These days, we are seeing increasing scientific evidence that alternative therapies are useful as an adjunct, or sometimes in place of, traditional western medicine.
While complementary practices such as acupuncture, chiropractic and hypnotherapy are widely accepted, this is just the tip of the iceberg when it comes to the options available. I'm pretty sure you'll find quite a few alternative therapies in the list below, which you've never heard of before!
A – Acupuncture - a form of alternative medicine in which tiny needles are inserted into the body, this process stimulates the central nervous system to relieve pain
B - Bowen Therapy - is a holistic remedy that works on the soft connective tissue of the body to treat acute sports injuries and chronic or organic conditions.
C – Chiropractic - treats a range of musculoskeletal conditions, such as back pain, neck pain and headache
D – Dry Needling - treats muscle tissue, to reduce pain and restore function.
E - Energy Therapies - unblocks energy flows that may be unbalanced to help promote healing and wellbeing.
F – Frequency Specific Microcurrent - also known as FSM, this technique used for treating pain by the use of a low-level electrical current, these currents are delivered to the parts of the body exhibiting pain in an attempt to relieve pain.
G – Graphology - the analysis of handwriting with an attempt to determine someone’s personality traits
H – Hypnotherapy - is used to create a state of focused attention and increased suggestibility in the treatment of a medical or psychological disorder
I – Isolation Tank - spending time in this water filled soundproof environment heated to the same temperature as the skin, relieves stress and eases muscle tension, and pain
J – Jasmine Flowers and Jasmine Oil - have multiple healing benefits from easing stress, easing colds and coughs, easing labour pains, helps with skin/hair and is known as a natural aphrodisiac. In addition jasmine has been proven to improve mood, reduce stress and reduce food cravings!
K – Kinesiology - helps to prevent and treat injury and disease, and improves movement and performance.
L – Laughter Yoga - participating in laughter yoga has a positive effect on mental health and the immune system
M – Meditation - is a practice in which an individual uses a technique such as mindfulness to train attention and awareness, to achieve a mentally clear and emotionally calm and stable state.
N – Naturopathy - focuses on long term health and prevention by identifying and addressing the root causes of problems, rather than just treating the symptoms. Useful for a range of health issues such as stress, gastrointestinal issues, headaches, joint pain and skin conditions.
O – Orthopathy - is a set of natural medical beliefs and practices originating from the Nature Cure movement that claim that fasting, dieting and other lifestyle measures are all that are necessary to treat and prevent disease.
P – Pilates - is a set of exercises designed to increase muscle strength and endurance as well as flexibility and to improve posture and balance. Pilates is particularly popular with middle aged women, as it can relieve tension and boosts your body’s natural ability to burn fat and helps to promote mindfulness and body awareness.
Q – Quantum Therapy - uses waves and magnets to restore emotional, mental and physical balance by utilizing a computer software to regulate and alter the waves in the mind. It can reduce inflammation, increase blood supply, and speed healing.
R – Reiki - is a form of energy healing where a practitioner uses a technique called palm healing, using their hands to encourage emotional and physical healing.
S – Salt Therapy - is a practice with which salt particles are released into the air to absorb irritants, including allergens and toxins from the respiratory system. It is a natural way to treat sinusitis and other symptoms.
T – Tao Yin - is a combination of floor work and standing moves, combining the powerful Asana practice of yoga with the effortless flow of Qigong, resulting in better health, happiness, and internal balance.
U – Urine Therapy - the application of human urine for medicinal or cosmetic purposes for the purpose of treating asthma, arthritis, allergies wrinkles and a host of other conditions. Don’t think I’ll be trying this one in a hurry …
V – Vaginal Steaming – or this one, which was made famous by celebrity Gwyneth Paltrow back in 2015 when she revealed that she regular uses this to keep her lady parts healthy.
W – Wellness - the art of good health in both mind and body. Practicing healthy habits daily to attain a better way of life, thriving - not just surviving!
X – Xi Xin - is Chinese Wild ginger. Used in the treatment of colds, nasal discharge, coughs and toothaches.
Y – Yoga - a spiritual discipline that focuses on bringing harmony between the mind and body – “to unite”. Yoga improves balance/flexibility, helps with stress relief, reduces anxiety and increases strength.
Z - Zumba - while not technically an alternative therapy, zumba is a great way to get fit! Classes move between high and low intensity dance moves that boost your heart rate and cardio endurance whilst having fun with other likeminded attendees.
