use of a broad-spectrum antibiotic when a specific
pathogen may not be identified. A homeopathic
combination remedy may be considered if the indi-
vidual’s symptoms correspond to homeopathic sub-
stances and their potency.
remission A period in which a disease process
subsides or seems to disappear. Disciplines of mind-
body medicine are now studying cases of sponta-
neous remission of catastrophic illnesses to
determine what physical and emotional changes
have occurred to cause remission or in some cases
complete recovery from a life-threatening illness.
ren In traditional Chinese medicine, the merid-
ian, or energy channel or pathway, that extends
down the front of the body from the lower lip to
the genitals.
See also ACUPUNCTURE.
restorative A substance or agent that strengthens
and helps heal the body.
Rishis Hindu seers, said to be incarnations of the
god Vishnu, who through meditation gathered and
set forth the knowledge base for what is known as
Ayurveda, or Indian medicine. The most famous
rishis were Gotama, Viswamitra, Jamad-agni,
Vasistha, Kasyapa, Atri, Bhrigu, and Daksha. See
http://www.clubi.ie/ov.lestat/ofgodsr.html.
See also AYURVEDA.
Rolfing A form of deep-tissue massage geared
toward relieving stress and increasing energy and
mobility, particularly for individuals with whiplash,
chronic back pain, and muscle and spinal problems.
Developed by the biochemist and physiologist Ida
P. Rolf, Rolfing is based on the concept that the
body should be aligned with gravity lest there be
excess strain upon movement. Rolfing treatments
involve vigorous, possibly painful, manipulation
and pressure to break up “knots” and realign mus-
cles. Rolfing is not recommended for individuals
who have cancer, rheumatoid arthritis, and other
inflammatory ailments. However, studies have
shown that people who received Rolfing treat-
ments experienced a variety of benefits, such as
improved posture, greater physical strength,
greater range of motion, improvements in spine
curvature, and improved nervous-system response.
Also, some children with cerebral palsy benefited
from Rolfing.
In 1970 Rolf founded the Rolf Institute for
Structural Integration, 205 Canyon Boulevard,
Boulder, CO 80302, or (303) 499-5903, or
http://www.rolf.org, and wrote the book Rolfing:
The Integration of Human Structures (New York:
Harper & Row, 1977).root chakra Another term for the first chakra,
located at the base of the spine and symbolizing
survival and prosperity.
See also CHAKRAS.Rosen, Marion German physical therapist who
developed the Rosen Method for the treatment of
chronic tension caused by unconscious memories
and belief systems. The method includes breath-
ing exercises, relaxation techniques, massage, and
psychotherapy.Rosenthal Center for Complementary and
Alternative Medicine See Appendix I.rubefacient A substance that is slightly irritating
and causes redness of the skin. Examples are
knotweed and smartweed, used for therapeutic
purposes in homeopathic medicine.Rubenfeld Synergy Method A body-mind energy
system, incorporating components including body-
work, intuition, psychotherapy, talk, movement,
awareness, imagination, humor, and compassionate
touch, developed in the 1960s by Juilliard graduate
and former music conductor Ilana Rubenfeld, Ph.D.
The author of several books, including The Listening
Hand, Psychotherapy Handbook, Ushering in a Century
of Integration, Gestalt Therapy: Perspectives and Applica-
tions, and Beginner’s Hands: Twenty-five Years of Simple
Somatics, Rubenfeld is considered a somatic psychol-
ogy pioneer. She founded the Rubenfeld Synergy
Center (877-776-2468), where professional train-
ing programs are offered to those who wish to
become synergists. The basic philosophy of the
method focuses on awareness as the key step
toward positive change, and on the body as a phys-Rubenfeld Synergy Method 139