Definitions

	On this page you'll find basic definitions for some of alternative health terms used in this site. Please be aware that the definitions listed below are, in many cases, extremely simplified versions of very complex concepts. If you're interested in learning more about any of these topics, you'll find many fine books about them at your local bookstores and libraries.

1. Acupressure
	Our bodies are filled with energy, called "Chi" by the Chinese. Chi flows through the body in energy pathways called meridians. Meridians function something like rivers made of energy. If there's a blockage along a channel, the area after the blockage may be weak like a river that’s been dammed up. Just so, if a channel or meridian has too much energy, then the pathway may be sore since the Chi is trying to overflow its banks. In both cases the body's entire energy system will be effected. When there are energy blockages along a merdian(s), the body will be out of balance and may exhibit certain problems that can range from stiffness to sickness. Acupressure uses thumbs, fingers, or hands to remove blockages or slow down excess energy. It can help rebalance the body and bring it back to health.
2. Acutonics^®
	This healing method uses precision calibrated tuning forks applied to specific points or gateways that provide access to the body's Meridian and Chakra energy systems. Similar to acupuncture, this needle-less, non-invasive treatment stimulates and balances the body's subtle energy field to promote healing and inner harmony.
3. Chi/Qi
	Chi is the vital energy or fundamental force that runs through the bodies of everything alive. Pronounced "chee," this energy flows along pathways through the body called "meridians." In Japan, it is called "Ki." In the West, Chi is sometimes thought to be a form of electro-magnetic charge.
4. Energy Work
	In energy work a practioner uses some of their own Chi, or energy, to bring balance and healing to the body. Commonly, the energy is gathered and then sent through the hands and into a specific part of the body. The resulting touch brings warmth and healing to the injury.
5. Equissage^®
	The Equine Sports Massage program created by Mary Schreiber. As Schreiber explains it, Equine Sports Massage is the... "therapeutic application of hands-on massage techniques for the purpose of increasing circulation, relaxing muscle spasms, relieving tension, enhancing muscle tone, and increasing range of motion in high performance horses."
6. Feldenkrais Method^®
	An educational system developed by Moshe Feldenkrais using movement to bring about more effective ways to function. In the Feldenkrais method a recipient, called a student, is taught to become more aware of his existing patterns of action. Then the student is guided by a practitioner through a series of new movements designed to bring about a new and greater awareness of his body leading to a fuller range of motion and a new freedom of movement.
7. Flower Essences
	Flower essences are liquid, potentized plant preparations which convey the distinct imprint or etheric pattern of a specific flower. Flower Essences address imbalances between the spiritual, mental, emotional and physical aspects of an individual. Flower essences enjoy a reputation of being both highly effective and very safe to use. Occasionally, animals (or people) experience immediate or dramatic changes when taking then. Others may have difficulty perceiving any changes right away. The most common pattern is to discover a gradual effect over a period of time.
8. Myofascial Release
	Myofascial Release is a mild and gentle hands-on technique that concentrates on freeing and loosening the body's fascia, the tough connective tissue that spreads throughout the body in a three-dimensional matrix. The muscles, tendons and ligaments are all part of the fascial matrix. The fascia is involved in the body's postural balance, motion, circulation, and nervous system. Gentle stretching of the fascia is a very effective method for releasing muscular tension.
9. Homeopathy
	Homeopathy is a holistic form of medicine dating back to the 18th Century. Homeopathic remedies work by strengthening the body's defense systems. In treating an illness homeopathy takes into account the unique emotional and physical traits of the individual.
10. Shiatsu
	An ancient Japanese bodywork system that uses hand, knuckle, palm, elbow or foot pressure on specific acupressure / acupuncture points to promote the free-flow of Chi (Ki) through the meridians of the body.
11. TCM (Traditional Chinese Medicine)
	Traditional Chinese Medicine has roots that extend back 3000 years. It is a system of diagnosis, treatment and preventative care that includes the practices of acupuncture, acupressure, herbal treatments and massage to help preserve healthful "climates" or conditions within the body. In Chinese Medicine it is felt that the best "cure" for sickness is prevention, as opposed to Western medicine which focuses on repairing or curing. Today, we might call Traditional Chinese Medicine a system of wellness.
12. TTouch™/TTEAM
	Tellington Touch (TTouch™) is a massage system based on circular movements of the fingers and hands all over the body. The intent of the TTouch is to activate the function of the cells and awaken cellular intelligence. The Tellington-Jones Equine Awareness Method (TTEAM™) offers a training approach that encourages health and optimal performance by presenting solutions to common behavioral and physical problems. TTEAM™ works to establish a deeper rapport between horse and rider based on increased understanding and more effective communication.
13. Vibrational Healing
	Vibrational healing encompasses the use of energy systems for therapeutic purposes. Generally, it seeks to realign the human energy field and promote the free-flow of energy thereby restoring health. Some of the healing methods included under the umbrella of vibrational healing are: acupuncture, aromatherapy, flower essence therapy, "chakra rebalancing,", absent healing, homeopathy, laying on of hands, meridian therapy, moxibustion, Polarity Therapy, psychic healing, Toning, Transcendental Meditation, and Therapeutic Touch.