What is Alternative Medicines?

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The term alternative medicine, any medicine that is outside the mainstream of Western medicine or conventional medicine as practiced most doctors today. This term is loosely used on all forms of medicine except allopathy. In 1973, the Faculty of Medicine, University of Rome convened the first World Congress of Alternative Medicines and provisional program contained no less than 135 therapies.

Alternative medicine exists in all cultures, to some extent, and terms such as traditional medicine, indigenous medicine or folk medicine etc. are used to describe such practices. These medicines date back hundreds or even thousands of years, depending on country and culture concerned.

There are over 100 systems of alternative medicine still in practice around the world. Each country, region or area has its own traditional system of health and medical care for the Chinese is like acupuncture, to heal, French imaging; for the Germans, Heilpraxis; into English, Herbalism, to India, Ayurveda with Siddha practice widely in the southern part of the country for Japan, Shiatsu, etc.

The most popular forms of alternative medicine are Ayurveda, Homeopathy, Naturopathy, Yoga, Acupuncture, Acupressure, Magneto therapy, Shiatsu, Herbalism, Meditation, Aromatherapy, Bach Flower, Color Therapy, diet, hydropathy and Reiki.

Alternative Therapies

The following is a guide to some alternative therapies

Acupressure

Similar to acupuncture needles, but using finger pressure instead of a fine, at specific points along the body to treat ailments such as tension and stress, pain, menstrual cramps, arthritis.

Acupuncture

fine needles are inserted into specific points to stimulate, disperse and regulate the flow of vital energy and restore a healthy energy balance. Besides pain relief, acupuncture is also used to improve the welfare and treatment of acute, chronic and degenerative diseases in children and adults.

Aromatherapy

Using "essential oils" distilled from plants, aromatherapy treats emotional disorders such as stress and anxiety as well as a wide range of other diseases. The oils are massaged into the skin in diluted form, inhaled or
placed in baths. Aromatherapy is often used in conjunction with massage therapy, acupuncture, reflexology, herbology, chiropractic and other holistic treatments.

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Astrology

Astrology is a humanistic attempt to try to understand the cycles that we share with the forces of the universe. The planets have rulership corresponding to certain vitamins, minerals, cell salts, herbs, metals, colors and body parts. Through the chart, we can look to see which natal health conditions exist. Through these provisions, then we can look to the present and future to see what areas of our lives are being affected and, potentially, as we head to promote health and wellness.

Atlas Orthogonal

Atlas Orthogonal is a chiropractic program to evaluate and correct subluxation based on scientific procedures and biomechanical. By incorporating the latest advances in scientific technology, chiropractors can calculate, in precise detail, the vectors for a specific individual pattern of subluxation, and a program of his instrument with the specific correction vectors to deliver the fit without any manipulation at all.

Ayurvedic Medicine

Practiced in India for over 5,000 years, according to Ayurvedic tradition says the illness is a state of imbalance between the body systems that can be detected by diagnostic procedures, reading the pulse and observing the tongue. Nutrition counseling, massage, natural medications, meditation and other modalities are used to treat a broad spectrum of diseases.

Auricular Therapy

Ancient Egyptian writings state that pain can be relieved by stimulating certain points on the ear. In 1800, several publications showed that there were several techniques of cauterization and handling the ears to help certain disorders. Many benefits can be achieved through massage and palpation at specific points on the ear.

Alexander Technique

The Alexander Technique is a method that works to change (movement) habits in our daily activities. It is a simple and practical method to facilitate and improve freedom of movement, balance, coordination and support. The technique teaches the use of the appropriate amount of effort in a particular activity, giving you more energy for their activities. There is a series of treatments or exercises, but rather a reeducation of the mind and body.

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Autogenic Training

It is a centuries-old European method for achieving relaxation based on passive concentration and body awareness of specific sensations. Its effectiveness has been demonstrated to alleviate many stress-related disorders, including anxiety, stress, insomnia and stress test. People with chronic medical conditions ranging from migraine, colitis, irritable bowel syndrome, diabetes, high blood pressure, thyroid disease and many other conditions also have been shown to benefit the practice of autogenic training.

Anthroposophical Medicine

Anthroposophical Medicine involves an internationally organized group of people who think that Rudolf Steiner (an Austrian physician, 1861-1925) discovered the ultimate truth - the anthroposophy. Steiner said: By anthroposophy, I mean a scientific investigation of the spiritual world that bring to light the weaknesses and half-truths, not only science but also of modern mysticism. One method, before attempting to investigate the spiritual worlds, first develops psychic powers not normally used in daily life or in current scientific research.

Auto Urine Therapy

This practice comes from Yoga and is using one's own urine as food, medicine, processing agents and repair to strengthen the immune system. It is sometimes called "Your Own Doctor '.

