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Optimal Wellness Center provides a wide range of holistic services, classes and seminars. Browse down this page or search the list below to learn about a specific service. Services are updated regularly, please come back again! |
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| Acupuncture Applied Kinesiology Aroma/Steam Therapy Biomeridian Stress Assessment Chiropractic CranioSacral Therapy Deep Tissue Massage Electric Muscle Stim (EMS) Far Infrared Sauna Homeopathy |
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Hot/Cold Stone Massage Lifeline Technique Lymphatic Drainage Massage Therapy Maternity/Postpartum Massage Myofascial Release (MFR) Neuro Emotional Technique (NET) Neuromuscular Massage Polarity Therapy Reiki Treatment |
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Sensory Depriv. Tank (Serenity Pool) Sports Massage Thai Chi Thai Yoga Massage Total Body Modification (TBM) Touch for Health Transpersonal Hypnotherapy Trigger Point Therapy Ultrasound Yoga |
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| Acupuncture is one branch of the 5,000 year old Oriental Medicine tradition that focuses on attaining the smooth flow of Chi (subtle body energies) through various meridians (pathways) and tissues of the body. | |
The client reclines on a massage table while the licensed acupuncturist inspects the tongue and gently palpates the radial pulses at each wrist to determine which body points to needle and/or to use microstimulation. The use of solid, hair-thin needles or pressure on a variety of superficial body points along these meridians is employed to remove obstructions to the free-flow of Chi. | |
Acupuncture has been found to be helpful in alleviating the symptoms of many disorders such as: stress, anxiety, depression, low back pain, headaches, chronic fatigue, fibromyalgia, infertility, PMS, osteoporosis, arthritis, numbness and tingling, ringing in ears, heartburn, high blood pressure, etc. It can also be useful in improving memory, concentration and focus. (Click here to read our Acupuncture newsletter) |
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| Kinesiology theory assumes that structural health is a good indicator of overall health and that imbalance may occur in any or all of the chemical, mental or structural components of the body. Muscle testing is used for both diagnosis and treatment selection. | |
The health care professional tests the strength of a muscle while asking a question of the innate intelligence body. The answer to the question is either positive or negative depending on whether the muscle remains strong or becomes weak. | |
The patient is asked to maintain strength in a limb as the physician gently applies pressure while asking the question of the innate intelligence body. Kinesiology is noninvasive, natural, and painless. It is also the basis for other holistic systems such as Total Body Modification. |
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One relaxes naturally in a state-of-the-art steam pod filled with aromatic herbal aroma.* |
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The oxygen-rich steam opens the pores of the skin by increasing blood circulation and body metabolism. The pores are cleansed and toxins are released. The essential oils provide the desired therapeutic benefit by stimulating or supressing specific activity in the body. | |
Aroma/steam pods are used to augment health and beauty in private homes, and health and fitness facilities worldwide. Benefits can include glowing, healthy skin, stress reduction, relief from body aches and stiffness, increased blood circulation and metabolism and purification of the system. |
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| Meridian Stress Assessment (MSA) conducts a comprehensive evaluation of a person’s energetic health and provides feedback on how to restore the body back into balance. MSA can determine if meridians (pathways) and their related functions, organs and systems are out of balance, where spinal misalignments may be present and if the patient has specific sensitivities to foods and other substances. | |
Electrical conductivity is measured at 62 responsive acupressure points on the skin–many on the hands and feet–that correspond to the body’s functions, systems and organs. These measurements are recorded and analyzed by computer to provide a profile of a patient’s present condition. If stress values are above or below equilibrium, the system’s extensive database of thousands of herbal, homeopathic, and nutritional products provides suggestions to help the patient regain healthy balance. | |
MSA is a completely non-invasive diagnostic tool. Valuable information about the body’s vital functions is collected by sending a very small electrical current (not a shock) through each acupressure point by means of a stylus connected to the system’s computer. The patient sits comfortably during the examination. This method not only provides a powerful look into the body’s health but also offers the individual a comprehensive and holistic means of regaining and maintaining balance. The MSAS – professional meridian stress assessment system - does not provide a medical diagnosis. If patients suspect that they need medical intervention, they should consult their physicians who can provide medical diagnosis and prescribe appropriate treatment regimens. |
