sh, deep tissue, Shiatsu, Rolfing a deep tissue manipulation that releases emotions trapped in the muscles and others. Massage on particular parts of the body like the feet in reflexology, are thought to relieve stress in the internal organs. Another is the Alexander Technique, which is a retraining of the body to move properly. Yoga is a word commonly associated with the physical body exercise but it really means path to enlightenment. There are many different branches of yoga. Some like Hatha and even Jhana yoga focus on the body, utilizing asanas (body poses that incorporate breathing and stretching) and also meditation. These systems have formed the basis for modern day Pilates, aerobics and even recently isometrics. Other paths of yoga are more internally orientated such as Karma Yoga. In all yogas breathing is considered vitally important. Yoga originates in India and is greatly utilized in Ayurveda.Ayurveda the science of India is a system of medicine that is concerned with “Eight branches of medicine: pediatrics, gynecology, obstetrics, ophthalmology, geriatrics, otolaryngology, general medicine and surgery” (Lad, Intro.). This two thousand-year-old system is the basis for much of today’s modern medicine. It sees man as a microcosm of the universe and seeks to achieve the homeostasis that is seen in nature. There are many Ayurvedic practitioners who have come to the United States to become Medical Doctors and who utilize both schools of medicine. Dr. Deepak Chopra is one of these; he came from India an Ayurvedic Doctor and is now a MD as well. Chopra has written numerous books on health and is one of people whom are responsible for bringing the ideas of the East to the West.Acupuncture originated in China over 5,000 years ago. This science is based on energy meridians that flow throughout the body. Illness is caused by these meridians being out of balance. An acupuncturist manipulates these lin...
