Description of modalities and earth friendly practices

All

A Course in Miracles

A self study spiritual curriculum that teaches the way to universal love through forgiveness.

FOR MORE INFORMATION: A Course In Miracles – Foundation of Inner Peace, A Talk Given On A Course In Miracles –Kenneth Wapnick, Awaken From The Dream – Gloria & Kenneth Wapnick.

Acupressure

An ancient healing art that uses finger pressure on key points of the skin to stimulate the body’s natural self-curative abilities. Similar to acupuncture, pressing these points releases muscular tension and promotes the circulation of blood and the body’s life force to aid healing.

FOR MORE INFORMATION: Acupressure’s Potent Points – Michael Reed Gach, PhD

Acupuncture

Developed in China almost 6,000 years ago, acupuncture is the procedure of inserting and manipulating needles into various points on the body to relieve pain or for therapeutic purposes.

FOR MORE INFORMATION: Acupuncture – Felix Mann; The Complete Book of Acupuncture – Dr. Stephen Chang

Aikido

A Japanese martial art developed by Morihei Ueshiba as a synthesis of his martial studies, philosophy, and religious beliefs. It is both a self-defense technique and spiritual in nature. The goal is to synchronize and balance one's chi (vital energy) with that of one's opponent, so that the opponent's strength and weight are used against them.

FOR MORE INFORMATION: Aikido – K. Uyeshiba

Alexander Technique

A therapeutic technique that focuses on correct posture and movement habits in order to heal the mind body relationship. Such corrections can help alleviate muscular-skeletal tensions and chronic health problems associated with them.

FOR MORE INFORMATION: Body Learning – Michael Gelb

AMMA Therapy

A type of message therapy that uses traditional oriental medical principles for assessing imbalances in the energetic system. The goal is to achieve optimal health by treating the physical body, bio-energy, and emotions.

FOR MORE INFORMATION: The Ancient Art of Oriental Healing – Tina Sohn

Applied Kinesiology

A chiropractic technique used to diagnose health problems using the premise that muscles are universally related to specific organs. By determining which muscles are weak, the practitioner can stimulate and relax these muscles through neuromuscular pressure points, increasing blood and energy flow. Practitioners also use nutrition, exercise, and physical manipulation to further aid in correcting a variety of health problems.

FOR MORE INFORMATION: http://www.kinesiology.net

Aquifer

An underground layer of rock or sediment yielding water that may supply wells or springs.

Aromatherapy

An ancient healing art currently growing in popularity. Aromatherapy uses essential oils extracted from herbs and flowers, which have been revived and verified by scientific research. Applied to the skin or inhaled, each oil or combination of oils addresses a specific emotional disorder, organ dysfunction, skin problem, etc, etc. etc. Aromatherapy also includes principles of massage, diet and an understanding of the psychological factors of illness.

FOR MORE INFORMATION: The Art of Aromatherapy – Robert Tisserand; The Aromatherapy Book – Jeanne Rose

Art Therapy

A type of therapy which uses the creation of art to improve physical, mental, emotional, or spiritual well-being.

FOR MORE INFORMATION: The Creative Journal – Lucia Cappachione

Astrology

Astrology is a group of systems, traditions, and beliefs which hold that the relative positions of celestial bodies and related details can provide information about personality, human affairs, and other terrestrial matters.

FOR MORE INFORMATION: Astrology, Psychology & the Four Elements – Stephen Arroyo; The Practice and Profession of Astrology – Stephen Arroyo

Ayurveda

India's traditional, natural system of medicine that has been practiced for more than 5,000 years. Ayurveda provides an integrated approach to preventing and treating illness through lifestyle interventions and natural therapies. Ayurvedic theory states that all disease begins with an imbalance or stress in the individual's consciousness. Lifestyle interventions are a major ayurvedic preventive and therapeutic approach.

