Complementary
Therapies
The Nutrition & Wellness Program takes a holistic approach
to wellness, combining nutrition counseling with complementary therapies.
The underlying philosophy of a holistic or traditional approach
refers to treating the whole body - mentally, physically, and spiritually,
with a focus on the mind/body connection. This approach involves
engaging the subtle energy field each of us has to help reach a
state of dynamic balance.
Nutrition & Wellness Program is able to offer a variety of
complementary therapies depending on the availability of qualified
practitioners and client demand.
Because all of our practitioners are volunteers, it is difficult
to say too much in advance what will be offered for a particular
month. Also, on some days the volunteer will have to cancel and
we will only be able to give notice on that day. All volunteer complementary
therapy practitioners have the necessary licenses or certificates
required in their fields.
What are complementary or alternative therapies?
Complementary therapy is any type of healing not considered a part
of
" Western" medicine. Many are based on Eastern Traditions
that predate
Western medicine by thousands of years.
Do complementary or alternative therapies
work?
Many people have reported success with alternative or complementary
methods of treatment. It is sometimes difficult, however, to separate
the success of a specific treatment from the natural ups and downs
of illness or from the benefits of an individual's positive attitude.
It may be the success of any complementary treatment is related
to the quality of the interaction between caregiver and client that
is emotionally satisfying to both participants and engages people
in their own care.
Types of Complementary Therapies
Available
(This list is subject to change due to therapist availability)
Acupuncture
An ancient Chinese healing practice that helps to create balance
within the body. It involves placing special needles into the
skin at specific points. Possible benefits include relieving
stress and pain, easing neuropathy, may control withdrawal symptoms
and improve overall wellbeing. GMHC offers full-body acupuncture
and ear point acupuncture.
Chiropractic Care
A non-invasive method that involves manual manipulation of the
joints of the body, especially the spinal column. Chiropractors
treat disorders with manipulation of the vertebrae in order to
relieve pressure on the nerves.
Yoga
An ancient Indian system designed to maintain a healthy body through
breathing and stretching exercises. Yoga facilitates balance
and strength in mind and body. Classes are taught by certified
yoga instructors and include meditation, pranayama (breathing
exercises), and a strength building, fat burning hatha yoga sequence.
Shiatsu Shiatsu means "finger pressure" in Japanese.
Shiatsu is based on the Chinese system of meridians and acupoints
(the same points used in acupuncture) throughout the body. In Shiatsu,
however, therapists use pressure instead of needles to balance
energy.
Reiki
Reiki is a Japanese form of spiritual healing. The word "rei" means
spiritual and "ki" means vital energy which translates into universal
life energy, which every individual has. Touch is used to activate
this energy for deep relaxation and a sense of well-being.
Feldenkrais
The Feldenkrais Method is a movement-based therapy, which shows
you how to learn from your body. It allows you to see how the
body, through movement, influences the mental process. It can
help to reduce muscle tension and muscle pain, improve posture,
flexibility, balance, coordination and mobility, and can improve
self-image.
Movement Workshop
A one-hour class set to music, which guides participants through
structured movement increasing balance, flexibility and strength
and ending with meditation.
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