Originating in China, qigong dates back nearly 5,000 years. The name derives from the Mandarin words qi, meaning energy or life force, and gong, meaning work or skill. It is a mind-body practice as well as an energetic form of movement done to enhance the flow of qi in the body. By integrating posture, body movements, breathing and focused intention, this practice is designed to improve mental and physical health. Though its roots date back before Traditional Chinese Medicine (TCM), it has been incorporated into the system of practices that TCM practitioners use today.

The existence of qi – an energy force that can move through, yet exist independently of the body – is controversial in the West, as it does not lend itself to independent verification and analysis via scientific instruments. The skeptical view of qigong holds that any health benefits it conveys are due to the acknowledged benefits of gentle exercise, the placebo effect, or both.

What conditions is qigong used for?

Qigong can be used by nearly everyone. Bill Douglas, founder of the International Health Education World T’ai Chi and Qigong Day, who is also Dr. Weil’s expert advisor on the therapy, recommends qigong as a highly effective stress management tool. Along with decreasing daily stress, he contends that qigong may boost immune system function, improve balance, tone the cardiovascular system, lower blood pressure and modulate disorders of mood.

Different forms of qigong have a unique focus, each with varied indications. For instance, medical qigong concentrates particularly on improving qi to strengthen the body’s organs, tissues and systems (respiratory and immune, for example) for the purpose of achieving optimal health and lessening the effects of aging. Spiritual qigong is done to lead the individual closer to his or her spiritual source,  whatever they presume that to be, and to enhance those cultural and religious practices with which they align themselves. Martial qigong, better known as tai chi, is used to increase strength, flexibility and balance by bringing qi into the muscles, bones and tendons through specifically designed routines.

What should one expect on a visit to a practitioner of qigong?

Qigong is done as either a movement practice or hands-on therapy. The movement practice is typically taught in individualized or group settings by a qualified teacher. Qualifications can be ascertained by looking into the teacher’s training and medical background. Those with TCM training are often well-suited to teach medical qigong. Videos can often be effective teaching tools and useful alternatives when one can’t find the right instructor.

Hands-on medical qigong is similar to other forms of touch therapy. The patient dresses in comfortable clothing and sits or lies on a massage table. The practitioner will apply hands on or in front of various places along the body where “energy blockages” are discerned. Slow, deep breathing is encouraged, and sometimes a practitioner may recommend certain guided imagery exercises or visualization during therapy. Heat may be felt at the site of treatment, usually coming from the hands of the practitioner. Afterwards, feedback may be requested about the therapy and home exercises may be recommended. Due to the deep states of relaxation that energy work can often cause, one should always be cautious and get up slowly after a treatment and drink plenty of water afterward.

Are there any side effects or situations where qigong should be avoided?

Bill Douglas has taught qigong to professional athletes, corporate executives, maximum security prisoners, drug rehabilitation patients, the wheelchair-bound, elderly individuals with advanced Parkinson’s disease, children with ADD, students with learning and developmental disabilities, and people with AIDS. Anyone with an existing condition is well advised to consult their physician before beginning any exercise program, but qigong is an extremely gentle practice; it does not even necessarily require the individual to stand, as many movements can be done while sitting. Consequently, it can often be used for even the most delicate conditions with minimal, if any, side effects.

Is there a governing body that oversees or credentials practitioners in qigong?

At present, there is no international standard for certifying qigong practitioners. An ongoing effort to set standards has involved several countries, orchestrated by the World Academic Medical Qigong Society in Beijing. However, a standardized program of training in qigong has yet to be agreed upon.

Two organizations provide direction in finding practitioners and training programs. The International Institute of Medical Qigong (IIMQ) offers training programs and certification based on a curriculum from the Medical Qigong College at Haidian University in Beijing, China. The National Qigong Association (NQA) also offers professional certification for their members as an opportunity to enhance and highlight the experience of affiliated practitioners. Both organizations offer databases to help in locating practitioners.

Are there other therapies that might work well in conjunction with qigong?

