Acupressure
Acupressure is the art of skillfully pressing key points (acupoints) that stimulate the body's natural self-curative
abilities. Pressing acupoints in systematic combinations releases muscular tension, promotes circulation, stimulates
the flow of chi and aids the body’s healing processes. While often used for musculoskeletal conditions,
acupressure has the ability to provide full body balance and offers healing support for many ailments.
Acupressure is based on the same principles as acupuncture and oriental medicine, using the same acupoints and
meridians. Training and licensing requirements vary from state to state. The American Organization for Bodywork
Therapy of Asia (AOBTA) provides professional membership to those who have completed a 500 hour certified
training program. For more information contact: www.aobta.org. In Connecticut, acupressurists are required to have
a massage therapy license.
An acupressure session is usually an hour long and is performed with the client fully clothed and laying on a
massage table or mat. It’s performed using gentle to firm pressure applied with fingers, knuckles, elbows and
knees. The goal of an acupressure session is to open blockages in meridians to establish the smooth flow of chi.
To this end, a session may integrate meridian stretching and other bodywork therapies as well as healing imagery
and emotional processing to eliminate the underlying causes of energy disturbance.
Acupuncture
Acupuncture is a traditional Chinese medical technique used to restore and maintain health. Stimulation of
acupoints unblocks the flow of chi (or qi) along meridian pathways to balance opposing internal forces. There are
more than 350 acupoints traveling on 12 main meridian pathways. Acupuncture diagnosis discerns the "pattern of
disharmony" underlying physical and emotional symptoms. Treatment is aimed at restoring harmony; with harmony,
chi flows freely within the body and a person is healthy. When a person is sick, diseased, or injured, there is an
obstruction of chi along one of the meridians.
Acupuncture has been practiced in China for more than 4,000 years. Today acupuncture consists of inserting hair-
fine, sterile needles into the skin and body tissues at acupoints, which are distributed all over the body. Once
inserted needles may be twirled, heated, or stimulated with micro-current, ultrasound, lasers, magnets or tuning
forks. Point combinations are chosen based on the practitioner’s diagnosis. Modern acupuncturists utilize other
modalities to stimulate the flow of chi such as herbal medicine, moxibustion, physical exercise, elemental nutrition,
meditation, breathing exercise and more.
Licensing varies from state to state. Licensed states require a four year training program resulting in a Masters of
Science in Oriental Medicine. For more information contact: www.nccaom.org
With a good practitioner, acupuncture rarely hurts and is often not even felt. A session begins with the practitioner
performing an energy diagnoses through a health history backed up with pulse reading, tongue diagnosis and other
assessment tools of oriental medicine. The client then lies either face up or face down on a massage table while
needles are inserted into specific acupoints. Needles are used only once and then disposed of. Sessions usually
last 1 hour, are deeply relaxing, and result in the reduction of symptoms. Long term benefits include improved
health, enhanced immune system function with better stress management and life skills.
Aromatherapy
Aromatherapy is the use of essential oils to promote health and healing. Aromas work in two distinct ways. First they
affect the limbic system or ‘emotional brain’. The limbic system processes emotions and behavior and stores long
term memory. Consequently aroma’s can bring up long lost memories and emotions allowing people to process
past events. Secondly, aromatherapy works through the healing action of the herb the oil is derived from.
Depending on the property of the oil used, aromatherapy produces stimulating or sedating effects. The impact of
essential oils is directly related to the quality and purity of the oils used.
Essential oils are often used in oriental medicine to help balance meridians. For more information contact::
http://www.jadepurityfoundation.org
Aromatherapy can be a part of any treatment session. Scents are added to massage oils, put in diffusers, or
applied directly to acupuncture points. Care needs to be taken in case of allergy or scent sensitivity. Inform
practitioners if this is the case for you.
Art Therapy
Art therapy is a modality that blends expression through color, shape, and form with understanding of the
imbalances which block our sense of health. Energy that has been frozen in the psyche and body can be thawed
and released in service of healing by combining creative process with compassionate human witnessing.
Art Therapy is a human service profession that bridges the communication skills of art and psychotherapy. A
master’s degree in art therapy is considered necessary for the standards set by the American Art Therapy
Association to practice as a registered art therapist. For more information contact www.artherapy.org.
In a typical individual art therapy session, which generally lasts 1 hour, clients will be guided to use art media to
explore feelings, memory, experience, and beliefs. Artistic skill is not at all necessary. Client and therapist work
together to explore both the process of creating as well as the product that emerges. Attention is given to personal
symbolic meaning as well as the use of creativity to promote well-being.
Chakra Balancing
Chakra balancing is part of the Vedic tradition in India. Chakras are energy centers in the body that are responsible
for maintaining balance between our internal and external worlds. Each chakra presents us with the specific life
challenge which must be met in order to grow, to live a fulfilling life, and to become self-realized.
Training and licensing of chakra balancing is currently unregulated. Certification programs are offered at various
energy healing institutes such as the Still Point Institute in Walpole, New Hampshire. For more information contact:
www.stillpoint.org
Chakra balancing sessions usually last one hour and focuses on facilitating the healthy functioning and flow of each
chakra. The client usually lies comfortably on a massage table, fully clothed. The practitioner may balance energy
with their hands over the chakras or they may use tuning forks, crystals or other methods to stimulate and balance
energy flow. Chakra balancing usually incorporates some type of emotional process to resolve issues which are
keeping the client from fully embracing the lesson or gift of a particular chakra.
Craniosacral Balancing
Craniosacral therapy is a subtle modality which assists the body's natural capacity for self-repair. Originally
developed by osteopathic physician, Dr. William Sutherland, it’s based on harmonizing the many different body
rhythms and movements of life. The rhythm of the breath, cerebral-spinal fluid, organ movement, cardiac rate and
many more body rhythms are brought into synchronization in a craniosacral session. The work can address
physical aches and pains, acute and chronic disease, emotional or psychological disturbances, or simply support
well-being, health and vitality.
