Abhyanga: Abhyanga, or oil massage, is an ayurvedic external treatment where one, two, or more therapists use
Acrosage: This combination of massage, yoga, and acrobatics was developed by Benjamin Marantz. The client is p
Acu-Yoga: Acu-Yoga is a system of exercises integrating the knowledge of two holistic methods of health mainte
Acupressure: Acupressure is an ancient healing art that uses the fingers to press key points on the surface of th
Acute: Of abrupt onset, in reference to a disease. Acute often also connotes an illness that is of short du
Ai Chi (Flowing Aquatic Energy): Ai chi is a water exercise and relaxation program, created by Jun Konno, to help aquatic practitione
Aikido: This noncompetitive Japanese martial art aims to harmonize energy with that of a partner or opponent
Alchemical Synergy: Developed by Kamala Renner, Alchemical Synergy is a process of evolving universal energy patterns an
Alexander Technique: The Alexander Technique is movement education in which the student is taught to sit, stand, and move
Allergy: A misguided reaction to foreign substances by the immune system , the body system of defense against
Allopathic Medicine: Known as conventional medicine, allopathy is a medical approach that seeks to cure by producing a co
Alternative Medicine: Practices used instead of standard medical treatments. Alternative medicine is distinct from complem
Amma: Amma (sometimes spelled anma) is the traditional word for massage in the Japanese language. It comes
Anatomy: The study of form. Gross anatomy involves structures that can be seen with the naked eye. It is as o
Animal Massage: Both pets and performance animals experience soft-tissue damage in their daily lives just as humans
Anma: Amma (sometimes spelled anma) is the traditional word for massage in the Japanese language. It comes
Anxiety: A feeling of apprehension and fear characterized by physical symptoms such as palpitations , sweatin
Applied Kinesiology: Kinesiology is the study of the principles of mechanics and anatomy related to human body movement,
Applied Kinesiology: Applied Kinesiology is a healing system that evaluates and treats an individual?€™s structural,
Applied Physiology: A muscle monitoring technique, applied physiology allows the body to express what is out of balance
Aromatherapy: The use of essential oils (extracted from herbs, flowers, resin, woods, and roots) in body and skin
Art Therapy: Using the media of the arts (sculpture, painting, collage, etc.) To provide release of symbolic expr
Arthritis: Inflammation of a joint. When joints are inflamed they can develop stiffness, warmth, swelling, redn
Ashiatsu Oriental Bar Therapy: This barefoot massage technique uses deep compression effleurage strokes that glide over the body. G
Asian Body Work: Monitoring the flow of the vital life energy (known as chi, ki, prana) is at the heart of Asian body
Aston Patterning: Aston-Patterning is an educational process, developed by Judith Aston in 1977, combining movement co
Asymmetric Body Balancing: This is a combination of Paul St. John?€™s neuromuscular therapy and more traditional Hatha yoga
Attunement: Attunement is a non-touch (or light touch) approach to healing, employing spiritual techniques (pray
Ayurveda: Ayurveda is the five thousand year-old medical system of India. It is also a philosophy that offers
Bach Flower Remedies: Developed by Edward Bach in the early 1900s, Bach Flower Remedies is a system of thirty-eight flower
Balinese Massage: Positioned above the client, the Balinese massage therapist performs a combination of kneading strok
Balneotherapy: Ancient use of waters to restore and revitalize the body is known as balneotherapy. It has been used
Barbara Brennan Healing Science: The Barbara Brennan Healing Science program focuses on clearing blocked energy and balancing the bod
Belavi Facelift Massage: A series of massage techniques using acupressure points, lymphatic drainage strokes, and facial mass
Berrywork: A combination of corrective stretches involving the fascia, cartilage, and joints, Berrywork was cre
Bindegewebsmassage: This technique is based on the theory that any disruption or imbalance in any portion of the body af
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
Biofeedback: Biofeedback utilizes a system of sensitive instruments that relay information about the physical con
Biogeometry: Biogeometry is a design language of shape that balances energy fields. Vitality, emotions, and menta
Biomagnetic Touch Healing: Bio-magnetic touch healing is a light touch complementary healing method that employs the index and
Biosonic Repatterning: Developed by John Beaulieu, ND, phd, biosonic Repatterning is a natural method of healing and consci
Biosync: Nerve impingement in cross-linked connective tissue is a major cause of chronic and sports-associate
Blood: The familiar red fluid in the body that contains white and red blood cells, platelets, proteins, and
Blood Clot: Blood that has been converted from a liquid to a solid state. Also called a thrombus.