Qigong is often used within the system of traditional Chinese medicine (TCM), which includes treatment modalities including acupuncture, Chinese medicinal herbs, and aspects of a Chinese system of bodywork called Tuina. Craniosacral therapy and other forms of osteopathic or chiropractic manipulation along with other types of bodywork can  work well with qigong. Other mind-body therapies and stress management strategies like breath work, guided imagery and visualization can also meld well with qigong practices.

What is Dr. Weil’s view of qigong?

Dr. Weil recommends both qigong and tai chi as part of a program of health maintenance that is suitable for nearly anyone. In any city in China you can see thousands of people of all ages practicing these movements throughout their day. He believes that qigong promotes flexibility, balance, and good body awareness. It is beautiful to watch and to do, and may be particularly good for the elderly because it can reduce risk of injury from falls.

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It should be noted that the existence of qi and meridians is doubted by many Western scientists. According to this skeptical view, any healing effect from acupuncture or acupressure sessions is not due to the alteration of subtle energy flows along invisible channels, but rather to the same gross physical effects that happen during any kind of massage therapy, including muscular relaxation and improved regional blood flow.

What conditions is acupressure used for?
Acupressure therapy can be used to relieve pain, reduce tension in muscles, improve circulation and promote deep states of relaxation. It is often done by massage therapists and other bodyworkers, but can also be learned as a technique to be done oneself. Individuals can be treated, then trained in various self-care applications and pressure-point formulas for specific conditions. These include nausea and vomiting, motion sickness, headaches, neck and back pain, as well as chronic fatigue, fibromyalgia, mental and emotional stress, even addiction recovery and learning disorders.

For centuries, the Chinese have used acupressure points as a beauty treatment to enhance muscle tone and increase circulation, especially of facial muscles. This can reportedly improve the condition and appearance of the skin, lessening wrinkles and sagging of the face without drugs or surgery, although clinical trials are needed to confirm this. Acupressure points have also been employed to increase arousal, decrease sexual tension and reportedly aid in alleviating sexual dysfunction, including infertility, decreased sexual desire, premature ejaculation, and impotency.

What should one expect on a visit to a practitioner?
An acupressure session is typically performed with the patient lying on a massage table, though it can be used in conjunction with exercises such as tai chi or qi gong. As stated, one can also learn acupressure as a self-care strategy, utilizing the techniques any time it is desired.

Typical sessions with a practitioner might last 45-90 minutes and are often done in conjunction with some form of massage therapy. This means that the same acupressure points may be manipulated with various rhythms and pressures, using the fingers, hands, arms, elbows, even legs and feet.

The recipient should wear comfortable, loose-fitting clothing, such as that typically worn while exercising or doing yoga. Slow, full, deep breathing is often encouraged, especially with pressure applied to points that cause discomfort or that the practitioner regards as having blocked energy. Guided imagery or visualization is often added to allow further relaxation or movement of energy to and through pressure points.

Following treatment, a practitioner may ask for feedback and offer home exercises or self-care. Because energy work of any kind can cause profound relaxation, care should always be used when rising from the table and returning to a standing posture, as the leg and trunk muscles may feel weak for a time.

Are there any situations where acupressure should be avoided?
Acupressure should not be considered primary treatment for serious illness, and should be used with care during pregnancy as certain points are thought to stimulate uterine contractions. Pressure should not be exerted over areas with burns, infection, contagious diseases of the skin or active cancer.

Is there a governing body that oversees or credentials practitioners?
There is not a governing agency that credentials practitioners in acupressure. However, some states require practitioners to obtain a license in another area of health care, such as massage therapy, nursing or acupuncture before they can practice hands-on techniques such as acupressure. Many massage therapy schools offer a certificate of achievement in acupressure after completing a minimum of 150 hours of coursework.

How does one get in touch with a practitioner of acupressure?
In order to find a practitioner, any search engine (such as Google) can be a starting point. Be sure to check the practitioner’s credentials. Word of mouth is always a good way to gauge the experiences of others. Oftentimes, individuals who use acupressure will also be skilled in various other forms of bodywork.

