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

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
Elizabeth Davis DC, LAC Acupuncturist	send email
"Your Health & Complete Recovery is Top Priority! "For Reliable Results" Call 312-541-1154 to make an appointment. Fast Efficient Pain Relief! Elizabeth Davis DC,LAC. is a Diplomate of the National Certification Commission for Acupuncture and ..." See full profile	333 North Michigan Avenue. Ste. 621 Chicago, Illinois 60601 (312) 541-1154
Maria P Irizarry LMT Massage Therapist	send email
"I am in constant search for knowledge which I acquire through travel such as Japan, Mexico and attending seminars around the country. You can find me with a book or watching a ..." See full profile	1400 N. Halsted Chicago, Illinois 60622 (312) 867-0169
Elizabeth Vince LMT Massage Therapist	send email
"*$35 Hr Massage & Consultation Special* (1st time visit only) Do you have LOW BACK PAIN? NECK PAIN? HEADACHES? The treatments used for patients with aches and pains are both gentle and ..." See full profile	1148 W Diversey Chicago, Illinois 60614 (773) 598-5851
Kirk Rogers Moulton Acupuncturist	send email
""I want to share the success and blessings that I have received by discovering this form of medicine. I see any symptom as a message, what we do with that message is ..." See full profile	3322 N Ashland Ave #2 Chicago, Illinois 60657 (773) 880-9120
William Slawson LMT, NCBTMB, CST Massage Therapist	send email
"I feel grateful to be allowed into a persons healing process. I truly believe in focus on the client. Healing does not end when the session is over! " See full profile	233 So Wacker Sears Tower Chicago, Illinois 60606 (773) 771-3332
Mary Helen Lee LAc, DiplOM, AHG Acupuncturist	send email
"I am board certified in Oriental Medicine, Chinese Herbs and Acupuncture. I am a Professional Herbalist with the American Herbalist Guild, practicing both Western and Chinese herbology. I have training in Aromatherapy, ..." See full profile	1309 W Albion Ave Chicago, Illinois 60626 (773) 743-5229
Mark A Reeves Massage Therapist	send email
"Hello my name is Anthony Reeves LMT. Welcome To Energize Sports Massage.Therapeutic athletic therapy for Men. Not a Day Spa,but for the serious athlete seeking professional therapeutic care. My Office/Studio is located ..." See full profile	1463 W Summerdale Avenue Apt 2A Chicago, Illinois 60640 (773) 275-0581
Robert Wilson MSOM, LAc Acupuncturist	send email
"My approach to healing is very interactive. The best results for people are not created by patients passively recieving treatment. Rather, I use mutual analysis and treatment of problems that combine 2 ..." See full profile	Addison & Kimball Chicago, Illinois 60618 (773) 988-6281
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

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