Other Methods

Other methods have their place within the scope of structural therapy. These will be described very briefly. However, this is by no means a complete reference.

Yoga

Yoga -- from a sanskrit word, yug, which means yoke, a union of the individual with the divine, which is the goal of this practice.

Yoga is rooted in an Indian philosophy that believes humans have 5 dimensions:

1. The physical frame

2. The vital body (made up of life energy called prana)

3. The mind (emtions and thought)

4. The higher intellect

5 The "abode of bliss" -- the dimension of divination.

The practice of yoga includes:

Yoga asanas -- postural poses used along with a consciousness of breath that helps to release muscles tension -- include many muscle stretches that also help to tone muscles and increase circulation.

Asanas can be practiced in diffeent positions such as lying down, sitting, standing, etc. It is important to do theses excercises slowly and with awareness of your own limitations.

Pranayamas are exercises used for breath control. These help to increase lung capacity and slow the breath.

Therapeutic benefits of yoga include:

Yoga has been shown to be effective for conditions such as:

There are many different styles of yoga, including:

Whichever yoga you practice, it is important that you have loose fitting clothes that are comfortable.

Pilates Method

The Pilates, or Physical-Mind, method includes mat exercises with machines that were invented by Joseph Pilates. Cable wires and pulleys are used to increase flexibility and to obtain muscles balance. The intension of Pilates is to work from a stable core that supports the spine and stabilizes the pelvis.

These stretching and strengthening positions are now being integrated into sports clinics, fitness clinics, physical therapist's offices, martial arts and dance studios.

Martial and movement arts, including dance, whether from China, India, Japan or the west are often an effective to increase flexibility of joints, increase coordination and balance, improve posture, improve circulatory and respiratory functions, and decrease chronic pain.

Acupuncture

Acupuncture incorportates an ancient wisdom with a comprehensive system for diagnosis and treatment. This system originated many thousands of years ago in China, and the earliest written source found dates back to the 2nd century B.C.

The philosophy of acupuncture centers on the body's ability for self-healing and the continuous flow of Qi (Chi) -- life's energy. Chi relates to specific organs and moves along pathways called meridians.

Diagnosis includes traditional medicine along with pulse and tongue diagnosing. Each pulse relates to a specific internal organ. Needles are used to treat restricted flow of Qi.

The goal of treatment is to have the individual balanced in body, mind, and spirit, which correspond to life's natural rhythms.

Contact Dr. June Leslie Wieder

Dr. June Leslie Wieder

   doctajune@aol.com

(c) 2000, 2001 June Leslie Wieder