Are there other therapies that might work well in conjunction with acupressure?
Many therapies work well with acupressure – in various forms it can be used as an effective adjunct to other kinds of manipulative therapy. Massage therapists often incorporate acupressure into their massage routines. By relaxing and toning muscles prior to adjustments, acupressure can make manipulation easier and more effective, allowing longer time between return visits. A good chiropractor or osteopath will often have a massage therapist doing these treatments prior to seeing them.

Martial arts exercises such as tai chi and qi gong may use acupressure points in their routines. Mind-body and breathing techniques are an integral part of achieving positive outcomes with acupressure.

What is Dr. Weil’s opinion of acupressure?
Dr. Weil often recommends acupressure for nausea or motion sickness, and uses a form of it himself when necessary by stimulating points on the inner surfaces of the wrists that control nausea. Traditionally done with finger pressure, the updated version of this treatment employs wristbands equipped with a plastic peg that presses on the points. You can get these wristbands at many drug and health food stores. Follow package directions carefully to locate the acupressure points, because proper placement of the wristbands is critical.  Dr. Weil has used the wristbands to avoid seasickness and found them to work well.

Dr. Weil’s recent travels to China brought him into contact with another form of acupressure. Adults there often spend time each day walking on river-stone paths in parks and gardens of large cities. They do this because walking on these uneven paths stimulates acupressure points on the soles of their feet. Benefits are said to be pain relief, better sleep, and improved physical and mental well-being. This has been validated by researchers in Oregon who found that regularly walking on specialized mats (16 feet long and 18 inches wide) designed to simulate these river-rock cobblestones improved balance and blood pressure to a degree much greater than was achieved by participants who did conventional walking. The study was published in the August, 2005, issue of the Journal of the American Geriatrics Society.

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Contrary to popular Western belief, acupuncture is not just a system for inserting very fine needles into specific body locations to alleviate pain. So, what is acupuncture, then? Acupuncture is a complete medical protocol focused on correcting imbalances of energy in the body. From its inception in China more than 2,500 years ago, acupuncture has been used traditionally to prevent, diagnose and treat disease, as well as to improve general health.

The traditional explanation for acupuncture’s effectiveness is that it modifies the flow of energy (known as qi or chi) throughout the body, but there is no scientific consensus that this is actually its mechanism of action. Research published in the May 30, 2010 online edition of Nature Neuroscience demonstrated that the effects of acupuncture needling include influencing the activity of adenosine, an amino acid which becomes active in the skin after an injury to ease pain. This may explain in part why pain relief is often experienced as one of the benefits of acupuncture. In fact, much research in the West has focused on this pain-relieving effect, rather than acupuncture’s traditional role of balancing energy to address a wide range of disorders, and the more subtle mechanisms that may be responsible for its overall benefits to health.

Acupuncture was popularized in the States during the early 70’s after President Nixon opened relations with China. At the time, a New York Times reporter, James Reston, had an appendectomy in a Chinese hospital using acupuncture as a means to decrease his post-surgical pain.

What Is Acupuncture Used For?

Because the goal of acupuncture is to promote and restore the balance of energy, which flows throughout the body, the benefits of acupuncture can extend to a wide variety of conditions, from emotional disorders (anxiety, depression) to digestive complaints (nausea, vomiting, irritable bowel syndrome). It can be beneficial for pain syndromes due to an injury or associated with chronic degenerative diseases such as rheumatoid arthritis. It can also be helpful in treating neurological problems like migraines or Parkinson’s disease, or as a rehabilitation strategy for individuals who suffered a stroke. Respiratory conditions, including sinusitis and asthma have been relieved with acupuncture, as have many gynecologic disorders and infertility. Acupuncture has also proved beneficial for reducing fatigue and addictions, and for promoting overall well-being.

Studies in the U.S. indicate that acupuncture can help relieve chronic low back pain, dental pain, migraine headaches, fibromyalgia and symptoms of osteoarthritis. It has been shown to assist in the treatment of emotional pain syndromes such as post-traumatic stress disorder, as well as controlling chemotherapy-induced nausea and vomiting. It has also demonstrated clinical success in achieving pregnancy when used in conjunction with in-vitro fertilization.

