Common Alternative Medicine Techniques

Alternative medicine techniques have been around for thousands of years – from Reiki and acupressure to acupuncture or aromatherapy. There are countless techniques that can come in handy for managing different ailments. Here you will find out a bit about the most popular ones, and why is it that more than 40% of the Americans have reportedly relied on alternative medicine at least once, in their lifetime.

How Can Alternative Medicine Techniques Help?

The most notable reason why these techniques have become increasingly popular lately is because they can offer fast, cheap and efficient pain relief. Some techniques, such as acupuncture, are particularly useful for those who suffer from various chronic pain conditions.  Below is a brief overview of the most popular alternative medicine techniques.

Acupressure

Acupressure is an ancient technique that is somehow related to acupuncture – the sole difference is that in this case, no needles are required. It is believed that energy flows through specific points located on the human body, and if that flow is impaired this can lead to negative effects on the mental, physical and emotional well-being of the patient. Acupressure can restore that energy flow by manipulating these particular points.

Acupuncture

Acupuncture is based on the same principle as acupressure, and it involves using thin and long needles to stimulate various points along the skin in order to correct imbalances in the Qi (energy) flow. In some case, heat or laser light is used in conjunction with these needles, for the best results. Acupuncture has long been a form of alternative medicine, and it is a very important component of traditional Chinese Medicine. It is commonly used for pain relief.

Bioidentical Hormone Replacement Therapy

Commonly referred to as natural hormone therapy, the bioidentical hormone replacement therapy is a form of alternative medicine that involves using hormones that are identical to the endogenous ones, on a molecular level. BHRT is commonly used for managing the symptoms of andropause and menopause.

Learn more about our Bioidentical Hormone Replacement Therapy services.

Chiropractic Care

Chiropractic care is a form of alternative medicine that aims to prevent and to address different disorders related to the musculoskeletal system. Manual therapy (and manual spinal manipulation) is the most commonly used technique in the field of chiropractic care, as it is believed that any misalignment of the bones can take its toll on the patient’s general health.

Functional Medicine

Functional medicine is a form of treatment that is based on a holistic approach. Practitioners try to address the root of the problem, rather than the symptom. Functional medicine practitioners believe that there is a strong link between the endocrine systems, the immune system and the gastrointestinal system.

Herbal Medicine

Also known as herbalism, herbal medicine involves the use of various plants for medicinal purposes, and it is one of the oldest (and most widely spread) forms of alternative medicine. Although herbal medicine relies mainly on the use of herbs, plants and roots, it is not uncommon for it to include bee products and other animal-derived products.

Holistic Medicine

The concept of holistic medicine is based on the principle that medicine should treat the patient as a whole, as opposed to addressing the malady itself. There are many techniques used in the field of holistic medicine, and two of the most notable ones include metabolic therapy or colon therapy.

Homeopathy

Invented back in the 18th century, homeopathy is one of the most modern branches of alternative medicine and it involves the use of various remedies extracted from mineral, animal, plant or synthetic sources.

Lifestyle Medicine

According to lifestyle medicine practitioners, most health problems occur due to an unhealthy and unbalanced lifestyle. This is why this form of alternative medicine involves the use of medical, environmental and behavioral principles to address these medical problems. Dieting and exercising are two of the most commonly used treatments in the management of lifestyle-related diseases.

Massage Therapy

Massage therapy is a form of treatment that involves applying structured and moving pressure on the body (either manually or automatically) in order to help the patient relax, to improve the blood flow to the peripheral areas, and to induce a general feeling of well-being.

Nutritional Counseling

Just as the name implies, nutritional counseling is a form of alternative medicine technique which revolves around the principle that an unhealthy diet that lacks vital nutrients and minerals is the culprit behind many diseases, such as diabetes. Practitioners often recommend adding or removing certain foods from the diet, to help patients manage their health.

Physical Therapy

Also known as physiotherapy or PT, physical therapy is a form of treatment designed to treat physical impairments and to improve one’s flexibility and mobility through regular exercises.

Reiki

Reiki is a century-old technique used to help patients let off the steam and to promote healing, from inside out. The practitioner places his or her hands on the patent, which is believed to trigger an energy transfer that has the positive effects detailed earlier.

Relaxation Therapy

Relaxation therapy involves a combination of procedures and methods designed to help the patient relax. This form of therapy is often used for alleviating pain, as well as for managing stress, anxiety and depression.

Sleep Therapy

Sleep therapy is a form of alternative medicine that helps the patient manage a variety of ailments through sleep. It is known that the lack of sleep can increase the risk for heart disease, stroke, high blood pressure, diabetes and many other conditions, and this is precisely what this form of therapy aims to prevent.