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Therapy Terms

Abnormal Behavior Those actions that do not fit within the norms of society, especially that which is well outside of the norms generally accepted by most people of a particular culture; actions that are normal in one group may be considered abnormal in a different group

Abuse Issues The emotional, psychological, legal, and practical issues that arise from emotional, physical, or sexual abuse of one individual by another or others.

Addiction Counseling Therapy or treatment centered around a person’s obsession with or physical and mental dependence on a substance or action, whether it is to drugs, alcohol, sex, or food (the most common)

Anger Counseling Therapy that relates to the anger evidenced by an individual when that anger has become a persistent problem in every day life and in interactions with other people

Anorexia Therapy Counseling or treatment oriented toward a fear of gaining weight, low body weight, and a distorted body self-image; people who are anorexic will often starve themselves, or take pills or drugs to get and keep their body weight very low

Anxiety The state of being upset, nervous, or worried over present or future situations and circumstances. Anxiety creates a feeling of uncertainty and unsureness about a variety of social and personal situations, where the outcome creates great cause for concern.

Anxiety Therapy Counseling or treatment whose focus is to decrease or eliminate an uncomfortable emotional state that results from stress or conflict and is usually denoted by fear and apprehension

Art Therapy Individual psychotherapy that uses art as a diagnostic and therapeutic tool

Attachment Issues Emotional issues surrounding one person’s attachment to another; often seen in children having attachment issues with adults in general or parents in particular.

Bereavement The state of grief and mourning over the death of someone close or significant to the individual

Biblical Counseling Counseling or therapy that is based on tenets and ideas in the Christian Bible

Bipolar Disorder A mental and emotional illness whereby a person swings between two opposite poles of emotions; they may be mentally or physically hyperactive at one moment in time, ‘hyper’, then mentally or physically ‘down’ at another moment, sometimes within the same time span of a few minutes, hours, or days.

Blended Family Issues Situations Ideas, and emotions arising from combining two basic families, each with children and usually by marriage, with sometimes problematic interactions and communications between the two. Situations usually revolve around integrating two different philosophies, rituals, and basic living ideas.

Child Therapy Counseling that concentrates on the diagnosis, prevention, and treatment of mental disorders and problems in people under the age of 18

Christian counseling Counseling that uses Christian principles and ideas to help individuals or groups better cope with life’s every day issues and problems

Chronic Pain or Illness Any disagreeable pain or sickness that is constant daily and offers no hope of ending in the foreseeable future. The discomfort or sickness is a constant factor in a person’s life and affects everything they do.

Codependency / Dependency Issues Problems surrounding one person’s reliance on another person (dependency), or inter-reliance (co-dependency) in the relationship between two individuals. Each person is acting based on the other’s actions and feelings rather than their own.

Communication Problems Problems arising from the lack of, or problems with, open, honest, and clear communications between two or more people

Conditioned Stimulus A stimulus that causes a predetermined action, feeling, or thought of a person

Conditioning A form of learning, usually simple, involving the formation, strengthening, or weakening of an association between a stimulus and a response; it causes a more or less automatic response to a particular action, such as ducking from an upraised hand

Coping with Death Dealing with or handling the emotions brought on by the demise of a person close to an individual

Coping with Stress Ways and means of handling anxiety, strain, and fear, regardless of the cause or source of the unpleasantness

Couples Counseling and Therapy Meetings and discussions oriented toward helping people better relate to and get along with each other as a unit or pair

Dementia Symptoms The signs of a progressive decline in adult cognitive functions due to damage or disease in the brain, beyond normal aging. Symptoms include problems with memory, language, problem solving, and attention

Depression The mental state of being negative, with no hope for the future, wherein everything looks bleak and hopeless for the individual; an inability to see the positives in any situation; a lack of balance in one’s outlook on life and particular situations, tending always to the negative outlook

Depression Symptoms Those physical and emotional signs that indicate a person is depressed, such as a lack of interest in things, people, or activities, negative outlook toward life in general, and a lack of positive outlooks or feelings toward every day life

Divorce Counseling Therapy that relates to the divorce, either actual or pending, of two people and the effects on them and those around them, especially other family members and children

Drug Abuse Counseling Therapy that deals with the abuse of drugs, whether prescription or non-prescription, the reasons for the abuse, and ways to combat it

Drug Counseling Therapy or treatment devoted to helping a person overcome a habit of taking drugs to deal with the world, or to deal with a lifestyle that centers around the taking of drugs

Eating Disorders Situations whereby the act of eating or not eating becomes a source of emotional or psychological support for different social or emotional issues the individual may be facing; a way to avoid facing reality, an emotional salve for anxiety

Elderly Persons Disorders A group of mental and emotional problems as they affect primarily older persons, such as depression, grief, and memory impairments

Emotional Abuse Verbal, psychological harm or hurt inflicted upon one person by another, or others, primarily aimed at their emotions and their emotional responses to particular or everyday situations

Emotional Counseling Therapy or treatment designed to help a person understand and deal with their feelings, thoughts, and ideas; ideas are important in so far as the emotions they evoke

Fears Thoughts, ideas, or emotions that cause great anxiety and desire for avoidance

Gay / Lesbian Issues Ideas and conflicts having to do with sexual orientation; ideas and expressions affecting the acceptance or non-acceptance of gays and/or lesbians by heterosexuals

Grief Counseling Therapy oriented toward helping an individual deal with their often deep and pervasive sadness and regret over the death of another person

Grief & Loss Issues Problems, thoughts, and ideas revolving around the grieving for the loss of another human being due to death or absence

Group Counseling Discussions or therapy that takes place in a group setting; dealing with multiple individuals at the same time, helping them to help each other during the course of the discussions and personal revelations

Group Therapy Counseling and discussions whereby group members help each other and themselves by discussing individual problems for the benefit of all

Healthy Living Approaching life in a balanced way that insures success and well-being in physical, social, psychological, and emotional aspects.

