Living Touch

Homeopathy is a form of alternative medicine, that is based on the principle of „like cures like“. The term homeopathy comes from the Greek words homeo, which means similar, and pathos, which means suffering. In homeopathic treatment, extremely small doses of substances are given, that produce similar symptoms of illness in healthy people, when given in larger doses. By giving these substances, homeopathy seeks to stimulate the body’s defense processes in order to prevent or treat illness.

Aromatherapy is the use of essential oils and other aromatic compounds extracted from plants for physiological and psychological treatment. There are two basic ways of aromatherapy, by inhalation and by applying the oils to the skin. As scents, they can activate the limbic system and emotional centers of the brain, also known as olfaction, when applied to the skin in form of massage oils, they penetrate the tissues and find their way into the bloodstream where they are further transported to the organs and systems of the body.

Shiatsu originates in Japan and can be described as a finger pressure massage that uses fingers and palms to apply pressure to Shiatsu points throughout the body. The location of the Shiatsu points and the effect of the pressure on them is based on an understanding of bodily functions according to Western anatomy and physiology, and not according to the principles of Traditional Chinese Medicine, TCM. By applying pressure to these points, the body’s natural healing ability is enhanced and the progression of disease is prevented.

Rolfing, also known as structural integration, is a system of connective tissue manipulation and movement education that is believed to release stress patterns, improve health, and help us to move and function with greater freedom. Rolfing was developed in the 1950s by Dr. Ida Rolf, a biochemist who was influenced by physical therapy, osteopathy, and yoga.

Gabrielle Roth is an internationally renowned theater director, philosopher and artist who has developed her own form of ecstatic dance, the five rhythms dance. She herself calls her dance technique „The dancing path“ and describes it as a moving meditation and as a shamanic journey. According to her, there are five sacred rhythms which are the essence of the body: flowing, staccato, chaos, lyric, and stillness. These rhythms make up the whole of our experience and are reflected in each of our actions and emotions.

Hypnotherapy uses hypnosis to bring about benefical changes. The term „hypnosis“ is derived from the Greek word „hypnos“ which means „sleep“, although hypnosis is not sleep, but rather a state of deep relaxation or trance. Hypnotherapists utilize that trance to treat numerous medical and psychological problems. While in a trance-like state, the unconscious mind is highly receptive to new ideas, and positive suggestions are used to help a client make desired changes in their lifes.

Qigong is an ancient Chinese health care system that involves physical postures, motion, breathing techniques, and mental focus. The term Qigong is made up of the Chinese words „qi“ meaning breath or vital energy, and „gong“ meaning accomplishment, or skill that is achieved through steady practice. Qigong therefore means to cultivate one’s energy or life force through practice.

Reiki is a Japanese form of spiritual healing that is believed to treat physical, mental, emotional, and spiritual diseases. It is performed by laying on of hands and is based on the believe that practitioners are guided by a universal spirit and act as a channel for energy that flows through their palms to heal others.

The Alexander technique is a way of learning how to overcome harmful tension in our body. It is a practical method for improving ease and freedom of movement, balance, support, and coordination. It can be seen as a reeducation of the mind and body, rather than a series of treatments or exercises. It teaches discovery of a new balance in the body by releasing unnecessary tension. It can be applied to sitting, standing, lying down, walking, or any other daily activity.

Behavioral Kinesiology was developed by John Diamond based on the philosophy of Applied Kinesiology. Each muscle is believed to be related to a particular organ, but a special focus is put on the thymus gland that plays a key role in regulating a person’s psychic energy. The degree of stress under which a patient is functioning is assessed and a rebalancing of the body energy is facilitated by showing the patient how to reduce stress and how to correct emotional attitudes.

Applied Kinesiology is an alternative medical practice developed by chiropractor George J. Goodheart in 1964. People’s illnesses are assumed to be caused by improperly balanced energy fields in the body and they are diagnosed by testing the strength of muscles, each of which is believed to be connected to a different organ. Problems are treated with particular types of muscle massages that are believed to release blockages and stimulate energy flow and thus heal the patient.

The Feldenkrais Method was developed by Moshe Feldenkrais who created his own method of physical rehabilitation, integrating anatomy, physiology, psychology, neurology, and martial arts. A key principle of the Feldenkrais Method is that the way we move, speak, and think is based on the conception we have of ourselves. In order to change the way we move, we have to change the way we see ourselves.

The Pilates Method is a physical fitness method that was developed by Joseph Pilates and his wife Clara in the 1920s. It is an exercise program of physical movement designed to stretch, strengthen, and balance the body. Coupled with focused breathing patterns, the systematic practice of specific exercises are believed to be good not only as a fitness activity, but also as an assistance for professional sports training and physical rehabilitation.

Yoga originates from India and is part of the traditional medicine of India, the Ayurveda. It is a mixture of relaxation and physical exercises which aim at maintaining health and creating balance in the body. Correct breathing plays an important role in these exercises. The exercises consist of special poses, breathing exercises, and deep relaxation. They are easy to learn and can be practiced by anyone, from the very young to the very old.

Sleep is essential for our body and mind to function normally. Sleep deprivation can seriously affect our physical and mental health. In our modern, hectic time, the consequences of sleep deprivation are getting to be a serious problem. As many people are not aware of the fact that they actually suffer from chronic insomnia, the first step is to become aware of it.

Sleep is a basic need in everybody’s life, but most people are not aware of how important it is, and many of us try to get by with as little sleep as possible. Sleep is not an option, it rather is something our bodies need to do. Lack of sleep can have serious consequences.