Wellness dictionary

Little ABC for your spa-break questions ...

In their treatment discriptions, wellness hotels often use technical terms, which are hard to understand for potential guests. We have therefore collected and defined the most relevant terms in our small wellness ABC. A tip: Our wellness dictionary also supports word requests. You don't need to know the exact wording.

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Chiropractic

What is chiropractic and how is it used?

The term chiropractic is used in Germany synonymously with manual therapy. Chirotherapy (derived from the Greek word "Cheiro" for hand and from "praxis" for "active, effective") and osteopathy are forerunners and still used variants of manual medicine. Manual medicine is a technique based on hand grips, in which blockages in the joints are to be released. This is done by means of so-called manipulation (action by application of force) and mobilisation (action by gentle pressure) on muscles, tendons, ligaments, skin, connective tissue and bones.

How long has chiropractic existed?

Healing with hand movements on the spine and joints is known in many cultures. The oldest written reports go back to the Chaldeans (10th-6th century BC in Babylonia). In folk medicine, the grip techniques of "limb setters", "bone judges" and "pullers" were passed on from one generation to the next.

Where can I get chirotherapy?

Chirotherapy has established itself throughout Europe as part of orthopaedics or physical medicine and is used in doctors' practices, orthopaedic hospitals and rehabilitation clinics.

What complaints can be alleviated with chiropractic?

Chiropractic assumes that many illnesses, such as headaches, dizziness, hearing and vision problems as well as sleep disorders or heart problems, are caused by malpositioning and entrapment of the vertebral joints. This impairs the conductivity of the nerves. The "adjustment of displaced vertebral joints" is intended to restore health. However, chiropractic procedures do not involve putting a displaced joint back in place, but rather a rapid stretching of the muscle and ligament apparatus to bring the interaction of muscles, nerves and joint capsules into a new balance. Caution is advised in the case of already damaged vertebrae, e.g. osteoprose (bone loss). Here, manipulation can cause further, serious damage. Regular exercise is important to prevent recurrence of blockages. A well developed back musculature supports and relieves the spine like a corset. In physiotherapeutic treatments the appropriate techniques are learned and applied.