Glossary

A deviation from the usual course or condition.

This technique is used to restore the flow of energy (qi), by inserting needles into the acupuncture points (located on the meridians). These insertions are said to clear any residing blockages, or dams, thus freeing the river to better feed the body in its entirety.

A few or more fibers of muscle tissue or connective tissue become stuck together, giving a lumpy texture, or soft clunking feeling when in motion.

Electromagnetic field of energy surrounding the body. This is your personal energy space.

The Bowen Technique is a 'head to toe' physical treatment that promotes self-healing and benefits all ages and stages in life. Bowen treatments signal the body to reset and de-flame painful muscles, joints, nerves and tendons to their original blueprint of health thereby addressing pain, postural complaints, injuries and rebalancing of other systems.

The first seven vertebrae (neck).

The tissue that surrounds all muscles and tendons. It also separates muscles from each other and the skin surrounding your body. This tissue can also be referred to as fascia.

A state of imbalance in the body where a system, organ or the whole body itself is lacking energy. This condition can be treated by tonification. In other words, boosting the lacking energy in the body to re-establish balance and achieve wellness and increase immunity as a result.

Deterioration which causes some degree of loss of original function.

A mass of fibrocartilage between adjacent surfaces of most vertebrae.

How your body communicates to you as spirit. In holistic medicine the body and emotions are inextricably linked. Thus, suppression and stagnation of emotions can eventually result in physical illness and manifestations.

The cause or origin of disease.

A state of imbalance in the body where a system, organ or the whole body itself has a stagnation of energy which causes a build up and symptoms such as heat, fever or pain as a result. This condition can be treated by sedation. In other words, draining or calming the excess energy in the body to re-establish balance and achieve wellness and increase immunity as a result.

Climatic factors in the environment that can invade the body and cause illness. In Chinese medicine these are; wind, cold, summer-heat, dampness, dryness and fire.

Act as reservoirs of energy in relation to the regular channels which are compared to rivers. They aid in maintaining balance in the circulation of energy throughout the body.

Is a progression of an adhesion, once the adhesion begins to become tighter and shorten the muscle beneath it.

The 5 basic processes, qualities, phases of a cycle or inherent capabilities of change in phenomena.

Energy connection between you and the earth to support presence in the body through energy flow and release.

Manipulation of bone and/or cartilage, including joints.

Manual manipulation that involves movement of the selected joint to its end range of voluntary motion, followed by a quick manual thrust.

Morbid tissue reaction producing symptoms of swelling, heat, redness, or disordered function; a localized protective response elicited by injury or destruction of tissues, which serves to destroy, dilute, or wall off both the injurious agent and injured tissue.

A form of electronic stimulation.

Travell-Simons trigger point therapy. A technique in which progressively strong pressure is applied to a pressure point, trigger point, or tight muscle.

Slower or gentler manual techniques in which the joint remains within its passive range of movement.

Amplitude refers to the depth of, or distance traveled by, the practitioner's thrust. Most adjustment/manipulation is of low amplitude, minimizing total force applied to the patient.

The five vertebrae of the lower back.

Manual techniques that move a joint beyond the end point of its passive range of motion.

A cordlike structure, visible to the naked eye, comprising a collection of nerve fibers which convey impulses between a part of the central nervous system and some other region of the body.

A pattern of disharmony is established by the practitioner based on a patients signs and symptoms. This diagnosis takes into account not only the physical symptoms, but also emotional factors as well as the individual bodily constitution. A pattern of disharmony is a much more detailed and descriptive diagnosis than a simple disease label.

It is a simple, natural technique that stimulates the body to repair the painful area when the natural healing process needs a little assistance. In most cases, commonly prescribed anti-inflammatory medications and more drastic measures like surgery and joint replacement may not help, and often hinder or even prevent the healing process. The basic mechanism of Prolotherapy is simple. A substance is injected into the affected ligaments or tendons, which leads to local inflammation. The localized inflammation triggers a wound healing cascade, resulting in the deposition of new collagen, the material that ligaments and tendons are made of.

A sensory nerve ending in muscles, tendons, and joints that provides a sense of the body’s position by responding to stimuli from within the body.

Is when a trigger point is being touched and a predictable pattern of pain or sensation is felt else where in the body. It may travel upward or downward, it may also feel sharp, burning like sensation, aching or mimic headache pain.

This is the transportation system for energy (qi) in the body. There are 12 regular meridians linked to our internal organs, flowing like rivers of energy throughout the entire body.

The root is the underlying cause of disease while the manifestation is the outward clinical signs.

Manual manipulation of muscle, tendon, and ligament.

Manipulation of the vertebrae.

Joint injury in which the ligaments are stretched or lacerated.

Overstretching or overexertion of the muscles or tendons.

Is when one or more of the bones of your spine (vertebrae) move out of position and create pressure on, or irritate spinal nerves.

Where alignment, movement integrity, and/or physiologic function are altered although contact between the joint surfaces remains intact.

A set of symptoms or conditions that occur together and suggest the presence of a certain disease or an increased chance of developing the disease.

Twelve vertebrae of the mid back which ribs attach to.

The therapeutic maneuver delivered by the practitioner during high-velocity adjustment and manipulation.

An area within a muscle fiber or fascia, which is often tender to the touch, and in turn causes the affected muscle to become shortened. A trigger point may or may not be painful during active movement.

One of the 33 bones forming the spinal or vertebral column.

Describes two primal opposing but complementary forces (not absolutes) found in all things in the universe. Yin, the darker element, is passive, dark, feminine, downward-seeking, and corresponds to the night; yang, the brighter element, is active, light, masculine, upward-seeking and corresponds to the day.