There are dozens of different complimentary and holistic medicines. In the west, holistic and complimentary treatments are designed to be used alongside existing medical treatments. Some have been tested in clinical trials and found to be effective when used in the treatment of certain conditions. Many are also offered by conventional healthcare providers and covered under health insurance plans. So if you are looking for an alternative to western medicine, here is a brief description of five of the most popular complimentary treatments:
Aromatherapy
Aromatherapy techniques have been in use for thousands of years. Aromatherapists use essential oils extracted from plants to heal, cleanse and restore the mood. Different essential oils have different properties and many have very beneficial regenerative properties. In fact some essential oils even have antiseptic properties and were used to treat wounded soldiers during WW2. Aromatherapy is often used in conjunction with massage therapy as the two therapies are very complimentary.
Acupuncture
Acupuncture has been used in Chinese medicine for two thousand years, but is rapidly becoming increasingly popular as a holistic treatment in western medicine. Acupuncturists use small sterile needles inserted into specific points along the body’s meridian or ‘qi’ energy pathways. This is supposed to restore imbalances and regulate the flow of energy. Acupuncture is used to treat a wide variety of conditions, but it is especially effective when used to treat painful arthritis and chronic headaches.
Hypnotherapy
Hypnotherapy is used to treat irrational fears, phobias, emotional problems and negative thoughts. During a hypnotherapy session, the patient is placed into a hypnotic trance whereby they are still awake, but the body is no longer under the control of the conscious mind. A trained hypnotherapist can direct the patient using the power of suggestion towards making positive changes and overcoming the mental and emotional barriers that are holding them back in their life.
Reflexology
Reflexology is also based on manipulating the body’s energy pathways. Reflexology practitioners apply pressure to specific areas of the feet. By applying pressure to one part of the foot, a benefit is felt somewhere else in the body. The technique is very safe and can be used on people of all ages. Reflexology has been found to improve blood circulation and relieve stress and tension. Like many complimentary therapies, reflexology is about helping the body to help itself.
Massage
Massage therapy can be used to treat muscular problems by applying controlled pressure on the affected area. Deep tissue massage increases blood flow through the muscles. Massage therapy can speed up the healing process by drawing extra oxygen to the affected muscles and tissues. It also helps to release any harmful toxins trapped in the muscles. Massage therapy is also a great relaxation therapy and is very useful in the treatment of stress related conditions.
This is just a snapshot of five of the most well know complimentary therapies. There are dozens more, including:
- Neural Linguistic Programming (NLP)
- Counseling
- Indian head massage
- Kinesiology
- Homeopathy
- Reiki
- Shiatsu
Before trying any type of complimentary therapy, always take medical advice first and check that the therapist you plan to use is fully qualified (where appropriate).
Featured images:
-  License: Creative Commons image source
-  License: Creative Commons image source
-  License: Creative Commons image source
-  License: Creative Commons image source
-  License: Royalty Free or iStock source: http://pixabay.com/en/aroma-aromatherapy-autumn-21973/
-  License: Royalty Free or iStock source: http://pixabay.com/en/acupuncture-puppet-model-medical-50082/
This post has been contributed by Nancy Baker, a freelance blogger who often writes on health related topics online. She is associated with CT Acupuncture Center, an acupuncture clinic in Westport, Connecticut. She enjoys catching up to her favorite novels in her leisure time. Visit ctacupuncture.com/ to know more about her work