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| Chiropractic theory states that proper alignment of the musculoskeletal system allows the nervous system to function properly, leading to optimum health. Chiropractic adjustments are used both to address symptoms and also for preventive care. | |
Spinal subluxations (misalignments) and other misalignments of the bony structure are gently and skillfully adjusted by the use of the hands or gentle instruments, and encouraged to once again seek their own place in the body. | |
Chiropractic sees the body as a whole and trusts the body’s own innate intelligence to take these gentle hints from a highly trained physician and to heal itself. The patient feels the gentle manipulations and generally feels more relaxed and aligned after an adjustment. |
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| CranioSacral Therapy is a system of evaluation and treatment using gentle non-invasive mobilization techniques of the craniosacral system, which includes all the structures related to the central nervous system and spinal column including cranial bones, sacrum, spinal column and tissue, and cerebrospinal fluid. Subtle movement or rhythmic impulses in the body are an indicator of overall health. Physical stress, emotional stress and toxins can hinder or block the healthy rhythmic impulses causing the tissues to form a memory of the stress or unresolved issue which may interrupt the proper healthy sequence of tissue maintenance. |
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Treatments help normalize the restrictions and dysfunctions in the craniosacral system, which then relates to all the other systems in the body. The practitioner finds the still points in the craniosacral structures and facilitates the reestablishment of the healthy rhythmic movement which assists the body in self-healing. | |
The patient feels the practitioner gently touch the body in specific places for short periods of time. The treatments are gentle and soothing. A feeling of relaxation or increased clarity can occur after the session. |
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| Deep tissue massage embraces a variety of techniques to deeply stimulate the muscles, tendons and fascia to improve the function of the body’s connective tissues and/or muscles. Relief from chronic pain and scar tissue is another goal of deep tissue massage. | |
The therapist uses hands, fingers or elbows to apply slow strokes, deep localized pressure or friction. Strokes may be with or against the muscle grain. Deep tissue massage is done in a localized area and most often used in conjunction with other types of massage therapies. | |
Like all types of bodywork and massage one can expect to feel relaxed after treatment. Deep tissue massage is rigorous and one may find a slight soreness during or afterwards but may experience more lightness, mobility and a lessening of chronic discomfort a day or two after treatment. (Click here to read our massage newsletter) |
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| EMS promotes healing and relaxation of muscle tissue. Electrical current at a specific frequency, intensity and rate is used to deeply penetrate the muscle, increase blood flow and fatigue the muscle by contracting and releasing the muscle tissue. | |
The current is conducted to sore or injured parts of the body through sterile rubber pads connected by leads to the IFC unit. Hot packs wrapped in dry towels may be used to add moist heat to the area. EMS is similar to tens therapy but much deeper. | |
Most people enjoy ‘stim’ treatments and feel relaxed afterwards. It is usually used prior to chiropractic manipulation to promote easier, deeper adjustments but also is useful after an adjustment. |
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Special heaters installed in a wooden sauna generate infrared rays (the invisible part of the natural electromagnetic light spectrum) to deeply penetrate the skin stimulating whole body cellular detoxification. |
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The human body emits it’s own infrared energy. The far infrared energies from the saunas heaters augment the body's healing mechanisms allowing toxins and pollutants stored in fat cells to be dissolved and washed away through natural body functions. | |
One spends a half hour in the well-lit, wooden sauna. Patients report feeling warm, relaxed and rejuvenated. Detoxification has been known to improve immune system health by increasing the production of white blood cells and killer T-cells. Other benefits may include relief from: pain, chemical sensitivity, brain fog, fibromyalgia, chronic fatigue, rheumatoid arthritis, anxiety, depression and heavy metal poisoning. *photo with permission from High Tech Health |
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| Homeopathy is a natural, holistic system of medicine that uses highly diluted substances to cure symptoms on the physical, mental and emotional levels. Homeopathic remedies can be taken over long periods of time and also to alleviate acute symptoms either one at a time or in combination. | |
The system is based on the idea that substances that produce symptoms of sickness in healthy people will have a curative effect when given in very dilute quantities to sick people who exhibit those same symptoms. The remedies stimulate the body to heal itself. | |