Training can be obtained by taking a series of weekend workshops leading to certification. Currently there is no
regulation or licensing of this modality. For more information contact; www.upledger.com
In a typical craniosacral session, the client usually lies fully-clothed on a treatment table. The therapist places their
hands lightly on the client while tuning in and listening to the rhythms in the body. When receiving a session most
people notice a profound connection and feel deeply relaxed. This release of tension often extends into everyday
life. Craniosacral therapy is so gentle that it is suitable for babies, children, and the elderly, as well as adults and
people in fragile or acutely painful conditions.
Energy Balancing
Energy refers to life force, a vital force that animates and organizes life. There are three key structures that are
involved in the flow and utilization of life force. Energy flows through channels in the body called meridians, is
collected and transformed in energy centers called chakras, and radiates through a field of energy around the body
called the aura.
Energy balancing assists the smooth flow of life force through all the energy structures and removes energetic
obstacles to energy flow. Energy flow is affected by injury, habitual tension, mental attitudes and beliefs and
emotional upset. Energy therapies believe that energy patterns underlie physical conditions and that as energy is
shifted, physical manifestation changes too
There are a multitude of techniques used to balance energy including Reiki, aura balancing, EMF, not to mention
acupuncture, acupressure and chakra balancing. There are no licensing requirements for energy balancing at this
time. Training of each varies. Weekend workshops are not uncommon although professional programs are much
longer.
Energy balancing sessions are similar to chakra balancing sessions. The person is generally clothed and lying face
up on a massage table; sessions and usually last one hour. Energy balancing is often incorporated into other
bodywork sessions such as massage therapy.
Homeopathy
Homeopathy is an alternative medicine first defined by Samuel Hahnemann in the 1700’s. Homeopathy believes
disease and sickness are caused by a disturbance in the life force (energy) of the person. Homeopathic remedies
are based on Hahnemann’s discovery that an ill person can be treated using a substance that produces identical
symptoms of the illness in a healthy person, the principle of ‘like cures like’.
Homeopathy treatment strives to match a remedy with the picture of the whole person. Although the picture
includes the symptoms of the person’s illness, more than the symptoms are being treated. The person, or
environment, that the symptoms exist within is also being treated. “Disease has no energy except what it borrows
from the organism.” Homeopathy changes the environment so the disease can no longer maintain itself. When the
homeopathic remedy is a good match, the effects are extraordinary.
Training in homeopathy is part of the training for naturopathic doctors but can also be obtained independently.
Certificate programs are tailored to progressive levels of clinical proficiency culminating in medical homeopathy after
approximately four years of training and practice. For more information contact: http://www.cedhusa.org
Homeopathy is often used in acute illness or as an adjunct in different branches of medicine. However, homeopathy
is actually a far-reaching division of medicine that stands alone as a treatment option. A full classic homeopathic
session involves a comprehensive intake that often lasts one to two hours and covers all aspects of a person’s life.
This allows the homeopath to get the full picture of the person to find the best remedy. As the remedy works the
client may experience the temporary return of old symptoms, revealing themselves in the healing process. The
return of symptoms does not last long and indicates the treatment is working. Homeopathic remedies are
inexpensive, easily obtained and very effective.
Hot Stone Massage
A hot stone massage is exactly what the name implies. Stones are heated and used on the body during a massage
session. They are used in two ways. They may be oiled and used as a massage tool, heating the muscles as
pressure is applied. They can also be laid directly on areas of the body to heat the underlying tissue and promote
circulation. In this type of treatment they are left on areas of tension, acupoints, chakras, or laid out along both
sides of the spine. Usually both methods are used in a session; some stones standing still on stagnant areas while
others are being used to massage tissue.
An authentic hot stone massage is not simply gliding hot stones lightly upon the surface of the skin. The stones are
skillfully used to deliver effective tissue and muscle massage at a pressure level comfortable to the client. The
hardness of the stones allows deep tissue massage while the heat relaxes muscles, increases blood flow and
accelerates the healing process. Training can be obtained through weekend workshops.
A hot stone massage can be an entire session all on its own or stones can be incorporated into session of massage
therapy, energy balancing, acupressure, craniosacral or most other bodywork modalities.
Jin Shin Do® BodyMind Acupressure ™
Jin Shin Do means ‘The Way of the Compassionate Spirit’ and compassion is the guide behind the system.
Developed by psychotherapist Iona Marsaa Teeguarden, Jin Shin Do® (JSD) is a unique synthesis of ancient and
modern techniques. It not only strives to balance internal flows of chi in the body/mind, it also helps assert harmony
with the laws of nature. JSD is a gentle yet powerful art that deepens the awareness of both recipient and
practitioner. It reawakens the incredible healing powers of the body/mind/spirit.
JSD uses firm but gentle finger pressure on selected acupoint to release muscular holding patterns. It not only
allows the smooth, harmonious, balanced flow of energy, it also brings awareness to emotional tensions lying
underneath the muscle tensions. It is ideal for use with emotional process work.
JSD training is 500 hours of lecture, hands-on practice, and clinical training. JSD training meets most state
requirements for licensing as a massage therapist and for certification through the American Organization for
Bodywork Therapy of Asia (AOBTA). For more information contact: www.jinshindo.org .
A JSD session usually is performed while the client lies on a massage table, fully clothed and in the face up position.
A session lasts between 1 and 1-1/2 hours. Typically people become deeply relaxed, feel a reduction of pain, and
experience profound integration of body, mind and spirit.