Body Alignment: Nerve impingement in cross-linked connective tissue is a major cause of chronic and sports-associate
Body Imaging Enhancement: Based on a balance between body, mind, and feeling, body imaging enhancement proposes that anatomica
Body Logic: Developed by Yamuna Zake, this is a highly organized system of structural therapy/bodywork. This yog
Body Mind Centering: Movement re-education and hands-on re-patterning, utilizing movement, touch, voice and understanding
Body Rolling: Practiced on a six to ten inch ball, and following specific routines that imitate the logic of the n
Body-Mind Centering: Body-Mind Centering is a movement reeducation approach that explores how the body?€™s systems co
Body-Oriented Psychotherapy: Body-oriented psychotherapy seeks to enhance the psychotherapeutic process by incorporating a range
Bodytalk: Developed by chiropractor/acupuncturist Dr. John Veltheim, bodytalk is based on bio-energetic psycho
Bodywork: Any of a number of therapeutic or simply relaxing practices that involve the manipulation, massage,
Bonding And Relaxation Techniques (BART): Based on the parent education program of infant massage by Virnala mcclure, BART is a program of str
Bonnie Prudden Myotherapy: A hands-on, drugless, noninvasive method of relieving muscle-related pain, Bonnie Prudden Myotherapy
Bowen Technique: Developed by Thomas Ambrose Bowen of Australia in the 1960s and 1970s, this hands-on, light-touch bo
Brain: That part of the central nervous system that is located within the cranium ( skull ). The brain func
Brain Gym: Created by Paul and Gail Dennison, Brain Gym (or Educational Kinesiology or Edu-K) is a sensorimotor
Breast Massage: This technique entails specific kneading, rubbing, and/or squeezing strokes applied to the soft tiss
Breath Therapy: Breath therapy, which can ease anxieties and reduce stress, is the use of respiratory exercises to o
Breathing: The process of respiration, during which air is inhaled into the lungs through the mouth or nose due
Breema Bodywork: The Breema system places particular emphasis on the experience and comfort of the practitioner, teac
Breema Breathwork: This method uses stretching, rhythm and breathwork on a clothed client lying on a padded floor.
Budzek Medical Massage Therapy: Developed by Jeffrey Budzeky, RN, Budzek Medical Massage Therapy is designed to relieve acute and ch
Cancer: An abnormal growth of cells which tend to proliferate in an uncontrolled way and, in some cases, to
Cathiodermi: Cathiodermi is a rejuvenating treatment for the skin that provides deep cleansing and oxygenation of
Chair Massage: Known as seated massage, chair massage, or on-site massage, this technique involves the use of a spe
Champissage: Champissage is the modern Indian name for the ayurvedic method of head massage, stimulating the circ
Chi Nei Tsang: Tibetan abdominal massage combined with qigong exercises.
Chi Nei Tsang: Chi means energy and information, and nei tsang means viscera or internal organs. Chi nei tsang addr
Christopher Method: The Christopher Method Sound-Wave Energy Therapy was introduced in 1995 and is a non-touch therapy t
Chronic: This important term in medicine comes from the Greek chronos, time and means lasting a long time.
Chronic Pain: Pain (an unpleasant sense of discomfort) that persists or progresses over a long period of time. In
Colon Hydrotherapy: A gentle infusion of warm water through the colon is used to cleanse trapped impurities, preventing
Color Therapy: An ancient system using specific color rays to treat the body and mind, color therapy is based on th
Colorpuncture: A system of holistic acu-light therapy developed by Peter Mandel, colorpuncture applies different fr
Complementary And Alternative Medicine (CAM): Complementary and alternative medicine (CAM) incorporates a large group of healthcare practices and
Connective Tissue: A material made up of fibers forming a framework and support structure for body tissues and organs.
Connective Tissue Massage: Also known as bindegewebsmassage, Connective Tissue Massage (CTM) techniques are designed to specifi
Conscious Bodywork: This form of neuromuscular reprogramming and therapy combines massage techniques with muscle testing
Continuum: Founded by Emilie Conrad, continuum is a visionary inquiry into our capacity to innovate and partici
Conventional Medicine: Medicine as practiced by holders of M.D. (medical doctor) or D.O. (doctor of osteopathy) degrees and
Core Bodywork: A myofascial and structural therapy integrating four phases of treatment, including massage, myofasc
Core Energetics: Developed by John Pierrakos, core energetics is the unblocking and releasing of emotion in order to
Core Structural Integrative Therapy: Originated by George P. Kousaleos, CORE is a myofascial, postural, and structural somatic therapy co
Craniosacral Therapy: Craniosacral therapy is a gentle, noninvasive method of evaluating and enhancing the function of a p
Craniosomatics: Craniosomatics is a paradigm for understanding relationships between the cranium and its sutures and
Cryotherapy: Also known as ice therapy, this modality uses the application of cold hydrotherapy in the form of ic
Crystledyne Therapy: Utilizing a self-activated crystal stimulator, which creates an electrical stimulus when two crystal
Dance-Movement Therapies: Dance/movement therapies focus on personal expression to enhance emotional and psychological healing
Dantien: The area of the hara approximately two finger-widths below the navel is called the lower dantien (or
Deep Tissue: A technique that releases chronic patterns of tension in the body through slow strokes and deep fing
Deep Tissue Massage: Techniques that utilize deep-tissue/deep-muscle massage are administered to affect the sub-layer of
Deep Vein Thrombosis: A blood clot ( thrombus ) in a deep vein in the thigh or leg. The clot can break off as an embolus a
Deep-Tissue Massage: Utilizes various techniques to affect the deeper tissues of the body, such as fascia and other non-s
Degriefing: Degriefing is the process of recognizing the mental and physical pain that accompanies grief and tre
Depression: An illness that involves the body, mood, and thoughts, that affects the way a person eats and sleeps
Dermatomyositis: A chronic inflammatory disease of skin and muscle which is associated with patches of slightly raise
Diabetes: Refers to diabetes mellitus or, less often, to diabetes insipidus . Diabetes mellitus and diabetes i
Diagnosis: 1 The nature of a disease ; the identification of an illness. 2 A conclusion or decision reached by
Dilate: To stretch or enlarge. It comes from the Latin verb 'dilatare' meaning 'to enlarge or expand.'
