Network size: 16,000+
Practitioners Discounts: Up to 50%

Each of our providers is carefully screened to make sure that he or she meets our high standards, and you are able to enjoy unlimited use of their services with no paperwork and no hassles.

Millions of Americans rely on chiropractic care to reduce pain and stress and to function more productively. Most of these individuals have no insurance to cover these services and most rely on their own personal income to pay for care to eliminate constant pain.

Our program was designed to lessen the burden of the cost of chiropractic care by making that care more affordable by reducing members' costs for regular preventive maintenance care as well as for acute chronic problems. There are no claim forms, no deductibles, and no exclusions for pre-existing medical conditions. Members may see the chiropractor as often as they need. Payment at the reduced fee is made to the doctor at the time of treatment.

Benefits include:

• Free initial consultation.
• 50% savings on diagnostic services.
• 50% savings on all x-rays (if necessary except in Colorado).
• 30% savings on adjustments.
• Products purchased at the doctor's office are priced at the doctor's discretion.

NOTE: There are no limits to the number of visits with this plan. This chiropractic benefit cannot be used in conjunction with any other discount program.

Alternative Medicine

Over 40% of Americans already utilize some form of complementary medicine care, spending some 27 billion dollars a year, and most believe that this trend will only increase.

What is Complementary and Alternative Medicine all about? Many people today are interested in exploring alternatives to traditional medical care to maintain health and wellness. There are a large variety of practitioners in the complementary/alternative medicine field, from Acupuncturists to Naturopaths to Massage Therapists and many others.

Each practitioner in this network has been fully credentialed and has agreed to reduce their fees by 25% for our members.

Our networks consist of thousands of the highest qualified Complementary and Alternative Health Care Providers in the country who offer care in the following 24 credentialed specialties.

Detailed Description of each Modality offered


Acupressure

Acupressure is a traditional Chinese therapy, which has been clinically shown to relieve a variety of symptoms. These would include relief of morning sickness during pregnancy, motion sickness, and nausea and vomiting after surgery or Cesarean section, headaches, muscle and joint pain, tension and lack of energy.

The practitioner uses deep finger pressure on specific parts of the body along what are called "meridians" or invisible channels of energy. The Chinese variation is called Tui Na and involves more massage type motions. The Japanese version of acupressure is called Shiatsu. Usually, the patient lies down on a massage table or on a floor mat and the treatment lasts anywhere from 30 minutes to an hour. Westerners usually seek out acupressure treatment when in pain, but Oriental medicine views it as a therapy to maintain good health. People who bruise easily, or have brittle bones or other orthopedic injuries should avoid acupressure. In addition, anyone with poor circulation due to varicose veins or diabetes, carpal tunnel syndrome or skin sores and wounds should avoid the treatment.

Many different types of practitioners use acupressure in a wide variety of practical settings. It is generally considered effective in cases of tension and stress, but acupressure alone is not a solution to major or life-threatening conditions. If you have symptoms that could signal a serious condition, or if your symptoms get worse, always consult a physician.

Acupuncture & Oriental Medicine

Acupuncture is an ancient Chinese art, which has been developing over thousands of years. In the 1970's a Western reporter visiting Beijing suffered abdominal pain and had to have an appendectomy using conventional general anesthesia. After the surgery, he received acupuncture treatment to relieve his port-operative pain. He was so impressed with the results that he spread the word to the West, and now acupuncture is being practiced throughout the United States.

Acupuncture has been shown to be effective as an adjunctive therapy for a large number of health concerns including relief of muscle and joint pain, arthritis, digestive problems, insomnia, stress, allergies and addictions. The National Arthritis Foundation, and 50-70% of patients endorse it with chronic pain report receiving considerable benefits from the therapy. For some, the benefits are short-term. Others are able to enjoy long-term relief.

In 1997, the National Institutes of Health conducted studies, which show that acupuncture relieves nausea and vomiting during pregnancy, chemotherapy or anesthesia. It is also used as a standard to combat chronic pain in patients suffering from asthma, osteo-arthritis, low back pain, menstrual cramps, carpal tunnel syndrome, fibromyalgia and recurring headaches. Studies are currently being conducted in the use of acupuncture in the treatment of drug and alcohol withdrawal and with stroke victims who have suffered paralysis.

Most acupuncture treatments take 20 minutes to an hour. The frequency and duration of treatments varies from patient to patient. Usually, it takes about 6 sessions to experience genuine relief, although chronic conditions may take months to heal. In general, however, if you have not experienced any benefit after about 10 sessions, you might consider an alternative therapy.

