nutrition, it's often difficult to know where to begin the healing process. Fortunately, every person has an Innate Wisdom within them that knows exactly what they need to heal on all levels. BodyTalk is a simple, effective method of communicating with that Innate Wisdom to discover the level each person needs to heal first. Once the priority for healing has been discovered, a gentle tapping is used to re-harmonize the neglected area. It is astonishing how quickly the bodymind can heal once we allow it to communicate better within itself, and with us. All we have to do is ask.

Based on the philosophies of the late Dr. Robert Bradley, the pioneering obstetrician who first invited fathers into the delivery room 50 years ago, the Bradley Method is the most successful natural childbirth method today. In a comprehensive 8-to-12-week Bradley course, expectant parents learn to make educated choices, and are given the tools they need to experience a natural, unmedicated birth.

Channeling is the act of receiving a communication from a spirit guide, an entity of higher wisdom. Everyone has the capacity to be a channel, also referred to as a medium. Spirit guides are beings who communicate through channels to help humans on their path in life.

Chiropractic care employs gentle and forceful manipulation and movement techniques to correct spinal-nerve interferences. It removes blockages to the flow of Life Energy from the brain down the spinal cord, through the nervous system, and out to every cell. Chiropractors assist in maintaining the body's natural alignment so that it functions at peak performance. They have been successful in treating headaches, back problems, and other traumas.

Coaching is a relationship in which the client and the coach are active collaborators for the purpose of meeting the client's needs. The coach holds the client as naturally creative, resourceful, and whole. The agenda comes from the client, and the coaching relationship addresses the client's whole life. Through a process of action and learning, the client makes desirable changes in one or more parts of his or her life, to create a life that is fulfilling and balanced. On a practical level, the coaching process addresses setting and achieving goals. On a spiritual level, coaching leads to a purposeful life where actions flow from innermost values. The ultimate goal is supporting the client to reach her or his full potential.

Colon hydrotherapy is a safe and effective irrigation to remove toxic waste from the large intestine without the use of drugs. Filtered water and regulated temperatures soften and loosen waste resulting in evacuation through natural peristalsis. Colonics can be helpful for such problems as constipation, psoriasis, acne, allergies, headaches, and can improve overall health. Therapists may use abdominal massage during this process and advise the client regarding nutrition, fluids, and exercise to enhance the colonic procedure and general health of the colon. Today's sophisticated technology promotes both safety and sanitation of the popular practice with the use of FDA equipment, disposable rectal nozzles, and certified therapists.

Consegrity® is a self-healing approach for wellness. The balance and flow of energy fields in our body can determine our state of health, how we live, and for how long. The Consegrity® Wellness model restores balance and supports all biological systems. Consegrity,® however, is not a ticket to the spa, nor is it a quick fix for all your problems. The "facilitator" or "therapist" is your tour guide, helping you find the best route for your health. The journey can include stops at places in you that can be the source of energy and vitality. The Consegrity® clinician guides the journey by holding a "map" or "mirror" to help the healing process. Consegrity® is a very effective technique, and your body will begin making the necessary adjustments it needs to reorganize itself. Consegrity® opens the door to what's possible in the human body's ability to heal, and all things are possible NOW! SEE: www.consegrity.com.

The craniosacral system surrounds the brain and the spinal cord. The practitioner utilizes the subtle rhythm of spinal fluid motion as it is transmitted along fascial planes throughout the body. Craniosacral therapy is a system of evaluation and light touch that views the individual as an integrated totality. Conditions that frequently respond well to this therapeutic modality include: acute musculoskeletal injuries, chronic pain conditions associated with accidents, and stress-exacerbated dysfunctions of the autonomic-nervous system.

A Doula is a woman experienced in childbirth who provides continuous physical, emotional, and informational support to the mother before, during, and just after childbirth. Trained Doulas understand the physiology of birth and the emotional needs of a woman in labor. Generally, Doulas believe that pregnancy and birth are normal, natural, and healthy processes. This includes preparation for birth, helping the laboring woman with encouragement, comfort measures, relaxation techniques, and an objective viewpoint, as well as support after childbirth, such as help with breast-feeding.

