Natural Health Basics

Holistic health is a non-medical path to well-being. It sees the physical, mental and spiritual aspects of life as closely interconnected and balanced. Advocates of holistic health typically use a wide variety of alternative practices, the most common of which include: Acupuncture, Aromatherapy, Chiropractic, Homeopathy, Massage Therapy, Naturopathy, Nutrition, Osteopathy, and Physical Therapy.

Acupuncture
The practice of acupuncture is based on the philosophy of yin and yang—two opposite forces that govern all aspects of life, including health. Ailments result from an imbalance of these two forces, which is caused by the disruption or blockage of energy, or chi, in the body.

Acupuncturists commonly use thin metal needles as a means of stimulation to points along specific energy pathways, or meridians, to help chi flow freely. Massage, heat, lasers and magnets are also used as an alternative to the needles.

Aromatherapy
Aromatherapy refers to the use of essential oils extracted from herbs, trees and plants for therapeutic purposes. Aromatherapists can recommend personally tailored scents for specific ailments, or to promote well-being.

Treatment generally involves the mixing of essential oils with a neutral one, such as vegetable oil. Three examples of application include having the mixed oil spread over the body in a massage, added to bathwater or inhaled.

Chiropractic
Focusing on the vital relationship between the nervous system and your health, chiropractic restores health and well being by removing spinal nerve interference known as vertebral subluxation. This is done, without the aid of drugs or surgery, most commonly to help treat various problems involving bones, joints, muscles, ligaments and tendons. Generally, a chiropractor manually applies a controlled force to the problem area, alleviating inflammation, reduced mobility or pain. Chiropractors are also trained to give advice on lifestyle and dietary changes.

Dentistry
The health of your teeth can impact your overall health. Did you know that gum disease has been linked to heart disease, stroke, and diabetes? With nearly a third of Americans susceptible to gum disease, dental health is key to well-being. While daily dental hygiene is imperative, preventive care is just as crucial.

Homeopathy
Homeopathy is a holistic form of medicine that treats illnesses through the use of extreme dilutions of herbs, animal substances and chemical compounds. The term homeopathy comes from the Greek homeo meaning "similar," and pathos meaning "suffering." Samuel Hahnemann, an 18th-century German physician, coined the term in 1796.

Massage Therapy
Therapeutic massage, manipulating body tissue with the hands, heals muscles and promotes better circulation. It is effective for patients who suffer a range of conditions from arthritis to paralysis and is often used to relieve pain and reduce swelling.

Naturopathy
Naturopathy is a blend of different therapies, all attempting to restore the body to health in the most natural way possible. Based on the idea that the body has the innate ability to fight disease, its techniques are noninvasive and designed to stimulate the body's natural healing powers.

Nutrition and Diet Therapy
Nutrition and diet therapies educate people about the connection between food and health. Nutritionists and dietitians promote good eating habits to help prevent disease and to treat preexisting conditions. They work with a patient's unique biological makeup to plan a diet regimen that will facilitate his or her return to optimal health.

Osteopathy
Osteopaths practice medicine just like medical doctors. But osteopaths are distinguished by their holistic philosophy. They believe a proper working musculoskeletal system is at the core of a person's well-being. These physicians use techniques like osteopathic manipulative treatment, to help diagnose illness and injury and encourage healing.

Physical Therapy
Following extensive assessment and diagnosis of a disease or disability, physical therapy seeks to rehabilitate the body through movement and touch. Exercise and massage are two main applications of therapeutic treatment. Patients of physical therapy include accident victims and sufferers of debilitating conditions such as strokes, lower back pain, head injuries, heart disease and cerebral palsy.

Health Professionals in Portland

Victoria L Argo LAc Acupuncturist	send email
"Chinese Medicine is an amazing healing tool! Through the use of Acupuncture and Chinese Herbal formulas MANY chronic and/or acute conditions may be relieved. This medicine can have a beautifully profound effect on ..." See full profile	310 SW 4th Avenue Suite 1008 Portland, Oregon 97204 (503) 515-1971
Gina C James LMT Massage Therapist	send email
"Gina draws upon her expertise as a licensed massage therapist, Reiki master and Spiritual Director to gently guide people to reconnect with their inner wisdom, creativity and joy. Gina"s work transforms challenged ..." See full profile	2538 NE Broadway Suite C Portland, Oregon 97232 (503) 282-8600
Susan Roberts Naturopath	send email
"Most of my patients are women, children and pregnant women. I treat many chronic diseases, such as PMS, digestive concerns, axiety, depression to name a few. I see lots of kids for ..." See full profile	4004 SW Kelly Avenue Suite 203 Portland, Oregon 97239 (503) 224-7744
Monica Mathews LAc Acupuncturist	send email
"I focus mainly on women's health. I often treat the spouses, siblings and adult children of my patients. By using traditional Chinese acupuncture, Chinese herbs,and microcurrent therapy, I help women and their ..." See full profile	6274 SW Capitol Hwy Portland, Oregon 97239 (503) 892-8285
David Jacob LMT Massage Therapist	send email
"With over 6 years of professional experience and plenty of great training in specific modalities, I am pleased to offer my form of both Integrative Deep Tissue Massage and Craniosacral Work. " See full profile	2534 SE 35th Ave. Portland, Oregon 97202 (503) 522-5550
Marilyn Walkey MD, DiplOM, MSOM, LAc Acupuncturist	send email
"Dr. Walkey is Oregon's only Certified MD Acupuncturist. Dr. Walkey has both a Master's degree and NCCAOM herbal certification, thoroughly embracing this ancient medicine. She is highly respected by both western and ..." See full profile	7875 SW Alden St Portland, Oregon 97223 (503) 608-8155
Melanie B. Brown DC Chiropractor	send email
"At Pure Life Clinic, Drs. Melanie and Jason Brown are dedicated to creating a healthy and thriving community! We successfully treat a variety of conditions including Auto & Work Injuries, Headaches, TMJ, ..." See full profile	3449 NE 25th Ave. Portland, Oregon 97212 (503) 288-4454
Lisa Thorborg PT, LAc, MAcOM Acupuncturist	send email
"It is very rewarding to me to help people improve their health and well-being with acupuncture, herbal medicine, stress reduction techniques, dietary advice and lifestyle recommendations. My background is in Western medicine.Before ..." See full profile	Aasa-Lisa's Acupuncture, LLC 4850 SW Scholls Ferry Rd, Suite 201 Portland, Oregon 97225 (503) 515-2657
Rebecca Hurwood LAc, MAc, OM Acupuncturist	send email
"I believe in Chinese medicine as a holistic approach to health that awakens and optimizes the bodies" natural healing abilities. I believe that every body is unique and different and I will ..." See full profile	1525 SW Park Ave. Suite 103 Portland, Oregon 97201 (503) 267-5570
Kate Pagliasotti M.S., LAc. Acupuncturist	send email
"I bring over 20 years experience as a dancer and bodyworker to my approach as an acupuncturist. Part of what truly interests me is to try to assess at what level a ..." See full profile	1340 SW Bertha Blvd Suite 102 Portland, Oregon 97219 (503) 297-4030

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