FOR MORE INFORMATION: Ayurveda: The Science of Self-Healing – Dr. Lad; Yoga of Herbs – Dr. Lad & Dr. Frawley; Ayurvedic Healing – Dr. Frawley

Bau-Biologie

A German word meaning “building biology”. Bau-Biologie indicates the holistic interaction between living things and man-made structures. It promotes buildings that have a low impact on the environment, and contribute to the occupant’s health and well being.

FOR MORE INFORMATION: http://buildingbiology.net

Bee Venom Therapy (BVT)

Also known as “apitherapy” is the medical use of honeybee products. This can include the use of honey, pollen, propolis, royal jelly, and bee venom.

FOR MORE INFORMATION: How Well Are You Willing to Bee? – Pat Wagner; Bee in Balance – Amber Rose

Best Management Practice

A management strategy often associated with agriculture that is accepted to be a practical means of preventing or reducing erosion, and pollution in ground and surface waters.

Bio-Region

A natural region characterized by its flora, fauna, and environmental conditions.

Biodegradable

A material that will decompose naturally in a relatively short amount of time.

Bioenergetics

A system of therapy that exercises designed to release chronic muscle tensions and the emotions associated with them.

Biofeedback

A training technique to consciously regulate normal body functions such as heart rate, breathing, brain activity levels and body temperature. This technique helps to change physical responses to stress as well as enhance overall health. Training is guided by both a trained practitioner and simple electronic devices that monitor body functions and provide feedback.

Biological Diversity

The variation of life forms within a given area. Biodiversity often refers to the health of an ecosystem or geographical area, by assessing its diversity of species and genetics within species.

Blood/Live Cell Analysis

The use of high-resolution dark field microscopy to observe live blood cells in vitro. It is promoted by some alternative medicine practitioners, who assert that it can diagnose a range of diseases.

FOR MORE INFORMATION: Enzyme Nutrition – Dr. Edward Howell; Food Combining for Health – Doris Grant & Jean Joice

Breathwork

A general term for a variety of techniques that use patterned breathing to promote physical, mental, and/or spiritual well-being.

Buddhism

The teaching of Buddha that life is permeated with suffering caused by desire, that suffering ceases when desire ceases, and that enlightenment obtained through right conduct and wisdom and meditation releases one from desire and suffering and rebirth.

FOR MORE INFORMATION: It’s Easier Than You Think – Sylvia Boorstein; Teachings of the Buddha¬ – Jack Kornfield

Carbon Footprint

The total amount of carbon dioxide and other greenhouse gases emitted over the full life cycle of a product or service.

Chakras

Energy centers in the body which are best cleansed, opened, and balanced. Too much or too little energy in one chakra can be the cause health problems or frustrations in everyday life.

FOR MORE INFORMATION: The Chakras – C.W. Leadbeater; Wheels of Life – Anodea Judith; Hands of Light – Barbara Brennan

Channeling

The act of serving as a medium through which a spirit or energy communicates with living persons.

FOR MORE INFORMATION: Channeling – Jon Klimo

Chelation

The use of a medication or herbal substances to inactivate toxic substances, usually heavy metals, in the body.

Chinese Medicine

Also known as Traditional Chinese Medicine (TCM), includes a range of traditional medicine practices originating in China such as acupuncture, herbal medicine, massage, heat therapy, and nutritional and lifestyle counseling that treat a broad range of chronic and acute illnesses.

FOR MORE INFORMATION: The Web That Has No Weaver - Ted J. Kaptchuk

Chiropractic

The chiropractic system is based on the premise that the spine is literally the backbone of human health. Misalignment of the vertebrae caused by poor posture or trauma result in pressure on the spinal nerve roots, which may lead to diminished function and illness. The chiropractor seeks to analyze and correct these misalignments through spinal manipulation or adjustments.

Colon Health Care

Also known as “colonic” is an internal bath used to wash away toxic waste from the colon with pressurized water. Colon Health Care can be used to treat a variety of illnesses as well as general health balance.