Joint mobilization and manipulation
The function of joints is to move. As we go through life many forces can interfere with joint function such as injury,
over use, repetitive action and muscle imbalance. Joints can become fixated (the internal surfaces are stuck
together) so that they are unable to move freely. Fixated joints can be painful and can create tension in associated
muscles. Fixation in spinal joints can compromise nerve function contributing to organ dysfunction and general
illness. Releasing compressed or fixated joints improves their function, reduces pain, improves general health and
relaxes surrounding tissue.
Joints can be mobilized through stretching associated muscle tissue and through impacting the joint directly. Direct
intervention may involve gently moving adjacent bones in different directions to open the joint capsules, ligaments
and fascia. Many massage and bodywork therapists are trained in different styles of joint mobilization.
More forceful interventions involve manipulating the joint through its range and end-play of motion. Chiropractors,
physical therapists and naturopaths are each trained and licensed in different techniques for manipulating or
adjusting joints. Careful evaluation will determine what type of treatment and practitioner will be most helpful and
what adjunct modalities can be used with joint treatments.
Massage Therapy
Massage is the manipulation of the soft tissues of the body such as muscles, fascia, tendons and ligaments.
Massage techniques can include kneading, compressing, vibrating, lifting and stretching. Massage addresses
musculoskeletal pain and dysfunction, reduces stress, and has an overall healing impact on the body. It’s the
fastest growing modality in alternative and complimentary health care due to its effectiveness and many health
benefits.
Licensing for massage therapy varies from state to state. In Connecticut, massage therapist are licensed after they
completing a 500 hour training program through a COMPTA certified massage school. For more information
contact: www.amtamassage.org .
A massage session is usually performed on a massage table although a massage chair or mat may also be used.
The client is fully or partially unclothed depending on the comfort of the client or type massage being performed.
Clients are properly draped with sheets and blankets at all times. Oil or cream is applied which may be scented with
aromatherapy oil. A session usually lasts 1 to 1-1/2 hours and may incorporate other modalities such as energy
balancing, hot stones and myofascial release.
Myofascial Release
Myofascial Release, developed by physical therapist John Barnes, is a form of soft tissue therapy which focuses on
the fascia. Fascia is a form of connective tissue that surrounds and connects every cell, muscle, organ and
structure in the body in one continuous web. A fascial restriction in one part of the body transmits distortion and
can cause dysfunction in other parts of the body. Fascia is manipulated through the slow stretching, lifting and
separating of structures which allows the connective tissue fibers to reorganize themselves in a more flexible,
functional fashion. Injuries, stress, inflammation, trauma, and poor posture can cause restriction to fascia. Since
fascia is an interconnected web, the restriction or tightness to fascia in one place can impact other places in the
body. The goal of Myofascial Release is to free fascial restriction and restore tissue health.
Training to become a myofascial therapist is usually reserved for licensed health care practitioners such as physical
therapists, massage therapists, naturopaths and chiropractors. Training is not available to lay people. For more
information contact: www.myofascialrelease.com
Myofascial Release can be part of a multi-modality session or used on its own. Recipients are usually partially or
completely unclothed, lying on a massage table or mat, and are both passively and actively engaged during the
session. Usually oils and creams are not used or are used sparingly. Sessions generally last ½ to 1 hour.
Naturopathic Medicine
Naturopathic medicine is a branch of medicine that uses natural interventions to promote health. Naturopaths are
licensed as primary care or special care physicians in 15 states and four Canadian Provinces. As licensed
physicians, naturopaths are able to diagnose and treat illness. They seek to diagnose and treat the cause of
illness rather than simply focusing on symptoms. To diagnose they can order conventional blood, urine and saliva
labs, order diagnostic imaging such as radiographs and CT scans, and perform physical assessment. In addition
they use alternative diagnostic lab techniques and evaluation, providing a comprehensive diagnosis. Treatment is
individualized, treats the whole person (body, mind, emotions and spirit), and seeks to stimulate the bodies natural
healing mechanisms. It uses lifestyle change, herbs, nutrition, homeopathy and other treatment options. Knowing
when naturopathic intervention is the best course of action and when emergency medical intervention is needed is
an important part of integrative health care.
Licensed Naturopathic Physicians must pass comprehensive board exams set by the North American Board of
Naturopathic Examiners (NABNE) after having completed four years of academic and clinical training at a post-
graduate college certified by the Council on Naturopathic Medical Education (CNME). Naturopaths are trained in
conventional medical sciences, diagnosis and treatment of illness, pharmacology, minor surgery and natural
therapeutic interventions. The first two years of training are equivalent to conventional medical school. The second
two years are naturopathic therapeutics and clinical experience. For more information contact: http://www.
naturopathic.org
Connecticut has recognized and licensed naturopathic doctors since 1926. Naturopathic physicians here are
considered specialty care doctors as opposed to primary care doctors. The scope of practice in Connecticut
consists of diagnosis and treatment and includes a variety of treatment modalities such as acupuncture and oriental
medicine, botanical medicine, homeopathy, nutrition, vitamin therapy, physical medicine (includes naturopathic
manipulation, physiotherapy, sports medicine, therapeutic exercise), hydrotherapy and psychological counseling.
Different practitioners specialize in particular areas.
An appointment with a Naturopathic physician will include a comprehensive evaluation of your health history and
chief complaint. Your physician may order labs or imaging studies to assist in diagnosis. Treatment will be
coordinated with the patient’s additional health care professionals. An initial visit usually takes 1 to 1-1/2 hours and
may include a physical exam. Follow up consults can be as short as 15 minutes or longer if physical medicine
treatments or hydrotherapy treatments are being performed.
Oriental Medicine
Chinese medicine is a complete medical system that has diagnosed, treated, and prevented illness for centuries.