There are very few contra-indications to acupuncture. Pregnant women should avoid being punctured near the abdomen, and those who bruise or bleed easily might consider some other type of therapy.

Alexander Technique

Alexander technique is a physical discipline designed to harmonize muscle function. It is used to treat neurological and musculo-skeletal problems such as arthritis, chronic pain in the neck, back, hip or area of injury, as well as headaches and other symptoms related to stress. Those suffering from sciatica, scoliosis, osteoarthritis, rheumatoid arthritis, osteoporosis use the technique to build up their strength and muscle mobility. Other users are those with chronic fatigue, lupus, fybromyalgia, Lyme disease, stroke, Parkinson's disease and Multiple Sclerosis.

The technique requires the active participation of the patient, and is conducted with a teacher, often in a group. The teacher coaches patients to perform everyday physical motions and leads them through different movements to improve their condition.

Classes run from 30-45 minutes and there are no known side effects, but you should always check with your doctor before undertaking this therapy. Usually, people go in for a session a week, with a minimum of 30 sessions in a series.

Allergy Elimination In this polluted world, people today suffer from a wide variety of allergies, be they related to food, chemicals, the environment, air-borne allergens etc. There are several different types of complementary and alternative methods used to combat and even reverse allergies. Ask your practitioner to explain his or her method to you before you begin, as well as to give you some realistic information about the potential effects of therapy. Many patients have been helped greatly, and others have been able to totally eliminate their allergies thanks to the use of a knowledgeable and competent practitioner.

Aromatherapy

The ancient art of aromatherapy first appeared in Europe when a French chemist dipped his badly burned hand into pure lavender oil and found that the pain and redness disappeared and the skin healed within a matter of hours. Lavender oil has since been shown to help insomniacs go to sleep, and each type of oil is purported to have its own properties to help a person feel better. Studies have shown that when a fragrance enters the nasal cavity it sends messages to the brain evoking an emotional response, which causes the patient to be either calmed or energized.

Aromatherapy is based on using pleasing scents to comfort, reduce stress, and enhance relaxation. Practitioners use highly concentrated essential oils extracted from herbs and flowers, which have been known for centuries to have healing qualities. These oils are manufactured by distilling or cold pressing the flowers, leaves, branches, bark, rinds or roots of different types of plants. Practitioners use different techniques, be they inhalation, where a few drops of oil are placed in steaming water; diffusion, where they spray the oil into the air; massage, where they rub the aromatic oils into the skin; bathing, where a few drops are added to bath water, and compresses, where the oils are added to reduce muscle pains, bruises or headaches.

Not everyone is a candidate for aromatherapy. Patients suffering from asthma or skin allergies should consult their doctor. Some aromas have been known to cause uterine contractions when taken in excessive amounts, and therefore should be avoided during pregnancy. Small children are particularly sensitive to oils, which should not be used on their little faces. Peppermint oil, in particular, must not be used on children under 30 months.

Craniosacral Therapy

Craniosacral therapy, originally called cranial osteopathy, is performed with light touches to the head, spine, sacrum, ribs, hands and feet. It is a technique for finding and correcting cerebral and spinal imbalances that may cause sensory, motor, or intellectual dysfunction. There is some evidence that craniosacral therapy may improve the condition of patients with ADD and decrease cognitive dysfunction in the elderly.

Symptoms targeted by craniosacral therapy include jaw pain, headaches, sinusitis, some visual problems, brain injuries, asthma, cerebral palsy, cerebral palsy and some childhood developmental problems

Craniosacral therapy is safe, and if helpful, can be continued indefinitely. However, it is not recommended for patients who have had an aneurysm, suspected brain hemorrhage, or any symptom that would be worsened when the pressure of the intracranial fluid is affected. Children with only recently fused skull bones should also avoid the therapy. It is definitely not recommended in cases of life-threatening problems such as cancer, heart disease or other medical emergencies.

Detoxification

Practitioners of detoxification believe that cleansing the body of toxins generated by chemicals, additives, preservatives and other forms of environmental pollution takes the strain off the immune system and allows the body to bounce back and heal itself. It is used to help prevent cancer, heart disease, arthritis, diabetes and high blood pressure, among others.

There are a variety of detoxification techniques, which include chelation, colonic irrigation, fasting, special diets, hydrotherapy, lymphatic stimulation, and the use of nutritional supplements.