Facial Rejuvenation is a combination of massage and energy work. It assists nerve, muscle, and energy reconnection through the use of select contact points, and employs specific massage strokes and massage patterns to relax the muscles and increase circulation and energy flow to the face, neck, shoulders, and head. This combined result allows a realignment of the facial muscles into a more stress-free, relaxed, and youthful pattern. The treatment includes herbal compressing, cleansing, and natural masks, and may also utilize aromatherapy, with individually chosen aromatic essential oils helping to move the body into a state of balance.

Falun Dafa, also known as Falun Gong, is a Chinese self-cultivation practice that improves mental and physical wellness though five easy-to-learn exercises, meditation, and development of one's heart/mind nature (Xinxing). The practice is based on the principles of Truthfulness-Compassion-Tolerance. This ancient form of Qigong, originally taught in private, was first introduced to the public in China during 1992 by Mr. Li Hongzhi. An important tenet of Falun Dafa is that all exercise instruction and activities are free of charge.

Feng Shui (pronounced "fung shway") is the terrestrial equivalent of astrology, and is the ancient mystical art of Chinese geomancy, studying the dynamic relationship between humans and the surrounding environment. It attempts to show how everybody can match their personal characteristics to their surroundings, whether at home or at work, thus ensuring greater environmental harmony and leading to enhanced inner peace.

Homeopathy is derived from the Greek word homoio, meaning like or similar. This natural system of medicine was developed over 200 years ago by Samuel Hahneman, a German physician. It bases its practice on treating like with like. This homeopathic principle is based on treating an illness with a substance that produces, in a healthy person, similar symptoms to those experienced by the sick person, employing minute doses of natural remedies that are created from herbal, mineral, and animal substances. Homeopathy views symptoms as the body's natural reaction in fighting the illness and, unlike conventional medicine, seeks to stimulate them rather than suppress them. Homeopathy is widely practiced throughout Europe.

Hypnobirthing classes teach self-hypnosis to expectant mothers and their partners. Couples learn proven, effective relaxation techniques to eliminate fear, tension, and pain. Hypnobirthing parents achieve birth fulfillment—awake and alert—in a totally relaxed state of mind and body, often free of pain and without the need for medication. Birth and bonding are returned to the peaceful, serene manner that nature intended.

Hypnotherapy is a technique using hypnosis that reaches into the subconscious mind for solutions to problems with which the conscious mind has been unable to deal. The altered state occurring under hypnosis is akin to a state of deep meditation, where the recuperative abilities of the psyche are allowed to flow more freely. Hypnosis is a waking state; the hypnotized person remains in full control of his or her behavior, and usually is able to recall the whole experience. Hypnotherapy has been used to treat addictions, relieve stress, and help individuals develop a more positive attitude in general. Many people have learned to hypnotize themselves as a regular adjunct to their daily life.

Imago relationship therapy recognizes that the inherent nature of human beings is what Carl G. Jung described as a "push toward wholeness." Throughout our development as human beings, that wholeness is fragmented through experiences in relationship with our caretakers and results in significant impact on the choice of a marriage or relationship partner (the imago). Since unmet needs from childhood are brought into adult intimate partnerships for resolution, childhood frustrations are inevitably reactivated and experienced. These relational conflicts are an unconscious attempt by partners to finish childhood, reestablish contact without losing their identity, and to recover a sense of wholeness.

Iridology is the analysis of the iris of the eye, the colored portion that reveals the basic constitutional health of an individual. Iridology can indicate genetic and functional weaknesses, tissue and organ condition, areas of nutritional depletion and need, areas of inflammation and toxicity, and the general body constitution. This information is gathered by "reading" the fiber and markings of the iris, which manifests symptoms specific to all the organs of the body before they would be discernible through lab analysis or blood work.

