Associated Therapies

Acutonics
[From the Acutonics brochure, by Donna Carey, PhD, Lac, and Ellen Franklin, PhD]
"Every cell in our body is a sound resonator. Every cell lives in a rhythmic pattern. Each organ in our body has its own cycle and its own pulse. Each and every system has a cycle, rhythm, pattern, and pulse that exist in resonant harmony and sympathy to the cycles of the earth and heavens. These bodily systems respond to sound vibration, as do our spiritual, mental, and emotional states of consciousness.

Through the application of precision calibrated tuning forks to specific acupuncture, acupressure, and trigger points, we are able to access the meridian and chakra energy systems of the body on a deep cellular level…. Our non-invasive modality integrates sound into every treatment, while also drawing on the therapeutic roots of Oriental Medicine and Energy Healing.

Acutonics was developed more than 10 years ago from the direct experience of practitioners and educators. We approached this new work with scientific rigor and extensive research, and have years of documented clinical results that speak to the efficacy of our healing system."

Chinese Herbal Medicine
Ancient Chinese herbal formulas are as effective now as when they were first introduced more than 2,000 years ago. They greatly enhance the effects of acupuncture treatments. Chinese herbal formulas treat a wide variety of conditions by deeply stimulating the body's natural healing process. The formulas are individually prescribed and many are available in convenient pill form. Hospital studies have shown that Chinese herbal formulas have demonstrated excellent results with patients who fail to respond to conventional pharmaceutical treatments. Chinese Herbal Medicine is safe and effective when prescribed by a qualified practitioner of Oriental Medicine even in combination with pharmaceutical medications. Acupuncture & Associated Therapies has an extensive herbal pharmacy.

Allergy Elimination Technique (NAET)
People can be allergic to ANYTHING, even things that are "good for you" and that your body needs for survival, such as Vitamin C, Basic proteins, sugars, etc... Sensitivities to vital nutrients can result in immune system dysfunction which leads to unpleasent symptoms of all kinds, and in severe cases, serious illness.

Reactions can occur immediately, or even days later from allergens being ingested, touched, or breathed. One can even have reactions to an item that has some emotional connection in the brain.

NAET (Nambudripad's Allergy Elimination Technique) is a truly revolutionary protocol that can eliminate entirely or significantly reduce the body's allergic responses. It is a natural, drugless, painless treatment that can be used for persons for all ages.

NAET has been proven effective for allergies and allergy-related conditions such as fibromyalgia, chronic fatigue, auto-immune disorders, asthma, eczema, autism, ADD/ ADHD, digestive disorders, and more. In addition, NAET has changed the lives of many who have suffered from anxiety, depression, panic, grief, and even money and success issues.

Kristen Couture specializes in NAET therapy with remarkable results. For more information about NAET, or for a free phone consult with Kristen, please call our office at 508-539-0299, or see the official NAET website for more information at www.NAET.com.

Craniosacral Therapy
Craniosacral therapy is a gentle, hands on method of evaluating and enhancing the functioning of the craniosacral stystem. The craniosacral system consists of the membranes and cerebrospinal fluid that surround and protect the brain and spinal cord. It extends from the bones of the skull, face and mouth, which make up the cranium, down to the sacrum, or tailbone area.

Craniosacral therapy works to reverse the debilitating effects of stress by providing the conditions in which the nervous system can rest and rejuvenate. By complementing the body's natural healing processes, craniosacral therapy is increasingly used as a preventive health measure for its ability to bolster resistance to disease. It is also effective for a wide range of problems associated with pain and dysfunction. Individuals suffering chronic symptoms that have not been aided by other approaches often seek craniosacral therapy. In particular, craniosacral therapy is beneficial to those with head, neck, or back injuries. Another area of principal effectiveness is with stress-related dysfunctions, e.g., insomnia, fatigue, headaches, poor digestion, anxiety, and temporomandibular joint (TMJ) dysfunction. Other conditions for which craniosacral therapy has shown to be effective are various sensory disorders. Among these are eye-motor coordination problems, autism, dyslexia, loss of taste or smell, tinnitus, and neuralgias.

Craniosacral therapy is performed on a person fully clothed. Sessions last approximately an hour. Using a light touch -generally no more than the weight of a nickel - Debra Avery monitors the rhythm of the craniosacral system to detect potential restrictions and imbalances, then uses delicate manual techniques to release those problem areas and relieve undue pressure on the brain and spinal cord. This simple action is often all it takes to remove a restriction. Other times, craniosacral therapy may be combined with other complementary therapies to help restore the body to its optimum functioning level.

[information compiled from the Upledger Institute, Inc. website and brochure, Discover Craniosacral Therapy for a healthier you]

Debra Avery, is a craniosacral therapist. Call Acupuncture and Associated Therapies at 508.539.0299 for more information or to schedule an appointment. You may also wish to visit upledger.com.

Whole Health & Homeopathy
Lauren Fox, APRN, is a primary care provider with a specialty in pediatrics and women's health. By listening, observing, and considering the whole person-including physical symptoms, emotional, lifestyle, culture, and family issues-Lauren provides whole health to families.