Detoxification is not recommended for pregnant or nursing women, the weak, the elderly or the underweight. Those suffering from ulcers or diabetes should also avoid this type of therapy. Specific types of detoxification are contra-indicated in certain instances, so it is important to check with your doctor before undertaking any type of detoxification. It is especially important not to rely on detoxification alone to cure any life-threatening disease such as cancer or heart disease.

Diet and Nutrition

In the early 20th century, the United States was the healthiest population out of a hundred countries surveyed. By the early 1980's, it had dropped almost to the bottom of the 100-nation list. Why? Many believe that it is because of the drastic change in lifestyle. The early settlers worked hard. They lived in close touch with nature. They ate home-cooked meals. They walked everywhere.

Today, Americans live in heated and air-conditioned, comfortable homes, and drive everywhere. They consume eight spoons of sugar per soda, lots of white flour, and live off processed foods eaten on the run. Fast food restaurants abound, people eat TV dinners, and kids fill up on junk food as fast as their parents will buy it for them. Cancer, heart problems, high blood pressure and diabetes are at an epidemic high.

Most health professionals believe that an examination of the average American diet easily explains why the nation is in such poor health, and that a good diet and exercise program would go 80% of the way in curing America's abysmal health record. Interest in nutrition is on the rise, and there are many types of diet and nutrition practitioners that can give you the help that you need to obtain the quality of life and longevity that you aspire to.

THE FELDENKRAIS METHOD®

The Feldenkrais Method is a unique and sophisticated approach to human understanding, learning and change. Feldenkrais (rhymes with 'rice') lessons focus on the relationship between bodily movement and the ways we think, feel and learn. By paying attention to how we move, new options emerge that affect our self-image and habits from a lifetime related to that movement. These options result in a greatly refined ability to turn intention into action. The effectiveness of the Feldenkrais Method lies in its ability to access the nervous system's own innate processes to change and refine functioning. An unusual melding of motor development, bio-mechanics, psychology and martial arts, THE FELDENKRAIS METHOD® utilizes functionally based variation, innovation and differentiation in sensory motor activity. The work is internationally recognized for its demonstrated ability to improve posture, flexibility, coordination, self-image and to alleviate muscular tension and pain. It is of benefit to everyone wishing to move more comfortably, and to such diverse groups of people as those with restricted movement, chronic pain, psychological and neurological problems, performing artists and athletes. The methods' founder, Dr. Moshe Feldenkrais, D.Sc., (1904-1984) was a distinguished scientist, physicist, engineer and judo master. Feldenkrais' insights contributed to the development of the new field of somatic education and continue to influence disciplines such as physical medicine, gerontology, the arts, education and psychology.

FELDENKRAIS® consists of two compelling and versatile applications, both of which harness the nervous system's ability to self-organize towards more effective and intelligent action:
Awareness Through Movement® consists of verbally directed, gentle movement lessons involving sophisticated movement sequences. The lessons directly engage our natural intelligence in a gentle and pleasurable way. ATM accesses the sensory motor processes of the brain and involves attention, perception, imagination and cognition. There are hundreds of lessons, addressing every joint and muscle group in the body and every human function. Classes are organized as a series, on a drop-in basis, or in workshop format. Students most commonly attend hour-long classes on a weekly basis. Functional Integration® is a one-to-one approach to working with people. Learning, change and improvement are achieved through the use of specific skilled manipulation and passive movement. Functional Integration is not only painless but quite pleasurable, effective and widely recognized for its ability to successfully address serious muscular-skeletal and neurological problems. Lessons last approximately 45 minutes and are most often taken in a series.

Herbology

Herbal medicine is considered to be a mild and natural alternative to synthetic medications. Herbologists recommend cures made from whole herbs or standardized extracts rather than pharmacy-dispensed drugs, many of which have a manufactured base.

Homeopathy

Homeopathic remedies are used to combat seasonal allergies, asthma and influenza as well as a number of other symptoms. Homeopathy is based on the idea that "like cures like" which was proposed by the ancient Greek physician Hippocrates and enhanced by the German physician Hahnemann.

A typical visit to a homeopathic practitioner includes a detailed medical history, which the practitioner then analyses and uses to select from a vast array of homeopathic remedies. These remedies are safe for virtually anyone, including children, and should only be avoided by those who cannot tolerate alcohol, because the tinctures are alcohol-based.