Hoarding The extreme or abnormal collection of inanimate objects or things, usually things without value or use (e.g. old newspapers and magazines) which acts as a form of anxiety reduction for the individual; an irrational obsession

Holistic Counseling Therapy that approaches a patient’s situation from the point of view of the whole person, involving all aspects of a person’s life and health

Humanistic Therapy A system of counseling or treatment that emphasizes the qualities that differentiate human beings from other animals, such as creativity, humor, play, and psychological growth

Impulse Control Disorder The inability to control one’s thoughts, words, or actions in socially appropriate situations or ways; compulsive thievery and buying things that one does not need or cannot use are but two examples; the acting on an emotion without forethought as to the consequences

Individual Therapy Counseling or treatment oriented to the individual patient over their familial or social contexts and situations

Infertility The inability to reproduce offspring, whether in the male or the female of the species, due to a physiological or medical problem; the failure to create and mate eggs (in the female) and sperm (in the male)

Internal Conflict An inconsistency that takes place within one person, not usually evident to others, whereby the person is unable to make a reasonable decision concerning a particular thought, idea, philosophy, or action

Interpersonal Conflict A disagreement or differing views between two or more people over a particular idea, thought, or action;

Interventions The action of coming between persons and their problems to try and help the person face the reality of their problems, especially addictions; for example a family may all sit down and try to make a drug addict admit they have a problem and get them to agree to treatment

Life Stages Different phases of life that an individual goes through as time progresses, usually fairly uniform across similar populations; the interests and actions relating to specific ages of people as they grow older

Lifestyle Balance A healthy, life-sustaining mix of physical, mental, emotional, and social activities and outlooks in an individual, whereby no one area dominates the others and a person is well adapted to all of life’s situations

Marriage Counseling Counseling oriented toward the resolution and satisfaction of certain issues relating to the marriage of two individuals

Mental Health Conditions States whereby a person’s mental, emotional, and psychological health is impaired or not functioning in the person’s best interests.

Mental Health Counseling A therapy or treatment that goes beyond treating dysfunction or pathology and deals more with the patient’s self-awareness, personal growth, and wellness; a more global view of the patient’s place in his world and the ways he reacts

Mindfulness Psychotherapy A type of counseling that emphasizes awareness of the present moment and the feeling brought on by visualization of anxiety-producing situations without judging them good or bad

Negative Reinforcer Any negative action or thing that causes a behavior to reoccur; withholding a treat might be one example, as opposed to giving a treat (positive) as a reinforcer

Obsessive Compulsive Disorder (OCD) An emotional illness whereby a person believes that certain repetitive activities will help bring about a certain action, or will help the person feel more in tune with their world and their life, e.g. not stepping on a crack in the sidewalk, doing certain things a set number of times, placing objects in certain positions relative to other objects, etc.; an illness that requires actions to prevent or assuage bad feelings or thoughts, without volitional control by the individual

Online Therapy Individual or group counseling and discussions conducted via the Internet, otherwise known as ‘online’.

Painful Memories Memories that cause an individual emotional pain, anxiety, or discomfort and keep an individual from moving forward psychologically or emotionally

Parenting Issues Ideas, thoughts, and actions relating to the rearing of children in a family so as to provide the child with positive, nurturing guidance and direction

Pastoral Counseling Therapy conducted by a religious leader or clergymen, usually based on religious texts and ideas as to the proper course of actions

Pavlov Classical Conditioning A form of psychological conditioning whereby a neutral stimulus (such as the ringing of a bell) becomes associated with a significant stimulus (such as drooling in dogs) so that the two become inseparable

Personality Disorder An unhealthy condition whereby portions of a person’s psychological make up are at odds with others; where a person may work against his own best interests

Phone Therapy Counseling or therapy that is conducted over the telephone

Play Therapy Activities and discussions that use play activities to bring forth and deal with psychological and emotional issues, especially those of children

Post Traumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD) An anxiety condition resulting from exposure to a traumatic event that threatened or caused severe physical harm. By definition the symptoms last more than six months and can cause major problems in social, occupational, and interpersonal relationships. Symptoms usually include flashbacks or nightmares, avoidance of similar situations, sleeping difficulties, anger, and hypervigilance.

Premarital Counseling Therapy with two people prior to their marriage, to help give them more realistic ideas of what to expect and how to cope with living with another person as a spouse; relating to each other as a committed pair

Primary Reinforcer Anything that causes an action to occur again, especially actions related to our basic needs such as food, water, sleep, or love

Psychosis A mental state whereby a person does not face reality and may, in fact, suffer from hallucinations, delusions, a lack of insight into the inappropriateness of their thoughts and behaviors, and basic disturbances to thoughts, usually seen by disturbed speech and writing

Psychotherapy The attempt to help an individual or group come to terms with, accept, and deal with psychological and emotional feelings and ideas

Psychology the study of the mental and emotional thoughts, feelings, and activities of an individual or group; the study of the mental processes of human beings; the study of emotion-based thoughts and actions of humans

Radical Behaviorism A philosophical construct within the school of behaviorism that believes that all organic action is determined and is not free, and rejects hypothetical and deductive methods about unobservable, immeasurable places like the mind

Relational Psychotherapy Counseling or treatment based on the relational theory that says that the establishment of authentic and mutual connection in relationships is a human necessity and that disconnection from these types of relationships is the source of psychological problems

Reinforcers Those actions or things that encourage a particular thought, feeling, or action, that give them validity or a reason for happening

Relationship Counseling Therapy that deals with the interactions between two people and how they deal with each other and others as a pair in a one-on-one relationship; dealing with each individual’s needs, wants, and pre-conceived ideas

Relationship Problems Disturbances (emotional, social, psychological, and/or sexual) that arise in the relationship and personal conduct between two people and how to deal with them individually and collectively as a pair

Self-Confidence The positive feeling of one’s ability to accomplish any certain or general activities in life, in social, physical, work, or individual situations; a belief that one’s self and capabilities are equal to most any task

Self-Esteem The feeling of self-worth or self-love and appreciation of one’s abilities to cope with the world and its many challenges

