50

Acupressure: Based on the same system as acu-

puncture, but fingers and hands are used, instead

of stimulation with needles, in order to restore the

balanced flow of the body’s life energy (qi or chi,

pronounced “chee”). This force moves through

the body along 12 energy pathways, or meridians,

which practitioners unblock and strengthen. Com-

mon styles of acupressure include Jin Shin, which

gently holds at least two points at once for a minute

or more, and Shiatsu, which applies firm pressure

to each point for three to five seconds.

Acupuncture: An ancient Oriental technique that

stimulates the body’s ability to sustain and balance

itself, based on the theory that an electromagnetic

life-force (qi or chi, pronounced “chee”) is chan-

neled in a continuous flow throughout the body via

a network of ‘meridians.’ Disease is understood as

an imbalance in the meridian system.

Diagnosis of an imbalance is made by “reading”

the pulse, face, tongue and body energy. To cor-

rect it, a practitioner inserts acupuncture needles

at specific points along the meridians to stimulate

or disperse the flow of life-force. Acupuncture

principles include the yin and yang polarities and

the associations of the five elements of fire, earth,

metal, water and wood with bodily organs.

Alexander Technique: A system of re-educating

the body and mind to support and facilitate proper

posture and ease of movement. Through gentle

manual guidance, accompanied by verbal direc-

tions, the Alexander teacher coaches the student

to become aware of unnecessary tension and to

unlearn longstanding patterns of movement. The

Alexander Technique is an established method

for helping to improve chronic conditions such as

back, shoulder or neck pain, nervous tension, poor

coordination, breathing problems and vocal strain.

It is frequently used by athletes and performing

artists to improve performance level.

Aromatherapy: An ancient healing art that uses

the essential oils of herbs and flowers to treat emo-

tional disorders such as stress and anxiety and a

wide range of other ailments. Oils are massaged

into the skin, inhaled or added to a water bath. Of-

ten used in conjunction with massage therapy, acu-

puncture, reflexology, herbology and chiropractic

or other holistic treatments.

Art Therapy: Uses the creative process of mak-

ing art to improve and enhance physical, mental

and emotional well-being and to deepen self-

awareness. The therapist makes a diagnosis and

determines treatment plans by encouraging a cli-

ent to express his or her feelings and unconscious

thoughts through the nonverbal creative process

and by observing the forms and content created.

Astrology: A system of traditions and beliefs that

holds that the relative positions of celestial bod-

ies either directly influence life on Earth or cor-

respond to events experienced on a human scale.

Modern astrologers define astrology as a symbolic

language, art form and type of divination that can

provide information about personality and human

affairs, aid in the interpretation of past and present

events, and predict the future.

Ayurveda: The oldest medical system known to

man and a comprehensive spiritual teaching prac-

ticed in India for 4,000 years. It focuses on achiev-

ing and maintaining perfect health via the balance

of the elements air, fire and water (illness is con-

sidered an excess of any element). A patient’s body

type, determined according to ayurvedic principles,

is the basis for individualized dietary regimens

and other preventive therapeutic interventions.

Ayurvedic prescriptions might include purifica-

tion procedures for the restoration of biological

rhythms; experience of expanded consciousness

through meditation; nutritional counseling; stress

reduction; enhancing neuromuscular conditions;

and behavioral modification.

Health and Wellness Guide 2010

Local Healthy Living Profiles

Health and Wellness Glossary

51February 2010www.nasrq.com

For many people with chronic or persistent pain, Prolotherapy and Regen-erative Medicine may be a Godsend and pave the way to a new lease on

life. Whether the pain is due to due to arthritis, disc/nerve problems or injuries (sports related, auto injuries etc.) this little known but highly effective techniques may be the treatment of choice and by far the best option to fix the problem.Prolotherapy or Regenerative Injection Therapy is a minimally invasive medi-cal procedure, which employs small injections of a natural proliferant into the attachments of the weakened and/or stretched ligaments, tendons and joint capsules. We now are even using a patient’s stem cells and growth factors (called PRP or Platelet Rich Plasma) to help rebuild damaged joints, ligaments and ten-dons. This technique has been highly successful (about 85%) in treating a wide array of orthopedic conditions including whiplash and neck pain, low back pain, cervical or lumbar disc problems, rotator cuff injuries, tennis/golfer’s elbow, wrist problems, knee arthritis and pain, hip pain, ankle sprains, Achilles tendonitis, and plantar fasciitis.

Prolotherapy techniques have actually been around for over 60 years and have an amazing safety record. C. Everett Koop, our former U.S. Surgeon General considers Prolotherapy as “an effective and useful technique that de-serves much more recognition by the conventional medical community.” He further comments, “The nice thing about Prolotherapy, if properly done, is that it cannot do any harm.” In short, Prolotherapy is a safe, effective, and elegant treatment that can permanently heal many chronic pain issues. Anybody who is sufferering from some type of persistent pain should definitely explore this elegant and effective approach before considering any type of surgery, corti-sone injection, or taking medication for any length of time.