Hypnotherapy

Hypnotherapy is used to relieve all types of pain, including the pain of surgery. It is also helpful with patients suffering from depression, anxiety, phobias or compulsions. It can even help in the treatment of smoking, alcohol and drug addiction. It has been known to be therapeutic for people with asthma, allergies, strokes, multiple sclerosis, Parkinson's disease, cerebral palsy, irritable bowel syndrome, high blood pressure, obesity, morning sickness, muscle spasms, paralysis and nausea from cancer medications.

The first visit will usually be to determine whether the patient is a good candidate for hypnotherapy. Therapists use three standard tests to make this determination. These are the Stanford Hypnotic Susceptibility Scales, the Barber Suggestibility Scale, or the Harvard Group Scale of Hypnotic Susceptibility. In addition, they can measure a person's susceptibility for hypnosis using specific measuring devices, which include the eye-roll test, the light test and the lemon test.

Once therapy begins, the sessions usually last 60-90 minutes. The patient usually lies on a reclining chair or couch, and the therapist selects one of three standard techniques to put the patient into a deeply relaxed state, while the therapist continues to talk and give instructions to the unconscious mind. Hypnotherapy is considered safe, no matter the patient's condition. Even though some people are afraid of losing control to the therapist, they never actually do. A hypnotic suggestion works only if the patient accepts it, and the therapist cannot against the patient's moral code or religious beliefs.

Most hypnotherapists are physicians or psychologists with a thorough training in hypnotherapy. Before beginning therapy, it is worth taking an hour or so to make sure that you and your therapist get along.

Massage Therapy

Massage involves the systematic manual application of pressure and movement to the skin, muscles, tendons, ligaments and fascia, (the membrane around the muscles). It increases blood flow and lymphatic activity, relieves tension, helps stretch and loosen muscles and connective tissues and stimulates the nervous system. Massage has been proven to help premature and HIV positive babies to build up weight; cancer patients and asthmatic children to calm down, pregnant women to have easier deliveries and less post-partum depression, stressed executives do a better job, chronic fatigue and hospice patients to do better, and for HIV patients to improve their immune function.

Massage before physical exercise helps the body warm up and the blood circulation to improve. Massage after physical exercise reduces the lactic acid and carbonic acid generated by physical activity, which sometimes cause cramps.

There are numerous massage techniques in current use by massage therapists everywhere. They usually all use the five basic strokes of Swedish massage called effleurage, (gliding), petrissage, (kneading,) friction, (circular movements,) percussion, (drumming,) and vibration, (shaking manually or using a mechanical vibrator. The names given to different types of massage include Hellerwork, Rolfing and Reflexology.

Massage should be avoided after surgery, during times of infectious skin diseases, rashes or unhealed wounds, around any damaged or bruised tissue, open wound or existing tumor. Those suffering from circulatory problems such as varicose veins or phlebitis should also avoid it. It should not be performed right after chemotherapy or radiation. The abdominal area should not be massaged for at least a couple of hours after eating, and during pregnancy. People with a history of panic attacks of sexual abuse would not be advised to participate in massage therapy of any kind.

Massage can aggravate any existing swelling or cause pain if someone has a nerve injury. It is wise to consult your doctor before beginning massage therapy, and also if therapy is not resulting in improvement.

Naturopathy

Naturopathy is built around the philosophical concept of using natural, non-invasive remedies to relieve a variety of minor ailments. Many dietary recommendations including the use of supplements have been proven to have lasting benefits and are totally endorsed by conventional medicine. Naturopathic practitioners focus on a healthy diet and lifestyle, which include eating well and using physical therapy to reduce the risk of cancer, heart disease and obesity. They do not favor synthetic drugs and invasive procedures, focusing instead on building up the body so it can heal itself.

Naturopathic practitioners range from physicians to massage therapists. A practitioner with a high level of medical expertise will often use lab tests; allergy tests, x-rays and other sophisticated diagnostic tools, as well as a physical examination. Treatments vary, and can include homeopathic remedies, herbal medicines, vitamins, minerals, enzymes and other dietary supplements, nutritional advice, physiotherapy, stress reduction and drinking plenty of water.

Naturopathy focuses on gentle treatments and is appropriate for most people, except perhaps the very young, the very old, and those who already require a very specific diet, such as diabetics. Most naturopathic remedies are beneficial, and you should only be concerned if the recommendations appear to be extreme, in which case a registered dietitian of physician knowledgeable in nutrition would provide a good second opinion.