FOR MORE INFORMATION: Colon Health Handbook: New Heath through Colon - R. Grey; Tissue Cleansing Through Bowel Management – Bernard Jensen

Community Supported Agriculture (CSA)

When a community of individuals supports a local farm operation financially. The “share holders” share in the risks of the farm as far as good or bad seasons, but also share in the harvest at a much cheaper rate that buying food from stores or farmers’ markets.

Compost

A product acquired through the decomposition of plants, animal waste, and other organic matter used to fertilize soil and improve its structure and ability to hold water.

Conservation

The preservation and careful management of the environment and natural resources.

Cool Coating

According to the Environmental Protection Agency, cool roof coatings are white liquids applied over an existing low-sloped roof structure to achieve energy savings, an extended life span and protection from weathering and ultraviolet radiation.

Core Energetics

A psychotherapy process based on a therapeutic approach that seeks the integration of the emotional, physical, intellectual and spiritual by bringing consciousness, movement and, ultimately, transformation to the core's overlying defensive structure.

FOR MORE INFORMATION: Core Energetics – John Pierriakos, MD; The Pathwork of Self-Transformation – Eva Pierriakos

CranioSacral Therapy

A specialized technique of applying gentle pressure to cranial bones, spinal cord, and other areas of the central nervous system aimed at freeing the flow of cerebrospinal fluid. It is used to treat chronic pain, migraine headaches, TMJ, and a range of other conditions.

FOR MORE INFORMATION: The Compilation of W.G. Sutherland’s Lectures and Writings – A.S. Sutherland & A.L. Wales; CranioSacral Therapy – J.E. Upledger

Crystal Therapy

The use of crystals in alternative medicine to attempt healing through the crystal’s energies which are claimed to be able to tune into the body's fluctuating vibrations.

FOR MORE INFORMATION: Crystal Enlightenment – Katrina Raphaell

DAN Energy

Considered a cosmic, very fine, highly oscillating energy. It is also called HEALING-POWER of the SUN and has its source in the center of the divine being, the central sun. Suggested benefits: activate the life energy, harmonize body, spirit and soul, broaden our consciousness and unlock blockades. The fine, spiritual energy addresses stagnation of any sort, as well as imbalances and disharmony in their very origin and thus dissolves them effectively step by step. In this way, undesired behavioral patterns can be released and one's intuition can be increased.

Deep Emotional Release Bodywork

Series of techniques focusing on energy centers of the body. It works to clear negative emotional patterns and blocked energy from the subconscious mind and the body

Deep-Tissue Bodywork

A variety of techniques that focus on restoring the body's connective tissues and muscles to their natural, resilient state, allowing freer and easier movement.

FOR MORE INFORMATION: Jobs Body – Deane Juhan

Dreamwork

Aims at exploring the various images and emotions that a dream presents and evokes with the purpose of healing or self-development.

FOR MORE INFORMATION: All About Dreams – Gayle Delaney; Dreamwork: Techniques for Discovering the Creative Power in Dreams – Jeremy Taylor

Ear Candling

A healing technique using a hollow ear candle, which is inserted into the outer ear canal and lit to create a warm vacuum effect which draws out excess earwax and other debris. Removal of this unneeded accumulation can result in improved hearing capability, relief of sinus irritations, buzzing and other noises, relief of dizziness and itching; and regulation of pressure in cases of sinusitis, headaches, and migraines.

FOR MORE INFORMATION: Candling – Anne Tatum

Ecosystem

A system formed by the interaction of a community of organisms with their physical environment.

Ecotourism

Responsible travel to natural areas that conserves the environment and improves the well-being of local people. Travel targets areas where the flora, fauna, and geological features are the main attraction. Ecotourism usually promotes the environment with minimal impact on it.