What To Expect On A Visit To A Practitioner Of Acupuncture?

Typically, the first acupuncture visit involves a comprehensive health history assessment. Questions that are included may seem strange, but in Traditional Chinese Medicine (TCM) – which encompasses acupuncture, herbal medicine, massage and other modalities – energy flow and whole-body interaction are the keys to diagnosing all physical disease. For example, the practitioner may ask to examine your tongue, feel your pulse to help determine energy flow, or ask many questions related to bowel habits and diet, even if these seem to have nothing to do with the primary complaint.

After the initial acupuncture consultation and assessment, the needles are placed in very specific locations. Upon insertion, one may feel a momentary sharp or stinging sensation; however, many report they don’t even feel the majority of the insertions. It is common to experience a deep ache for a short time in some of the points. The acupuncture needles may then be gently manipulated and some practitioners may use heat or even electricity with the needles.

The depth to which the acupuncture needles are inserted varies according to the treatment and the practitioner; however, needles should never be positioned deep enough to puncture organs (other than the skin). The needles are usually left in place for five to 20 minutes, usually no longer than 60 minutes, and then removed. Following an acupuncture treatment, practitioners will usually reassesses the client and often give suggestions for home care. It is also typical to suggest supplemental Chinese herbs to enhance the achievement of energetic balance. Acute symptoms may require only two to four treatments; whereas for chronic cases, it is common to have as many as 12 or more treatments, usually over a course of eight to 10 weeks. Regular monthly visits may be suggested as preventive measures to decrease stress, improve energy or boost immunity.

Are There Any Acupuncture Side Effects Or Indications Where Acupuncture Should Be Avoided?

Those with bleeding disorders or who are taking blood thinners should check with their doctors before having acupuncture. The most common acupuncture side effects are bleeding and bruising at the site, along with minor pain and soreness. It is recommended that a disinfectant such as alcohol be swabbed over the area prior to needle insertion to decrease the very small possibility of infection. Obviously, needles should be clean and never shared between clients. Rarely, a needle may break. The worst case scenario is a punctured organ.

However, serious complications are extremely rare when acupuncture is performed by a qualified, certified practitioner. A review of the international research literature revealed pneumothorax (a punctured lung) to be the only life-threatening complication to have occurred among tens of thousands of patients over nine separate trials. No post-acupuncture infections were reported in any of the studies.

Is There A Governing Body That Oversees Or Credentials Practitioners Of Acupuncture?

The practice of granting credentials to acupuncturists is in transition. Although most states require a license to practice acupuncture, the standards vary from state to state. If the practitioner is not a physician, most states require completion of an exam conducted by the National Certification Commission for Acupuncture and Oriental Medicine (NCCAOM). There is sharp division between medical doctors who use acupuncture, and non-M.D.’s who claim to be better trained in the philosophy and techniques of Oriental medicine. For more information about professional standards and licensing requirements for acupuncturists, contact the American Association of Acupuncture and Oriental Medicine at 1-866-455-7999 or www.aaaom.org.

A licensed acupuncturist (L.Ac.) holds a license in one or more states, whereas a person certified by the NCCAOM is called a diplomate of acupuncture (Dipl.Ac.). An oriental medicine doctor (O.M.D.) has obtained advanced training in acupuncture at a recognized school of oriental medicine, which generally requires a minimum of an associate’s degree for admission and offer a three to four year program. These schools are accredited by the Accreditation Commission for Acupuncture and Oriental Medicine (ACAOM).

Each state independently regulates acupuncture licensure. Medical doctors are also legally eligible to perform acupuncture provided they have gone through the adequate training involving 200-300 hours of self-study, have practiced acupuncture for at least 2 years, passed a board examination, and performed at least 500 treatments. The current professional and licensing organization for M.D.’s who practice acupuncture is the American Academy of Medical Acupuncture in El Segundo, California, www.medicalacupuncture.org.

