Naprapathy
Naprapathy

Background

Naprapathy is a term that is applied to a type of alternative and complementary medicine that focuses on the evaluation and treatment of neural-musculoskeletal conditions. Naprapathy is sometimes also known as bodywork or manual therapy. Naprapathy is a relatively contemporary umbrella term, and the types of treatments a person receives may vary. Naprapathy may involve pressing, rubbing, and stroking of the skin and its underlying structures. The therapist may apply light pressure, or they may press very firmly. The therapist may use back and forth motions, move along the body of a muscle, strum across muscles, or pull the muscles in different directions. Hands are the most common tool used in naprapathy, but elbows or knees may be used as well. Practitioners who perform bodywork or naprapathy are sometimes called "bodyworkers" or "manual therapists."

Naprapathy is an umbrella term used to describe many different healing traditions, and practitioners differ in their treatment approaches. Naprapathy includes the Alexander technique, applied kinesiology, Asian bodywork/Shiatsu/Tuina, chiropractics, craniosacral therapy, Hellerwork / Rolfing, Jones counterstrain, massage, mobilization, myofascial release (MFR), reflexology, and other techniques.

An increasing number of people use naprapathy as an adjunct to treatment with Western medicine, and many hospitals and hospices now integrate naprapathic practices into patient care programs. Naprapathy is sometimes used alone or when conventional medical treatment has not been proven successful.

People use this for...

Naprapathy is most often used for muscle and sports injuries. However, it may also be used to treat a variety of conditions including mental illness, nerve disorders, and pain. Some individuals use naprapathy for relaxation or as a way to improve their quality of life.

Naprapathy represents a group of therapies that are used alone or in combination with other therapies. See specific therapies for effectiveness information.

Natural Medicines rates effectiveness based on scientific evidence according to the following scale: Effective, Likely Effective, Possibly Effective, Possibly Ineffective, Likely Ineffective, Ineffective, and Insufficient Evidence to Rate.

Dosing & administration

    Adverse effects

    General: Naprapathy represents a group of therapies that are used alone or in combination with other therapies. See specific therapies for information regarding adverse effects.

    Interactions with pharmaceuticals

    None known.

    Interactions with herbs & supplements

    None known.

    Interactions with foods

    None known.

    Interactions with lab tests

    Interactions with diseases

    Mechanism of action

    Naprapathy represents a group of therapies that are used alone or in combination with other therapies. See specific therapies for information regarding theory and mechanism.

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