Do-In: This is a system of self-massage promoted most recently by Michio Kushi. More than five thousand yea
Dynamic Spinal Therapy: Dynamic spinal therapy was developed by Rolf Ott in Rapperswil, Switzerland, in the 1980s. The techn
Earth Energy Healing: Similar to reiki, as it is the channeling of energy and entails laying on of the hands.
Effleurage: A smooth, gliding stroke, generally used in a Swedish massage, using both hands to relax soft tissue
Emf Balancing Technique: In an hour-long session, clients experience their own electromagnetic field (EMF) and the patterns w
Endermologie: Endermologie utilizes a computerized machine that massages tissues under suction to improve blood fl
Energetic Integration: Postural integration and energetic integration were developed by Jack Painter in the late 1960s and
Energy Flow Balancing: This gentle treatment assists clients in balancing their energy flow. Therapists hold a space for cl
Environment: The sum of the total of the elements, factors and conditions in the surroundings which may have an i
Equine Massage: The practice of soft-tissue manipulation applied to horses. See animal massage.
Esalen Massage: Developed in the 1960s at Esalen Institute on the California Coast, this approach melded classic Swe
Esoteric Healing: This is a healing through the energy field, which flows through and around us, and chakras, or cente
Eucapnic Breath Retraining: A technique of guided breathing exercises and training used by somatic therapists in combination wit
Eutony: Derived from eu, meaning good, and tonus meaning tone or tension, eutony was developed by Gerda Alex
Exerssage: Starface Exerssage is a facial yoga, slow motion movement, and self-massage technique integrated wit
Family Physician: A physician who is educated and trained in family practice.
Fascial Mobilization: The fascial system is one continuous, laminated, connective-tissue sheath that spreads without inter
Feet: The plural of foot, both an anatomic structure and a unit of measure.
Feldenkrais Method: Developed by Russian-born Israeli educator Moshe Feldenkrais, this method establishes new connection
Feng Shui: Feng shui (translated as ?€?wind and water?€?) is the Chinese system of balancing the energy pat
Fever: Although a fever technically is any body temperature above the normal of 98.6 degrees F. (37 degrees
Five-Element Shiatsu: This technique is based on classical Chinese medicine?€™s law of the five elements. The five-ele
Flotation Repatterning: This aquatic treatment is performed in water heated to body temperature. The therapist and the clien
Foot Zone Therapy: Foot zone therapy is based on the premise that energy flows through the body in meridians from the b
Four-Hand Massage: This therapy requires two practitioners to simultaneously massage the client?€™s left and right
Fracture: A break in bone or cartilage. Although usually the result of trauma, a fracture can be caused by an
Friction: The deepest of Swedish massage strokes, it encompasses deep, circular movements applied to soft tiss
Geriatric Massage: Geriatric massage, with its focus on the elderly, addresses the psychological and physiological aspe
Grinberg Method: The Grinberg Method is a systematic educational method that teaches people to mobilize their own str
Gua Sha: Used in China for more than two thousand years, gua sha means to scrape toxins. A method of promotin
Guided Imagery: Also known as visualization, guided imagery is a relaxation system utilizing imagination and thought
Gyrotonic: A system designed to exercise the musculature while mobilizing and articulating the joints. Gyrotoni
Hakomi: Body-centered psychotherapy utilizing physical and psychological probes to evoke emotional and body
Hakomi Integrative Somatics: Using hands-on bodywork, body awareness, and movement, hakomi integrative somatics enables people to
Hakomi Therapy: A body-centered psychotherapy, hakomi was started in the mid-1970s by American Ron Kurtz. Hakomi use
Hanna Somatic Education: This system of sensory-awareness and neuromuscular education makes it possible for a participant to
Hara: The source of health, vitality, and power, the hara is the physical center of the body. Bounded by t
Healing Sounds: This practice uses sound to create balance and alignment in the physical body, the energy centers (c
Healing Touch: Developed by Janet Mentgen, RN, Healing Touch is an energy-based therapeutic approach to healing. He
Healing Touch For Animals: Developed by Carol Komitor and adapted from the Healing Touch program, Healing Touch for Animals (HT
Heart: The muscle that pumps blood received from veins into arteries throughout the body. It is positioned
Heart Rate: The number of heart beats per unit time, usually per minute. The heart rate is based on the number o
Hellerwork: Movement education and deep-tissue bodywork are the major components of Hellerwork, named for founde
Hellerwork: Focuses on the structural integration of body alignment with gravity.