Holotropic Breathwork

It is a simple and powerful technique for self-exploration and healing, based on ideas combined modern consciousness research, depth psychology and perennial spiritual practices. The method activates non-ordinary states of consciousness which mobilize the spontaneous healing of the psyche. Sustained effective breathing, evocative music, focused energy work and mandala drawing are components of this subjective journey. "Holotropic" literally means "moving towards wholeness.

Biofeedback

A method of monitoring minute metabolic changes in the body with the aid of sensitive machines. The technique is used especially for stress-related conditions such as asthma, migraine, insomnia and high
blood pressure. Clients learn to make small adjustments to move toward a more balanced internal state, knowingly viewing, relaxing, or imagining, observing light, sound, or metered feedback.

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Bach Flower Remedies

A system of herbal medicine developed by Edward Bach, flower remedies these supposedly can change the inharmonies of personality and emotional state that afflict us all from time to time. These remedies are mainly intended to heal the emotional states rather than physical.

Cell Therapy

Cell therapy is also called live cell therapy, cellular suspensions, glandular therapy, fresh cell therapy, siccacell therapy, stem-cells, and organotherapy - refers to various procedures in which the processed tissue from animal embryos, fetuses and organs, is injected or taken orally. The products are obtained from specific organs or tissues said to correspond with the healthy organs or tissues of the recipient. Proponents claim that the recipient's body automatically transports the injected cells to target organs, where they are supposed to strengthen them and regenerate their structure. The organs and glands used in cell treatment include brain, pituitary, thyroid, adrenals, thymus, liver, kidney, pancreas, spleen, heart, ovaries, testes, and parotid. Several different types of cell or cell extract can be given at the same time - some doctors routinely give up 20 or more at once.

Chromotherapay or Color Therapy

The use of color (usually in the form of colored light) to produce a beneficial effect or cure.

Colon Therapy

The therapeutic goals of treatment of the colon are to balance body chemistry, eliminate waste, and restore tissue and organ function. Colon therapy releases toxins, cleanses the blood, stimulates the immune system and assists in restoring the pH balance in the body. Colon Therapy, also known as colonics, is believed to relieve a variety of symptoms related to dysfunction of the colon.

Chelation Therapy

Chelation therapy is a series of intravenous injections of synthetic amino acid EDTA, designed to detoxify the body. It is also often used to treat arteriosclerosis. Most often, this is administered in the doctor or medical osteopath.

Chinese (Oriental) Medicine

Oriental doctors are trained to use a variety of ancient and modern therapeutic methods - including acupuncture, herbal medicine, massage, heat therapy and nutritional counseling and lifestyle - to tackle a
wide range of both chronic and acute diseases.

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Chiropractic

Chiropractic views the spine as the backbone of human health: misalignments of the vertebrae caused by poor posture or trauma cause pressure on spinal nerve roots, leading to decreased function and disease. Through manipulation or adjustment of the spine, treatment seeks to analyze and correct these deviations.

Colonics

Colonic irrigation and colon irrigation water from the large intestine with sanitized, filtered under gentle pressure to wash or to detoxify the stagnant fecal material, is a complete intestinal enema.

Counseling / Psychotherapy

This category covers a wide range of professional career counselors for psychotherapy to treat depression, stress, addictions and emotional issues. Formats can range from individual counseling to group therapy. Some
therapists may also incorporate bodywork, ritual healing, energy and other alternative modalities as part of their practice.

Bleeding

It is a technique of traditional Chinese medicine that applies suction to the diseased parts of the body, using glass or ceramic cups bamboo in order to increase the regional circulation and thereby promote healing. In ancient times, the horns of animals were used for this purpose.

Craniosacral Therapy

This is a manual therapeutic procedure for correcting distortions in the structure and function of the craniosacral mechanism - the brain and spinal cord, cranial bones, sacrum and interconnected membranes. It
is used to treat chronic pain, migraines, TMJ, and a number of other conditions.

Dance / Movement Therapy

Dance and / or movement therapy uses expressive movement as a therapeutic tool for both personal expression and healing psychological or emotional. Professionals working with people with physical disabilities, addiction problems, histories of sexual abuse, eating disorders, and other concerns.

Dentistry, Holistic

Holistic dentists are licensed dentists who bring an interdisciplinary approach to their practice. May include methods such as nutrition, homeopathy and acupuncture into their treatment plans. Most dentists emphasize holistic care wellness and prevention, avoiding silver-mercury fillings.

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Dowsing

Dowsing is an ancient art of looking for hidden things (water, precious metals, etc.) using one of the senses that many of us are not even aware of having, it would have 80% of people have that special gift - an ability not to feel things noticeable to others. Some of these people do not need any extra tools to do that - they just know where is the best place to dig a well or where the treasure is hidden gold.