FOR MORE INFORMATION: www.ecotourism.org

EMDR

Eye Movement Desensitization and Reprocessing is a method of therapy that uses carefully guided repetitive eye movements, similar to those of REM or dream sleep, to help access and process information stored in the body/mind. EMDR is used for a variety of purposes, usually to lessen the amount of therapeutic time needed to process and resolve traumatic memories.

FOR MORE INFORMATION: EMDR: Basic Principles, Practices and Procedures – Francine Shaperio, Ph.D.; Emotional Healing at Warp Speed – David Grand, Ph.D.

Endangered

Classification given to a plant or animal in danger of extinction within the foreseeable future.

Endemic

Something that is found only within a specific area, such as plants or animals that only exist in one place, and nowhere else.

Energy Balancing

A technique that involves clearing and charging of the seven major chakras and auric levels. A powerful current of healing energy comes through the therapist's hands to heal areas of injury and illness.

FOR MORE INFORMATION: Hands of Light – Barbara Ann Brennan; Human Energy Systems – Jack Schwartz

Energy Efficient

A term used to describe property or products that exhibit special features designed to save electrical and heat power – for example special light fixtures or double-insulated windows.

Energy Medicine

Energy medicine involves therapies that affect subtle energy fields or “life force” that defy measurement. Therapists aim that to work with this subtle energy, and use it to effect changes in the physical body and influence health.

Energy Star

A joint program through the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency and the U.S. Department of Energy that sets energy efficiency guidelines for products, homes and businesses.

FOR MORE INFORMATION: www.energystar.gov

Environmental Medicine

Focuses on causes for illnesses that stem from dietary and environmental allergies or contaminants. Factors such as dust, mold, chemicals, and foods can cause a wide variety of health problems.

Estuary

A semi enclosed tidal body of water and land where an ocean’s salt water mixes with fresh water from rivers or streams.

Ethical

Pertaining to or dealing with morals or the principles of morality; pertaining to right and wrong in conduct.

Ethnobotany

The scientific study of the relationship between humans and plants, especially the uses different cultures have for plants.

Eutrophication

A process in which excess nutrients in a body of water, usually caused by runoff from land, encourages plant and algae blooms which decompose and deplete the supply of oxygen from the water. This process usually leads to the death of animal life in the area.

Fair Trade

An alternative approach to domestic and international trade. Fair trade strives to improve the lives and communities of disadvantaged artisans and farmers around the world. These goods are purchased at above-market rates from producers who pay workers fairly and use environmentally friendly practices where possible.

Feldenkrais Method

Employs exercises intended to increase the body's range of movement, reduce stress, improve posture and flexibility, and allow functioning with greater comfort.

FOR MORE INFORMATION: Awareness Through Movement The Potent Self - Moshe Feldenkrais

Feng Shui

Ancient Chinese art of orienting objects and towns to promote a healthy flow of chi.

FOR MORE INFORMATION: Interior Design with Feng Shui – Sarah Rossbach

Fertility Awareness

Fertility awareness (FA) refers to a set of practices used to determine the fertile and infertile phases of a woman's menstrual cycle. Fertility awareness can help a woman to become more familiar with her own body, and enhance her health and feelings of control over her health care.

FOR MORE INFORMATION: A Cooperative Method of Natural Birth Control – Margaret Nofziger

Florida Friendly Landscaping

Describes landscaping practices that help to preserve Florida’s natural resources and protect the environment.

FOR MORE INFORMATION: http://fyn.ifas.ufl.edu

Flotation

Uses a flotation tank filled with about a foot of therapeutic, salt-saturated water. The tank is usually within a sound and light proof chamber, allowing the patient to escape outside stimuli and float weightlessly on the surface of the super–dense solution. Flotation is a very unique and effective way to reduce stress and enhance concentration.

FOR MORE INFORMATION: The Book of Floating – Michael Hutchinson

Flower Essences

Flower essences are herbal infusions made from the flowering part of the plant, which uniquely address emotional and mental aspects of wellness.