Hemme Approach: Developed by Dave Leflet, HEMME is a soft-tissue therapy designed for practitioners in a clinical se
Holistic Medicine: Holistic medicine recognizes that the mind, spirit, lifestyle, environment, and other aspects of a p
Holographic Memory Release: This subtle technique, developed by Charles Daily, DC, allows the Holistic Memory Release (HMR) prac
Holographic Nature Of Healing: The holographic nature of healing is a year-long training program that combines hands-on energy work
Holotropic Breathwork: Developed by Dr. Stanislov Grof, a psychiatrist working with people in uncommon states of consciousn
Homeopathy: Alternative healing method developed into a system by Samuel Hahnemann in the late 1700s, and based
Hoshino Therapy: Developed by Japanese-born, Argentine immigrant Tomezo Hoshino, Hoshino Therapy was declared an offi
Hot Stone: a massage technique, used in conjunction with other modalities, in which warmed stones are placed on
Huma Transpersonal Bodywork: A method of bodywork that integrates subtle, articulate touch and verbal communication by combining
Human Energy Dynamics: This therapy, though similar to reiki, uses the English language instead of symbols. It involves set
Huna Kane: This Hawaiian technique espouses that emotions and experiences are trapped in the fibers of each mus
Hydrotherapy: Although ancient Greece and Rome both adopted the beliefs that water had healing properties, it was
Infant Massage: Various gentle touch-therapy methods for infants, performed by parents.
Infant Massage Instruction: Qualified instructors teach parents how to properly massage their infants. Infant massage is also ut
Infection: The growth of a parasitic organism within the body. (A parasitic organism is one that lives on or in
Inflammation: A basic way in which the body reacts to infection , irritation or other injury, the key feature bein
Ingham Method: The Ingham Method is a form of zone therapy or reflexology. In the 1930s, Eunice Ingham, a physiothe
Injury: Harm or hurt. The term 'injury' may be applied in medicine to damage inflicted upon oneself as in a
Insight Bodywork: Insight Bodywork, developed by Konda?±?±a (Barry Kapke), is a floor-based energy work that seamles
Integrated Kabbalistic Healing: Integrated Kabbalistic Healing is a system of energy healing, developed by Jason Shulman, based on t
Integrated-Eclectic Massage: This practice indicates a combination of various massage, bodywork, and somatic therapy techniques u
Integrative Manual Therapy: This therapy recognizes that each person is more than the total components of anatomy, physics, and
Integrative Medicine: Alternative and conventional (allopathic) methodologies are combined to stimulate the person?€™s
Interactive Guided Imagery: An effective set of tools that can be used to mobilize the latent, innate healing abilities of clien
Internal Medicine: A medical specialty dedicated to the diagnosis and medical treatment of adults. A physician who spec
Intuitive Work: Intuitive work is a way of incorporating the perceived and received information that extends beyond
Iridology: Iridology is a diagnostic science in which the study of markings in specific areas of the iris are u
Isometric Muscle Balancing: Developed by Charlotte Vandergrift, Isometric Muscle Balancing is based on the muscle testing positi
Jamu Massage: Jamu massage is a Balinese-inspired modality based on Indian, Chinese, and European techniques invol
Japanese Restoration Therapy: These two practices form an integral part of traditional martial arts training that emphasizes a con
Jin Shin Do: Developed by psychotherapist Iona Marsaa Teeguarden, Jin Shin Do combines gentle, yet deep, finger p
Jin Shin Jyutsu: Jin Shin Jyutsu physio-philosophy is an ancient art of harmonizing the life energy in the body. Born
Kentro: Kentro body balance is a technique of gentle centering and balancing movements that stretch, exercis
Kinetic Awareness: Developed by dancer/choreographer Elaine Summers, kinetic awareness is a system of bodywork that aim
Kneading: The squeezing, rolling and kneading of the muscles that usually follows effleurage during Swedish ma
Korean Martial Therapy: This is a deep-tissue modality that includes massage strokes, body movement, stretches, pressure poi
Kripalu Bodywork: The Kripalu bodyworker guides the client into a state of deep relaxation and meditation for the purp
Kriya Massage: Kriya is defined as spontaneous energy movement. Kriya Massage, developed by Kamala Renner in 1970,
Kundalini Energization: This is a form of healing energy in which the objective is to raise the client?€™s Kundalini ene
Labor: Childbirth, the aptly-named experience of delivering the baby and placenta from the uterus to the va
Lastone Therapy: Stones of all shapes and sizes and varying temperatures, ranging from zero to 140 degrees, are used
Laying On Of Hands: In alternative medicine, an ancient method of healing by touching a person with the hands or palms,
Lenair Technique: This energy medicine therapy abates addictions, compulsions, fears, phobias, and stress-related prob
Lifestream Massage Technique: This method of bodywork was developed to fulfill a need for the busy massage therapist, especially t
Lomi Lomi: An ancient and still-popular Hawaiian massage technique that utilizes the elbows and forearms and lo
Lomilomi: This system of massage utilizes very large, broad movements. Two-handed, forearm, and elbow applicat
Lonsdale Method Of Lymphatic Massage: This technique offers a unique integration of osteopathic visceral manipulation, using both deep and
Looyen Work: Developed by Ted Looyen, this technique is a painless approach to deep-tissue therapy, working with
Lymph: An almost colorless fluid that travels through vessels called lymphatics in the lymphatic system and
Lymph Drainage Therapy: Lymph Drainage Therapy (LDT) is unique in that healthcare professionals learn how to palpate the lym
Lymphatic: 1. One of the lymphatics, vessel that convey the lymph fluid. 2. Pertaining to the lymph, lymphoid t
Lymphatic Drainage Therapy: A hands-on method for lymphatic drainage involving flat hands, utilizing all of the fingers to stimu
Lypposage: Developed by Charles W. Wiltsie III, lypossage is a combination of manual deep-tissue massage, lymph
M Technique: The ?€?M?€? Technique is a series of stroking movements performed in a set sequence. Each moveme
Macrobiotic Shiatsu: This is a combination of macrobiotic diet, philosophy, and shiatsu. Macrobiotic shiatsu makes use of
Magnet Therapy: The therapeutic use of magnets may be older than acupuncture, originally involving a material called
Manual Lymph Drainage: The strokes applied in manual lymph drainage are intended to stimulate the movement of the lymphatic
Manual Lymph Drainage: Aims to create greater mobility of the lymph fluids through gentle stroking of the lymph channels an
Mariel: Developed by Reiki Master Ethel Lombardi, the expression mariel refers to a transformational healing
Massage: The manipulation of muscle and connective tissue to enhance the function of those tissues and promot
Massage Modality Or Technique: A kind of massage, such as Swedish, deep tissue or myofascial release.