Homeopathy is a safe treatment, as it uses medicines from plant, animal or mineral sources in extremely diluted quantities, and there are usually minimal side effects. Its non-toxicity makes it a good choice for the treatment of children. (Read our page on homeopathy) |
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| This therapy is becoming widely known for its deeply relaxing benefits. It is one of the most powerful, therapeutic treatments and was introduced to the Western world, not only as a form of massage, but as a traditional art and ancient wisdom. | |
The hot stone massage technique uses smooth, heated basalt stones which are placed on specific acupressure points on the body to melt away knots, tension and stress. It can be applied as a relaxation technique using hot essential oils. | |
Hot Stone massage is very effective to create harmony, a positive energy flow, promoting a sense of balance and peace. Hot Stone Massage is based on "anma", the oldest form of East Asian massage. Anma is a kneading, rotation and vibration-based massage. (Click here to read our massage newsletter) |
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| The Lifeline Technique is an advanced holistic system of energy medicine that discovers, harmonizes, and interprets the root cause of symptoms-emotions trapped within the subconscious mind. It is a fusion of science and spirit. | |
It is a kinesiology-based system that integrates the science and philosophy of Five Element Theory Acupuncture, Ayurvedic Medicine and Shamanism, combined with aspects of many modern healing modalities. | |
The Lifeline Technique can be likened to an energetic form of surgery. It demonstrates how reconnecting to Infinite Love & Gratitude transforms the molecular structure of water that makes up our bodies. Healing on an energetic and cellular level occurs by harmonizing emotions within the subconscious mind. |
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| Lymphatic Drainage is a very subtle method of touch that works with lymphatic structures located throughout the whole body. It is an intervention that is effective in working with clearing poisons, toxins, relieving autoimmune blocks and pain syndromes. | |
The technique of gentle massage enhances and stimulates the lymphatic system to more rapidly remove the fluid from around the cells and in the tissues, back into the lymphatic system for removal and ultimate cleansing. | |
The revived lymph system cleanses the body of accumulated toxins and pollutants, thereby boosting the immune response and generally rejuvenating body tissues. Lymph drainage can also help balance the autonomic nervous system, reduce stress and increase the body’s ability to relax. (Click here to read our massage newsletter) |
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| Massage therapy is a scientific method of manipulating the soft tissues of the body to have specific effect. Its holistic objective is the restoration of function, release of tension and the re-establishment of the contours where this is desirable. It is a therapeutic, healing, relaxing application of physical touch. | |
During a basic Western whole body massage the patient lies unclothed under a towel on a massage table while the massage therapist kneads the knots out of the back, legs, arms and shoulders using one of several different techniques. A massage may involve oil or lotion for easier work on the muscles. | |
Results may include, improved circulation, lymphatic drainage, stimulated breathing, increased flow of nutrients/oxygen to tissues, lowered heart/pulse rate, detoxification, weight loss, healthier skin, removal of tissue deposits, stimulated activity of skin/glands, improved muscle tone, stress/tension relief, pain relief, relaxation of mind and body, and/or an improved sense of well being. (Click here to read our massage newsletter) |
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| Maternity massage is an effective way for an expectant mother to successfully deal with the structural and hormonal changes going on in her body. Massage brings structural relief from the stress and strain brought about by the extra weight she is carrying. Increased blood flow may help with swelling, reduce fatigue and help balance the hormonal levels. Postpartum massage brings relief from the stress and fatigue of caring for a new baby and can help the mother quickly adjust back to her pre-pregnancy state of health, including the realignment of physical structure. |
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The specially trained massage therapist focuses on areas of high strain and stress in a mother-to-be or new mother. The muscle and joints are gently stretched and exercised to maintain mobility and flexibility. Oils and/or creams may be used to reinforce elasticity of the skin. The resulting relaxation may be helpful during delivery and also may relieve the new mother of the stress of adjusting to her new schedule. | |
As with all forms of massage one feels a sense of relaxation and well being. Physical touch is well known to help balance emotion. Doctors suggest that a relaxed mother-to-be will be healthier and happier. Postpartum massage can bring relief from the ‘blues’ felt by some mothers after giving birth. Oils and creams may help with the discomfort of stretched skin. Posture and mobility may be improved both during and after the pregnancy. (Click here to read our massage newsletter) |
