Alternative Therapy: Manual Healing and Physical Touch

Acupressure and Alexander Technique

Acupressure is a traditional Chinese therapy that is also known as Ohashiatsu, Shiatsu, Tui Na, or Watsu. It is based on the same idea as acupuncture. The practitioner uses his or her fingers, hands, elbows, or various devices to massage or manipulate points on the body. The points have been identified by observational evidence that acupressure at the meridians (acupressure points) brings potential healing benefits from the release of bodily chemicals such as endorphins and dynorphins that aid in relieving pain. Students of the martial arts use acupressure extensively for self-ther-apy and also for immobilizing opponents. Tai Chi has physiological benefits even if the theory of the circulation of the life force (qi or chi) is not accurate.

The Alexander Technique is a bodywork method developed by Frederic Alexander, an Australian actor at the beginning of the 20th century. He found that his energy levels and dramatic performances were greatly improved by the way in which he held his body. After 1904, he taught his ideas in both London and the United States. He developed exercises for extending the spine and for maximizing the use of muscles. His slogan was “the head leads and the body follows.” Alexander Technique teachers seek to improve posture problems by prevention in the young and by correction in older adults. The benefits of good posture include great mental alertness, sleep, and performance of physical tasks.

Chiropractic and Osteopathic Medicine

Chiropractic therapy is an established system of treatment. The word chiropractic is a compound of two Greek words that mean “manipulation with the hands.” Its goal is to help patients regain full health and to retain it for life by using intensive care to correct [Page 29]spinal maladjustments, reconstructive care to end problems, and wellness care to increase vitality and vigor. The goal of chiropractic treatment is to identify the causes of illness and fully restore health, rather than masking the symptoms with painkillers or other common remedies.

Chiropractic rests upon the belief that structure affects function. Thus, the displacement of the spine can cause pain in the nerves that can then affect other parts of the body. The spine has 24 vertebrae that are connected with a disk composed of cartilage. In addition, thousands of ligament fibers hold it all together.

Diagnosis begins with a chiropractor listening to the new patient's complaints. The diagnostic goal is to identify the most recent layer of damage to the spine and nervous system. When spinal injuries occur, scar tissue develops around the injured area. Normally, this will be replaced in a few days. However, in many cases, some remains that can cause irritation and pain because the residual scar tissue is weaker than normal tissue and can thus lead to more damage.

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