Sex Therapy Treatment relating to the sexual issues and ideas of an individual, especially as they relate to others and the interactions between two people; treatment for any problems relating to sex between two people

Shame The feeling of regret or deep embarrassment over an action, words, or a feeling

Sleep Disorders Any problem which affects the normal and natural sleep cycle of an individual

Spirituality The feelings, thoughts and beliefs about, or study of, gods or beings greater than human beings; a person’s relationship with religious thought and ideas

Spiritual Counseling Therapy that deals with a person’s religious ideas and behaviors; can also be therapy done with a spiritual leader such as a pastor, priest or rabbi

Stages of Grief and Loss An attempt to explain how a person deals with grief or loss (especially death), divided into five stages in order of their use: denial, anger, bargaining, depression, and acceptance; The five stages of coping are abbreviated DABDA

Stress Any mental, physical, or emotional strain or tension; can be caused by people, events, or physical circumstances

Stress Management The ability to manage the anxieties and problems inherent in every day human life and it’s daily activities and the problems thereof

Structural Family Therapy Counseling or treatment that works with families and couples in intimate relationships to help foster change and positive development; it considers family relationships as a big factor in psychological health

Substance Abuse Counseling Therapy or treatment devoted to helping a person overcome a habit of taking or using different substances, such as alcohol or drugs, to deal with the world, or to deal with a lifestyle that centers around the taking of drugs or alcohol

Talk Therapy Counseling that relies upon the conversations between the counselor and the patient to treat psychological or emotional problems

Teenage Counseling Therapy or treatment aimed specifically at children between the ages of 13 and 18

Therapy The attempt by a trained counselor to help an individual or group come to terms with, accept, and deal with psychological and emotional feelings, ideas, and actions

Thinking Disorders Problems whereby a person’s thinking about a situation is faulty, illogical, or non-productive; errors in a person’s thinking that causes them problems in dealing with every day life and other people

Trauma A physical wound or shock to the body produced by sudden physical injury, such as violence or a car wreck; also, an experience that causes significant psychological pain or suffering

Trauma Therapy Counseling that aims to help a person deal with a sudden physical or emotional shock or wound that causes significant pain or suffering

Women's Issues Ideas, questions, problems and situations relating to the nature of and activities of being a woman

Massage, bodywork, and somatic therapies are often complex mixtures of holistic healing practices involving physical, emotional and spiritual components. The definitions that follow provide only brief explanations of many of the techniques currently in practice.

These definitions have been compiled from a wide variety of sources. While some were supplied by the developer of the technique, others were supplied by associations and educational institutions involved with the individual technique. Still others are a blending of information gleaned from several sources.

ABHYANGA
Abhyanga, or oil massage, is an ayurvedic external treatment where one, two, or more therapists use massage and aromatic herbal oils to bring balance to the body.

ACROSAGE
This combination of massage, yoga, and acrobatics was developed by Benjamin Marantz. The client is placed in an inverted pose atop the acrosager�s feet, with the head hanging freely. With no pressure on the neck or spine, the client�s upper body can be easily massaged.

ACU-YOGA
Acu-Yoga is a system of exercises integrating the knowledge of two holistic methods of health maintenance�acupressure and yoga. Both relax muscular tension and balance the vital life forces of the body. Yoga does this through controlling the breath while holding the body in certain postures. Acupressure does this by directly manipulating body energy through a system of points and meridians. Each Acu-Yoga posture naturally presses and stretches certain nerves, muscles, and acupressure points, awakening the meridians and releasing the tension in the points so that energy (chi) can circulate freely. This energy is the source of all life, and its flow is the key to radiant health. The process balances the body and stimulates it to heal itself.

ACUPRESSURE
Acupressure is an ancient healing art that uses the fingers to press key points on the surface of the skin to stimulate the body�s natural self-curative abilities. When these points are pressed, they release muscular tension and promote the circulation of blood and the body�s life force (sometimes known as qi or chi) to aid healing. Acupuncture and acupressure use the same points, but acupuncture employs needles, while acupressure uses the gentle, but firm pressure of hands and feet. Acupressure, continues to be the most effective method for self-treatment of tension-related ailments by using the power and sensitivity of the human hand. Acupressure can be effective in helping relieve headaches, eye strain, sinus problems, neck pain, backaches, arthritis, muscle aches, tension due to stress, ulcer pain, menstrual cramps, lower backaches, constipation, and indigestion. Self-acupressure can also be used to relieve anxiety and improve sleep. There are also great advantages to using acupressure as a way to balance the body and maintain good health. The healing touch of acupressure reduces tension, increases circulation, and enables the body to relax deeply. By relieving stress, acupressure strengthens resistance to disease and promotes wellness. In acupressure, local symptoms are considered an expression of the condition of the body as a whole. A tension headache, for instance, may be rooted in the shoulder and neck area. Thus, acupressure focuses on relieving pain and discomfort, as well as responding to tension, before it develops into a disease�before the constrictions and imbalances can do further damage. The origins of acupressure are as ancient as the instinctive impulse to hold your forehead or temples when you have a headache. Everyone at one time or another has used their hands spontaneously to hold tense or painful places on the body. More than five thousand years ago, the Chinese discovered that pressing certain points on the body relieved pain where it occurred and also benefited other parts of the body more remote from the pain and the pressure point. Gradually, they found other locations that not only alleviated pain, but also influenced the functioning of certain internal organs. (Definition, in part, from the book Acupressure�s Potent Points, by Michael Reed Gach, director of the Acupressure Institute, Bantam, 1990.) Click here to find an Acupressure practitioner.

ACUPUNCTURE
Acupuncture is an ancient oriental healing technique based on the Taoist philosophy of balancing energy meridians within the body, thus allowing the body to heal itself. Fine needles are painlessly inserted at key points corresponding to body organs to relieve pain and cure disease and dysfunction. Related techniques include the use of low voltage, electric current (electro acupuncture) or massage at key points (acupressure).