Chinese medicine can remedy ailments, enhance recuperative power, boost immunity, and increase the capacity for
pleasure, work, and creativity.
Licensing varies from state to state. Licensed states require a four year training program resulting in a Masters of
Science in Oriental Medicine. For more information contact: www.nccaom.org
The goal of Chinese medicine is to restore harmony to the inner forces of yin and yang. Modern diagnosis includes
pulse reading, hara (abdomen) reading, physiognomy, and tongue diagnosis. Treatments include herbal medicine,
acupuncture, elemental nutrition, and physical medicine.
A session in oriental medicine starts with a health history and oriental medical assessment. A treatment option will
be chosen which may include any of the above modalities including acupuncture. A session usually lasts an hour.
Psychotherapy
Psychotherapy is a widely utilized and accepted form of engaging in exploration of our thoughts, beliefs, emotions,
and behaviors. There are a great many models of theory for practicing psychotherapy, each focusing on different
areas of intention and purpose.
Psychotherapy is a human service profession that seeks to alleviate human suffering by engaging in relational
dialogue. In the safe container of the relationship between therapist and client, many thoughts and feelings can be
explored. Most people enter psychotherapy because they are experiencing distress in some part of their lives.
While some forms of psychotherapy focus on symptom resolution alone, other forms of therapy will integrate a
search for the deeper meanings of soul and spirit, as expressed through dreams, wishes, and longings.
In all psychotherapy practice, the wish to alleviate suffering is paramount. There are many pathways to this end,
and many opportunities to be guided and supported on the journey.
Reflexology
Reflexology is the treatment of the whole body through reflex points located on the feet and hands. This system
divides the body into reflex zones; each zone ends at a specific location on both the front and back of the hands,
wrists, feet and ankles. Stimulating these points can have affects along the entire zone. In this way the whole body
can benefit from treatment to the hands and/or feet.
National standards for this modality are currently set by the American Reflexology Certification Board (ARCB) which
provides the national certification exam. Training requires a minimum of 110 hours (broken into history, theory,
anatomy and physiology; and supervised practicum). For more information contact www.arcb.net
Reflexology is performed by using the hands, fingers, thumbs and knuckles to apply pressure to reflex points.
Precise techniques are used to stimulate, sedate, or balance a particular area. A session can be performed with the
receiver lying on a table or sitting in a special reflexology chair. It can be combined with sound therapy,
aromatherapy and other modalities. A session usually lasts one hour.
Sound Healing
Sound healing is a form of vibrational medicine. Everything in the universe is in a state of vibration. Resonance is
the frequency that an object naturally vibrates at. Everything has resonant frequency including each organ, gland,
tissue or structure of the body. In fact the body can be considered an orchestra of harmonics. When a person's
healthy resonant frequency is out of balance, physical and emotional health is affected.
The goal of sound therapy is to restore resonant frequency and harmony in the system. The mechanism by which
sound therapy works is called entrainment. Essentially more powerful rhythms synchronize less powerful rhythms.
This can be easily seen with the effect of sound vibration on brain waves. Sound can shift brainwaves from over
active beta-states to meditative alpha states.
Sound therapy refers to a range of therapies in which sound is used to treat physical and mental conditions. Music
is one way of accessing sound therapy. Additionally, sound wave vibrations created with frequency generating
machines, singing bowls, Tibetan horns, musical instruments, tuning forks, and the voice are some of the tools used
to treat physical and mental conditions. Treatment by sound waves is believed to restore healthy balance to the
body.
Training in different sound modalities can be obtained by health care professionals and lay people alike. Training
may be a single weekend or longer. There are no licensing or certification requirements although many institutions
do offer certification. A great certification training program can be found at www.biosonics.com .
Sound therapy may be incorporated into other types of therapy sessions or used on its own. It may involve using
music that clears chakras, placing vibrating tuning forks on specific body points, listening to singing bowls or more.
The length of a session is variable but generally lasts one hour.
Visceral Manipulation
Visceral Manipulation was developed by French Osteopath, Dr. Jean-Pierre Barral. It’s based on the fact that all
structures in the body (muscles, membranes, bones, fascia, organs) are in endless motion. When one structure can’
t move it causes all the rest of the body to accommodate, in effect working against the rest of the body. The
viscera, or organs, may lose the ability to move due to abnormal tone, adhesions or displacement. This creates a
fixed point of tension that the body is forced to move around creating chronic irritation leading to dysfunction of the
organ or other body parts.
Visceral Manipulation (VM) is a gentle hands-on therapy that works through the internal organs to locate and
alleviate abnormal points of tension throughout the body. VM employs specifically placed manual forces that work to
encourage the normal mobility, tone and motion of the viscera and their connective tissues.
Training is reserved for health care providers such as doctors, chiropractors, naturopaths, physical therapists and
massage therapists. Training progresses through modules from basic technique to advanced technique. Each
module is taught over the course of a weekend. For more information contact: www.upledger.com .
In a session trained practitioners use the rhythmic motions of the visceral system to evaluate how abnormal forces
affect the body. Using gentle manipulations, organs are assisted in regaining normal movement which can improve
their individual function and the structural integrity of the entire body. The client can be clothed or partially
unclothed depending on the organ being manipulated. Sessions can be as short as 15 minutes or up to one hour if
combined with other modalities such as Myofasical Release or craniosacral therapy. Benefits are the reduction of
pain and dysfunction and the return to optimal organ function.
Acupressure is the art of skillfully pressing key points (acupoints) that stimulate the body's natural self-curative
abilities. Pressing acupoints in systematic combinations releases muscular tension, promotes circulation, stimulates
the flow of chi and aids the body’s healing processes. While often used for musculoskeletal conditions,
acupressure has the ability to provide full body balance and offers healing support for many ailments.