Qi Gong

Qi Gong, or quigong, is pronounced, "chee-gong". It consists of a series of exercises developed by the Chinese to reduce stress, relieve headaches and insomnia and improve a person's overall physical fitness. Experienced practitioners believe that it also cures cancer, heart disease, AIDS, arthritis and asthma. They use it to treat pain including menstrual cramps and migraines, prostate problems and impotence, constipation, hemorrhoids, diabetes and high blood pressure

There are two kinds of therapies: external exercises aimed at controlling breathing, heart rate and brain wave frequency, and internal exercises which can even be performed by a person in a wheelchair. Classes are often held in health clubs and even though the exercises may appear to be easy, it is wise to start with a teacher.

One interesting aspect of quigong is an instrument called the Infratonic QGM machine. Studies were done on the frequency of sound waves emitted by sick people, normal people, and quigong masters in Beijing. It was found that the hands of the masters emitted low frequency sound waves that were 100 times stronger than those of normal people, and 1,000 times stronger than the elderly or ill. The Infratonic QGM replicates the frequency of the masters' hands and patients treated with this device have experienced and alleviation of pain.

Quigong treatments usually last about 30 minutes. Participants may find that the exercises increase circulation and could cause a problem for people who bleed easily or suffer from internal bleeding, as well as those who suffer from dizziness or severe mental or emotional problems. For the rest of the population, quigong can be a healthy fitness program that produces lifelong benefits.

Reflexology

Reflexology is based on the idea that the feet are a microcosm of the body and by pressing on different points on the feet a reflexologist can relieve symptoms in other parts of the body. Reflexologists use the therapy to treat headaches, asthma, digestive problems, pre-menstrual syndrome, irritable bowel syndrome, bladder control, and chronic pain from arthritis or sciatica as well as skin conditions such as acne and eczema. They also use the techniques to help people with neurological symptoms including those of patients with multiple sclerosis. Treatments last for 30-60 minutes and are done by applying pressure to specific points on the feet. The patient usually sits or lies with the legs up and the reflexologist may use creams or lotions, or powder, to make the massaging easier. There are no side effects, and reflexology is both safe and relaxing. Those with foot injuries, thrombosis, phlebitis, ulcers and vascular problems should avoid reflexology. Those with gallstones, kidney stones or pacemakers need to avoid stimulation of certain parts of the feet. Pregnant women should avoid reflexology because it may induce uterine contractions.

Rolfing

Rolfing is a deep-tissue massage, which is used to relieve stress and boost a person's energy. It has been known to help those with spinal problems, chronic back pain and whiplash.

Tai Chi

Tai chi is a slow, graceful Chinese exercise program, which grew out of the martial arts. Tai chi is become popular in the United States for helping people become more flexible and coordinated. It is especially good for the elderly and helps reduce blood pressure and heart rate. The exercises are designed to help a person build up strength and muscle tone and widen their range of motion. The exercises include learning how to breath slowly and deeply, shift weight from one leg to another, control movement for correct posture and better balance and improve the heart and vascular system by performing low-intensity movements. Most of the movements are done in a standing position, and are safe for all. They can even be adapted for people in wheelchairs or on walkers.

Tai chi can help a person feel more mentally alert and emotionally stable. It helps relieve stress by improving posture and circulation, and strengthens the bones to build resistance to osteoporosis. Before beginning tai chi classes, and if you should experience any discomfort during training, consult your doctor.

Yoga

Yoga comes from the Hindu religion of India practiced over 5,000 years ago as part of a religious lifestyle of meditation, study and service. The exercises, which are fast becoming a well-accepted mode of physical discipline in the west, are based on the aspect of yoga called "hatha yoga". These exercises were originally designed to prepare the body to be able to be more spiritually focused, although most westerners use them to be more physically fit.

Yoga is used to improve a person's flexibility, mobility and overall health. It strengthens the heart, lowers blood pressure and actually works to reverse heart disease, if combined with nutritional therapy. Yoga helps people reduce stress and slows down the respiratory system. Those who participate in yoga exercises find that they sleep better, their body is more supple and their digestion works better.

The exercises are usually performed on a non-slip mat, and require little or no equipment. The participant wears loose clothing and learns different postures, which have to be held for a few seconds. The exercises focus on three main areas: breathing, body posture and meditation. Classes usually last 45-60 minutes. They are more beneficial if done in the morning, and you should avoid food for one hour beforehand. The only significant side effect may be a little stiffness at the outset, although yoga is supposed to be relaxing, and if entered into gently, should have no side effects at all.

Those who have had a recent back injury, back surgery or a slipped disk should avoid yoga. Those with conditions such as arthritis, heart problems, high blood pressure and pregnancy should consult their doctor and their instructor, as some specific positions will need to be avoided completely.

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