AI CHI (FLOWING AQUATIC ENERGY)
Ai chi is a water exercise and relaxation program, created by Jun Konno, to help aquatic practitioners and students enjoy the water in a flowing, yet powerful progression. Ai chi, created by combining t�ai chi concepts with shiatsu and Watsu techniques, is performed standing in shoulder-depth water using a combination of deep breathing and slow, broad movements of the arms, legs, and torso. The ai chi progression moves from simple breathing to upper extremity movement, to movement of the trunk, and finally to lower extremity movement. Ai chi promotes relaxation, stability, and coordinated breathing. It improves flexibility, mobility, and strength, and it will animate the mind as well as the body.

AIKIDO
This noncompetitive Japanese martial art aims to harmonize energy with that of a partner or opponent in order to achieve both physical and emotional mastery through peaceful resolution. Aikido literally means the path to the coordination of body, mind, and spirit. Aikido is a defensive system of continuous, circular motions, combining many of the fluid, dance-like movements of t�ai chi along with more subtle, stylized techniques. When practiced properly, successful defense is achieved through minimal action. Originally seen as a combination of religion and martial arts, aikido was created by Morehei Ueshiba in the early twentieth century.

ALCHEMICAL SYNERGY
Developed by Kamala Renner, Alchemical Synergy is a process of evolving universal energy patterns and is used as a holistic counseling system that focuses on achieving transformation by utilizing the universal four forces�centripetal, centrifugal, gravitational, and electromagnetical�the consciousness portion of the Big Bang theory relative to the beginning of the universe. Centripetal force controls all inward movement, allowing us to go inside to observe and reconnect with our inner world, which contains knowledge of all that is natural for us as an individual. Centrifugal force controls all outward movement, allowing interaction of the consciousness with the surroundings and other people. Centripetal and centrifugal force are duality and control all activity that depends on yin/yang, negative/positive balance for its existence. Gravity regulates the action of centripetal and centrifugal forces to ensure universal balance and stimulates the ability to step out of duality to observe the effect of its interaction from a neutral space. Electromagnetics is the life force that is a catalyst for reproduction to occur, allowing the evolution of consciousness to continue. Synergy training defines every experience in categories relative to the force from which it originates. (Adapted from Holistic Health Directory.)

ALEXANDER TECHNIQUE
The Alexander Technique is movement education in which the student is taught to sit, stand, and move in ways that reduce physical stress on the body. Alexander Technique teachers use gentle manual guidance and verbal cues to improve students� posture and movement patterns. A lesson or group class typically involves basic movements such as sitting, standing, walking, bending, reaching, carrying, and lying down. It may also involve more specialized activities such as playing a musical instrument, working at a computer, etc. The teacher�s manual guidance stresses the adjustment of the head, neck, and torso relationship. In beginning lessons, the teacher closely monitors the student. Later, the student learns to monitor herself, ultimately learning a unique self-management process, an understanding of balance and dynamic postural control. F. M. Alexander, an Australian actor, developed the technique in the late 1800s as a result of attempting to solve his own physical problem of losing his voice on stage. He discovered that misuse of the neuromuscular activity of the head, neck, and spine caused maladaptive functioning and that this movement could be corrected. As he began to teach his technique, he found that his students� overall health improved and that the technique could be used to address a wide array of problems. Click here to find an Alexander Technique practitioner.

ALLOPATHIC MEDICINE
Known as conventional medicine, allopathy is a medical approach that seeks to cure by producing a condition in the body different than, or opposite to, the condition that exists within the diseased state.

AMMA
Amma (sometimes spelled anma) is the traditional word for massage in the Japanese language. It comes from the Chinese tradition of massage, anmo. This form of bodywork is based on the principles of Chinese medicine and is more than five thousand years old. When anmo was brought to Japan, the technique was further refined into its own therapeutic art form, amma. The amma techniques encompass a myriad of pressing, stroking, stretching, and percussive manipulations with the thumbs, fingers, arms, elbows, knees, and feet on acupressure points along the body�s fourteen major meridians. Amma brings to Western culture the ancient art and wisdom of traditional Japanese massage. Through the structure of kata (choreographed movement), amma teaches the importance of rhythm, pacing, precision, and form in massage. Shiatsu�a style of bodywork popularized after World War II�was developed from the amma tradition. Unlike Western massage, amma utilizes no oils and can be done through clothing with the client either sitting or lying. This makes amma an extremely flexible style of massage suitable to a wide variety of client needs and environments.

ANIMAL MASSAGE
Both pets and performance animals experience soft-tissue damage in their daily lives just as humans do. Therapeutic massage provides significant relief, stimulates healing, and promotes stress reduction and relaxation. Other benefits include enhancing performance by increasing range of motion, maintaining muscle tone and joint flexibility, increasing blood and lymph circulation, increasing oxygen to reduce muscle spasms, flushing toxins from muscles and joints, improving disposition, preventing injuries, stimulating areas affected postoperatively, recovering from skeletal and muscular surgery or injury, relieving muscle pain by releasing endorphins, and relieving discomfort from arthritis, lameness, and hip dysplasia. Animals also can receive pre- and post-event massage for competition. See equine massage.

ANMA
See amma.

APPLIED KINESIOLOGY
Applied Kinesiology is a healing system that evaluates and treats an individual�s structural, chemical, and mental aspects. It employs muscle testing and other standard methods of diagnosis. Applied Kinesiology therapeutically utilizes nutrition, manipulation, diet, acupressure, exercise, and education to help restore balance and harmony in the body and maintain well-being throughout life. (From Alternative Healing, by Hugh Burroughs and Mark Kastner, Halcyon, 1993.) Dr. George Goodheart, a chiropractor in Detroit, Michigan, discovered the technique in 1964 during a patient treatment. After applying a few seconds of deep pressure on the man�s severe muscular dysfunction, he found the problem was eliminated. Dr. John Thie developed a simplified version of Applied Kinesiology called Touch for Health in 1970.