How To Find An Acupuncture Practitioner?

If you are considering seeing an acupuncturist, you should discuss this therapy with your primary care physician or integrative medicine practitioner, if you have one. Because acupuncture is growing in popularity, your doctor may be aware of qualified practitioners in the area and offer certain recommendations for you depending on your conditions. This referral may also be required for insurance coverage, depending on your policy. Web search engines can often assist in finding local acupuncturists, and usually provide their credentials for your review if your physician doesn’t have a referral.

Are There Other Alternative Therapies That Might Work Well In Conjunction With Acupuncture?

Acupuncture is often performed within the context of TCM, which typically offers dietary interventions, bodywork, and the taking of botanicals in combination with acupuncture treatments. Acupuncture is frequently used in conjunction with “cupping,” an Asian technique designed to increase blood flow to a particular area of concern by using heated glass cups to create suction and promote blood flow to the surface of the skin. Acupuncture can be used effectively with other bodywork therapies including various forms of massage, chiropractic or osteopathic manipulation, as well as different movement therapies such as tai chi and qigong.

What Is Dr. Weil’s View Regarding Acupuncture?

Although there are certification courses offered to medical doctors to learn acupuncture, preferably, the practitioner will be trained in a TCM program to be maximally qualified. An understanding and background in TCM is important in achieving optimal results with acupuncture. Look for acupuncture practitioners who have thorough knowledge and training in this modality of treatment and who specialize in TCM or acupuncture as their primary form of treatment.

Acupuncture is increasingly recognized by Western medicine as an effective alternative or adjunct to conventional treatments for stroke rehabilitation, headache, menstrual cramps, joint conditions, low back pain, and asthma as well as for the side effects of chemotherapy and nausea related to pregnancy. Dr. Weil often recommends acupuncture for other pain-related conditions, especially osteoarthritis. Acupuncture to alleviate acute sinusitis can be quite effective, as can acupuncture on the ear for quelling addictions. Acupuncture used with TCM can work well for addressing autoimmune conditions and infertility. Because acupuncture has so many positive effects on the body with minimal incidence of side effects, it is often considered in creating an integrative medicine treatment plan.

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The central focus of Alexander Technique is proper positioning of the head and spine by correcting imbalances caused by tension and poor postural habits. The technique focuses on unlearning poor habits of posture, movement, breathing and body orientation, replacing them with fluid movement that is free of tension.

What conditions is Alexander Technique used for?
Alexander Technique is often required for schools of music, dance, and acting, as it retrains individuals to incorporate breathing and body movement for optimum posture and performance. It is thought that proper exertion and movement can create an efficiency of movement that enables performers to have more balance, fluidity and ease.

Those who experience chronic pain, acute muscle strains or chronic tension can also greatly benefit from Alexander Technique by learning to sense muscle tension and then release it through corrective thoughts, breathing and posture.

What should one expect on a visit to a practitioner of Alexander Technique?
Wearing special clothing is unnecessary, although table work may be done and women may prefer comfortable pants over a dress or skirt. The practitioner observes the client in ordinary activities and makes suggestions on ways to retrain habits in order to enhance fluidity and decrease energy expenditure. Gentle hands-on touch may be used so the practitioner can feel movement and patterns of breathing, or guide the client into a posture that releases tension. The client may be asked to perform daily activities that he or she would do in an ordinary day, often including activities that typically cause tension, such as computer work, writing or talking on the telephone.

Alexander Technique is unique among bodywork therapies in that it does not generally consist of routine exercises – instead, guidance is individualized to fit each person’s unique needs. Two exceptions are a special method of lying down as a means of achieving deep muscular relaxation, and a “Whispered Ah” vocalization technique used to promote efficient use of the voice.

The sessions are usually under an hour, with brief discussions afterwards regarding a home-care program. Group sessions may be offered, but individualized therapy is much more common. Frequent sessions are often recommended initially while muscles are being re-trained and habits are unlearned.

