Holistic Health and Me

Wellness Terms & Definitions

Ever since I was a kid, I have  been intrigued by nature, I loved being outdoors, playing in the woods and I even LIKED eating my vegetables. Raised by a mother who still to this day has a deep understanding and love for the earth and all its creatures, I think I was born to be in love with nature. Having said this, when I found out Southwest Institute of Healing Arts had a position available, I jumped at the opportunity to learn more about holistic and natural health care-it seemed like the perfect next step in pursuing my love for earthy and natural things.

As I first began my work, I was captivated by all the different aspects of natural health and wellness. To be totally honest, I was a bit overwhelmed with so many things to learn – but I was fascinated. I quickly began researching the different modalities and key terms I came across, many of which I had heard of, but never looked at in-depth.  If you are interested in holistic wellness and health care but are unsure what it all means or where to start, I hope these basic definitions will help you as they have helped me.

~Basic Terms~

Bodywork: This term applies to the gentle manipulation and realignment of the body to improve mental well-being.

Holistic Health Care: The practice of applying natural methods of wellness and treatments for the mind, body and spirit.

Holistic Nutrition: Looking at a person as a whole – attempting to bring balance to all areas of the person’s life by observing dietary intake, supplements and lifestyle.

Hypnotherapy: a form of healing that has proven effective in balancing and healing the subconscious mind and spirit. Hypnotherapy can often help ease a wide variety of emotional, psychological and physical problems. People turn to hypnotherapy for a variety of reasons. Hypnosis has proven effective in the cessation of many habits by reducing physical symptoms and cravings.

Life Coaching: helps people realize their goals and recognize and overcome the obstacles that are keeping them from getting there. Life Coaches  empower individuals in a supportive and non-judgmental way.
Herbalism: The practice of looking to naturally occurring herbs and remedies for a variety of ailments from plants and plant extracts.

Polarity: is a synthesis of ancient Eastern and alternative  concepts centered on the idea of a Human Energy Field, using touch, verbal interaction, exercise, nutrition and other methods.

Reflexology: also called zone therapy, is based on the theory each body part is represented on the ear, hands, feet or face. By pressing or stimulating a specific area on the ear, hands, feet or face can have therapeutic effects in other parts of the body.

Reiki: is a simple, natural and safe method of spiritual healing and self-improvement. It has been effective in helping are variety of illnesses and problems and is based on the idea of an unseen “life force energy” flowing through us, and it is that energy that allows us to be alive.

Toe Reading: is based on the theory that your body holographically records the story of your life. The position and shape of the toes say a lot about their owner. By observing someone’s toes you will know a great deal about their past and the experiences they have lived through. Toes reveal how a person copes with their feelings, as well as their thoughts. Toe Reading addresses the holographical recordings on a Physical, Mental, Emotional and Spiritual Level.

Tui Na: an ancient form of Chinese physical therapy, some 2000 years old. As with many other holistic health practices, this style of Asian bodywork promotes the body’s ability to heal itself naturally.

Zen Shiatsu: by helping with blood and lymph circulation in the body, shiatsu helps to maintain and improve muscle tone and healthy internal organ functions. Shiatsu works directly to calm the autonomic nervous system, which has the effect of calming nervous distress and increasing resistance to stress. It is believed that shiatsu can also strengthen the immune system.

Well there you have it, a very basic foundation to start your holistic healthcare education from-if you would like to learn more about these terms, and many others, check out the programs and community clinics we have available at Southwest Institute of Healing Arts – www.swiha.edu

Tags: Bodywork, Holistic Health, Holistic Nutrition, Hypnotherapy, Life Coaching, Polarity, Reflexology, Reiki, Southwest Institute of Healing Arts, SWIHA, Toe Reading, Tui Na, Zen Shiatsu