Acupressure is based on the same principles as acupuncture and oriental medicine, using the same acupoints and
meridians. Training and licensing requirements vary from state to state. The American Organization for Bodywork
Therapy of Asia (AOBTA) provides professional membership to those who have completed a 500 hour certified
training program. For more information contact: www.aobta.org. In Connecticut, acupressurists are required to have
a massage therapy license.
An acupressure session is usually an hour long and is performed with the client fully clothed and laying on a
massage table or mat. It’s performed using gentle to firm pressure applied with fingers, knuckles, elbows and
knees. The goal of an acupressure session is to open blockages in meridians to establish the smooth flow of chi.
To this end, a session may integrate meridian stretching and other bodywork therapies as well as healing imagery
and emotional processing to eliminate the underlying causes of energy disturbance.
Acupuncture
Acupuncture is a traditional Chinese medical technique used to restore and maintain health. Stimulation of
acupoints unblocks the flow of chi (or qi) along meridian pathways to balance opposing internal forces. There are
more than 350 acupoints traveling on 12 main meridian pathways. Acupuncture diagnosis discerns the "pattern of
disharmony" underlying physical and emotional symptoms. Treatment is aimed at restoring harmony; with harmony,
chi flows freely within the body and a person is healthy. When a person is sick, diseased, or injured, there is an
obstruction of chi along one of the meridians.
Acupuncture has been practiced in China for more than 4,000 years. Today acupuncture consists of inserting hair-
fine, sterile needles into the skin and body tissues at acupoints, which are distributed all over the body. Once
inserted needles may be twirled, heated, or stimulated with micro-current, ultrasound, lasers, magnets or tuning
forks. Point combinations are chosen based on the practitioner’s diagnosis. Modern acupuncturists utilize other
modalities to stimulate the flow of chi such as herbal medicine, moxibustion, physical exercise, elemental nutrition,
meditation, breathing exercise and more.
Licensing varies from state to state. Licensed states require a four year training program resulting in a Masters of
Science in Oriental Medicine. For more information contact: www.nccaom.org
With a good practitioner, acupuncture rarely hurts and is often not even felt. A session begins with the practitioner
performing an energy diagnoses through a health history backed up with pulse reading, tongue diagnosis and other
assessment tools of oriental medicine. The client then lies either face up or face down on a massage table while
needles are inserted into specific acupoints. Needles are used only once and then disposed of. Sessions usually
last 1 hour, are deeply relaxing, and result in the reduction of symptoms. Long term benefits include improved
health, enhanced immune system function with better stress management and life skills.
Aromatherapy
Aromatherapy is the use of essential oils to promote health and healing. Aromas work in two distinct ways. First they
affect the limbic system or ‘emotional brain’. The limbic system processes emotions and behavior and stores long
term memory. Consequently aroma’s can bring up long lost memories and emotions allowing people to process
past events. Secondly, aromatherapy works through the healing action of the herb the oil is derived from.
Depending on the property of the oil used, aromatherapy produces stimulating or sedating effects. The impact of
essential oils is directly related to the quality and purity of the oils used.
Essential oils are often used in oriental medicine to help balance meridians. For more information contact::
http://www.jadepurityfoundation.org
Aromatherapy can be a part of any treatment session. Scents are added to massage oils, put in diffusers, or
applied directly to acupuncture points. Care needs to be taken in case of allergy or scent sensitivity. Inform
practitioners if this is the case for you.
Art Therapy
Art therapy is a modality that blends expression through color, shape, and form with understanding of the
imbalances which block our sense of health. Energy that has been frozen in the psyche and body can be thawed
and released in service of healing by combining creative process with compassionate human witnessing.
Art Therapy is a human service profession that bridges the communication skills of art and psychotherapy. A
master’s degree in art therapy is considered necessary for the standards set by the American Art Therapy
Association to practice as a registered art therapist. For more information contact www.artherapy.org.
In a typical individual art therapy session, which generally lasts 1 hour, clients will be guided to use art media to
explore feelings, memory, experience, and beliefs. Artistic skill is not at all necessary. Client and therapist work
together to explore both the process of creating as well as the product that emerges. Attention is given to personal
symbolic meaning as well as the use of creativity to promote well-being.
Chakra Balancing
Chakra balancing is part of the Vedic tradition in India. Chakras are energy centers in the body that are responsible
for maintaining balance between our internal and external worlds. Each chakra presents us with the specific life
challenge which must be met in order to grow, to live a fulfilling life, and to become self-realized.
Training and licensing of chakra balancing is currently unregulated. Certification programs are offered at various
energy healing institutes such as the Still Point Institute in Walpole, New Hampshire. For more information contact:
www.stillpoint.org
Chakra balancing sessions usually last one hour and focuses on facilitating the healthy functioning and flow of each
chakra. The client usually lies comfortably on a massage table, fully clothed. The practitioner may balance energy
with their hands over the chakras or they may use tuning forks, crystals or other methods to stimulate and balance
energy flow. Chakra balancing usually incorporates some type of emotional process to resolve issues which are
keeping the client from fully embracing the lesson or gift of a particular chakra.
Craniosacral Balancing
Craniosacral therapy is a subtle modality which assists the body's natural capacity for self-repair. Originally
developed by osteopathic physician, Dr. William Sutherland, it’s based on harmonizing the many different body
rhythms and movements of life. The rhythm of the breath, cerebral-spinal fluid, organ movement, cardiac rate and
many more body rhythms are brought into synchronization in a craniosacral session. The work can address
physical aches and pains, acute and chronic disease, emotional or psychological disturbances, or simply support
well-being, health and vitality.
