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Ayurvedic: Strictly speaking, Ayurvedic Medicine is not a
treatment. Rather, it is an entire medical system with the goal of prevention
of disease through a wide range of treatments and lifestyle measures,
including dietary recommendations, massage, medicinal herbs and the meditation
and breathing techniques of yoga. The Ayurvedic system aims to maintain and
balance the energy and health of both mind and body.
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Allopathy: Meaning “to alleviate symptoms,” this is the
medical practice we are familiar with – strong in trauma and drug
prescriptions. The practitioner is a Medical Doctor.
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Acupuncture: Tiny
needles are inserted at certain very specific points on the surface of the
body. When choosing a therapist, you should ask for NCCAOM certification.
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Chiropractic: Hands-on joint
manipulation of the spine/vertebrae.
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Herbology: An herbalist uses herbal remedies to stimulate
healing and change in a person.
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Homeopathy: Meaning “similar symptoms,” this practice uses
doses of the very thing that causes the symptoms, but in such small doses that
there is not a toxic affect.
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Magnetic Therapy: The use of magnets to decrease pain by
applying them to the troubled area.
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Naturopathy: More of a philosophical approach to health than
a particular form of therapy, naturopathy uses natural, non-invasive methods
such as herbs, diet, vitamins and food supplements. Natural childbirth and
acupuncture are common uses. Although various remedies are offered by other
health care providers, if you want the complete package, you need to seek out
a Doctor of Naturopathic Medicine.
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Nutrition: Nutritionists come in many forms, but I prefer
the ones who look at the whole person and determine a proactive lifestyle diet
that improves health dramatically.
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Psychotherapy: This refers to any practitioner who works
with creating balance in one’s emotional and mental state, which, of course,
affects the entire health of a person.
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Therapeutic Bodywork:
This uses a variety of forms of muscle
therapy to alleviate pain and balance posture. Examples are listed in the next
section.
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Yoga, etc.: Yoga, Tai Chi and the like are forms of
strengthening and flexibility that a person can practice at any age. A typical
session will include breathing exercises, body postures and meditation.