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| All parts of the body are encased and connected by the fascia system. Trauma to the fascia can cause severe pain and restrict proper functioning of the body. MFR is a massage related treatment to relieve strain in the fascia tissue to create a more properly functioning body, a sense of well being and to relieve pain. | |
The health care professional feels the surface of the body with their hands to determine where the fascial restrictions are located. The fascia does not respond to normal massage techniques as most other muscles, so special pressure is applied by the hands to release these restrictions in the system. | |
After the restriction is released the patient may feel the release of toxins that were trapped in the organs. Myofascial release is yet another natural therapy to treat the whole person. (Click here to read our massage newsletter) |
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| Emotions have physical counter-parts, called neuropeptides, that can enable an ‘emotion’ to travel to different parts of the body. These emotions can create blocks in the physical body. NET is a physical correction that removes the physical emotional blocks from the body caused by emotional trauma. | |
Muscle testing, reflex points and semantic reactions are used to bring the specific original emotion to the patient’s mind so the physician can use a specific emotional pattern to release the ‘Neuro Emotional Complex’ or block. NET allows the body to heal itself once the emotional blocks are removed. | |
Neuro Emotional Technique provides a very gentle emotional release. It is painless, non-habit forming, non-addictive and non-judgemental. |
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| Neuromuscular therapy is a more localized form of touch that seeks to increase blood flow to the nerves by dissolving a knot or ‘string’ of tense muscle and thereby alleviate muscle soreness, chronic pain and spasm. (see Trigger Point Therapy below) | |
The therapist uses localized pressure of various forms on a knot or ‘string’ to release tension in the area and stimulate blood flow. To relax the body and completely heal the area around the knot, the surrounding soft tissue is also addressed, often using other forms of massage. | |
Since this form of massage releases toxins in a specific area of the body, one may feel slightly sore after treatment and is usually advised to drink plenty of water. Stretching exercises may be recommended. As with other types of massage a general feeling of well being and relaxation follow treatment. (Click here to read our massage newsletter) |
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| Polarity therapy is based on energetic principles using touch, reflex and acupressure points to balance energy flow in the body. | |
Exercise, energetic food awareness, yoga stretches, and life style modifications are components to this system which holistically involves the patient in his or her own care and wellness. | |
Polarity therapy is an active approach to self-care and is useful for both prevention of imbalance and for health maintenance. |
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| Reiki is an energetic hands-on healing system based in the ancient Tibetan art/science of spiritual self-improvement. It has evolved as application for treatment of energetic blocks or barriers that may present as physical, mental, emotional or spiritual pain. Interpersonal difficulties, world weariness, stress and a sense of difficulty in life may respond well to Reiki. | |
Reiki is a technique for stress reduction and relaxation that allows everyone to tap into an unlimited supply of "life force energy" to improve health and enhance the quality of life. A session may involve only light touching or hovering of the practitioner’s hands over the body. | |
A treatment feels like a wonderful glowing radiance that flows through and surrounds the body. Reiki treats the whole person: body, emotions, mind and spirit. It creates many beneficial effects including feelings of relaxation, peace, security, and well being. Reiki is a simple, natural, and safe method of spiritual healing and self-improvement that everyone can use. |
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| The tank is about the size of a twin-sized bed. The person lying in the tank is buoyed up by 800 pounds of epsom salts dissolved in 10 inches of warm water, heated to body temperature. Each tank has a lightweight door at one end and an air circulation system at the other. The absence of sensory stimulation in the tank allows for profound relaxation and the salt in the water provides a highly effective means of detoxification. The tank can provide a pleasant respite from fatigue and sensory overload. |
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The tank reduces the stimuli of the outside world so the body and mind can relax. Each experience is different and different people have different experiences. The person in the tank has total control. The door may be left open or closed, the head can be to either end of the tank, the tank is completely safe. One may fall asleep safely in the tank. The salt in the water buoys up the body and also pulls impurities from the skin to the surface where they are either dissolved or washed off. Flotation itself has been shown to lower blood pressure, pulse, and a host of stress hormones in the brain. Potent relaxation increases alpha and theta waves. |