Training can be obtained by taking a series of weekend workshops leading to certification. Currently there is no
regulation or licensing of this modality. For more information contact; www.upledger.com
In a typical craniosacral session, the client usually lies fully-clothed on a treatment table. The therapist places their
hands lightly on the client while tuning in and listening to the rhythms in the body. When receiving a session most
people notice a profound connection and feel deeply relaxed. This release of tension often extends into everyday
life. Craniosacral therapy is so gentle that it is suitable for babies, children, and the elderly, as well as adults and
people in fragile or acutely painful conditions.
Energy Balancing
Energy refers to life force, a vital force that animates and organizes life. There are three key structures that are
involved in the flow and utilization of life force. Energy flows through channels in the body called meridians, is
collected and transformed in energy centers called chakras, and radiates through a field of energy around the body
called the aura.
Energy balancing assists the smooth flow of life force through all the energy structures and removes energetic
obstacles to energy flow. Energy flow is affected by injury, habitual tension, mental attitudes and beliefs and
emotional upset. Energy therapies believe that energy patterns underlie physical conditions and that as energy is
shifted, physical manifestation changes too
There are a multitude of techniques used to balance energy including Reiki, aura balancing, EMF, not to mention
acupuncture, acupressure and chakra balancing. There are no licensing requirements for energy balancing at this
time. Training of each varies. Weekend workshops are not uncommon although professional programs are much
longer.
Energy balancing sessions are similar to chakra balancing sessions. The person is generally clothed and lying face
up on a massage table; sessions and usually last one hour. Energy balancing is often incorporated into other
bodywork sessions such as massage therapy.
Homeopathy
Homeopathy is an alternative medicine first defined by Samuel Hahnemann in the 1700’s. Homeopathy believes
disease and sickness are caused by a disturbance in the life force (energy) of the person. Homeopathic remedies
are based on Hahnemann’s discovery that an ill person can be treated using a substance that produces identical
symptoms of the illness in a healthy person, the principle of ‘like cures like’.
Homeopathy treatment strives to match a remedy with the picture of the whole person. Although the picture
includes the symptoms of the person’s illness, more than the symptoms are being treated. The person, or
environment, that the symptoms exist within is also being treated. “Disease has no energy except what it borrows
from the organism.” Homeopathy changes the environment so the disease can no longer maintain itself. When the
homeopathic remedy is a good match, the effects are extraordinary.
Training in homeopathy is part of the training for naturopathic doctors but can also be obtained independently.
Certificate programs are tailored to progressive levels of clinical proficiency culminating in medical homeopathy after
approximately four years of training and practice. For more information contact: http://www.cedhusa.org
Homeopathy is often used in acute illness or as an adjunct in different branches of medicine. However, homeopathy
is actually a far-reaching division of medicine that stands alone as a treatment option. A full classic homeopathic
session involves a comprehensive intake that often lasts one to two hours and covers all aspects of a person’s life.
This allows the homeopath to get the full picture of the person to find the best remedy. As the remedy works the
client may experience the temporary return of old symptoms, revealing themselves in the healing process. The
return of symptoms does not last long and indicates the treatment is working. Homeopathic remedies are
inexpensive, easily obtained and very effective.
Hot Stone Massage
A hot stone massage is exactly what the name implies. Stones are heated and used on the body during a massage
session. They are used in two ways. They may be oiled and used as a massage tool, heating the muscles as
pressure is applied. They can also be laid directly on areas of the body to heat the underlying tissue and promote
circulation. In this type of treatment they are left on areas of tension, acupoints, chakras, or laid out along both
sides of the spine. Usually both methods are used in a session; some stones standing still on stagnant areas while
others are being used to massage tissue.
An authentic hot stone massage is not simply gliding hot stones lightly upon the surface of the skin. The stones are
skillfully used to deliver effective tissue and muscle massage at a pressure level comfortable to the client. The
hardness of the stones allows deep tissue massage while the heat relaxes muscles, increases blood flow and
accelerates the healing process. Training can be obtained through weekend workshops.
A hot stone massage can be an entire session all on its own or stones can be incorporated into session of massage
therapy, energy balancing, acupressure, craniosacral or most other bodywork modalities.
Jin Shin Do® BodyMind Acupressure ™
Jin Shin Do means ‘The Way of the Compassionate Spirit’ and compassion is the guide behind the system.
Developed by psychotherapist Iona Marsaa Teeguarden, Jin Shin Do® (JSD) is a unique synthesis of ancient and
modern techniques. It not only strives to balance internal flows of chi in the body/mind, it also helps assert harmony
with the laws of nature. JSD is a gentle yet powerful art that deepens the awareness of both recipient and
practitioner. It reawakens the incredible healing powers of the body/mind/spirit.
JSD uses firm but gentle finger pressure on selected acupoint to release muscular holding patterns. It not only
allows the smooth, harmonious, balanced flow of energy, it also brings awareness to emotional tensions lying
underneath the muscle tensions. It is ideal for use with emotional process work.
JSD training is 500 hours of lecture, hands-on practice, and clinical training. JSD training meets most state
requirements for licensing as a massage therapist and for certification through the American Organization for
Bodywork Therapy of Asia (AOBTA). For more information contact: www.jinshindo.org .
A JSD session usually is performed while the client lies on a massage table, fully clothed and in the face up position.
A session lasts between 1 and 1-1/2 hours. Typically people become deeply relaxed, feel a reduction of pain, and
experience profound integration of body, mind and spirit.
Joint mobilization and manipulation
The function of joints is to move. As we go through life many forces can interfere with joint function such as injury,
over use, repetitive action and muscle imbalance. Joints can become fixated (the internal surfaces are stuck
together) so that they are unable to move freely. Fixated joints can be painful and can create tension in associated
muscles. Fixation in spinal joints can compromise nerve function contributing to organ dysfunction and general
illness. Releasing compressed or fixated joints improves their function, reduces pain, improves general health and
relaxes surrounding tissue.