Are there any side effects or circumstances where Alexander Technique should be avoided?
This therapy is not physically taxing. The gentleness of Alexander Technique makes it applicable to all individuals and conditions, especially related to pain, stress or improper movement. Anytime table work is performed, the practitioner should allow time for the client to sit up, get a few sips of water and find their center of gravity before standing, since lightheadedness may occur. Individuals with heart disease, breathing difficulties, high or low blood pressure or instability should inform the practitioner of their issues and move slowly and gradually through the technique.

Is there a governing body that oversees or credentials practitioners in therapy Alexander Technique?
The American Society for the Alexander Technique (AmSAT) is a professional organization in the United States that certifies instructors of the Alexander Technique. They are affiliated with several international societies (ATAS: Alexander Technique Affiliated Societies) which conduct training, maintain standards and certification worldwide. Requirements for membership include a minimum of three years’ training in courses approved by AmSAT. Continuing education is also required to retain membership. Their website, www.amsatonline.org, offers resources, membership information, and upcoming training as well as a search engine for finding approved teachers.

How does one get in touch with a practitioner?
The website www.worldwidehealthcenter.net has a directory of practitioners with details on their credentialing and education. In addition, the Alexander Technique home page – www.alexandertechnique.com – along with AmSAT can provide information on finding teachers and practitioners of this therapy.

Are there other therapies that might work well in conjunction with Alexander Technique?
There is evidence that this therapy is beneficial in conjunction with physical therapy, massage, osteopathy, chiropractic and acupuncture. Because Alexander Technique focuses on body alignment and posture, it can be useful with any type of massage or manipulation. Pilates and yoga also focus on core strength, flexibility and body alignment and can easily complement the Alexander Technique. Mind-body therapies also go hand-in-hand with this as both address how thoughts affect physical states.

What is Dr. Weil’s opinion of Alexander Technique?
Dr. Weil is a proponent of good body posture and alignment. He believes that chronic pain often stems from habits of poor posture and movement, and may be significantly relieved with this type of therapy. He cautions that with any acute injury, especially of the head or neck, it is best to be checked and cleared by your physician before beginning any type of rehabilitation or physical therapy.

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Animal assisted therapy (AAT) uses trained animals to enhance an individual’s physical, emotional and social well-being, thus improving self-esteem, reducing anxiety and facilitating healing. The use of AAT reportedly dates back to the 1940s, when an army corporal brought his Yorkshire Terrier to a hospital to cheer wounded soldiers. There was such a positive response that the dog continued to comfort others for 12 more years. A wealth of information on AAT comes from Pet Partners (formerly Delta Society), a research-based organization committed to promoting animal-based treatments around the country. They distinguish animal-assisted activities (such as provided by seeing-eye dogs to the visually impaired) from therapy, in which the emphasis is on psychological support and physical healing.

What health conditions can animal assisted therapy help to treat?

Research has demonstrated that animals have a calming effect, reducing blood pressure and anxiety. They tend to make people less lonely and bring out positive social characteristics. Many hospitals and nursing homes use AAT programs to help reduce feelings of depression and isolation in their patients as well as stimulating mental activity through interaction with the animal. Because animals are non-judgmental, those with deformities or disfigurements may find it easier to socialize with them versus with other individuals. According to the Pet Partners, research in seniors has shown that those who own a dog have lower blood pressure and cholesterol levels than those who don’t. Animals can also be a pleasant distraction for those experiencing uncomfortable medical procedures.

Animal assisted activities (AAA) provide interactions in a number of different environments for the purpose of improving motivation, assisting educational activities, or just having fun to enhance quality of life. These primarily involve casual visitations by the animal, and are distinguished from AAT programs that target particular individuals or medical conditions.

Children are generally attracted to animals and can often express themselves better than with other children or adults. Dogs and cats are often used to calm children who have experienced physical or mental trauma. The setting may differ with special needs children, requiring more individualized attention and preparation.

What should one expect on a visit to a practitioner of AAT?

