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 Seattle

Jonathan S. Gissel L.Ac. Acupuncturist	send email
"Are you tired of having pain in your life? Do you have back and/or neck pain, migraines, tendonitis, or headaches? When you come to see me I incorporate two forms of treatment, ..." See full profile	1605 12th Ave Suite 30 Seattle, Washington 98122 (206) 251-3067
Cynthia T. Callison LMP Massage Therapist	send email
"Feeling stressed out, anxious or overwhelmed? Have an injury caused by trauma, repetitive movement or postural distortion? Whether you seek solace from the stresses of everyday life, relief from pain and discomfort ..." See full profile	4033 Stone Way N Seattle, Washington 98103 (206) 286-5811
Brian Perry ND, LAc Naturopath	send email
"I am committed to providing extraordinary primary care medicine and excellence in health care. I incorporate new research that focuses on the treatment of underlying causes of disease. I offer patients a ..." See full profile	911 Western Ave Ste 506 Seattle, Washington 98104 (206) 838-1160
Ralph Capone MS, ND, AHG Naturopath	send email
"My focus is to help you regain control of your health. I specialize in injury and accident recovery, and high blood pressure problems. I'm available for second opinions, and I strongly recommend getting ..." See full profile	1836 Westlake Avenue North Suite 201 Seattle, Washington 98109 (206) 755-4534
Hannah S. Albert ND Naturopath	send email
"I help both women and men struggling with unexplained fatigue, cyclical pain, depression, and anxiety, who feel frustrated and betrayed by their bodies. Many of them suspect their physical and emotional pain ..." See full profile	1904 Third Ave Suite 1017 Seattle, Washington 98101 (206) 650-9197
Nina Paroo ND Naturopath	send email
"I believes that commitment to one's health is essential for achieving and maintaining optimal wellness. My responsibility is to help each patient realize their physical, emotional, mental and spiritual potential. I work with ..." See full profile	509 Olive Way Suite 1315 Seattle, Washington 98101 (206) 382-9977
Matthew Smith DC Chiropractor	send email
"Your quick and complete recovery is my priority. In a comfortable and caring atmosphere,I will take the time to get to know you and understand your concerns.I will then design a multi-disciplinary ..." See full profile	2722 Eastlake Ave E Suite 360 Seattle, Washington 98102 (206) 324-8600
Therese A Henning LMP, LE Massage Therapist	send email
"Therese Henning, owner of The Body Bar has been a massage therapist for over 10 years. She graduated from the New York Institute of Massage in 1997. She specializes in deep-tissue and ..." See full profile	4156 California Ave SW Seattle, Washington 98116 (206) 938-2639
Alfred Laggner LAc, PhD Acupuncturist	send email
"My goal as a Five Element Acupuncturist is to help you improve your health and well-being. With my complimentary medicine-based approaches I have been treating successfully a very broad range of conditions. " See full profile	925 8th Ave North Seattle, Washington 98109 (206) 428-7873
Que Areste Naturopath	send email
"A graduate of Bastyr University, I have practiced various forms of energy medicine since shortly after I became licensed as a Naturopathic Physician. Neuromodulation Technique is the most effective, flexible treatment I ..." See full profile	1605 12th Ave Suite 16 Seattle, Washington 98122 (206) 328-2926

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