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Naprapathy as a system of deep connective tissue massage may share it's origins with Czechoslovakian Napravit, German Bindegewebsmassage, osteopathic and chiropractic systems of treatment. It is sometimes referred to a manual medicine.   Naprapathy uses soft tissue manipulation to release tension and balance energy flows in the body. The practitioner uses palpation to explore the tissue, looking for rigid, contracted areas of the body. He then begins repetitive, rhythmic, thrusts to gently stretch the contracted connective tissues.  Practitioners focus on the ligaments near the spinal column. Diet, exercise, and postural adjustments help improve circulatory and nervous system function. Naprapths are licensed in Illinois and New Mexico and registered in Ohio.  (See also Connective Tissue Massage) 

In New Mexico, Naprapathic physicians are authorized to perform diagnostic procedures, which includes the authority to perform and take:  medical case history; physical examination of all body systems including, but not limited to:

(a) skin, hair, nails, head, eyes, ears, nose
(b) cardiovascular and respiratory system, including auscultation
(c) musculoskeletal system
(d) neurological system

Naprapathic physicians are authorized to order any diagnostic procedure reasonably necessary to clinically correlate a physical examination to a diagnostic impression; which shall include, but  not be limited to laboratory procedures involving the collection of human fluids, such as saliva, blood, urine, vaginal and seminal fluids, hair, feces and special imaging, such as x-ray; CT  scan, MRI, nuclear scans, ultrasonography, thermography, B.E.A.M., EEG, EKG, ECG and surface or needle EMG.

Natural Healing is a very broad term that could include almost every system of healing defined on this page except Allopathic or Western Medicine and Physical Therapy.

Natural Hygiene - see Fasting/Natural Hygiene

Naturopathic Medicine is a primary healthcare system emphasizing the curative power of nature, treats both acute and chronic illnesses in all age groups.  Naturopathic physicians work to restore and support the body's own healing abilities using a variety of modalities including nutrition, herbal medicine, homeopathic medicine, and oriental medicine.  Naturopathic  Doctors (ND) are licensed in some states where they must have  completed a four year post bachelor's degree training.  NDs are not  licensed in New Mexico, which allows anyone to add ND to their title. Medical Doctors(MD), Doctors of Osteopathy(DO.), Doctors of Chiropractic (DC), or Doctors of Oriental Medicine (DOM) require no additional licensing in New Mexico to practice naturopathy.  Other 'holistic' practitioners such as massage therapists may have years of experience with little or no formal training. They may offer you advice, but they are not doctors and cannot legally practice medicine without a license.  Before you take anyone's advice, ask about their experience and credentials!

Nerve Entrapment - a focal nerve lesion produced by constriction or mechanical distortion of the nerve, within a fibrous or fibro-osseous (boney) tunnel. A serious condition which left untreated can lead to loss of enervation to an area as well as nerve death. The 'trapped' nerve may be further damaged by stretching or bending. For example, the Sciatic nerve may be entrapped between spinal vertabrae as it exits the spinal column resulting in Sciatica. Often treated through surgical methods of bone, cartilage or tendon removal.

Nerve Impingement - pressure against a nerve by the skin, fascia, muscles, ligaments, or joints.  For example, the impingement of the sciatic nerve in the hip as it enters the sciatic notch by the Piriformis muscle can result in low back, hip, leg or foot pain, numbness or tingling - known as false sciatica or Piriformis Syndrome. Other common areas of impingement are the Thoracic Outlet and Axillary Plexus.  These conditions often respond well to massage techniques.

Network Chiropractic ( See Chiropractic, Network)

Network Spinal Analysis ( See Chiropractic, Network )

Neuro-Linguistic Programming (NLP) is a set of techniques whose goal is to alter limiting patterns of thought, behavior, and language.  In conversation, practitioners observe the client's language eye movements, posture, breathing, and gestures in order to detect and then help change unconcious patterns linked to the client's emotional state.

Neuromuscular Therapy (NMT) is a comprehensive program of soft tissue manipulation that balances the body's central nervous system with the musculoskelatal system.  Based on neurological laws  that explain how the central nervous system initiates and maintains pain, the goal is to relieve the pain and dysfunction by alleviating the underlying  cause.  NMT emphasizes the role of the brain, spine, and  nerves in muscular pain. It uses advanced concepts in pressure therapy to break the stress-tension-pain cycle. It aims  to  relax muscle and release compressed nerves so that circulation can increase and the body  will return to normal neuromuscular integrity and balance. The St. John's Method is a type of NMT.

Newborn Massage ( See Massage, Infant)

NLP ( See Neuro-Linguistic Programming )

NMT (see Neuromuscular Therapy )

Nuad Bo Rarn ( See Thai Medical Massage )

Nuad Thai - A form of Traditional Thai Medical Massage which was translated and creatively adapted to the needs of the modern west by Anthony B. James, Ph.D.)

Numerology - The study of the connection of numbers and their manifestation throughout all aspects of nature and the universe. Numerologists,  typically use your birth name and date to analyze this relationship.  Some Egyptian mysteries held that numbers hold the key to the universe. The idea is that numbers carry specific  quality as well as quantity of information.  Pythagorean, Platonic, and Hermetic schools used numeric symbolism and interrelationships as a basis for teaching.

  Nutrition - The science of balancing the intake of nutrients such as vitamins, minerals, and amino acids. Nutrition concerns everything that the body does with food  to sustain life and growth. What you eat affects your health and enjoyment in life. Healthy eating and a positive attitude can improve the body's use of food.  Western nutrition often views only the chemical  components of food and associated caloric content, whereas most alternative therapists place value on the energetic and spiritual aspects of  food as they effect our health.