Massage Therapist: A person who practices therapeutic massage. In many US states, massage therapists can be licensed af
Massage Therapy: Massage or massage therapy are systems of structured palpation or movement of the soft tissue of the
Massotherapy: Another term meaning therapeutic muscle massage.
Maya Abdominal Massage: Maya Abdominal Massage is a noninvasive, external, massage technique. It guides internal abdominal o
Mechanical Link: Mechanical link is a system of evaluation that allows practitioners to locate and release primary re
Medical History: In clinical medicine, the patient's past and present which may contain clues bearing on their health
Medical Massage: The application of massage techniques to treat specific physical conditions, sometimes by diagnosis
Medical Massage: Performing medical massage requires a firm background in pathology and utilizes specific treatments
Meridians: The invisible channels of energy flow in the body according to Asian medical systems.
Middendorf Breathwork: Through a series of spontaneous movement exercises, participants use basic sensing, focusing, vocali
Mindfulness-Based Stress Reduction: Relaxation techniques, meditation, and easy stretching exercises are combined to allow the client to
Movement Therapy: A variety of techniques that utilize movement reeducation and proper body mechanics in combination w
Multi-Dimensional Movement Arts: Multi-Dimensional Movement Arts (MDMA), water version, is the art of using movement in the medium of
Muscle: Muscle is the tissue of the body which primarily functions as a source of power. There are three typ
Muscle Energy Technique: Muscle energy is a direct, noninvasive manual therapy used to normalize joint dysfunction and increa
Muscle Release Technique: This technique combines compression, extension, movement, and breath to give therapists a tool to pr
Muscle Testing: Muscle testing involves finding a muscle that is unbalanced and then attempting to determine why tha
Myofascial Release: Myofascial release is the three-dimensional application of sustained pressure and movement into the
Myofascial Trigger Point Therapy: Based on the discoveries of Drs. Janet Travell and David Simons in which they found the causal relat
Myomassology: Myomassology is an integration of techniques including basic Swedish massage, aromatherapy, reflexol
Myopathic Muscular Therapy: Myopathy is a system of muscular manipulation designed to accomplish relaxation in muscles in which
Myopractic Muscle Therapy: Robert Petteway developed the Myopractic system after thirty years in the healing arts. His experien
Myoskeletal Alignment Technique: A holistic approach to relief of back and neck pain based on concepts and principles from Rolfing, o
Myotherapy: A method that applies concentrated finger pressure to trigger points to break cycles of spasm and pa
Nambudripads Allergy Elimination Technique: This therapy involves light acupressure applied along both sides of the spinal column in an area whe
Naprapathy: With influences from osteopathy and chiropractic, this system of treatment uses soft-tissue manipula
National Institutes of Health (NIH): The NIH is an important U.S. health agency. It is devoted to medical research. Administratively unde
Naturopathic Medicine: Naturopathy integrates a wide range of natural therapeutics emphasizing the healing power of nature
Neural Kinesiology: This technique is a holistic healing system that utilizes the best of American kinesiology and Europ
Neuro-Structural Bodywork: Neuro-Structural Bodywork (NSB) is a somatic therapy that combines a variety of techniques, includin
Neuromuscular Integrative Action: Neuromuscular integrative action (NIA) is an expressive fitness and awareness movement program and a
Neuromuscular Reprogramming: Neuromuscular Reprogramming (NMR) uses muscle testing to assess dysfunctions of the coordination sys
Neuromuscular Therapy: This comprehensive program of soft-tissue manipulation balances the body?€™s central nervous sys
Niams: Stands for National Institute of Arthritis and Musculoskeletal and Skin Diseases, one of the Nationa
Nikkon Restorative Massage: Nikkon Restorative Massage was developed by Professor Henry Seishiro Okazaki in Hawaii in the 1920s.