Irlen Syndrome, also known as Scotopic Sensitivity Syndrome (SSS), is a type of visual-perceptual problem. It is not an optical problem. It is a problem with how the nervous system encodes and decodes visual information. Academic and work performance, behavior, attention, ability to sit still, and concentration can be affected. Individuals with this problem see the printed page differently, although they may not realize that they do. Standardized tests frequently fail to identify all the reasons for problems because they only look at part of the puzzle. Even good readers and gifted students can be helped. At least two million Americans are identified as learning disabled. Many more are labeled as "not trying hard enough" at school for a variety of reasons, including lack of motivation, attention deficit disorder, reading problems, light sensitivity, or discipline problems.

Jin Shin Jyutsu (Physio-Philosophy) is an ancient art of harmonizing the life energy in the body. Jin Shin Jyutsu employs 26 "safety energy locks" along energy pathways that feed life into our bodies. When one or more of the paths become blocked, the resulting stagnation can disrupt the local area and eventually dis-harmonize the complete path of energy flow. Holding these energy locks in combination can bring balance to mind, body, and spirit. Jin Shin Jyutsu is a gentle art practiced by placing the fingertips (over clothing) on designated safety energy locks, to harmonize and restore the energy flow.

Naturopathy is a compilation of a wide variety of natural therapeutics and healing techniques. This natural method of healing is based on the premise that the body contains the innate wisdom and power to heal itself, providing that we enhance rather than hinder that process, and in addition, that treating the whole person is more desirable than simply alleviating the symptoms of disease. The Naturopathic physician utilizes such therapies as non-invasive allergy testing, herbology, acupressure, acupuncture, & iridology.

Osteopathy is a scientifically based philosophy of health care that embraces the concept of the interrelatedness of structure (anatomy) and function (physiology). Dysfunction of the musculo-skeletal system contributes to imbalances and insufficiencies of the circulation and nervous system, rendering the body vulnerable to disease. Osteopathic manual treatment of the musculoskeletal system allows normal function to resume. Doctors of Osteopathy are fully licensed physicians who use the principles of osteopathy along with traditional medical models to promote the health of their patients.

Pronounced "Puh-lah-tees," this "intelligent" exercise was developed by German nurse and fitness guru Joseph Pilates after World War I to assist bedridden patients in recovering muscle strength. The system employs specialized machines to teach the body self-awareness and strengthen muscles without straining them, in a complete and balanced way. Pilates has proven beneficial for the rehabilitation of injuries and is favored by dancers and athletes for muscle toning.

One of the first Western therapy systems to utilize energy and understand that it is the bottom line of healing. Polarity was developed by Randolph Stone, osteopath, chiropractor, and naturopath. It uses physical touch and pressure to balance energy in the body, conceiving of energy as flowing outward from a central core in the body, which is a reservoir of wholeness and health. Understanding the relationships between this energetic source within the body and the various flows of energy underlying physiological function, polarity helps the body restore itself to health based on its own resources. Polarity makes use of these therapeutic sessions, as well as diet, self-awareness, and energy-based exercises.

Pranic Healing is a form of bio-energy healing that focuses on accelerating the body's own ability to heal itself. By working on the bioplasmic body we create a new pattern for the physical counterpart to follow, causing the body to heal much more rapidly. Pranic Healing involves practical steps to remove energetic blockages and rapidly boost the life force of the affected parts.

Qigong means "energy practice." These ancient Chinese exercises generally consist of one or a few simple movements done repetitively, focusing mind and breath through the body in specific ways. There are innumerable forms of Qigong—for general health and well-being, for healing specific organs or illnesses, and for cultivating special capacities, from memory and extrasensory perceptions to the highest spiritual development.

Reflexology is a natural healing art based on the principle that there are reflex points on the feet, outer ears, and hands that are actually "reflections" of body parts. Their location and relationships follow a logical anatomical pattern that closely resembles that of the body itself. This ancient healing technique involves a steady pressure on the reflex points, which correspond to areas throughout the body. Reflexology accelerates the body's natural healing abilities and directly acts upon particular organs, glands, and body parts through gentle stimulation upon the points or reflexes.