About Dr. Mark Walter, M.D.Dr. Walter has specialized in the field of Prolotherapy and Regenerative

Medicine for over a decade. For five years Dr. Walter was part of a medical mission team in Honduras where he had the privilege to work side by side with some of the top Prolotherapy teachers in the world and helped instruct doctors and medical residents in safe and effective Prolotherapy techniques. In Prolo circles Dr. Walter has a reputation for excellence in diagnostic skills and safe, yet precise, injection technique. His mantra is “gentle with the patient, gentle with the tissues gets the best results”. Dr. Walter has a passion for edu-cating people about the merits of Regenerative Medicine and holds frequent public seminars at his center.

ProloMDDr. Mark Walter

ProloMD Mark Vincent Walter, M.D.

2365 S. Tamiami Tr.

(corner of Hibiscus)

Sarasota

ProloMD.com

941-955-HEAL

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52

Bee venom therapy (BVT): The therapeutic ap-

plication of honeybee venom, through live bee

stings, to bring relief and healing for various spi-

nal, neural, joint or musculoskeletal ailments.

Bioenergetics: A psychotherapy that works

through the body to engage the emotions. Perform-

ing specified postures and exercises causes the

release of layers of chronic muscular tension and

defensiveness, termed “body armor.” The unlock-

ing of feelings creates the opportunity for under-

standing and integrating them.

Biofeedback: A relaxation technique that moni-

tors internal body states and is used especially for

stress-related conditions such as asthma, migraines,

insomnia and high blood pressure. During biofeed-

back, patients monitor minute metabolic changes

(e.g., temperature, heart rate and muscle tension),

with the aid of sensitive machines. By consciously

thinking, visualizing, moving, relaxing, etc., they

learn which activities produce desirable changes in

the internal processes being monitored.

BodyTalk: Developed by chiropractor/acupunc-

turist Dr. John Veltheim, BodyTalk is based upon

bio-energetic psychology, dynamic systems theory,

Chinese medicine and applied kinesiology. By in-

tegrating a series of tapping, breathing and focus-

ing techniques, BodyTalk helps the body synchro-

nize and balance its systems and strengthens the

body’s innate knowledge of self-repair. BodyTalk

is used to address a range of health challenges, in-

cluding fibromyalgia, infections, parasites, chronic

fatigue, allergies, addictions and cellular damage.

Practitioners are usually licensed massage thera-

pists (LMT) or bodyworkers.

Bodywork: Massage and the physical practices of

yoga are perhaps the best-known types of body-

work; both have proven successful in relieving ten-

sion and stress, promoting blood flow, loosening

stiff muscles and stimulating the organs. Massage

therapies encompass countless techniques, includ-

ing Swedish massage, shiatsu and Rolfing. The

same is true for yoga.

Other types of bodywork include martial arts prac-

tices like aikido, ki aikido and Tai chi chuan. Some

others are the Alexander technique, Aston pattern-

ing, Bowen, Breema bodywork, Feldenkrais meth-

od, Hellerwork, polarity therapy, Rosen method,

Rubenfeld synergy and Trager.

Finding bodywork that improves mental and physi-

cal health is a highly individual process. Several

types may be combined for the greatest benefit.

Chelation therapy: A safe, painless, nonsurgi-

cal medical procedure that improves metabolic

and circulatory function by removing undesirable

heavy metals such as lead, mercury, cadmium

and copper from the body. A series of intravenous

injections of the synthetic amino acid EDTA are

administered, usually in an osteopathic or medical

doctor’s office. The EDTA blocks excess free radi-

cal production, protecting tissues and organs from

further damage. Over time, injections may halt the

progress of the underlying condition that triggers

the development of various degenerative condi-

tions such as diabetes, arthritis, Parkinson’s and

Alzheimer’s diseases, and cancer.

More recently, chelation therapy also has been

used to reverse symptoms of atherosclerosis or ar-

teriosclerosis (hardening of the arteries) by remov-

ing obstructive plaque built up in the circulatory

system.

Chinese Medicine: Traditional Chinese Medicine

(TCM) is one of the world’s oldest and most com-

plete systems of holistic health care. It combines

the use of medicinal herbs, acupuncture, food

therapy, massage and therapeutic exercise, along

with the recognition that wellness in mind, body

and emotions depends on the harmonious flow of

life-force energy (qi or chi, pronounced “chee”).

Chiropractic: Based on the premise that proper

structural alignment permits free flow of nerve ac-

tivity in the body. When spinal vertebrae are out

of alignment, they put pressure on the spinal cord

and the nerves radiating from it, potentially leading

to diminished function and illness. Misalignment

can be caused by physical trauma, poor posture and

stress. The chiropractor seeks to analyze and cor-

rect these misalignments through spinal manipula-

tion or adjustment. (Also see Network Chiroprac-

tic.)

Colon therapy: An internal bath that washes away

old toxic waste accumulated along the walls of the

colon. It is administered with pressurized water by

a professional using special equipment. One colon-

ic irrigation is the equivalent of approximately four

to six enemas and cleans out matter that collects in

the pockets and kinks of the colon. The treatment is

used as both a corrective process and for prevention

of disease. Colonics are used for ailments such as

constipation, psoriasis, acne, allergies, headaches

and the common cold.

