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Alternative therapy - Asian & Eastern influence
Click on the type of therapist from the table below to learn about the general description for the nature of the service. Click the type of practitioner from the list on the right to find your local provider.
| Acupresure | Qigong |
| Acupuncture | Reiki |
| Aromatherapy | Shiatsu |
| Ayurvedic | Tai Chi |
| Herbal remedies | Traditional Chinese Medicine |
| Jin Shin Jyutsu | Yoga |
| Books and publications of interest | Blogs, newsletters and feeds of interest |
| Professional acronyms | Professional organizations |
| Interesting and helpful information |
Many Asian or Oriental therapies have been in existence for thousands of years, however these diverse medical and health care systems, practices, and products are not generally considered part of conventional medicine.
Among the more common Alternative therapies rooted in Asian or Oriental tradition and culture, and brief descriptions, are the following:
Acupressure is a healing art that uses the fingers and other parts of the body to skillfully press key points which stimulate the body's natural self-curative abilities. When these trigger points are pressed, they release muscular tension, promote circulation of blood, and the body's life force energy to aid healing and enable the body to relax deeply.
Acupuncture is based on the concept that disease results from the disruption in the flow of qi (a vital energy or life force) and imbalance in the forces of yin and yang (opposing forces within the body). Acupuncture describes a family of procedures involving the stimulation of anatomical points on the body using a variety of techniques, usually the penetration of the skin with a thin, solid, metallic needle which is manipulated by the hands. Such procedures allow for for qi to be unblocked.
Aromatherapy is an ancient therapeutic treatment that combines the art and science of using essential plant oils to enhance well being, reduce stress and help in the rejuvenation of the human body. During the course of an Aromatherapy treatment, the use of essential oils combined with specific massage techniques, facilitates an improvement in health and well-being by supporting innate healing processes that help rebalance the body. As well as being safe, Aromatherapy treatments offer solutions for a broad range of health problems. The art of aromatherapy to stimulate the senses.
Ayurveda is one of the world's oldest medical systems. The aim of Ayurveda medicine is to integrate the balance of the body, mind and spirit, which is often referred to as "Holistic". This balance is believed to lead to happiness and health and to help prevent illness and promote wellness. A primary aim of Ayurveda practices is to cleanse the body of substances that can cause disease, thus helping reestablish harmony and balance.
Herbal remedies - According to the herbal literature, herbal remedies contain substances that are beneficial to the body. Herbal medicines can therefore be used to give the body the ingredients it needs – supporting our systems and aiding our health.
Jin Shin Jyutsu® Physio-Philosophy is an ancient art of harmonizing the life energy in the body. Jin Shin Jyutsu assists us in balancing our body, mind, and spirit. Through the practice of this art, we may experience the complete peace and serenity that is available to all. Jin Shin Jyutsu uses the gentle touch of the hands to harmonize the “energy” flow within the body and restore balance. As Jin Shin Jyutsu is an effective tool for alleviating stress; it enhances the body’s natural ability to heal and rejuvenate.
Qigong is a traditional Chinese treatment to balance the flow of energy through the body, move and relieve energy blockages, and improve circulation. The therapy uses a combination of timed breathing and gentle flowing movement, meditation, visualization and conscious intent all working together to achieve an integrated adjustment of mind and body in order to better cultivate, circulate and balance qi, or life force.
Reiki has been used as a form of healing – to promote relaxation and encourage the body into a balanced and state of well-being. It is said to help release physical, emotional and mental blockages by using life energy. This energy is used to help the body balance and heal itself. It involves the therapist putting their hands in different positions either on or above the body over the seven chakra points. Reiki flows through the areas where negative energy has placed itself, and replaces it with positive energy, allowing the life energy to flow again.
Shiatsu uses pressure, holding and stretching techniques to release energy blockages and promote the free flow of energy as a self-healing response at physical and emotional levels.
Tai-chi is a mind body practice that is sometimes referred to as "moving meditation". Practitioners move their bodies slowly, gently, and with awareness, while breathing deeply. Tai-chi incorporates the Chinese concepts of yin and yang (opposing forces within the body) and qi (a vital energy or life force). Practicing Tai-chi is said to support a healthy balance of yin and yang, and thereby aiding the flow of qi.
Traditional Chinese medicine (TCM) practitioners use herbs, acupuncture and other methods to treat a wide range of conditions. The practice of TCM is a unique view of the world and the human body that is different from Western medicine concepts. This view is based on the ancient Chinese perception of humans as microcosms of the larger, surrounding universe, interconnected with nature and subject to its forces. The human body is regarded as an organic entity in which the various organs, tissues and other parts have distinct functions, but are all interdependent. Accordingly, health and disease relate to balance of the functions. TCM uses eight principles to analyze symptoms and categorize conditions: cold/heat; interior/exterior; excess/deficiency; and yin/yang. TCM also uses the theory of five elements: fire; earth; metal; water; and wood to explain how the body works, since each element corresponds to particular organs and tissues in the body.
Yoga is a mind body practice that people use for health purposes and is an excellent way to regain muscular, postural and mental balance. The various styles of yoga typically combine physical postures, breathing techniques, and mediation or relaxation. The aim is to restore natural flexibility by releasing tight, tense muscles and tone the body by strengthening neglected core stabilizing muscles. Adaptive yoga instruction can help you feel better.
