Alternative medicine should be considered alongside western medicine. Aside from being used for treating specific conditions, alternative medicine therapies also include other forms of treatment, such as hypnosis and chiropractic adjustment. The following are examples of alternative medicine therapies:

10 types of Alternative medicine

1. Acupressure

Unlike acupuncture, which involves needles, acupressure is done by applying pressure to points along the body’s meridians. According to acupuncture and acupressure, the body’s meridians are channels that carry energy throughout the body. These channels can  become blocked, causing illness. It’s believed that pressure can help restore energy flow and prevent blockages. There is considerable antidotal evidence of the effectiveness of acupressure in restoring energy balance. 

2. Acupuncture

Although the practice of Chinese medicine often brings with it sharp needles, the term “traditional Chinese medicine” actually refers to stimulating points in the body. This type of healing involves using thin needles controlled by a practitioner. Electrical stimulation can also be provided. It has been shown that acupuncture can help with various conditions, such as PMS and insomnia. It can also help with chronic pain, such as osteoarthritis.

3. Aromatherapy

Essential oils are used in aromatherapy to promote healing. They are extracted from various plants, using seeds, leaves, blossoms and stems , some are from the root of the plant. This practice can be traced back thousands of years. These oils can be inhaled or diluted in carrier oil for massage and depending on the oil and purity, consumed. Some oils help with infections and inflammation, while others promote relaxation. 

4. Ayurveda

This ancient practice originated in India and is known as Ayurveda. It involves using various techniques and procedures to promote overall well-being. Some of these include massage, diet, and herbs.

There are various positive effects of certain practices commonly used in Ayurveda. Some of these include taking a combination of herbs and spices for inflammation, using a Neti pot to clear nasal passages, and using coconut oil to remove harmful bacteria from one’s mouth. In addition to being beneficial for one’s health, yoga can also help lower one’s anxiety and improve one’s physical and mental health. Numerous studies have shown that this ancient practice can help people feel more secure and manage their various health conditions.

5. Balneotherapy

Balneotherapy, sometimes referred to as hydrotherapy, is a therapy involving water. It’s a common form of therapy in several European countries, dating back to around 1700 BCE and is becoming more popular worldwide. Balneotherapy is the use of baths containing thermal mineral waters from natural springs at a temperature of at least 20 degrees Celsius / 68 degrees Fahrenheit and with a mineral content of at least 1g/L.37.  It has been used widely for centuries, particularly for the treatment of chronic skin and musculoskeletal conditions.  It can be combined with other therapies such as exercise or physical therapy and mud packs.  When combined with ultraviolet (UV) phototherapy, the therapy is known as balneophototherapy.

6. Biofeedback

Biofeedback is an alternative approach that teaches people to change the way their body functions.  During the first session, electrodes are attached to the patient’s skin to measure their bodily functions.  Based on the feedback from the instruments, the practitioner suggests how you can create physiologic changes.  With education and practice, you can learn to make those bodily changes without the equipment.

Although researchers are still not exactly sure why this technique works, they believe it can help people with various conditions. One of the main factors that people who benefit from this practice most often cite is relaxation. Through this technique, participants become more aware of how their bodies respond to certain types of stress and emotions. It can also help them improve their health and reduce the adverse effects of stress.

7. Chiropractic Medicine

 The conventional wisdom about chiropractic is that it is a complementary medicine focusing on the nervous and musculoskeletal systems. This practice is commonly used to treat various conditions, such as back and neck pain.

One of the most common procedures a chiropractor performs is spinal manipulation, which involves applying a controlled force to the joints that have become hypomobile.

This procedure aims to prevent the tissues surrounding the joint from becoming restricted.

The goal of chiropractic adjustments is to restore the mobility and flexibility of the tissues. According to studies, this procedure can help improve the quality of life for people with low back and neck pain.

8. Homeopathy

Homeopathy is a system that was developed in Germany more than 200 years ago.  It is based on two unconventional theories:  “like cures like” and the “law of minimum dose”.  “Like cures like” is the notion that a disease can be cured by a substance that produces similar symptoms in healthy people.  The “law of minimum dose” stipulates that the lower the dose of a medication, the greater its effectiveness.  Many homeopathic products are so diluted that no molecules of the original substance remain.

There’s evidence that homoeopaths are more effective than placebos when treating anxiety in mice. However, a human study revealed that this method was ineffective in treating anxiety. Some common homoeopath remedies, such as arnica for bruising, show promise. However, since they’re not always practical for every patient, more research is needed to confirm their effectiveness.

9. Reflexology

 The concept of reflexology involves applying pressure to specific points on the body, such as the ears, hands, and feet. It’s believed that this practice can improve a person’s overall health. For instance, it’s believed that applying pressure to a certain point on foot can improve a person’s bladder function. People can try this practice on their own or with the help of a reflexologist.

10. Reiki

Based on the idea that the life force energy flows through our bodies, a form of energy healing known as Reiki is performed. It involves working with the body’s natural healing ability to release negative energy. According to this philosophy, stress and sickness are signs that the life force energy is low, while happiness and health are signs that the life force is strong.

During a session, the practitioner places their hands on the client’s body, or a slight distance away from them, to receive the life force energy. It can also be done long distance since we are all connected in the universal matrix.

This type of energy healing aims to promote relaxation and reduce pain. It can also help improve the client’s well-being. Although there are no regulations for practitioners of this type of energy healing, it is generally considered a safe and effective method.

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