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Many people report a relaxing, weightless experience where they can explore their own consciousness/creativity or contemplate specific questions. Some feel a sense of freedom, peace, and detachment. Floatation may also help relieve pain and muscle aches. Research indicates that the body’s pH and electrolyte levels become balanced. In effect, the water massages and strengthens the nervous, endocrine, and musculo-skeletal systems. Feelings of peace and well-being result from the decrease of stress hormones and the utterly profound relaxation from the lack of sensory stimuli.(Click here to read the FAQs about our tank) (Read Dr. Jordan's Recommendations for The Serenity Pool) |
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| Based on Swedish massage and combined with other more localized types of massage, sports massage (also known as Deep Tissue Massage) is not only for the athlete but also for anyone who is physically active and/or who has physical issues that act similar to sports injuries. The treatment is customized to the individual according to type of physical activity and the muscles affected. | |
Sports massage addresses three areas of attention: pre/post event treatment, rehabilitation of acute/chronic injuries or areas, and maintenance massage. Pre-event massage focuses on areas to be used and muscles which may cause difficulty or sustain stress. It is a preventive treatment. Post-event massage deals with trouble areas, injuries, sprains, strains, etc. from the event. Rehabilitation is long-term massage care to relieve chronic pain, spasm, from over-use and injury. Maintenance massage is a general use of many massage techniques to keep the body flexible, strong and healthy. It also focuses on areas generally stressed by the favored activity, areas mostly likely to sustain injury or tension. | |
One can expect rejuvenation of the body and healing of acute and chronic injuries. The goal is increased flexibility, mobility, agility and strength. (Click here to read our massage newsletter) |
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| Thai Chi is a traditional Chinese marital art and healing system that uses slow, graceful and precise movement with breathing techniques and meditation. It is gentle, and involves no contact. Thai Chi is noncompetitive. | |
The aim of Thai Chi is to stimulate the flow of Qi (chi) or life energy to create balance between spirit/mind/body and therefore create health. Graceful dance like movements that mimic martial arts movements are performed along with simple postures. (For more information on Qi or Chi see our Acupuncture newsletter) |
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Thai Chi relieves stress and tension in body and mind by bringing the nervous system into balance. It strengthens the immune system and increases coordination. Like all holistic modalities it is thought to be helpful as preventative health care. Some say it also improves longevity. |
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| Thai Yoga Massage comes from Thailand with strong roots in the Indian tradition. The theory behind Thai Yoga Massage says all life is essentially energy. When this energy is balanced life is healthy. A Thai massage creates balance through stretching, rhythmic pressure along Sen lines (similar to Chinese Meridian lines) and passive Yoga positions. | |
This massage incorporates rhythmic motion, palming and thumbing along energy (Sen) lines, gentle stretching and breath work, to create a slow, flowing "dance" around and with the recipient's body. Along with many other benefits Thai Yoga massage stretches and tones the muscles, improves circulation and metabolism, relieves muscular tension and spasms, boosts immune system function, and balances the body energetically, inducing a calm mental state. |
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Thai Yoga massage is performed on the floor in loose and comfortable clothing. The stretching and toning of muscles provides the recipient with a physical and energetic massage. When one receives a Thai Yoga Massage one also receives the benefits of Yoga practice. |
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| Toxic stress can destroy the communication and the control the brain has over a specific organ or body part, leaving that organ or part to operate at a lower level. This ‘blown fuse’ may manifest as any number of different symptoms. TBM re-establishes health by restoring proper brain to body communication. |
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TBM uses kinesiology (defined above) and techniques practiced by chiropractic masters centuries ago to allow the power that made the body to heal the body. TBM treatment also includes simple dietary changes to reset sugar metabolism. By harmonizing the frequency of an allergen to the frequency of the body TBM can also be useful in treating allergies. |
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Most patients enjoy the TBM experience. While it is a powerful technology to promote healing, it is gentle and non-invasive. The dietary changes (we use the Sugar Control Diet) are easy and after a few days many patients report an increase of energy. Some find extra pounds melt away effortlessly. (Click here to read our TBM newsletter) |