APPLIED PHYSIOLOGY
A muscle monitoring technique, applied physiology allows the body to express what is out of balance and provides information to restore that balance. Muscles are put through a normal range of motion, monitored to determine where the stresses lie. The centerpiece of the technique is using acupoints to ask �questions� about specific physiological and anatomical stresses. The goal of treatment is to let go of the stress within the body by integrating the physical, mental, emotional, and spiritual components of an individual.

AROMATHERAPY
The use of essential oils (extracted from herbs, flowers, resin, woods, and roots) in body and skin care treatments is known as aromatherapy. Used as a healing technique for thousands of years by the Egyptians, Greeks, and Romans, essential oils aid in relaxation, improve circulation, and help the healing of wounds. Aromatherapy diffusers are utilized to fill the massage room with the scent of the oils. Specific essential oils are blended by the aromatherapist and added to a carrier oil, such as almond oil, to be used during the massage. Each oil has its own unique characteristics and benefits. Use of this technique declined as the modern pharmaceutical industry developed. However, the French chemist Gattefoss� revived the art by coining the term aromatherapy and by publishing a book on the subject in 1928. Click here to find an Aromatherapy practitioner.

ART THERAPY
Using the media of the arts (sculpture, painting, collage, etc.) to provide release of symbolic expression, art therapy allows the individual an opportunity to confront inner perceptions of the self.

ASHIATSU ORIENTAL BAR THERAPY
This barefoot massage technique uses deep compression effleurage strokes that glide over the body. The resulting movement may help relieve pain resulting from chronic soft-tissue damage. Correct application will provide deep relaxation while stretching chronic shortened muscles of the body. Bars are used above the head for leverage, and lubricant is essential for its application. [This therapy was developed by massage therapist Ruthie Piper Hardee in 1995 as a result of her own scoliosis and disk pain associated with bending over the table to deliver deep-tissue massage.] Correct application of two-footed strokes near the spine creates a �push, pull, pumping� effect on the intervertebral disc space and can relieve irritation on the spinal nerve. No anxiety should result from this application, and client range of comfort is maintained at all times. Additional information is available at www.deepfeet.com.

ASIAN BODYWORK
Monitoring the flow of the vital life energy (known as chi, ki, prana, or qi) is at the heart of Asian bodywork. Using physical pressure and manipulation, the healer evaluates and modulates this energy flow to attain a state of balance. Popular modalities include shiatsu, amma, Jin Shin Do, Thai massage, and tui na.

ASTON-PATTERNING
Aston-Patterning is an educational process, developed by Judith Aston in 1977, combining movement coaching, bodywork, ergonomics, and fitness training. It can be helpful to individuals seeking relief from acute or chronic pain or for those wishing to improve their posture and increase the efficiency of their movement patterns, either in activities of daily living or complex activities, such as athletics or the performing arts. The movement work, neurokinetics, has two divisions. The first part involves instruction in the most efficient way to perform the simple activities of daily living, and then progresses to complex activities. The second part teaches the client how to use movement to decrease accumulated tension in the body. The bodywork includes Aston massage, myokinetics, and arthrokinetics. The massage is a specialized form based on Swedish massage, utilizing a three-dimensional touch that helps to release functional holding patterns from surface to bone. The bodywork is used to make new movement options available, and the sessions are followed with a movement lesson to assist the client in understanding how the tension had been created and how to maintain the changes achieved. The ergonomic training shows the client how environment affects the body�s alignment, dimensional integrity, and degree of effort required to perform activities, and identifies the role the environment plays in the current complaint. The client is trained to modify or negotiate with less-than-optimal ergonomic situations. Aston Fitness training includes vertical and horizontal loosening, toning, stretching, and cardiovascular fitness. The loosening moves address specific areas of tension that, when released, assist the client in achieving the best alignment and dimensional integrity before working out. Toning teaches the client how to address specific areas that are less toned in comparison to the rest of the body, resulting in an even distribution of muscle tone throughout the body. Stretching is taught in a way that doesn�t borrow dimension from an adjacent body segment while working a specific area. Click here to find an Aston Patterning practitioner.

ASYMMETRIC BODY BALANCING
This is a combination of Paul St. John�s neuromuscular therapy and more traditional Hatha yoga that helps clients diminish and/or alleviate pain or discomfort and find homeostasis and equilibrium in their daily lives.

ATTUNEMENT
Attunement is a non-touch (or light touch) approach to healing, employing spiritual techniques (prayer and meditation) to restore one�s naturally vibrant energetic and physical well-being. Attunement balances the flow of energy through the endocrine glands, organs, bones, and other tissues of the body�establishing alignment between the body, mind, and emotions and harmonizing these elements with the �spirit,� described as the radiant source of life and healing. Sharing attunement with clients invites them to occupy a sacred energetic or vibrational space characterized by stillness and peace, where healing at all levels can occur. This life-giving process is the doorway through which an individual may enhance or recover health of body, mind, and spirit.

AYURVEDA
Ayurveda is the five thousand year-old medical system of India. It is also a philosophy that offers keys for creating harmony and balance in life. The ayurvedic physician studies for five years and is supervised for one year in a hospital. Although there are some spas in the United States that are designed as ayurvedic medical centers, most spas do not focus on the treatment of disease. Instead they adopt elements of ayurveda that focus on positive life choices, general detoxification, relaxation, enhanced spiritual awareness, and gentle exercise. An ayurvedic massage is one part of the traditional detoxification and rejuvenation program of India called panchakarma, in which the entire body is vigorously massaged with large amounts of warm oil and herbs to remove toxins from the system. With the client�s permission, oil is also poured into the ears, between the eyebrows, and at specific chakras, or energy points, during techniques known respectively as karna purana, shirodhara, and marma chikitsa. These treatments have been modified to meet the needs of the West and have been powerful in their effects on the mind and nervous system�calming, balancing, and bringing both a heightened sense of awareness and deep inner peace. The techniques can be done either as stand-alone treatments or in conjunction with the ayurvedic body massage. The basis for effectively performing all of the various ayurvedic massage techniques is a thorough understanding of the primordial energies of the five elements (ether, air, fire, water, and earth) and of vata, pitta, and kapha�the three basic constitutional types (similar to the ancient Greek method of mind/body classification). This knowledge allows the therapist to determine not only which ayurvedic massage techniques to use, but also how to customize treatments by selecting the proper oils and herbs and the rate and pressure of massage strokes to maximize the benefits for each client.