In Reiki, a practitioner's hands are very gently placed on the fully-clothed body of a person in a variety of established places on the head, chest, abdomen, and back. This scientific method of activating and balancing the life-force energy (also known as prana, qi, or chi) was brought to the West in 1937 by Saici Takata. Light hand placement is used on the body in order to align the chakras and channel energy to organs and glands. Reiki can be used as a form of health maintenance and disease prevention, applied as a self-help technique, or used on others.

Rolfing is a holistic system of connective tissue manipulation and movement education that systematically aligns, balances, and integrates the whole body in gravity.

Sacred Geometry is the study of proportional root harmonies and the Pattern Language of Nature's Sacred principles of Harmony, Geometric Shapes, Music, and Art, and how they are applied to Human Habitation and Architectural Form to promote Harmony By Design.

Smart Bells are sculptural weights that blend Eastern and Western concepts of fitness. The weights are ergonomic, aerodynamic and aesthetic. Smart Bells conform to the shape of the body and remain balanced in the circular movements of the routines. Smart Bells break the "rules" of traditional weight lifting involving flow. Learn the 10 Core Exercises for functional fitness moving on to improvisation. In partner and group exercises, you "literally connect with others." Smart Bells are fun, effective, and inspire creativity.

Structural Integration is a unique, whole systems approach to connective-tissue manipulation and movement education created by the late biochemist and physiologist Dr. Ida P. Rolf. The work is defined by the intelligent process and guiding principles of rebalancing the human body in relation to itself and gravity. Structural Iintegration blends science (anatomy) with art (hands-on manipulation), allowing the practitioner to skillfully unwind the postural compensations and distortions that so often lead to chronic pain and physiological dysfunction.

The forms of Tai Chi Chuan are a traditional Chinese approach to exercise, meditation, and personal growth. Practiced both for health and self-defense, its graceful, flowing movements are beautiful, healthful, and powerful. Its practice promotes an inner calm and a tranquil attitude, enhancing self-awareness. Tai Chi springs from emptiness and is born of nature. It is the source of motion and tranquility and the mother of Yin and Yang. The body weight or center of gravity of the practitioner sinks into the abdomen and trunk of the body, thus allowing more relaxed and deep breathing. With the mind quieted, the heartbeat slows down, and different muscular, neurological, glandular, and organ systems function in a more balanced fashion. The practice of Tai Chi Chuan is harmony and understanding of the ways of the world.

Breast thermography is a painless, noninvasive clinical test that gives women the opportunity to increase their chances of detecting breast disease at an early stage. With this test, there is no contact with the body and no exposure to radiation. A breast tumor has often been growing 8 to 10 years before it is dense enough to show up on a mammogram. Thermography picks up physiological changes that are present in early stages of tumor growth, thereby giving women the opportunity to intervene years earlier to reverse changes and regain breast health.

Yoga is an ancient Indian practice that is a scientific system designed to bring the practitioners health, happiness, and aYoga is an ancient Indian practice that is a scientific system designed to bring the practitioners' health, happiness, and a greater sense of Self. In Yoga, the body and mind are linked to create a state of internal peacefulness and integration. At the practical level, and included in the contemporary definitions of Yoga, are the actual physiological/mental techniques themselves. These techniques concentrate on posture and alignment, as well as creating a higher consciousness. Yoga utilizes stretching postures, breathing, and meditation techniques to calm the emotional state and the mind, and tone the body.
greater sense of Self. In Yoga, the body and mind are linked to create a state of internal peacefulness and integration. At the practical level, and included in the contemporary definitions of Yoga, are the actual physiological/mental techniques themselves. These techniques concentrate on posture and alignment, as well as creating a higher consciousness. Yoga utilizes stretching postures, breathing, and meditation techniques to calm the emotional state and the mind, and tone the body.