Optics Candles

Mainly used for wax buildup and related hearing problems ear candling is also used for ear infections and sinusitis. Treatment involves placing the narrow end of a specially designed hollow candle at the entrance of the ear canal, while the opposite end is lit.

Electrotherapy

Electrotherapy is a specialized system of therapy that involves the use of various forms of electric currents for medical purposes.

Fasting Therapy

Therapeutic fasting or fasting for health is a process of purification and rejuvenation through which the issues of toxic waste from the body are eliminated and regeneration of diseased tissues occurs.

Feng Shui

Ancient Chinese practice of organizing the home environment or work to promote health, happiness and prosperity. Consultants may recommend changes in the environment - from color selection to furniture placement - in order to promote a flow of energy health chi, or vital energy.

Feldenkrais Method

The Feldenkrais Method is a systematic approach to neuromuscular relearning. The method is suitable for healthy people who want to increase the flexibility of their bodies and thoughts, people with neurological disorders and movement, and those who want to achieve excellence in the arts, sports or any endeavor.

Flower Essences

A method of alleviating negative emotional states that may contribute to illness or hinder personal growth. Drops of a solution infused with the captured "essence" of a flower are placed under the tongue or in a drink. The doctor helps the client choose appropriate essences, focusing on the emotional state of the customer, not a particular physical condition.

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Gem Therapy

A relatively recent discovery in the field of alternative medicine that involves the use of specific stones for the treatment of specific diseases.

Herbalism

An ancient form of healing still widely used in much of the world, herbalism uses natural plants or plant-based substances to treat a variety of diseases and to improve the functioning of body systems. Though herbalism is not a licensed professional modality in the United States, herbs are "prescribed" by a range of professionals.

Heliotherapy

Heliotherapy is science conducted on the positive effects of the sun and is an effective tool to boost the body's immune system.

Holistic Medicine

A descriptive term for a healing philosophy that views the patient as a whole person, not just as an illness or set of symptoms. During treatment, doctors can address the holistic emotional and spiritual dimensions of a client as well as nutritional factors, environmental and lifestyle that can contribute to disease. Many holistic medical practitioners combine conventional forms of treatment with natural or alternative treatments.

Homeopathy

A system of medicine that uses infinitesimal doses of natural substances - called remedies - to stimulate the immune system and defense of a person. A remedy is individually chosen for an individual patient based on their ability to cause, if given the symptoms of overdose, physical and psychological similar to a patient is experiencing. Common conditions hoeopathy address infant and child are diseases, infections, fatigue, allergies and chronic diseases such as arthritis.

Hypnotherapy

One way to bypass the conscious mind and access the subconscious, where suppressed memories, repressed emotions and forgotten events may remain recorded. Hypnosis may facilitate behavioral change, emotional or behavioral disorders, such as weight loss or smoking cessation.It is also used to treat phobias, stress and as an adjunct in the treatment of disease.

Hydrotherapy

It is defined as the scientific application of water for therapeutic purposes. Water may be used at different temperatures in different ways and in different ways.

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Iridology

The diagnostic system based on the premise that each organ has a corresponding position in the iris of the eye, which can serve as an indicator of the health of the individual or organ disease. Iridology is used by naturopaths and other practitioners, especially when the diagnosis made by standard methods course.

Kinesiology

Kinesiology is the study of the human body during movement. There are many disciplines within kinesiology including anatomy, biomechanics, exercise physiology, motor control, motor learning, neuromuscular physiology, sports psychology and philosophy. Kinesiology graduates enter a variety of careers and graduate programs related to understanding how the body works, including medical school, physical and occupational therapy schools, athletic training, and other health professions, the teaching of public school sport and exercise related fields, the military, business and law.

Lymphatic Drainage Therapy

Therapy to improve drainage and lymphatic vessels, a system of pipes or channels through which lymph is carried out in different parts of the body.

MassageTherapeutic

A general term for a variety of therapeutic approaches with roots in both Eastern and Western cultures. It involves the practice of manipulating a person's muscles and other soft tissues with the intention of improving the health or welfare of a person, and may include, but not limited to, effleurage, deep tissue, percussion, vibration and motion articulate.

Magnet

The art of healing through the application of natural and artificial magnets to the affected parts of the human body. It is a system whereby clinical human diseases are treated and cured by applying magnets to the body of patients.

Support Obstetrics / Delivery

Midwives provide education and support during pregnancy, help her mother during childbirth and provide follow-up care. Practitioners of childbirth support include childbirth educators, and doulas (women working coaches also home care after birth).

Native American Herbology

Native American healers and spiritual leaders rarely travel far from their homes and even more rarely publicize their work - not the path. However, there is a body of knowledge on herbal treatments used by many native peoples. Much of the information has been tested and incorporated into our present therapeutic herbs.

