I have additional medical questions, but don’t want to call a doctor.  Is there a website that I can visit?  Yes, for information on medical conditions, prescription information, etc. please visit www.webmd.com

What is Chiropractic, and how does it work?  Chiropractic is a branch of the healing arts which is based upon the understanding that good health depends, in part, upon a normally functioning nervous system (especially the spine, and the nerves extending from the spine to all parts of the body). "Chiropractic" comes from the Greek word Chiropraktikos, meaning "effective treatment by hand." Chiropractic stresses the idea that the cause of many disease processes begins with the body's inability to adapt to its environment. It looks to address these diseases not by the use of drugs and chemicals, but by locating and adjusting a musculoskeletal area of the body which is functioning improperly. For more information on Chiropractic, please visit http://www.chiroweb.com/find/whatis.html

What is Acupuncture, and how does it work?  The ancient Chinese believed that there is a universal life energy called Chi or Qi present in every living creature. This energy is said to circulate throughout the body along specific pathways that are called meridians. As long as this energy flows freely throughout the meridians, health is maintained, but once the flow of energy is blocked, the system is disrupted and pain and illness occur. Imagine rivers that flood and cause disasters or an electrical grid short-circuiting that causes blackouts. Acupuncture works to “re-program” and restore normal functions by stimulating certain points on the meridians in order to free up the Chi energy.  For more information on Acupuncture, please visit http://www.acupuncture.com/education/tcmbasics/index.htm

What is Polarity Therapy, and how does it work?  Polarity Therapy is a comprehensive health system involving energy-based bodywork, diet, exercise and self-awareness. It works with the Human Energy Field, electromagnetic patterns expressed in mental, emotional and physical experience. In Polarity Therapy, health is viewed as a reflection of the condition of the energy field, and therapeutic methods are designed to balance the field for health benefit.  For more information on Polarity Therapy, please visit http://www.polaritytherapy.org/polarity/index.html 

What is Reiki, and how does it work?   Reiki is a technique for stress reduction and relaxation that allows everyone to tap into an unlimited supply of "life force energy" to improve health and enhance the quality of life. We are alive because life force is flowing through us. Life force flows within the physical body though pathways called chakras, meridians and nadis. It also flows around us in a field of energy called the aura. Life force nourishes the organs and cells of the body, supporting them in their vital functions. When this flow of life force is disrupted, it causes diminished function in one or more of the organs and tissues of the physical body. For more information on Reiki, please visit http://www.reiki.org/FAQ/FAQHomepage.html  
 

What is Acupressure, and how does it work? Acupressure is a type of bodywork that involves pressing specific points on the body with the fingers, knuckles, and palms (and sometimes the elbows and feet) to relieve pain, reduce stress, and promote general good health. For more information on acupressure please visit http://www.wholehealthmd.com/refshelf/substances_view/1,1525,662,00.html
 

What is Pilates, and how does it work?  Pilates dramatically transforms the way your body looks, feels and performs. It builds strength without excess bulk, creating a sleek, toned body with slender thighs and a flat abdomen. It teaches body awareness, good posture and easy, graceful movement. Pilates improves flexibility, agility and economy of motion. It can even help alleviate back pain. For more information please visit http://www.pilates.com/pilatesfitness.html
 

What is Yoga, and how does it work? Yoga is an ancient philosophy of life as well as a system of exercises that encourages the union of mind, body, and spirit. In fact, the word yoga is derived from the Sanskrit word meaning "yoke" or "union." The ultimate goal of yoga is to achieve a state of balance and harmony between mind and body. The Indian sage Patanjali is believed to have collated the practice of yoga into the Yoga Sutra an estimated 2,000 years ago. The Sutra is a collection of 195 statements that serves as a philosophical guidebook for most of the yoga that is practiced today. It also outlines eight limbs of yoga: the yamas (restraints), niyamas (observances), asana (postures), pranayama (breathing), pratyahara (withdrawal of senses), dharana (concentration), dhyani (meditation), and samadhi (absorption). As these eight limbs are explored, behavior is refined in the outer world, and then focused inwardly until samadhi (liberation, enlightenment) is reached. 

What is Traditional Chinese Medicine?  Traditional Chinese Medicine has its origin in ancient Taoist philosophy which views a person as an energy system in which body and mind are unified, each influencing and balancing the other. Unlike allopathic medicine which attempts to isolate and separate a disease from a person, Chinese Medicine emphasizes a holistic approach that treats the whole person. Many people have found Traditional Chinese methods of healing to be excellent tools for maintaining optimum health and preventing illness.  For more information please visit http://www.acupuncture.com/education/tcmbasics/whatistcm.htm  
 

I’ve heard so many different types of therapies, what other holistic therapies are out there?  For a more complete list of therapies please visit http://www.wholehealthmd.com/refshelf/items_index/1,1538,MO,00.html