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 New York

Mitchel Nenner LAc, NCCAOM Acupuncturist	send email
"Being licensed in Acupuncture and Chinese Herbology has given me the abilty to do something I truly believe in, which is to give people a viable alternative to Western Medicine. TCM (Traditional ..." See full profile	545 West End Avenue 2D New York, New York 10024 (646) 872-5514
Maryann Willoughby LAc Acupuncturist	send email
"I am a licencesd Acupuncturist and certified Thai Yoga therapist. Acupuncture and Thai Yoga Massage are ancient holistic healing practices which directly address Body, Mind, Spirit inbalances. Acupuncture and Thai yoga Massage ..." See full profile	250 W 57th Street Suite 2128 New York, New York 10019 (646) 335-5563
Robert Pinter LMT Massage Therapist	send email
"Massage as a therapeutic and restorative experience best describes the intention of my work. It involves the manipulation of soft-tissue to support the healing of your injuries and the elimination of chronic ..." See full profile	89 Fifth Avenue Suite 601 New York, New York 10003 (917) 309-8224
Roberta Roberts Mittman L.Ac., PLLC Acupuncturist	send email
"My personal philosphy revolves around the concept that there are several modalities that can help each individual--there's no "one size fits all" treatment. Looking at each person from different perspectives gives me ..." See full profile	40 Park Avenue @36th Street New York, New York 10016 (212) 686-0939
Anca Marinescu MS, LAc, DiplAc Acupuncturist	send email
"Helping people regain health using ancient and modern insights into factors that promote wellness of body, mind and spirit. " See full profile	900 Broadway Suite 404 (between 19th & 20th Streets) New York, New York 10003 (917) 723-9044
Kerry Counihan LAc, LMT Acupuncturist	send email
"Wellness is more than the absence of disease. I believe that we all deserve to feel and look the best we possibly can. Traditional Chinese Medicine can help find and correct body ..." See full profile	251 Fifth Avenue 3rd Floor New York, New York 10016 (917) 750-3693
Maureen Tetelman M.S., L.Ac., A.D.S. Acupuncturist	send email
"I have been working in holistic health care for nearly ten years. My patients range from adolescence to the elderly. Acupuncture Bodywork is a family acupuncture practice that sees and treats a ..." See full profile	40 E 23rd Street 3rd floor ( Kinespirit Studio) New York, New York 10010 (212) 228-6687
Wendy Z Henry LAc, ADS Acupuncturist	send email
"Congratulations for choosing to seek out 'alternative' health services. I work with an integrative approach both with individuals and groups. Office visits may be scheduled or on-site visits. Having difficulty sleeping? Feeling ..." See full profile	54 West 21st Street Suite 910 New York, New York 10010 (212) 243-0025
Ruthmarie Stowe LMT Massage Therapist	send email
"Massage "doctor" of Harlem. Member of AMTA, NYSSMMT NCTMB & NYWA. My passion is to care for you mind,body & spirit,in a very peaceful setting. Available: By appointments only Monday thru Saturday. ..." See full profile	38 West 130th Street Bet. Lenox & Fifth Ave New York, New York 10037 (212) 828-1314
Magic Hands Choice Care Massage Therapist	send email
"We are a multi practitioner practice who accept Aetna, Cigna, First Health, Twenty First Century and United Insurance plans. " See full profile	214 E 82nd Street New York, New York 10028 (212) 650-1620

Health Professionals 1 to 10  |  More...