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BACH FLOWER REMEDIES
Developed by Edward Bach in the early 1900s, Bach Flower Remedies is a system of thirty-eight flower essences used in conjunction with herbs, homeopathy, and medications that seeks to correct emotional imbalances by working on the subtle body instead of the physical body. The pattern in the subtle energy fields of the living plant influences the subtle energy fields of the human being. In prescribing flower essences, the practitioner assesses the whole individual, focusing on the disposition or negative emotions of the person, such as fear, impatience, or overconcern. An essence or combination of essences is then chosen to facilitate change and administered orally.

BALINESE MASSAGE
Positioned above the client, the Balinese massage therapist performs a combination of kneading strokes, skin rolling, and foot massage. Treatment is followed by an application of coconut oil infused with spices.

BALNEOTHERAPY
Ancient use of waters to restore and revitalize the body is known as balneotherapy. It has been used to improve circulation, fortify the immune system, relieve pain, and treat stress.

BARBARA BRENNAN HEALING SCIENCE
The Barbara Brennan Healing Science program focuses on clearing blocked energy and balancing the body�s energy field through hands-on work and deep healing techniques. Emphasis is placed on enabling the therapist to discover her own healing process and thus personalize her healing approach. Channeling, the use of spiritual guidance, healing with color and sound, and work with auras are among the techniques used. Through the unblocking and balancing of energy fields, the client has access to healing on all levels of functioning�emotional, physical, spiritual, and mental. Click here to find a Brennan practitioner.

BART (Bonding and Relaxation Techniques)
Based on the parent education program of infant massage by Virnala McClure, BART is a program of stroking for individuals with, or at risk for, developmental delays. Designed to empower parents and instill parental confidence, as well as nourish the bond between parent and child, BART aids in relaxation, normalization of muscle tone, respiratory and gastrointestinal functioning, sensory integration, and behavioral organization.

BELAVI FACELIFT MASSAGE
A series of massage techniques using acupressure points, lymphatic drainage strokes, and facial massage strokes, Belav� Facelift Massage is designed to firm sagging skin, stimulate blood and oxygen, release toxins, and soften lines. The treatment also consists of cleansing, exfoliating, hot towel wraps, and a honeylift massage treatment.

BERRYWORK
A combination of corrective stretches involving the fascia, cartilage, and joints, Berrywork was created by and named for Lauren Berry, a physical therapist.

BINDEGEWEBSMASSAGE
This technique is based on the theory that any disruption or imbalance in any portion of the body affects the entire system, specifically the autonomic, central nervous, and hormonal systems. Any disruption in any of the body systems will affect the entire organism, both physiologically and psychologically. Bindegewebsmassage is a specific, advanced technique intended to assist in the rehabilitation of pathologic conditions. The theory of this technique extends to the belief that certain areas on the body�s surface correlate to specific internal organs manifesting the disruptions with an increased sensitivity of certain skin areas called points. See also connective tissue massage.

BINDI
This bodywork combines marine algae exfoliation, herbal treatment, and light massage.

BIOENERGY
Developed by Polish healer Mietek Wirkus, bioenergy is a form of energy healing. The therapist uses a combination of noninvasive, light physical touch with manipulation and repatterning of the higher energy bodies and chakras using only the hands. The objectives are release of physical symptoms associated with disease and stimulation of the relaxation response to relieve stress and tension.

BIOFEEDBACK
Biofeedback utilizes a system of sensitive instruments that relay information about the physical condition of the body. Used as a primary therapy, or in conjunction with other methods, biofeedback provides deep relaxation and stress management skills to prevent stress-related disorders and illness. These skills, including deep breathing and guided imagery, offer self-regulation and control over mental, emotional, and physical processes. The principles of biofeedback can be traced back to the eighteenth century.

BIOGEOMETRY
BioGeometry is a design language of shape that balances energy fields. Vitality, emotions, and mental activities are energy and can be balanced geometrically. This is the language of the shapes of nature. BioGeometry is the way of reading the energy workings in all fields of life. (Adapted from www.biogeometry.com.)

BIOMAGNETIC TOUCH HEALING
Bio-magnetic touch healing is a light touch complementary healing method that employs the index and middle fingers of each hand to lightly touch specific points on the body. The combination of correct points, light, and butterfly-like touch activates the body�s own inherent healing ability and is subtly motivated.

BIOSONIC REPATTERNING
Developed by John Beaulieu, ND, PhD, BioSonic Repatterning is a natural method of healing and consciousness development using tuning forks and other sound modalities based on the sonic ratios inherent in nature. BioSonics� tuning forks help the client achieve deep relaxation and mind/body balance; reduce stress and muscular tension, spasms, and pain; increase blood flow and circulation by releasing constriction around targeted organs; and transcend to higher levels of consciousness and access spiritual insights. Each tuning fork is calibrated at a specific frequency to address different areas of healing and development. (Adapted from www.biosonics.com.)

BIOSYNC
Nerve impingement in cross-linked connective tissue is a major cause of chronic and sports-associated pain. Through trauma (injury), compression, tension, free-radical damage, pollution, and more, cross-linking of connective tissue is formed. These threads of connective tissue adhere to adjacent strands, thereby decreasing range of motion, reducing joint space, impinging nerves, and generally shortening the body. The BioSync method releases collagen cross-linking by unwinding these locked and hardened strands, thereby restoring the body�s length, flexibility, and function and allowing regeneration and revitalization of the whole system. The BioSync method, developed by Mark Lamm, NMT, is a sophisticated system of neuromuscular rehabilitation and reeducation and has been successful with a wide range of muscular and trauma-related challenges. It is complementary with existing medical and rehabilitative procedures.