FOR MORE INFORMATION: The Bach Flower Remedies – Dr. Edward Bach Healing Center; Flower Essences and Vibrational Healing – by Gurudas

Gray Water

Waste water from sinks, showers, bathtubs, and washers (not toilets), that can be recycled for irrigation.

Green Building

Also known as sustainable building or environmental building. The definition varies depending on the agency or group. Generally it means to construct a building to the highest environmental standards by minimizing the use of energy, water and materials.

FOR MORE INFORMATION: http://www.usgbc.org

Green Washing

A term playing off “whitewash” that is used to describe projects that are labeled as energy-efficient and sustainable when they’re really not. It’s also a term sometimes used to describe the distribution of misleading information by business or an organization to conceal its abuse of the environment.

Guided Imagery

This relaxation and stress-reduction technique uses positive thoughts and images to relieve pain, slow the heart rate, and stimulate the body's healing responses.

FOR MORE INFORMATION: Healing Yourself: A Step by Step Program for Better Health Through Imagery – Martin L. Rossman, MD

Hazardous Waste

Any waste material that is potentially dangerous, often including things that are explosive, ignitable, radioactive, toxic or corrosive.

Healing Touch

An energy based therapeutic approach to healing. HT uses touch to influence the energy system thus affecting physical, emotional, mental and spiritual health and healing. The goal in HT is to restore harmony and balance in the energy system to help the person to self heal.

Heavy metals

A general term for metals with high atomic mass such as arsenic, lead, mercury, copper, zinc and cadmium. These metals can be toxic to plants from soil, and to animals consuming or living in water, when concentrations are higher than naturally occurring levels.

Hellerwork

A bodywork technique that treats and improves proper body alignment through the development of a more complete awareness of the physical body. The goal is to realign fascia for improvement of standing, sitting, and breathing using “body energy,” verbal feedback, and changing emotions and attitudes.

FOR MORE INFORMATION: Bodywise – Joseph Heller & William A. Henkin

Herbalists/Herbology

Therapeutic user or use of plants, and is the most ancient form of health care known to humankind. An herb is a plant or plant part valued for its medicinal, savory or aromatic qualities. Herb plants produce and contain a variety of chemical substances that act upon the body

FOR MORE INFORMATION: School of Natural Healing – John R. Christopher; The Way of Herbs – Michael Tierra

Herbicides

A chemical that kills plants or inhibits their growth.

Holistic Medicine

A personal and comprehensive approach to natural health by addressing not only physical health, but also the emotional, spiritual, social, and mental well-being of the person.

Holographic Repatterning

A theory used to identify the core reason for any issue a person wants to resolve, and through repatternings and self-healing avenues, removes the unconscious patterns and energy constrictions of the issue from their mind, body, and emotions.

FOR MORE INFORMATION: The Holotropic Mind – Stanislav Grof, MD & Christina Grof

Homeopathy

A method of treating diseases with diluted remedies that would, in larger amounts, cause effects similar to the symptoms being treated.

FOR MORE INFORMATION: Consumers Guide To Homeopathy – Dana Ullman; Everybody’s Guide To Homeopathic Medicines – Cummings & Ullman

Hormone Replacement Therapy (HRT)

The use of synthetic hormones to replace those the body is unable to produce, usually after menopause or cancer treatment.

FOR MORE INFORMATION: Hormone Replacement Therapy Yes or No? – Betty Kamen

Horticulture

The cultivation of plants.

Hydroperiod

The period of time which a wetland is covered by water.

Hypnotherapy

Therapy which employs hypnosis, often used for the treatment of illnesses and emotional problems.

Insecticides

A chemical used to kill insects.

Integrated pest management

A sustainable approach to pest management in a way that minimizes economic, health, and environmental risks.