There are many different animals used in AAT, from dogs and cats to horses and even dolphins, each of which may require travel to the site where the animals are maintained. Therapy may also take place in an institution like a hospital, nursing home, school or library. There is typically no preparation needed for therapy when animals come to visit. In a hospital setting, volunteers will usually bring their animals at specific times, and patients are welcome to pet, talk to and interact with them.

Are there any side effects or indications where AAT should be avoided?

Safety is always a consideration when working with animals. It is important to ensure that the volunteer handler has done the necessary preparation to have his animal adequately trained. The animal should be up to date on all necessary vaccinations and should be in good health. Organizations providing AAT should be able to validate this information. Treatment using larger animals like horses and dolphins should only be done by certified therapists.

Some people are afraid of animals, particularly large ones. It is important to assess the willingness of the client to participate in AAT. A preliminary step often involves visiting the animal or therapeutic site to evaluate the potential relationship and interaction.

Allergies are another aspect to consider. Clearly, allergies to a particular animal could make therapy difficult, and would most likely be a reason not to use AAT if the response is severe enough to interfere with the interaction.

Those with severe mental health disorders should be closely monitored to ensure the safety of both animal and client.

Anyone with reduced immunity – individuals with active HIV/AIDS, cancer patients receiving chemotherapy or radiation, those on high-dose steroids and other immune-suppressive medications – should get clearance from their physician before participating in AAT.

Is there a governing body that oversees or credentials practitioners in AAT?

There is not a governing body overseeing AAT. Individual institutions generally have their own rules as to what animals they allow to visit their facilities, and documentation of health and current vaccination status is generally required. Organizations like Pet Partners offer courses to facilitate the training of animals and their human counterparts. Their website lists available courses and conferences around the country as well as the necessary qualifications to achieve to become an AAT instructor.

How does one get in touch with a practitioner of AAT?

Pet Partners is a good place to start. There is a tab on their home page that provides a directory search.

Are there other therapies that might work well in conjunction with AAT?

Typically, AAT has been used to promote socialization, provide distraction, enhance trust and improve overall well-being. It can be used with most mind/body therapies that help with relaxation and calming the stress response – sometimes even during therapy itself – as long as conscious awareness is maintained. The branch of animal assisted therapy that utilizes horses – known as hippotherapy – is often done by occupational, physical or speech therapists, and is used in conjunction with the various treatments they might select in a particular session.

What is Dr. Weil’s opinion of animal assisted therapy?

Animal assisted therapy is not a game or trivial pastime. It can be part or all of an effective treatment plan for a long list of disorders ranging from cerebral palsy to attention deficit disorder, and may succeed at bringing about a healing response when many other therapies have failed.

Dr. Weil has been a dog owner all his life, and appreciates the therapeutic effect that companion animals can offer, noting their effectiveness in alleviating depression, anxiety, social isolation and even elevated blood pressure and cholesterol in their owners. He is fascinated by the use of horses and dolphins in therapeutic settings. Among other things, animals provide an opportunity for owners to cultivate their capacity to love, which is a basic human need essential for mental health and emotional well-being.

One of the most fundamental advantages of animal assisted therapy over other therapeutic modalities is that it provides the patient a much-needed opportunity to give affection as well as receive it. It is this reciprocity – rare among medical therapies – that makes AAT a unique, and valuable route to healing.

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Kinesiology, also known as biomechanics, is the study of body movement. Applied kinesiology (AK) which is also know as muscle strength testing, is a method of diagnosis and treatment based on the belief that various muscles are linked to particular organs and glands, and that specific muscle weakness can signal distant internal problems such as nerve damage, reduced blood supply, chemical imbalances or other organ or gland problems. Practitioners contend that by correcting this muscle weakness, you can help heal a problem in the associated internal organ.

What is applied kinesiology used for?

Practitioners claim that applied kinesiology can be used to diagnose and treat nervous system problems, nutritional deficiencies or excesses, imbalances in the body’s “energy pathways” (known in Traditional Chinese Medicine as meridians), and many other health concerns.