BODY ALIGNMENT
Nerve impingement in cross-linked connective tissue is a major cause of chronic and sports-associated pain. Through trauma (injury), compression, tension, free-radical damage, pollution, and more, cross-linking of connective tissue is formed. These threads of connective tissue adhere to adjacent strands, thereby decreasing range of motion, reducing joint space, impinging nerves, and generally shortening the body. The BioSync method releases collagen cross-linking by unwinding these locked and hardened strands, thereby restoring the body�s length, flexibility, and function and allowing regeneration and revitalization of the whole system. The BioSync method, developed by Mark Lamm, NMT, is a sophisticated system of neuromuscular rehabilitation and reeducation and has been successful with a wide range of muscular and trauma-related challenges. It is complementary with existing medical and rehabilitative procedures.

BODY IMAGING ENHANCEMENT
Based on a balance between body, mind, and feeling, body imaging enhancement proposes that anatomical structural relationships of the body need to be realigned and stabilized from a central line of the body. This line posturally positions the body relationally to the force of gravity. As a result of the correction, the client will experience energy release and perceptible changes in body shape, flexibility, and movement. Working with the neuromuscular and myofascial systems, the therapist uses manual manipulations to stretch and release muscle tissue and fascia to create freedom and flexibility of movement. It was developed by Dr. Mark Hendler and Denise Hendler.

BODY LOGIC
Developed by Yamuna Zake, this is a highly organized system of structural therapy/bodywork. This yoga-based therapy works the joints in every possible position to create length and space.

BODY ROLLING
Practiced on a six to ten inch ball, and following specific routines that imitate the logic of the neuromuscular system, body rolling is a self-care practice that helps maintain the health of the neuromuscular and skeletal systems, and assists controlling and understanding the internal sensory experience.

BODY-MIND CENTERING
Body-Mind Centering is a movement reeducation approach that explores how the body�s systems contribute to movement and self-awareness. Developed by Bonnie Bainbridge Cohen, the approach also emphasizes movement patterns that develop during infancy and childhood. Body-Mind Centering incorporates guided movement, exercise, imagery, and hands-on work. The approach can be used with infants, children, and adults to resolve movement problems and facilitate the �body-mind dialogue.� (Adapted from Holistic Health Directory.)

BODY-ORIENTED PSYCHOTHERAPY
Body-oriented psychotherapy seeks to enhance the psychotherapeutic process by incorporating a range of massage, bodywork, and movement techniques. Acknowledging the mind-body link, practitioners may use light touch, soft- or deep-tissue manipulation, breathing techniques, movement, exercise, or body-awareness techniques to help address emotional issues. Proper training is critical in this work. (Adapted from Holistic Health Directory.)

BODYTALK
Developed by chiropractor/acupuncturist Dr. John Veltheim, BodyTalk is based on bio-energetic psychology, dynamic systems theory, Chinese medicine, and applied kinesiology. It has been extensively tested and used in clinics and hospitals in the United States, Europe, and Australia. By integrating a series of tapping, breathing, and focusing techniques, BodyTalk does not require diagnosis and therefore is within the scope of practice of LMTs and bodyworkers. Its intent is to help the body synchronize and balance its parts (organs, endocrine, lymph, brain, meridians, etc.) so they communicate effortlessly and heal themselves. It strengthens the body�s innate knowledge of how to repair itself. BodyTalk is used to address a range of health problems including fibromyalgia, infections, parasites, chronic fatigue, allergies, addictions, and cellular damage.

BODYWORK
Various forms of touch therapies that may use manipulation, movement, and/or repatterning to affect structural changes to the body.

BONNIE PRUDDEN MYOTHERAPY
A hands-on, drugless, noninvasive method of relieving muscle-related pain, Bonnie Prudden Myotherapy emphasizes a speedy, cost-effective recovery and active client participation for long-term relief. Myotherapy relaxes muscles, improves circulation, and alleviates pain in all parts of the body while increasing strength, flexibility, coordination, stamina, and energy. It improves posture, gait, sleep patterns, and work and play performance. The first ninety minute session includes an extensive and vital history. Subsequent treatments are one hour and include self-help techniques. Clients are cleared for treatment by a physician, which ensures the pain is not due to anatomical pathology requiring medical attention.

BOWEN TECHNIQUE
Developed by Thomas Ambrose Bowen of Australia in the 1960s and 1970s, this hands-on, light-touch body therapy consists of gentle rolling movements over muscle bellies and tendons to stimulate the body�s own healing mechanisms. Originally intended to help people suffering from muscular-skeletal problems, Bowen Technique has also been successful with many other conditions, including asthma and respiratory ailments in children and pre-teens. Click hereto find an Bowen Technique practitioner.

BRAIN GYM
Created by Paul and Gail Dennison, Brain Gym (or Educational Kinesiology or Edu-K) is a sensorimotor program based on research by educational therapists, developmental optometrists, and other specialists in the fields of movement, education, and child development. Brain Gym consists of twenty-six targeted activities similar to those performed naturally by young children as part of the process of brain development. Brain Gym prepares learners with the physical skills they need to read, write, concentrate, organize, and otherwise function effectively in the classroom or the adult workplace.

BREAST MASSAGE
This technique entails specific kneading, rubbing, and/or squeezing strokes applied to the soft tissue of the breast to increase lymph and blood flow. As poor circulation to this area can produce uncomfortable symptoms, and breast scarring caused by surgery and/or trauma can cause painful syndromes and obstruct blood and lymph flow, breast wellness becomes increasingly important. The practice of breast massage should be in conjunction with (and not a substitute for) regular self-breast exams. If a lump is found in the breast, the area should not be massaged until a physician is consulted.

BREATH THERAPY
Breath therapy, which can ease anxieties and reduce stress, is the use of respiratory exercises to open lung passages, oxygenate the blood, and cleanse the body by eliminating gaseous toxins. The client is encouraged to breathe deeply while the therapist works the appropriate muscles.

