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 San Diego

Alison Schaeffer LAc, MTOM, DiplOM, DiplAc Acupuncturist	send email
"Alison practices a 5000 year old medicine that diagnoses each person based on his or her constituion and treats the person, not the disease. Her purpose is to help our patients lead ..." See full profile	2333 First Avenue Suite 103 San Diego, California 92101 (619) 742-0055
Tai-Nan Wang LAc, OMD Acupuncturist	send email
"I was born in Kaohsiung, Taiwan, in 1944. I studied at the Chinese Cultural University in Taipei, Taiwan, the University of Montana, and the Taipei Acupuncture and Moxibustion Clinical Center. I hold ..." See full profile	4295 Gesner Street Suite 1A San Diego, California 92117 (619) 684-1848
Greg Sperber BMBS, DAOM, LAc Acupuncturist	send email
"I really enjoy working with people who are in pain either physically or emotionally. " See full profile	2515 Camino del Rio South Suite 220 San Diego, California 92108 (619) 760-7100
Holly Ann Halsey LAc, DiplAc Acupuncturist	send email
"Many of my new patients come to me after trying every traditional western medical treatment they can find and have repeately failed to get the results they seek. Some come to me ..." See full profile	4406 Park Blvd Suite E San Diego, California 92116 (619) 857-2920
Karen Rohrbaugh M.S., L.Ac. Acupuncturist	send email
"Licensed Acupuncturist Karen Rohrbaugh treats patients with chronic pain and illness, anxiety/stress, PMS/menopause and many other health concerns. She is a compassionate listener and healer. In addition to using needles, Karen uses ..." See full profile	2602 1st Ave Suite 205 San Diego, California 92103 (619) 818-2358
Valerie Ning Beckwith LAc, MSOM Acupuncturist	send email
"Valerie Beckwith, L.Ac. received three years of full time training at South Baylo University, where she established a strong foundation of Traditional Chinese Medicine. She received her clinical training at SBU Clinic ..." See full profile	444 West C Street Suite 190 San Diego, California 92101 (858) 201-9889
Carrie Roeder DC Chiropractor	send email
"Dr. Roeder specializes in providing the best chiropractic care to patients—from infancy to seniors, sports injuries, work and auto accidents, to postural changes from breast feeding. Roeder Chiropractic's highly-trained staff also includes ..." See full profile	2810 Camino Del Rio South Suite 206 San Diego, California 92108 (619) 291-8111
Peter Meaden LAc Acupuncturist	send email
"I have a great passion for helping people reach their full potential in life by removing the obstacles that poor health presents. I have special interest in treating children, health issues specific ..." See full profile	2515 Camino Del Rio South Suite 220 San Diego, California 92108 (619) 760-7100
Margi Duran LAC Acupuncturist	send email
"I enjoy working with all kinds of patients with all types of complaints, including acute and chronic pain, stress, colds & flu, side-effects of medications, drug withdrawal, depression, anxiety, orthopedics, mental health, ..." See full profile	2515 Camino Del Rio South Suite 220 San Diego, California 92108 (619) 760-7100
Eyton J. Shalom MS, LAc Acupuncturist	send email
"I have been licensed and practicing in San Diego for 16 years. I was a Professor of Acupuncture and Herbal Medicine at Pacific College here in SD for 5 years. I have a ..." See full profile	3577 Louisiana Street San Diego, California 92104 (619) 296-7591

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