Joints can be mobilized through stretching associated muscle tissue and through impacting the joint directly. Direct
intervention may involve gently moving adjacent bones in different directions to open the joint capsules, ligaments
and fascia. Many massage and bodywork therapists are trained in different styles of joint mobilization.
More forceful interventions involve manipulating the joint through its range and end-play of motion. Chiropractors,
physical therapists and naturopaths are each trained and licensed in different techniques for manipulating or
adjusting joints. Careful evaluation will determine what type of treatment and practitioner will be most helpful and
what adjunct modalities can be used with joint treatments.
Massage Therapy
Massage is the manipulation of the soft tissues of the body such as muscles, fascia, tendons and ligaments.
Massage techniques can include kneading, compressing, vibrating, lifting and stretching. Massage addresses
musculoskeletal pain and dysfunction, reduces stress, and has an overall healing impact on the body. It’s the
fastest growing modality in alternative and complimentary health care due to its effectiveness and many health
benefits.
Licensing for massage therapy varies from state to state. In Connecticut, massage therapist are licensed after they
completing a 500 hour training program through a COMPTA certified massage school. For more information
contact: www.amtamassage.org .
A massage session is usually performed on a massage table although a massage chair or mat may also be used.
The client is fully or partially unclothed depending on the comfort of the client or type massage being performed.
Clients are properly draped with sheets and blankets at all times. Oil or cream is applied which may be scented with
aromatherapy oil. A session usually lasts 1 to 1-1/2 hours and may incorporate other modalities such as energy
balancing, hot stones and myofascial release.
Myofascial Release
Myofascial Release, developed by physical therapist John Barnes, is a form of soft tissue therapy which focuses on
the fascia. Fascia is a form of connective tissue that surrounds and connects every cell, muscle, organ and
structure in the body in one continuous web. A fascial restriction in one part of the body transmits distortion and
can cause dysfunction in other parts of the body. Fascia is manipulated through the slow stretching, lifting and
separating of structures which allows the connective tissue fibers to reorganize themselves in a more flexible,
functional fashion. Injuries, stress, inflammation, trauma, and poor posture can cause restriction to fascia. Since
fascia is an interconnected web, the restriction or tightness to fascia in one place can impact other places in the
body. The goal of Myofascial Release is to free fascial restriction and restore tissue health.
Training to become a myofascial therapist is usually reserved for licensed health care practitioners such as physical
therapists, massage therapists, naturopaths and chiropractors. Training is not available to lay people. For more
information contact: www.myofascialrelease.com
Myofascial Release can be part of a multi-modality session or used on its own. Recipients are usually partially or
completely unclothed, lying on a massage table or mat, and are both passively and actively engaged during the
session. Usually oils and creams are not used or are used sparingly. Sessions generally last ½ to 1 hour.
Naturopathic Medicine
Naturopathic medicine is a branch of medicine that uses natural interventions to promote health. Naturopaths are
licensed as primary care or special care physicians in 15 states and four Canadian Provinces. As licensed
physicians, naturopaths are able to diagnose and treat illness. They seek to diagnose and treat the cause of
illness rather than simply focusing on symptoms. To diagnose they can order conventional blood, urine and saliva
labs, order diagnostic imaging such as radiographs and CT scans, and perform physical assessment. In addition
they use alternative diagnostic lab techniques and evaluation, providing a comprehensive diagnosis. Treatment is
individualized, treats the whole person (body, mind, emotions and spirit), and seeks to stimulate the bodies natural
healing mechanisms. It uses lifestyle change, herbs, nutrition, homeopathy and other treatment options. Knowing
when naturopathic intervention is the best course of action and when emergency medical intervention is needed is
an important part of integrative health care.
Licensed Naturopathic Physicians must pass comprehensive board exams set by the North American Board of
Naturopathic Examiners (NABNE) after having completed four years of academic and clinical training at a post-
graduate college certified by the Council on Naturopathic Medical Education (CNME). Naturopaths are trained in
conventional medical sciences, diagnosis and treatment of illness, pharmacology, minor surgery and natural
therapeutic interventions. The first two years of training are equivalent to conventional medical school. The second
two years are naturopathic therapeutics and clinical experience. For more information contact: http://www.
naturopathic.org
Connecticut has recognized and licensed naturopathic doctors since 1926. Naturopathic physicians here are
considered specialty care doctors as opposed to primary care doctors. The scope of practice in Connecticut
consists of diagnosis and treatment and includes a variety of treatment modalities such as acupuncture and oriental
medicine, botanical medicine, homeopathy, nutrition, vitamin therapy, physical medicine (includes naturopathic
manipulation, physiotherapy, sports medicine, therapeutic exercise), hydrotherapy and psychological counseling.
Different practitioners specialize in particular areas.
An appointment with a Naturopathic physician will include a comprehensive evaluation of your health history and
chief complaint. Your physician may order labs or imaging studies to assist in diagnosis. Treatment will be
coordinated with the patient’s additional health care professionals. An initial visit usually takes 1 to 1-1/2 hours and
may include a physical exam. Follow up consults can be as short as 15 minutes or longer if physical medicine
treatments or hydrotherapy treatments are being performed.
Oriental Medicine
Chinese medicine is a complete medical system that has diagnosed, treated, and prevented illness for centuries.
Chinese medicine can remedy ailments, enhance recuperative power, boost immunity, and increase the capacity for
pleasure, work, and creativity.