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Natural Products

Products made from organically grown plants and containing no chemicals. These products can be used cosmetically, as well as for health and nutrition.

Naturopathic Medicine

Naturopathic physicians work to restore and support the healing skills of her own body, using a variety of modalities including nutrition, herbal medicine, homeopathy, medicine and guide. A system of primary health care that emphasizes the healing power of nature, treating both acute and chronic diseases in all age groups.

Network Chiropractic

Refers to a network of independently owned offices that use Network Chiropractic Spinal Analysis, a method characterized by the sequential application of a series of gentle, specific techniques for adaptation. Care progresses through a series of levels that parallel spinal and quality of life changes.

Ohashiatsu

A system of physical techniques, exercise and meditation used to relieve tension and fatigue and induce a state of harmony and peace. The physician first assesses the state of a person, feeling the hara, the area below the navel. Then, using continuous and flowing movements, the practitioner presses and stretches the body's energy channels, working in unison with the person's breath.

Oriental Diagnosis

It is a procedure by which dignostic the patient's pulse is examined to detect the disease according to traditional Chinese medicine.

Osteopathic Medicine

Osteopathic physicians provide comprehensive medical care, including preventive medicine, diagnosis, surgery, prescription drugs and hospital referral. In diagnosis and treatment, pay special attention to joints, bones, muscles and nerves and are specially trained to osteopathic manipulative treatment - using their hands to diagnose, treat and prevent diseases.

Physiotherapy

It is a wonderful technique of manipulation by which the deformities of an individual are modified to notify the body and vital organs, according to the principles of naturopathy.

Pyramid Healing

A potential method of healing using pyramidal structures.

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Dowsing

The use of dowsing or divination to diagnose the disease and the drugs for selection. It can be used to diagnose any condition in accordance with recognized professionals. Basically, it is simply a method of reaching a diagnosis and treatment of human beings as a diagnostic tool.

Radionics

A therapy that grew around the human capacity to use dowsing in conjunction with simple tools to help diagnose diseases in animals, plants and humans and then to treat this disease at a distance without the presence of the patient .

Reconstructive Therapy Prolotherapy

Reconstructive therapy uses injections of natural substances such as glucose, glycerin and phenol, in order to stimulate tissue growth and that strengthens weak or damaged joints, cartilage, ligaments and tendons. This therapy is used to treat degenerative arthritis, back pain, ligaments and cartilage, carpal tunnel syndrome and other conditions.

Reflexology

This modality is based on the idea that specific points on the feet and hands correspond with organs and tissues throughout the body. With fingers and thumbs, the practitioner applies pressure to these points to treat a
wide range of stress-related ailments.

Reiki

Practitioners of this ancient Tibetan healing system use light hand placements to channel healing energies to the recipient. While practitioners may vary widely in technique and philosophy, Reiki is commonly used to treat
emotional distress and mental as well as chronic and acute physical problems, and to assist the recipient in achieving spiritual focus and clarity.

Rolfing

A massage technique that uses deep manipulation of the fascia (connective tissue) to restore the natural alignment of the body, which can become rigid through injury, emotional trauma, and inefficient movement habits. The
process involves ten sessions, each focusing on a different body part.

Shiatsu

The most popular form of acupuncture, Shiatsu has been used in Japan for over 1,000 years to treat pain and disease and for maintaining overall health. Using a series of techniques, doctors apply rhythmic finger pressure at specific points in the body to stimulate chi, or vital energy.




Sound Therapy

The use of sound waves to heal.

Tibetan Medicine

It evolved as a systhesis of Tibetan, Chinese and Persian medicine, and even Ayurveda. These solutions include indigenous herbs, fruits, flowers, powdered metals and minerals given in tablet form, and are specially made in
treatment of rheumatism, asthma, gastritis, diabetes and neurological diseases.

Unani

Involves the use of plants and herbs, these remedies are known to provide cures for diseases such as sinusitis, leukoderma, rheumatism, jaundice and elephantiasis.

Vision Therapy

Through exercises and relaxation techniques, vision can actually be improved to the point that glasses may not be needed. Therapies are typically offered by licensed optometrists and ophthalmologists.

Vitamin Therapy

Complementary therapy of vitamin combined with other treatments to treat a variety of diseases and to improve the functioning of body systems. Assists the immune system to fight chronic diseases such as
Fatigue Syndrome and HIV / AIDS.

Restoration of Welfare

A comprehensive program designed to increase muscle mass by using proper nutrition, supplementation, anabolic steroid therapy and resistance weight training to prevent or reverse wasting in HIV disease.

Yoga Therapy

Using yoga to treat physical and mental problems, integrating body and mind.