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 Chicago

Pamela Davidson CMT, NLMT Massage Therapist	send email
"Utilizing a dedicated and professional approach with my clients to help them achieve optimum energy, balance, and well being through massage and/or bodywork and stretching. Each session includes a free initial consultation ..." See full profile	4153 N Lincoln Chicago, Illinois 60618 (773) 218-1316
Joel E Rieff MS, DC Chiropractor	send email
"Our center is located in the heart of the WEST LOOP COMMUNITY, and we look forward to becoming a STAPLE OF WELLNESS CARE to this wonderful area and its surroundings. This center ..." See full profile	1169 W. Madison Street Chicago, Illinois 60607 (312) 491-8100
Sarah Schenk LMT Massage Therapist	send email
"I have been a massage therapist since 1991 and know no two bodies are alike and have identical needs. That is why I have taken a variety of classes with notables such ..." See full profile	Chicago, Illinois 60640 (773) 972-6986
Mark A Reeves Massage Therapist	send email
"Hello my name is Anthony Reeves LMT. Welcome To Energize Sports Massage.Therapeutic Massage therapy for Men. Located on Chicago's northside, My Home/Office is located in the Andersonville area near Clark & Summerdake ..." See full profile	1463 W Summerdale Avenue Apt 2A Chicago, Illinois 60640 (773) 275-0581
Suzanne Woods LAc Acupuncturist	send email
"I was introduced to acupuncture when I was 16 years old, I had repeated migraines and with a few treatments they have been gone and have yet to get another. As I ..." See full profile	1834 W North Ave Chicago, Illinois 60622 (773) 227-9150
Gina Jones LMT, MMP Massage Therapist	send email
"I beleive in enhancing wellness, decreasing stress and reducing chronic health problems. My interest is to support people as they make changes to increase health, happiness, and well-being in both their personal ..." See full profile	10725 S. Western Avenue 2nd Floor Chicago, Illinois 60643 (773) 238-3349
John J Kelly DDS Dentist	send email
"Most people don't realize how important the mouth can be to an individual's physical well-being. The way your teeth look when you smile can affect the way others perceive you and the ..." See full profile	5350 West Devon Avenue Chicago, Illinois 60646 (773) 631-6844
Bob Barrett Massage Therapist	send email
"With 20 years of experience, I am well qualified to be your massage therapist. From over use syndromes, to acute/chronic muscle pain, to stress management and relaxation, I use a variety of ..." See full profile	400 E. Randolph Street Suite 740 Chicago, Illinois 60601 (312) 560-4689
Timothy M Crowe DMD Dentist	send email
	30 N Michigan Suite 1329 Chicago, Illinois 60602 (312) 782-2844
Lok-Kwan Cheng LAc, DiploOM, MS Acupuncturist	send email
"I get immediate results with acupuncture. Even complex problems like depression and chronic migraines take only three or four treatments to resolve. The treatments work because I understand the energetics of the ..." See full profile	743 W Oakdale Avenue Chicago, Illinois 60657 (847) 323-9297

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