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 Philadelphia

Cherrylyn Arnillo CMT Massage Therapist	send email
"Body muscles go through wear and tear during intense or repititious activity and by having effective bodywork rehab using massage can restore it's balance.I am best suited with clients who need deeper ..." See full profile	2041 Chestnut St Apt 25 Philadelphia, Pennsylvania 19103 (215) 908-5548
Christopher Hudson LAc, DiplAc Acupuncturist	send email
"I deliver top quality, attentive, highly personalized and compassionate care to my patients. It is backed up with 14 years of being in practice, experience of working in a Clinical Situation with ..." See full profile	1601 Walnut Street Suite 1326, Medical Arts Building Philadelphia, Pennsylvania 19102 (215) 292-9264
Teresa Tat Acupuncturist	send email
"I grew up in a multicultural environment where I was exposed to both Oriental and Western Medicine. I learned to appreciate the strengths of both medicines, although I became more drawn to ..." See full profile	2000 Hamilton St Suite 300 Philadelphia, Pennsylvania 19130 (215) 200-6200
Cara Oska Frank RAc, DiplAc, ChH Acupuncturist	send email
"My primary focus in my practice is in internal medicine. Respiratory, Digestive, Gynecology, Immunology, Cancer support, Emotional disharmonies. In my practice, I combine clinical skill and accuracy with humor, compassion and total ..." See full profile	750 S 15th St Philadelphia, Pennsylvania 19146 (215) 438-2977
Weiying Zhang LAc, MD, MPH Acupuncturist	send email
"I am a licensed Acupuncturist in Pennsylvania, New Jersey, and New York. My goal is to facilitate healing in a nurturing, professional, and supportive atmosphere. My practise will bring the best oriental ..." See full profile	514 S 4th St Philadelphia, Pennsylvania 19147 (215) 525-0136
April Kay Acupuncturist	send email
	The Philadelphian 2401 pennsylvania Ave, Suite 1A10 Philadelphia, Pennsylvania 19130 (215) 429-5526
Adam Schreiber LOM, DiplOM, MAOM Acupuncturist	send email
"My ideal client is someone who is motivated to help themself. I am always interested in helping people learn how to take better care of themselves so that, ultimately, they will need ..." See full profile	2000 Hamilton St Suite 303 Philadelphia, Pennsylvania 19130 (215) 564-4880
Elise C Rivers MAc, DiplAC Acupuncturist	send email
"I have been practicing Chinese medicine for 10 years--I was a shiatsu therapist before I became an acupuncturist 5 years ago. I learned to use my intention through touch to heal the ..." See full profile	508 E Sedwick St Philadelphia, Pennsylvania 19119 (215) 266-5757
Yuqin Wang LAc Acupuncturist	send email
"We were MD's in China 18 years ago who practiced Western and Traditional Chinese Medicine (TCM) in combination at Harbin Medical University for 30 years when immigrated to the US. We had ..." See full profile	2401 Pennsylvania Ave Suite 1A2 Philadelphia, Pennsylvania 19130 (215) 978-1938
Jennifer Feingold PA-C, LAc, MAc Acupuncturist	send email
"I have over 14 years of clinical professional experience in the healing arts. After graduating from Hahnemann University as a physician assistant, I practiced in Family Medicine/Emergency Medicine, Dermatology, and Psychiatry. I ..." See full profile	3900 City Ave Philadelphia, Pennsylvania 19131 (610) 864-4092

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