Licensing varies from state to state. Licensed states require a four year training program resulting in a Masters of
Science in Oriental Medicine. For more information contact: www.nccaom.org
The goal of Chinese medicine is to restore harmony to the inner forces of yin and yang. Modern diagnosis includes
pulse reading, hara (abdomen) reading, physiognomy, and tongue diagnosis. Treatments include herbal medicine,
acupuncture, elemental nutrition, and physical medicine.
A session in oriental medicine starts with a health history and oriental medical assessment. A treatment option will
be chosen which may include any of the above modalities including acupuncture. A session usually lasts an hour.
Psychotherapy
Psychotherapy is a widely utilized and accepted form of engaging in exploration of our thoughts, beliefs, emotions,
and behaviors. There are a great many models of theory for practicing psychotherapy, each focusing on different
areas of intention and purpose.
Psychotherapy is a human service profession that seeks to alleviate human suffering by engaging in relational
dialogue. In the safe container of the relationship between therapist and client, many thoughts and feelings can be
explored. Most people enter psychotherapy because they are experiencing distress in some part of their lives.
While some forms of psychotherapy focus on symptom resolution alone, other forms of therapy will integrate a
search for the deeper meanings of soul and spirit, as expressed through dreams, wishes, and longings.
In all psychotherapy practice, the wish to alleviate suffering is paramount. There are many pathways to this end,
and many opportunities to be guided and supported on the journey.
Reflexology
Reflexology is the treatment of the whole body through reflex points located on the feet and hands. This system
divides the body into reflex zones; each zone ends at a specific location on both the front and back of the hands,
wrists, feet and ankles. Stimulating these points can have affects along the entire zone. In this way the whole body
can benefit from treatment to the hands and/or feet.
National standards for this modality are currently set by the American Reflexology Certification Board (ARCB) which
provides the national certification exam. Training requires a minimum of 110 hours (broken into history, theory,
anatomy and physiology; and supervised practicum). For more information contact www.arcb.net
Reflexology is performed by using the hands, fingers, thumbs and knuckles to apply pressure to reflex points.
Precise techniques are used to stimulate, sedate, or balance a particular area. A session can be performed with the
receiver lying on a table or sitting in a special reflexology chair. It can be combined with sound therapy,
aromatherapy and other modalities. A session usually lasts one hour.
Sound Healing
Sound healing is a form of vibrational medicine. Everything in the universe is in a state of vibration. Resonance is
the frequency that an object naturally vibrates at. Everything has resonant frequency including each organ, gland,
tissue or structure of the body. In fact the body can be considered an orchestra of harmonics. When a person's
healthy resonant frequency is out of balance, physical and emotional health is affected.
The goal of sound therapy is to restore resonant frequency and harmony in the system. The mechanism by which
sound therapy works is called entrainment. Essentially more powerful rhythms synchronize less powerful rhythms.
This can be easily seen with the effect of sound vibration on brain waves. Sound can shift brainwaves from over
active beta-states to meditative alpha states.
Sound therapy refers to a range of therapies in which sound is used to treat physical and mental conditions. Music
is one way of accessing sound therapy. Additionally, sound wave vibrations created with frequency generating
machines, singing bowls, Tibetan horns, musical instruments, tuning forks, and the voice are some of the tools used
to treat physical and mental conditions. Treatment by sound waves is believed to restore healthy balance to the
body.
Training in different sound modalities can be obtained by health care professionals and lay people alike. Training
may be a single weekend or longer. There are no licensing or certification requirements although many institutions
do offer certification. A great certification training program can be found at www.biosonics.com .
Sound therapy may be incorporated into other types of therapy sessions or used on its own. It may involve using
music that clears chakras, placing vibrating tuning forks on specific body points, listening to singing bowls or more.
The length of a session is variable but generally lasts one hour.
Visceral Manipulation
Visceral Manipulation was developed by French Osteopath, Dr. Jean-Pierre Barral. It’s based on the fact that all
structures in the body (muscles, membranes, bones, fascia, organs) are in endless motion. When one structure can’
t move it causes all the rest of the body to accommodate, in effect working against the rest of the body. The
viscera, or organs, may lose the ability to move due to abnormal tone, adhesions or displacement. This creates a
fixed point of tension that the body is forced to move around creating chronic irritation leading to dysfunction of the
organ or other body parts.
Visceral Manipulation (VM) is a gentle hands-on therapy that works through the internal organs to locate and
alleviate abnormal points of tension throughout the body. VM employs specifically placed manual forces that work to
encourage the normal mobility, tone and motion of the viscera and their connective tissues.
Training is reserved for health care providers such as doctors, chiropractors, naturopaths, physical therapists and
massage therapists. Training progresses through modules from basic technique to advanced technique. Each
module is taught over the course of a weekend. For more information contact: www.upledger.com .
In a session trained practitioners use the rhythmic motions of the visceral system to evaluate how abnormal forces
affect the body. Using gentle manipulations, organs are assisted in regaining normal movement which can improve
their individual function and the structural integrity of the entire body. The client can be clothed or partially
unclothed depending on the organ being manipulated. Sessions can be as short as 15 minutes or up to one hour if
combined with other modalities such as Myofasical Release or craniosacral therapy. Benefits are the reduction of
pain and dysfunction and the return to optimal organ function.
Here are some of the modalities practitioners you see may use. Consult the
referral directory to find an area practitioner who uses modalities you are
interested in. If terms are unfamiliar, you can find definitions in the glossary.
referral directory to find an area practitioner who uses modalities you are
interested in. If terms are unfamiliar, you can find definitions in the glossary.
| Please come into the web site, but excuse the fact that it is still under construction. Send us an E-mail or give us a call in the office if you have a health inquiry. |
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| Welcome to the Andrews Healing Arts Clinic, LLC 20 Dunk Rock Road, Guilford, Ct. 06437 203-453-4377 E-mail: Synthia.Andrews@yahoo.com |