Integrative Energy Therapy

Aims to heal with the energy of the angels and uses a divine angelic energy ray to work directly with your 12-strand Spiritual DNA. IET is often used in conjunction with Reiki. FOR MORE INFORMATION: Interview with an Angel – Stevan J. Thay

Invasive Exotics

Non-indigenous plants or animals that adversely affect the habitats they invade. FOR MORE INFORMATION: http://www.fleppc.org/

Iridology

A practice in which patterns, colors and other characteristics of the iris are examined to determine a patient's state of health and the presence of disease. FOR MORE INFORMATION: Iridology Simplified – Dr. Bernard Jensen; Visions of Health (Understanding Iridology) – Jensen & Bodeen

Jin Shin Jyutsu

An ancient bodywork technique to harmonize body, mind, and spirit by gentle touch that uses specific “healing points” at the body surface. FOR MORE INFORMATION: Self-Help Books I, II & III – Mary Burmeister

Kinesiology

The study of muscles and their movement. Applied kinesiology is a system that uses muscle testing procedures, in conjunction with standard methods of diagnosis, to gain information about a patient’s overall state of health. Practitioners analyze muscle function, posture, gait and other structural factors in addition to inquiring about lifestyle factors that may be contributing to a health-related problem.

Laying on of Hands

A method of healing by touching a person with the hands or palms. Usually as a form of religious or spiritual faith.

LEED

A certification program through the U.S Green Building Council that stands for Leadership in Energy and Environmental Design. The nationwide program provides guidelines for residential and commercial construction projects to follow to determine if a project is green. MORE INFORMATION: www.usgbc.org

Living Foods

Foods that are uncooked, unprocessed, and usually organic. Also known as Raw Foods. FOR MORE INFORMATION: Rebuild Your Health - Dr. Ann Wigmore; The Wheatgrass Book – Dr. Ann Wigmore

Lymphatic Drainage

Therapeutic massage technique intended to increase circulation and drain trapped water and toxins from the body through the lymphatic system using delicate, wavelike movements on the face and neck or entire body. Used to reduce swelling, detoxify, regenerate tissue, and relieve pain and stress.

Macrobiotics

A lifestyle and dietary practice involving the balancing of yin and yang energies of foods to promote healthier and longer life. The diet consists of mostly whole grains, soups, vegetables, beans, and other supplementary foods. FOR MORE INFORMATION: Recalled by Life - Anthony Satillaro, M.D.

Magnetics

Also known as Magnetic Field Therapy, or Biomagnetic Therapy. Generally used for pain control and to stimulate bone growth after a fracture. Magnetic fields promote blood flow and thus the amount of oxygen to the subject area, enhancing the healing process.

Medical Intuitive

An alternative medicine practitioner who uses their intuition to attempt to find the cause of a physical or emotional condition. FOR MORE INFORMATION: Anatomy of the Spirits – Carolyn Myss

Meditation

A holistic discipline by which the practitioner attempts to get beyond the reflexive, "thinking" mind into a deeper state of relaxation or awareness. Usually meditation is used to focus on a subject or series of subjects of a deep or abstruse nature. FOR MORE INFORMATION: The Art of Meditation - Joel Goldsmith; Theory and Practice of Meditation ¬ - Edited by Rudolph Ballentine

Midwives

A person with training and professional experience who provides care to women during pregnancy and through labor and delivery. Midwives usually take a holistic and woman-focused approach to pregnancy and childbirth; many work with the backup support of a medical doctor. FOR MORE INFORMATION: Spiritual Midwifery – Ina Mae Gaskin

Mind Body Medicine

Holistic approach that focuses on the connection between mind, body and spirit. It works under the idea that the mind can affect bodily functions and health.

Movement Therapy

A broad range of movement approaches used to promote physical, mental, emotional, and spiritual well-being. Motions such as dancing are even used to achieve specific results.

Mulch

A protective covering of natural or synthetic material that is spread on the ground around plants to prevent weed growth and evaporation, control soil temperature, enrich the soil, and prevent the dispersal of pathogens.

Naturopath

Doctor who uses natural remedies such as herbs and foods rather than surgery or synthetic drugs.