Color therapy and colorpuncture: Color thera-

pists believe that the vibrations of color waves can

directly affect body cells and organs. Thus, differ-

ent hues can treat illnesses and improve physical,

emotional and spiritual health. Many practitioners

also claim that the body emits an ‘aura,’ or ener-

gy field, with colors reflecting a person’s state of

health. Color therapists apply colored lights or ap-

ply color mentally, through suggestion, to restore

the body’s physical and psychic health.

Colorpuncture combines the insights of light phys-

ics with the knowledge of the meridian points em-

phasized in Chinese acupuncture. The noninvasive

technique is used to clear blockages in the merid-

ians and restore healthy energy flow. Kirlian pho-

tographs track improvements.

Another related sensory healing technique is light

therapy, which attempts to restore well-being and

can be successful in treating the depression known

as Seasonal Affective Disorder (SAD).

Counseling/Psychotherapy: These terms encom-

pass a broad range of practitioners, from career

counselors, who offer advice and information, to

psychotherapists, who treat depression, stress, ad-

diction and emotional issues. Formats can vary

from individual counseling to group therapy. In

addition to verbal counseling techniques, some ho-

listic therapists may use bodywork, ritual, energy

healing and other alternative modalities as part of

their practice.

Craniosacral therapy (CST): A manual therapeu-

tic procedure to remedy distortions in the structure

and function of the craniosacral mechanism—the

brain and spinal cord, the bones of the skull, the sa-

crum and interconnected membranes. Craniosacral

work is based upon two major premises: that the

bones of the skull can be manipulated, because

they never completely fuse; and that the pulse of

the cerebrospinal fluid can be balanced by a practi-

tioner trained to detect variations in that pulse. CST

is used to treat chronic pain, migraine headaches,

temporomandibular joint disorder (TMJ), ear and

eye problems, balance problems, learning difficul-

ties, dyslexia and hyperactivity.

Crystal and gem therapy: Practitioners use quartz

crystals and gemstones for therapeutic and healing

purposes, asserting that the substances have rec-

ognizable energy frequencies and the capacity to

amplify other frequencies in the body. They also

absorb and store frequencies and can essentially be

programmed to help effect healing. In the ancient

art of ‘laying-on of stones,’ practitioners place

crystals and gemstones on various parts of the

body, corresponding to its chakra points (energy

centers), in order to balance energy flow.

Health and Wellness Glossary 2010

53February 2010www.nasrq.com

BodySculptingMD specializes in advanced weight loss and nonsurgical fat reduc-tion techniques to permanently rid patients of excess body fat - and sculpt the

body. For patients aiming to lose overall weight, BodySculpting MD recommends their flagship program: proprietary Bodysculpting Hormone Diet, which is quite simply “the most effective, safest, and physiologically-sound medical weight-loss program ever developed. “ This revolutionary program utilizes a blood sugar-stabilizing hormone cream, which resets the patients hypothalamus (brain control center). This in turn burns fat and readjusts the appestat to end the starvation-craving cycles. This 10-week weight loss program touts the freedom of eating real food, easy to stick to, avoid hunger pangs, and provides astounding results. “We have had a 95% success rate and the average person loses 20 to 30 pounds (per 10 week cycle). For many of our patients who have been frustrated in trying to lose weight (and/or keep it off!), the results have been nothing short of spectacular.” – M. Walter M.D. BodysculptingMD also helps those who are close to their ideal weight, but want a boost to knock off localized fat. Using lipolaser (cold laser), fat melts away. Other options include lipodissolve injections to dissolve the fat, which are excreted via the lymph system. Additionally, the clinic offers infrared LED technology to reduce cel-lulite and rejuvenate wrinkled facial skin. BodysculptingMD prides itself on working with both males and females to trans-form the body’s shape to help their patients achieve the figure or physique of their dreams. Best of all, there is no downtime, the treatments are safe and virtually pain-less, and the results are attractive, natural-appearing, and permanent. About Susan Lewis, R.N.,C.O.O. & Bodysculpting Program Director: Susan Lewis R.N. has specialized in integrative medicine and nutritional counseling for the last 20 years. Susan received her Bachelor in Nursing from the Medical Univer-sity of South Carolina and has trained with the top teachers in the world in the field of Lipotherapy, Mesotherapy and Medical Aesthetics including Dr. Jacques LeCoz, Dr. Patricia Rittes and Dr. Roman Chubaty. Susan has a wealth of experience in develop-ing and running organizations. She currently resides in Sarasota and enjoys reading, traveling and painting.

Please call (941) 955-4325 for a free consultation and visit BodysculptingMD.com for more details.

BodysculptingMDSusan Lewis, R.N.,C.O.O. & Bodysculpting Program Director

BodysculptingMDSusan Lewis, RN

C.O.O & Bodysculpting Pro-

gram Director

2365 S. Tamiami Tr.

(corner of Hibiscus)

Sarasota

BodysculptingMD.com

941-955-4325

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