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

Danielle Quast LAc, McAOM Acupuncturist	send email
"At Point to Health Acupuncture I provide personalized, affordable, and compassionate healthcare. My goal is to educate and reach as many people as possible about the benefits of acupuncture and Chinese medicine. " See full profile	3810 SE Belmont St Portland, Oregon 97214 (503) 860-5009
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
Kimberly Knight MAcOM, LAc Acupuncturist	send email
"Tensegrity Health Acupuncture in Portland focuses improving health in a relaxing environment through acupuncture, Chinese herbs & Oriental Medicine. Tensegrity Health Acupuncture owner and professional acupuncturist Kim Knight has been working in ..." See full profile	3615 NE Grand Portland, Oregon 97212 (503) 200-7579
Susan Wilmoth LAc, MAOM Acupuncturist	send email
"The restorative capacity of acupuncture makes it a valuable and effective element of recovery, health, and self-care. I believe that everyone has the capacity to enjoy a deep sense of ease and ..." See full profile	5525 E Burnside Portland, Oregon 97215 (503) 333-3722
Alix Sheppard Marro BA, LMT Massage Therapist	send email
"I am trained in a variety of modalties, including Swedish, deep tissue, reflexology, pregnancy massage, aromatherapy, and chair massage. I often include gentle stretching for those of you who work behind a ..." See full profile	499 Stevens Ave. # 203 Portland, Maine 04103 (978) 314-0554
Lisa Thorborg PT, LAc, MAcOM Acupuncturist	send email
"It is very rewarding to me to help people improve their health and well-being with acupuncture, herbal medicine, stress reduction techniques, dietary advice and lifestyle recommendations. My background is in Western medicine.Before ..." See full profile	Aasa-Lisa's Acupuncture, LLC 4850 SW Scholls Ferry Rd, Suite 201 Portland, Oregon 97225 (503) 515-2657
Audrey Rock Moss BS, MAOM, LMT, LAc Acupuncturist	send email
"Hello, my name is Audrey Rock Moss and I am originally from the beautiful Oregon coast. I am now recruiting Portland patients for acupuncture, massage and herbal medicine therapy. Welcome to my ..." See full profile	5667 NE Glisan Street Portland, Oregon 97213 (503) 481-4615
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
Lisa A. Dulac LAc, MAOM Acupuncturist	send email
"My philosophy in treating patients is not only evaluating the signs and symptoms of a disease, but also looking at the person as a whole entity with imbalances causing "dis-ease". I also ..." See full profile	94 Auburn St. Suite 106 Portland, Maine 04103 (207) 878-3003
Marilyn Walkey, MD, LAc MD, DiplOM, MSOM, LAc Acupuncturist	send email
"Dr. Walkey is Oregon's only Certified MD Acupuncturist & Whiplash injury specialist, Oregon's leader in Alternative Medicine. Dr. Walkey has devoted her career to Whiplash injuries, which can lead to Fibromyalgia if ..." See full profile	7875 SW Alden St Portland, Oregon 97223 (503) 608-8155

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