Homeopathic medicine is a gentle approach that stimulates the body/mind to heal itself. The classical method of homeopathy involves an in-depth interview, in which the whole person is considered, and then one remedy is chosen and given at its lowest possible dosage. Homeopathic medicines can be used to treat acute illnesses, such as sore throat, flu, or gastrointestinal upset, or chronic illnesses, such as asthma, migraines, and colitis. They can be used in conjunction with conventional treatments and drugs, if guided by sound medical knowledge.

Whole Health practitioner Lauren Fox is available by appointment. She can be reached at: 413-535-6022.

Massage Therapy
Massage therapy is the manipulation of the muscles and soft tissues of the body and has been used as a healing tool for thousands of years. Massage offers a drug-free, non-invasive and humanistic approach which encourages the body's natural ability to heal itself. Having a massage does more than just relax your body and mind. It can relieve muscle tension, reduce blood pressure, strengthen the immune system, reduce spasms and cramping, increase joint flexibility and help you sleep better. So, one could say, that massage is a perfect elixir for good health!
Reference: Body Sense Magazine, April/May, 2007

Reiki
Reiki energy healing is both an art and a science. Reiki translates from the Japanese to mean "Universal Life Force Energy." It is this energy, that is all around us that aids in the client's relaxation and self-healing. Reiki is administered either as a seated treatment or a table treatment on a fully clothed recipient. The practitioner's gentle hands are placed in several different positions around and over the client.

Shamanic Energy Medicine
Energy Medicine based in the indigenous traditions of Peru is a powerful modality to release karmic and ancestral imprints from our luminous energy field. Addressing the underlying spiritual dis-ease at the root of any mental, emotional, and/or physical challenge, shamanic energy healing removes the energetic source(s) of the issue through the processes of Illumination, Extraction, and/or Soul Retrieval allowing for healing to follow on all levels of one's being.

The initial session generally lasts 2 to 2-1/2 hours. Through discussion, the client determines the specific focus for the work which is then addressed by the practitioner utilizing tools such as rattles, sacred stones, feathers, and crystals while the client lies fully clothed on a treatment table. Processing of the treatment concludes the session.

Lymphatic Drainage
Lymphatic Drainage is a gentle non invasive hands on technique used to help move the lymphatic fluid and decongest the surrounding tissues.

Briefly stated, the main functions of the lymphatic system, are to help the immune system in destroying pathogens and filtering waste so that the lymph can be safely returned to the circulatory system. It also removes excess fluid, waste, microbes, and toxins and works with the circulatory system to deliver nutrients, and oxygen to the body’s tissues.

Keeping the lymphatic system moving and healthy is an important part of overall health!

Some of the benefits of Lymphatic Drainage are:
  • Reduction in swelling
  • Detoxification
  • Pain relief
  • Deep relaxation
  • Reduction in hypertonicity
  • Reduction of cellulite

Ortho-Bionomy®
Is a non-invasive form of bodywork that is very effective in reducing pain and discomfort due to the imbalances caused by injuries, postural habits, emotions or stress. This is done by utilizing gentle positioning and subtle movements of the body, while lying, sitting or standing in a position of comfort.

Ortho-Bionomy is appropriate for everyone and is compatible with all other forms of care. Ortho-Bionomy can help with conditions such as:
  • Headaches
  • Back Pain
  • Restricted Movement
  • Chronic Pain

Treatments are typically 45 minutes to an hour in length and comfortable loose clothing is recommended to allow for a full range of motion.

Francie McDougall, RN, BS, LMT, is an Associate in the Practitioner Training Program, and is offering Ortho-Bionomy as part of her integrated approach to health and wellness she can be reached at 508-593-4954 More information is available at the Society of Ortho-Bionomy International.

Clinical Aromatherapy
Is the use of essential oils and or hydrosols for a specific therapeutic purpose. In clinical aromatherapy the essential oils are not only used for their aromas but are also chosen for the specific effect of the chosen oil. Additionally, the oils can be administered a variety of ways including via the skin or an inhalation.

Most importantly the therapy is outcome based and measurable. So that the results can be reproduced. It also enables specific changes in the therapy so that the best possible outcome can be achieved.

Clinical Aromatherapy is effective for muscular aches and pains, stress, and can help with the discomforts of many ailments. Safety is of primary concern and only the purist oils and hydrosols are used in appropriate concentrations and applications. Each essential oil used is specific to the individual and their concerns.

Francie McDougall, RN uses Clinical Aromatherapy as part of her integrated approach to health and wellness. She has completed the Masters Apprenticeship Program from the Northwest College for Herbal & Aromatic Studies and has been certified in Holistic Dynamic Aromatherapy. Additionally, she has a certificate in Clinical Aromatherapy from RJ Buckle & Associates and has studied Ayurvedic Aromatherapy with Dr. Light Miller.

Francie can be reached at 508-593-4954. Additional information regarding aromatherapy, contact The National Association for Holistic Aromatherapy.