The theory of AK was developed by George Goodheart, Jr., a Michigan chiropractor who began to write and lecture about his ideas in 1964. Applied kinesiology practitioners are often chiropractors, but may also be osteopathic physicians, dentists, or even conventional physicians. According to the International College of Applied Kinesiology (ICAK), practitioners must first be trained in their respective fields before they can study applied kinesiology in a postgraduate setting.

While suggested uses of AK range from abdominal pain to cancer, diabetes, headache, learning disabilities, osteoporosis, Parkinson’s disease, vertigo and many other health problems, scientific evidence demonstrating the safety and effectiveness of AK for these conditions is limited, at best.

What should one expect on a visit to a practitioner of applied kinesiology?

A visit begins with a detailed medical history. Next, testing begins with procedures that usually include determining changes in blood pressure from lying to sitting to standing which, according to ICAK, can indicate imbalances in the body. Specific examinations follow, such as tests of skin sensitivity, reflexes and balance.

Practitioners may also observe a patient’s posture, gait and range of motion. After these tests are completed, muscle strength is tested against pressure exerted by the practitioner. If the muscle stands up to pressure, it’s deemed “strong” or “locked”; those that give way to pressure are considered “weak” or “unlocked,” and are deemed indicative of a problem. ICAK considers the use of the muscle strength testing alone an abuse of AK, typically by practitioners who have not been properly trained and certified. The organization holds that muscle testing should be done only as part of a complete diagnostic examination. In addition to muscle testing, AK practitioners may also press on “trigger points” to see if they lead to muscle weakness.

When AK is used to determine whether a particular food or other substance weakens (or strengthens) a patient, the food may placed under the tongue or held in the hand as a muscle is tested.  Some practitioners may also assess emotional well-being by testing muscle strength while the patient imagines being in a troubling or tense situation or with a problematic person.

AK-associated treatments range from deep massage, joint manipulation and realignment, craniosacral therapy and acupuncture to nutritional therapies and dietary manipulation.

Are there any side effects or conditions where applied kinesiology should be avoided?

While generally regarded as harmless for most people, when used alone for someone who is seriously ill, AK could cause a delay in getting proper medical treatment. According to the American Cancer Society, applied kinesiology has occasionally resulted in harm, including one death due to incorrect diagnosis and choice of treatment. Relying onapplied kinesiology alone could be dangerous for patients with serious diseases such as cancer.

Is there a governing body that oversees or credentials practitioners of applied kinesiology?

The International College of Applied Kinesiology (ICAK) seeks to promote the advancement of AK. Founded in 1973, it now has chapters in the United States, Canada, Europe, Japan, Russia and Australasia. The organization awards certification to practice AK. Applicants must have more than 300 hours of instruction, pass several proficiency examinations and submit original research papers to achieve ICAK’s highest level of certification However, ICAK is not recognized by The Council on Chiropractic Education, the agency recognized by the U.S. Department of Education for accreditation of programs that offer a doctor of chiropractic degree.

How does one get in touch with a practitioner of applied kinesiology?

The ICAK website has a search function that allows prospective patients to find affiliated AK practitioners in their areas.

Are there other therapies that might work well in conjunction with applied kinesiology?

Since AK practitioners are also chiropractors, naturopaths, physicians, dentists, nutritionists, physical therapists, massage therapists, and nurse practitioners, these health professionals may provide treatment that complements or augments AK.

What is Dr. Weil’s view of applied kinesiology?

Dr. Weil believes that not even the best of applied kinesiology tests and diagnostic procedures has stood up to studies comparing them with standard medical techniques, and is unaware of any sound scientific evidence to support the claims made by AK practitioners. In fact, one study showed that diagnosis of nutritional deficiencies by three AK practitioners proved no more accurate than random guessing.

Dr. Weil notes that physiologically, there’s no reason to believe that an external evaluation of a muscle’s strength can diagnose nutritional problems inside the body, or that consuming a certain nutrient could immediately correct a severely weak muscle. He maintains that AK falls far short on reliability for diagnosis and treatment of any health condition, and advises both skepticism and caution when it comes to this form of care.

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