Nuat Thai: This form of traditional Thai medical massage originated in the Vajrayana Yogic medicine of Tibet. T
Nurse: 1) A person trained, licensed, or skilled in nursing. 2) To feed an infant at the breast.
Nursing: 1) Profession concerned with the provision of services essential to the maintenance and restoration
Ohashiatsu: Ohashiatsu is a method of bodywork offering both giver and receiver a complete experience of self-de
Okazaki Long-Life Massage: These two practices form an integral part of traditional martial arts training that emphasizes a con
Okazaki Restorative Massage: Nikkon Restorative Massage was developed by Professor Henry Seishiro Okazaki in Hawaii in the 1920s.
On-Site Massage: A type of massage administered while the client is clothed and seated in a specially-designed chair.
Oncology Massage: Oncology massage refers to massage tailored to the needs of individuals with cancer. This specialize
One Light Healing Touch: One Light Healing Touch focuses on clearing blockages and rebalancing the human energy field by usin
Onsen Technique: Onsen is a Japanese word meaning at rest or at peace. It is a state of mind, but can also be a state
Ortho-Bionomy: Ortho-Bionomy was developed by the British osteopath Dr. Arthur Lincoln Pauls in the 1970s and has s
Orthopedic Massage: Combining some elements of sports and medical massage, orthopedic massage integrates ten modalities
Osteoarthritis: A type of arthritis caused by inflammation, breakdown, and eventual loss of cartilage in the joints.
Osteokinetics: This therapy utilizes dialogue, coached breathing, and applying qigong from one side of the body thr
Osteopathic Medicine: This system of comprehensive medical care goes beyond conventional medical philosophy to include an
Osteoporosis: Thinning of the bones with reduction in bone mass due to depletion of calcium and bone protein . Ost
Oxygen: A colorless, odorless and tasteless gas that makes up about 20% of the air we breathe (and at least
Pain: An unpleasant sensation that can range from mild, localized discomfort to agony. Pain has both physi
Parasympathetic Nervous System: A part of nervous system that serves to slow the heart rate, increase the intestinal and gland activ
Petrissage: The squeezing, rolling and kneading of the muscles that usually follows effleurage during Swedish ma
Pfrimmer Deep Muscle: Deep, cross-fiber technique that uses the thumbs and fingers as the primary tools.
Pfrimmer Deep Muscle Therapy: This technique utilizes deep cross-fiber strokes applied with the thumbs and fingers. Developed by T
Phoenix Rising Yoga Therapy: This therapy involves a fusion of hatha yoga, bodywork, and psychotherapy. It is holistic art based
Physiohelanics: Energy work designed to address the total person, Physiohelanics uses the body?€™s own energy sy
Physiology: The study of how living organisms function including such processes as nutrition, movement, and repr
Phytotherapy: This technique utilizes massage, mud packs, wraps, baths, water, and steam therapies, and/or inhalat
Pilates Method: Pilates is a series of movements, done from a sitting, reclining, kneeling, or standing position, de
Point Holding: This acupressure technique requires several practitioners to apply pressure to specific acupoints fo
Polarity Therapy: Polarity therapy is based on universal principles of energy--attraction, repulsion, and neutrality.
Postural Integration: Postural integration and energetic integration were developed by Jack Painter in the late 1960s and
Pranic Healing: Pranic Healing is a new science of bioenergetic healing. Developed in the Philippines by Master Choa
Pregnancy: The state of carrying a developing embryo or fetus within the female body. This condition can be ind
Pregnancy Massage: Performed by a trained perinatal specialist, many methods of massage and somatic therapies are both
Pregnancy Massage: Various touch-therapy techniques used to alleviate the strain and discomfort of pregnancy.
