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 Portland

Rebecca Hurwood LAc, MAc, OM Acupuncturist	send email
"I believe in Chinese medicine as a holistic approach to health that awakens and optimizes the bodies" natural healing abilities. I believe that every body is unique and different and I will ..." See full profile	1525 SW Park Ave. Suite 103 Portland, Oregon 97201 (503) 267-5570
Erica Peirson ND Naturopath	send email
"As a Naturopathic Physician, I am dedicated to helping you on your healing path by supporting your body"s own innate healing abilities. I believe the body is very wise and it is ..." See full profile	2143 NE Broadway Street Portland, Oregon 97232 (503) 209-9041
Raina Monet Lasse ND Naturopath	send email
"Dr. Lasse skillfully infuses ancient wisdom, common sense solutions, and cutting edge research to create effective results for her patients. Using her abundant array of tools she works with the body"s innate ..." See full profile	833 SW 11th Ave. Suite 214 Portland, Oregon 97205 (503) 224-2525
Larry Berntsen Chiropractor	send email
	336 NorthEast 102nd Ave Portland, Oregon 97220 (503) 253-9957
Molly Green Acupuncturist	send email
"Imbalance is just part of doing business in a body on planet Earth. My goal as a practitioner is to promote your body's ability to remedy itself. Whether the problem is chronic ..." See full profile	2538 NE Broadway St Suite C Portland, Oregon 97232 (971) 570-1544
Patricia Hallam L.Ac. Acupuncturist	send email
"I consider myself a "general practitioner" of Oriental Medicine, though I do have a special interest in dealing with women's health issues throughout the life cycle. I enjoy treating patients with a ..." See full profile	9900 SW Wilshire St #190B Portland, Oregon 97225 (503) 421-9339
Kay Fields LAc, MAc, OM Acupuncturist	send email
"Kay Fields, L.Ac., MAc.O.M., focuses on holistically restoring the natural state of balance and health. Her practice offers you acupuncture, NON Neeldle Microcurrent/Colorlight Pain Elimination, herbs, therapeutic massage, nutritional counseling, acupressure, and ..." See full profile	1962 NW Kearney #L103 Portland, Oregon 97209 (503) 295-7600
Gina C James LMT Massage Therapist	send email
"Gina draws upon her expertise as a licensed massage therapist, Reiki master and Spiritual Director to gently guide people to reconnect with their inner wisdom, creativity and joy. Gina"s work transforms challenged ..." See full profile	2538 NE Broadway Suite C Portland, Oregon 97232 (503) 282-8600
Daivati Bharadvaj N.D. Naturopath	send email
"As a general family doctor, I work with people of all ages~ from pediatric checkups to prevention for older adults. My ideal patient is one who seeks individualized, empowering health care to ..." See full profile	9900 SW Wilshire St Suite 190 Portland, Oregon 97225 (503) 297-3825
David Jacob LMT Massage Therapist	send email
"I have been in practice for over 7 years professionally and have received excellent training in several specific modalities. " See full profile	2534 SE 35th Ave. Portland, Oregon 97202 (503) 522-5550

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