BREEMA BODYWORK
The Breema system places particular emphasis on the experience and comfort of the practitioner, teaching that we can best support others by being truly present with them. Its Nine Principles of Harmony are key in this practical approach to self-understanding that nurtures and harmonizes the mind, body, and feelings of the practitioner as well as the recipient. Done with the recipient fully clothed on a padded floor, Breema bodywork uses a wide variety of rhythmic movements, gentle stretches, and fully-supported postures. The system includes Self-Breema exercises that also release physical, mental, and emotional stress.

BUDZEK MEDICAL MASSAGE THERAPY
Developed by Jeffrey Budzeky, RN, Budzek Medical Massage Therapy is designed to relieve acute and chronic pain resulting from muscle, nerve, and joint disorders. This multi-modality therapy is based on the specific sequence of twelve different bodywork techniques and addresses eight different aspects that affect the body simultaneously.

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CANCER MASSAGE
See oncology massage.

CATHIODERMI
Cathiodermi is a rejuvenating treatment for the skin that provides deep cleansing and oxygenation of outer tissue layers, removing impurities and stimulating regeneration. The treatment involves the use of galvanic and high-frequency currents from an electric machine to provide electric stimulation in a low-voltage dose.

CHAIR MASSAGE
Known as seated massage, chair massage, or on-site massage, this technique involves the use of a specially designed massage chair in which the client sits comfortably. The modern chair massage was originally developed David Palmer, but the technique is centuries-old, with some Japanese block prints illustrating people having just emerged from a nearby bath, receiving massage while seated on a low stool. Seated massage includes bodywork and somatic techniques, such as shiatsu, amma, and Swedish massage, provided to the fully clothed client in a variety of settings, including businesses, airports, and street fairs. Click here to find a Chair Massage practitioner.

CHAMPISSAGE
Champissage is the modern Indian name for the ayurvedic method of head massage, stimulating the circulation to the scalp and nourishing the hair roots. Originally, the technique only included the head. Today, however, this modality usually includes massage of the shoulders, upper arms and neck, and face and ears. Along with increased blood circulation, it also stimulates the movement of lymph, thus having a cleansing effect, as well as proving to be an invaluable technique for relief of eye strain, headaches, insomnia, lack of concentration, and lethargy. Typically ayurvedic oils are massaged into the scalp, however, this procedure can also be done without any oils or creams.

CHI NEI TSANG
Chi means energy and information, and nei tsang means viscera or internal organs. Chi nei tsang addresses the origin of health problems, including psychosomatic responses, and increases the resilience of the body�s defense system. A chi nei tsang treatment may be self-administered or given by a practitioner. Chi nei tsang practitioners work mainly on the abdomen with deep, soft, and gentle touch to train internal organs to work more efficiently. All the body systems are addressed�digestive, respiratory, lymphatic, nervous, endocrine, urinary, reproductive, etc. Chi nei tsang integrates applied qigong with the art of abdominal massage. This technique was created by a Taoist monk several thousand years ago in the mountain monasteries of China. In order for the monks to be able to learn to perform the highest levels of spiritual practices, they needed to generate a very high level of energy. Today, chi nei tsang is still practiced for this same reason, but people in all walks of life who seek greater health and well-being can also use it.

CHI-GONG
See qigong.

CHINESE MASSAGE
See Tui Na.

CHRISTOPHER METHOD
The Christopher Method Sound-Wave Energy Therapy was introduced in 1995 and is a non-touch therapy that works on the multiple energy fields of the body to reinforce and release energy, thereby contributing to balance and well-being on the emotional, psychological, and physiological levels. It gradually realigns all levels of energy that run through the body. Tiny sound-wave vibrations are passed through the practitioner�s aura to the recipient�s energy field where they resonate through each of the multiple fields of the body to clear blocked energy, restore and reinforce natural polarity, and align and reinforce proper energy flow.

COLON HYDROTHERAPY
A gentle infusion of warm water through the colon is used to cleanse trapped impurities, preventing the recycling of toxins into the blood stream.

COLOR THERAPY
An ancient system using specific color rays to treat the body and mind, color therapy is based on the notion that organs and systems vibrate at certain frequencies. By applying a particular color ray on an area, the correct vibration--bringing with it health--will be restored.

COLORPUNCTURE
A system of holistic acu-light therapy developed by Peter Mandel, colorpuncture applies different frequencies of visible light onto the meridians where needles are typically placed during acupuncture. By using differing colors, energy can be manipulated, either to stimulate or sedate. Gentle, relaxing, and noninvasive, colorpuncture is sometimes used as an alternative to acupuncture for children and adults uncomfortable with the use of needles.

COMPLEMENTARY AND ALTERNATIVE MEDICINE
Complementary and alternative medicine (CAM) incorporates a large group of healthcare practices and treatments that are considered outside of or supplemental to the scope of conventional medicine. May involve either mental or physical techniques, and some therapies may include use of herbs, meditation, and/or massage.

CONNECTIVE TISSUE MASSAGE
Also known as bindegewebsmassage, Connective Tissue Massage (CTM) techniques are designed to specifically affect the connective tissue of the body. CTM was developed in Germany by Elizabeth Dicke. After diagnosis of a serious medical problem, she experimented with different types of massage on herself. She found when she applied light pressure through the skin and connective tissue in one area of the body, there was a related effect at a distant site. From Alternative Healing, by Hugh Burroughs and Mark Kastner, Halcyon, 1993, �The technique consists of the massage therapist subtly hooking her fingers into the skin and superficial connective tissue while performing a dragging or pulling stroke that somewhat stretches the skin. CTM leaves a visible mark that looks somewhat like an abrasion or burn, but which goes away without leaving a scar.� In Germany, it is considered a physical therapy technique; in many parts of Europe, it is considered a medical technique. In the United States, connective tissue massage is taught in many massage schools.

CONSCIOUS BODYWORK
This form of neuromuscular reprogramming and therapy combines massage techniques with muscle testing in order to help people learn how to use their muscles with greater strength and less effort. Conscious bodywork is used to treat persistent joint and muscle pain and to treat restriction of movement caused by injury. (Adapted from Holistic Health Directory.)

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