Process Acupressure: This integrated therapy combines traditional acupressure with Zero Balancing techniques and psycholo
Push Therapy: PUSH Therapy was specifically designed to eliminate pain originating from chronic tension. Therapist
Qigong: This traditional Chinese treatment combines hands-on and hands-off techniques that balance the flow
Qigong Meridian Therapy: Qigong Meridian Therapy (QMT) is a natural healing system. It is derived from traditional Chinese me
Quantum Energetics: Quantum energetics is a subtle, gentle healing method that works with the energy body to allow disru
Quantum-Touch: This hands-on healing method offers spontaneous adjusting of proper alignment of the body. Principle
Radiance Technique: This technique is a science of universal energy, taught in seminars by authorized instructors throug
Radiation: 1. Rays of energy. Gamma rays and X-rays are two of the types of energy waves often used in medicine
Radix: Radix, also referred to as Radix neo-Reichian education, is an instructional method designed to teac
Raindrop Technique: Originated by D. Gary Young, raindrop technique is a noninvasive tool for helping to correct defects
Rayid Method: The rayid method was formed by results of research on the meaning of the formations in the iris of t
Rebalancing: Loosely based on a conglomerate of modalities, rebalancing combines energy balancing, joint release,
Reflective Healing: Reflective healing is a form of energy healing in which the therapist uses a combination of guided i
Reflexognosy: Reflexognosy is the application of appropriate pressure to the leg and feet, by the hands of a train
Reflexology: Based on an ancient Chinese therapy, reflexology involves manipulation of specific reflex areas in t
Reichian Release: This technique utilizes manipulation of the musculo-skeletal system to release emotional blockages f
Reiki: Energetic healing system that utilizes gentle hand placements and channels healing energies through
Reiki Healing: Reiki healing is a hands-on energy healing art. It was originated in Japan in the early 20th century
Reiki-Alchemia: Reiki-alchemia utilizes keys of different geometric shapes to trigger states of consciousness that a
Reposturing Dynamics: Reposturing dynamics is a system of stretches and massage techniques designed to restore balance and
Resonant Kinesiology: Resonant kinesiology is a meditative form of educational bodywork. A resonant kinesiologist teaches
Rest: 1. Repose. Relaxation. 2. A fragment of embryonic tissue that has been retained after the period of
Restoration Therapy: Restoration therapy has been practiced in Japan for more than fifteen hundred years and has proven s
Rheumatology: A subspecialty of internal medicine that involves the non-surgical evaluation and treatment of the r
Ro-Hun Transformation Therapy: This is a form of energy healing in which the therapist manipulates the client?€™s energy bodies
Rolfing: Also called Structural Integration, this method strives for realignment of the body?€™s structur
Rolfing Structural Integration: A method to reorder the major body segments, Rolfing was founded by American biochemist Dr. Ida Rolf
Rosen Method: Direct, gentle touch; focus on client breathing, relaxation response and verbal cues, to help the cl
Rosen Method Bodywork: Using gentle, nonintrusive touch, Rosen Method works with held muscles to bring about physical and e
Rounds: The act of seeing patients in the hospital or another in-patient setting. After doing his hospital r
Rubenfeld Synergy Method: Founded by Ilana Rubenfeld, this method integrates elements of two great body/mind teachers, F.M. Al
Russian Massage: This technique alters the basic strokes of classical massage so each stroke provides the client with
Seated Massage: Acupressure or massage techniques used while client sits fully clothed in a portable massage chair.
Sensitivity: 1. In psychology, the quality of being sensitive. As, for example, sensitivity training, training in
Serotonin: A hormone , also called 5-hydroxytryptamine , in the pineal gland , blood platelets, the digestive t
Shadow Integration: This modality is based on Carl Jung?€™s concept of the shadow--those parts of your personality o
Shen Therapy: SHEN is the acronym for Specific Human Energy Nexus and was developed by American scientist Richard
Shiat-Surf: This is a hands-and-foot-on therapy system designed to create space and unblock restrictions in the
Shiatsu: Developed in Japan, shiatsu is a finger-pressure technique utilizing traditional acupuncture points.
Shinkiko: A system of healing based on the study of the relationship between the non-physical world (ki, energ
Skin: The skin is the body's outer covering. It protects us against heat and light, injury, and infection.
Soft Tissue Release: Soft-tissue release (STR) is a powerful injury treatment technique developed in Europe with the worl
Soma: SOMA is a unique development of the holographic body reading technique. Holographic body reading rec
Soma Neuromuscular Integration: A ten-session system of bodywork, SOMA neuromuscular integration works the fascial network to releas
Somatic Education: Somatic Education is a healthcare modality based on co-creative science. It is therefore taught and
Somatic Experiencing: Somatic Education is a healthcare modality based on co-creative science. It is therefore taught and
Somatic Psychology: This is a body-based orientation that facilitates the client?€™s therapeutic process. A client s
Somatic Therapy: Refers to the mind/body connection utilizing the fundamentals of Freud, Alexander, Reich, Feldenkrai
Somato Emotional Release: Somatoemotional Release is a therapeutic process that helps rid the mind and body of residual effect
Soothing: Bringing comfort, solace, reassurance, peace, composure, quietude.
Sound Therapy: Using the media of sound (music, tones, vibrations, etc.) As tools for healing, sound therapy enable
Spa Therapies: A variety of body treatments administered in spas. Herbal wraps, loofah body scrubs, parafango, salt
Spinal Release: Spinal release allows therapists to correct distortions of the central nervous system and restore th
Spiritual Massage Healing: Spinal release allows therapists to correct distortions of the central nervous system and restore th
Sports Massage: Sports massage is designed to enhance athletic performance and recovery. There are three contexts in
St. Johns Neuromuscular Therapy: St. John?€™s neuromuscular therapy seeks out the cause of pain, focusing on creating a balance b
Stool: The solid matter discharged in a bowel movement.