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| Touch for Health uses applied kinesiology, acupressure and massage to stabilize and enhance body energy, create relaxation in mind and body, restore and maintain health. | |
This therapy integrates the original Chinese understanding of meridians and pressure points that stimulate different parts of the body with the science of kinesiology, or muscle testing, to determine, through the use of the body’s innate intelligence, the state of a specific muscle or system. The proper technique is then applied to stimulate or balance the muscle or system. | |
Touch for health is a noninvasive, gentle and holistic system for the assessment of imbalance and subsequent treatment. Please see Applied Kinesiology above. (Click here to read our massage newsletter) |
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| Transpersonal Hypnotherapy theorizes that hypnosis is the bridge between body/mind/spirit and that these 3 components of human consciousness may be accessed through altered states of consciousness. The individual may experience this therapy in either a subtle or obvious way, depending on their needs. TH assumes that the individual is on a path to discover and engage in a higher good. |
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Transpersonal hypnosis simply allows the conscious and the subconscious mind to agree. One may experience great relief from the transformation of unconscious root-level programming that exists as the cause of a problem. |
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The patient is asked to either lie down or sit in a chair with the eyes closed. One is awake and aware throughout the session (one does not loose control). Patients report feeling fresh, relaxed and in control at the end of a session, which may last 60 minutes. Hypnosis may be used for many health related issues, including stress reduction, smoking, weight control, drug/alcohol addiction, bed wetting, nail biting, stuttering, pain management, self confidence, and dental procedures. |
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| Trigger Point Therapy is a more localized form of touch that seeks to increase blood flow to the nerves by dissolving a knot or ‘string’ of tense muscle and thereby alleviate muscle soreness, chronic pain and spasm. Trigger point therapy is a type of neuromuscular therapy. (see Neuromuscular Therapy above) | |
The therapist uses localized pressure on a knot or ‘string’ (also known as a trigger point) to release tension in the area and stimulate blood flow. Trigger points may cause localized pain or may ‘refer’ discomfort, pain, numbness, tingling, etc. to different parts of the body. As pressure is applied toxins surrounding the nerve endings are dissolved and released into the system. | |
As the knots and sore spots are dissolved toxins are released into the system. The client may be advised to drink more water after treatment to flush these toxins from the body. Trigger point therapy has been shown to increase endorphins in the brain, causing relaxation and a sense of well being. (Click here to read our massage newsletter) |
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| Ultrasound therapy applies high frequency sound waves (waves above 20,000 cycles per second– 20 kHz) sometimes accompanied by Electric Muscle Stimulation (EMS) to an external surface of the body to alleviate symptoms of pain, spasm or injury. | |
The assistant uses a wand and a current conducting gel similar to aloe vera. A mild heat inducing salve may also be applied. The waves penetrate the surface of the body to stimulate blood flow and bring the body’s attention to the area that needs to be healed. |
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One feels the wand being guided over the skin through the gel and possibly some heat from the salve. If combined with EMS there may be a slight tingling and the affected muscles may flex slightly. The patient may notice progressive relaxation of the area and, over time, a more rapid rate of healing. |
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| Yoga is the ancient Indian science that provides a means to unify mind/body/spirit in the individual and to unify individual being with universal being. Yoga includes a series of stretching and bending exercises and postures (called asanas) as well as breathing exercises, meditation and intellectual knowledge. When most people use the word Yoga they mean Hatha Yoga which focuses on the exercises, postures and breathing exercises. | |
The asanas are performed without strain or pressure, sometimes in conjunction with breathing exercises. These movements exercise the muscles, massage the glandular system, balance the endocrine system and soothe the nervous system. | |
Aside of the more obvious benefits from the practice, such as a more limber and toned body, Yoga has also been known to relieve stress and tension, both mental and physical. It is also used to relieve chronic pain. Many report feeling more centered, tranquil and a greater sense of well being. |
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For information please call 216.521.2225 or e-mail:owc@owcenter.com; 11860 Clifton Boulevard, Lakewood, Ohio 44107 © 2005 Optimal Wellness Center. All rights reserved. Site designed and maintained by Optimal Wellness Center |
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