All Kinds of Touch
Healing By Karyn Cowan
There are so many modalities of healing out there ! Here is a simple terminology guide to just some of the mainstream and alternative healing methods that are available . When looking for someone in these different categories , ensure that the practitioner is qualified and has good references , so that you can find the right person for your specific need within their scope of practice . Happy healing !
Live Well
Chiropractic
Chiropractors treat conditions related to your muscular skeletal system , and their focus is to improve function of the body and relieve pain , which they do by adjusting or manipulating your spine and other joints to achieve correct alignment . A chiropractor can assist with the treatment a variety of conditions , such as of neuromuscular disorders , whiplash , falls / accidents , headaches , numbness or tingling in arms or legs , and sacroiliac pain .
Physiotherapy
Physiotherapy helps through physical rehabilitation , injury-prevention , to restore , maintain , and make the most of a patient ’ s mobility . A physio assists the treatment of muscle injury or deformity , as well as disease or post-operation , using physical methods such as massage , mobilisation , heat treatment and exercise .
Kinesiology
Kinesiology uses muscle monitoring ( biofeedback ) to look at imbalances that may be causing problems in the body , then uses different gentle techniques to assess and treat . These imbalances may be on a physical level , due to emotional blockages / trauma , a chemical imbalance or even food-related .
Reiki
Reiki is an alternative therapy called energy healing . Reiki practitioners use a technique called palm healing , or hands-on healing , through which a “ universal energy ” is said to be transferred through the palms of the practitioner to the patient in order to encourage emotional or physical healing . Reiki is also said to balance and align the chakras , induce relaxation and open awareness to enable the furthering of self-development and healing .
Aromatherapy
Aromatherapy uses essential oils ( extracted from plants ) for healing . Some people find that the smell of particular oils helps them with improved sleep , relaxation , pain relief and improvement of low mood . For example , when used appropriately , lavender and camomile essential oils are thought to be relaxing and help you feel calm . The oils can be used in many different ways , such as in topical creams , oil burners , diffusers , massaged into the skin , or by adding the recommended amount of drops into a bath .
Access Bars
Access Bars is a gentle hands-on treatment . During a session , a practitioner gently touches different Bars Points , usually on the head – there are 32 Bars Points in total – to release the electromagnetic charge of all thoughts , ideas , attitudes , decisions and beliefs that may have limited you in the concerned life areas .
Traditional Chinese Acupuncture
In traditional Chinese acupuncture , there is a belief that disease , injuries , maladies and even mental / emotional problems are caused by disruptions to the flow of energy , or qi , in the body . Acupuncture needles stimulate points on or under the skin , called acupuncture points or acupressure points , releasing blockages to allow the flow of energy . This technique is different from trigger point needling .
Reflexology
Reflexology is based on the idea that different points on your feet , hands , face and ears are linked to connecting parts of your body through your nervous system . During a typical session , a reflexologist will use their hands to apply gentle pressure to these points that relate to different organs and systems . Reflexologists recommend this treatment as a way to relieve tension , manage chronic conditions , improve mental health and help you to sleep .
Biokinetics
A Biokineticist is an exercise specialist who assists to increase a person ’ s physical condition by means of physical assessment and the prescription of exercise habits and routines . Biokinetics focuses on orthopaedic rehabilitation ( strengthening of muscles to protect joints during sport , work life and daily rituals ), chronic disease management ( arthritis , cardiovascular , diabetes ) and total wellness ( pregnancy , lifestyle and stress management ).
Bowen Technique
The Bowen technique is a kind of contact therapy , meaning the practitioner does touch you , but it is a very light touch that can be done through light clothing . They use very gentle rolling motions , with pauses in between , which stretches the fascia ( the connective tissue that covers all your muscles and organs ) to promote pain relief of physical injuries and conditions , as well as reduce feelings of depression , anxiety and stress .
Images : Pexels
Karyn Cowan is the owner of In Touch Wellness and a partner at Bedford Wellness Centre . She is a massage therapy specialist , palliative care worker and end of life Doula . Karyn advocates holistic wellness , which includes aspects of mental , physical and emotional health around sport , pregnancy , terminal care , stress management and life transitions . Find out more at www . intouchwellness . co . za , or go to Instagram : in _ touch _ wellness , or Facebook : In Touch Wellness .
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