Strain-Counterstrain: Developed by osteopath Lawrence Jones, this noninvasive treatment helps decrease protective muscle s
Stress: Forces from the outside world impinging on the individual. Stress is a normal part of life that can
Structural Energetic Therapy: Developed in 1983, Structural Energetic Therapy (SET) is a deep-tissue, body-restructuring therapy t
Structural Integration: Based on the work of Dr. Ida P. Rolf, structural integration is based on the idea that the entire st
Swedish Massage: One of the most commonly taught and well-known massage techniques, Swedish massage is a vigorous sys
Syntropy Insight Bodywork: A combination of neuromuscular reeducation, hands-on application, qigong, Taoism, and meditation, Sy
Tai Chi Chih: T?€™ai chi chih is a series of simple, non-strenuous movements known to relax the body and refre
Tai Chi Chuan: T?€™ai chi chuan is an ancient Chinese martial and healing art. Most obviously characterized by
Taikyo Shiatsu: Taikyo shiatsu is a style using ancient Taoist yin/yang and taijiquan principles combined with the g
Tandem: A massage in which two therapists work on one client at the same time, sometimes called four hands m
Tantsu Tantric Shiatsu: Tantsu Tantric Shiatsu was invented by Harold Dull, who also created Watsu, or water shiatsu. Tantsu
Tapotement: A Swedish massage technique executed with cupped hands, fingers or the edge of the hand with short,
Tara Approach: Developed by Dr. Stephanie Mines, the TARA Approach is a holistic system for the critical transforma
Tera-Mai Seichem: This is an ancient art of healing using the universal elemental energy rays of earth (reiki), air/et
Thai Massage: Also called nuad bo rarn, Thai massage has been taught and practiced in Thailand for approximately t
Thai Yoga Massage: Blends Thai massage, yoga and Ayurvedic principles.
Thalassotherapy: This treatment uses the therapeutic benefits of the sea and seawater products--vitamins and minerals
The Annals Of Internal Medicine: A medical journal especially concerned with information in the field of internal medicine (adult med
The Centers For Disease Control And Prevention (CDC): The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention , the US agency charged with tracking and investigati
Therapeutic: Relating to therapeutics , that part of medicine concerned specifically with the treatment of diseas
Therapeutic Touch: Developed through the collaboration of a nursing professor and a spiritual healer, Therapeutic Touch
Thrombosis: The formation or presence of a blood clot in a blood vessel. The vessel may be any vein or artery as
Tibetan Point Holding: Developed in 1989 by Karen Peterson and John Walsh, Tibetan point holding focuses on prolonged holdi
Tissue: A tissue in medicine is not like a piece of tissue paper. It is a broad term that is applied to any
Touch For Health: Developed by chiropractor John Thie, Touch for Health combines methods and techniques that include a
Touchabilities: Developed by Iris Burman and Sandy Friedland, touchabilities Essential Connections is a universal sk
Trager Approach: Trager is an approach to bodywork developed in the 1920s by American medical practitioner Dr. Milton
Trager Work: Involves rocking and shaking movements ranging from gentle to vigorous that loosen restrictions in t
Trauma Touch Therapy: Trauma touch therapy was developed to address the needs of clients affected by trauma and abuse, inc
Trigger: Something that either sets off a disease in people who are genetically predisposed to developing the
Trigger Point: irritated area in muscle fibers that when compressed may elicit pain or a twitching response.
Trigger Point Myotherapy: Trigger point myotherapy is a noninvasive therapeutic modality for the relief and control of myofasc
Trigger Point Therapy: A method that applies concentrated finger pressure to trigger points to break cycles of spasm and pa
Tui Na: Tui na is an ancient Chinese system of manual therapeutics with a wide range of techniques and indic
Tuina: Chinese massage utilizing a variety of hand movements to stimulate acupressure points.
Tumor: An abnormal mass of tissue. Tumors are a classic sign of inflammation, and can be benign or malignan
Turaya Touch System: With Turaya Touch, using the body?€™s system of light energy, practitioners place their hands on
Unified Field Therapy: Unified field therapy (UFT) has discovered that beyond the body, beyond energy, lies a matrix of con
Untie: UNTIE was developed in the United States in the early 1980s as an alternative to exerting force into
Usui System: Reiki healing is a hands-on energy healing art. It was originated in Japan in the early 20th century
Vein: A blood vessel that carries blood low in oxygen content from the body back to the heart. The deoxyge
Vibrational Healing Massage Therapy: Vibrational Healing Massage Therapy (VHMT) is a bodywork therapy designed to restore one to fluidity
Visceral Manipulation: Visceral manipulation enhances the normal mobility and tissue motion of the organs of the visceral s
Vitaflex: Based on the piezoelectric properties of the human skin, vitaflex is a specialized form of manual st
Vital: Necessary to maintain life. Breathing is a vital function.
Vortexhealing Energetic Therapy: Vortexhealing is an energetic healing art from the Merlin lineage that works solely with divine ligh
Warfarin: An anticoagulant drug (brand names: Coumarin, Panwarfin, Sofarin) taken to prevent the blood from cl
Watsu: Watsu, or aquatic shiatsu, began at Harbin Hot Springs where Harold Dull brought his knowledge of Ze
Yoga: The word yoga describes a variety of Hindu practices developed in ancient India to unify body and mi
Yogassage: This is a massage modality that enhances the free and natural movements of the body through gentle,
Zen Body Therapy: This technique integrates Zen training with Eastern teachings of the circulation of vital energy or
Zen Shiatsu: This style was developed by Shizuto Masanuga, who proposed the treatment of meridian extensions beyo
Zero Balancing: Zero Balancing was developed by Fritz Smith, MD, and has its roots in osteopathy, acupuncture, Rolfi
