Alternative medicine was once perhaps given a wide berth by the sceptics but today over 600 million people pay visits to those offering alternative treatments and remedies.

What Benefit does Alternative Medicine Have?

Most alternative treatments are based on the use of herbs, oils and massage so it’s perfectly safe and for thousands of people it has been proven to work time and time again. There are a vast array of different types and treatments available from minor illnesses through to those more severe, some people even suffering life threatening illnesses have benefited from some types of alternative medicine where conventional treatments have failed.

Different Types of Alternative Therapy Used

Listed below are some of the types of alternative treatments and therapies available:

Acupuncture -

Acupuncture treatment is not only the insertion of fine needles into the “points” on the body but also the detection of disharmony within the body. This is assessed by a series of questions on the person’s lifestyle and emotions.

Acupressure -

Originating from the Chinese Taoist monks acupressure is similar to acupuncture but without the use of needles, instead finger pressure is applied to the “points”.

Aromatherapy -

Essential oils taken from plants are used in this treatment which can take the form of massage or inhalation. It is thought to be especially beneficial for those suffering from stress related illnesses.

Ayurvedic medicine -

This type of treatment stems back from India and is a complete system of exercise, diet and detoxification of the entire body.

Chiropractic -

Chiropractic treatment works mainly for those suffering from joint problems and is performed along the spine by adjusting joints.

Chinese Herbal Remedies -

There is a vast range of herbs used in treatment which the Chinese have used for thousands of years and are capable of treating a wide variety of illnesses.

However precaution should always be taken when thinking of replacing traditional medicine with a complimentary one offered as a replacement. Some alternative medicine is offered as therapy and some is given as an alternative medicine. There is a vast array of different types of therapy and medicine on offer and choosing which to try can often seem a daunting task.

Total Healthcare Systems

There are types of alternative medicine that are complete health care systems in themselves. These include:

Naturopathy is a total health care system that is based on the body’s natural ability to heal itself.

Homeopathy is another total system that is based on three principals, like cures like, minimal dose and the single remedy.

Ayurveda is a medical system that focuses on three essential humours that if becoming unbalanced can lead to ill health.

Pan chakra Therapy is a system that believes there are seven spots within the body that can come out of alignment and be the underlying cause of illness.

Herbalism is a system of healthcare based on the natural healing properties of certain herbs. Reiki is a total system of health that works with the body’s natural healing energy.

Alternative Therapies

Massage is perhaps the most well known of alternative therapies Acupuncture is a therapy based on the insertion of fine needles into specific points on the body.

Qigong is therapy based on a series of gentle rhythmic exercise.

Chiropractic involves manipulation of joints along the spine.

Acupressure is similar to acupuncture but instead of needles pressure using the fingers manipulates certain areas of the body.

Aromatherapy therapy is given by the inhalation or taken in a warm bath using oils distilled from certain flowers and plants.

Hydrotherapy treatment involves the use of water either as soaks, rubs or wraps. Hypnotherapy is the use of hypnotism used as therapy in the underlying cause of illness.

Reflexology is based on massage on the soles of the feet where a certain area of the body correlates to certain points or areas on the foot.

Shiatsu is a form of massage that is based on pressure point therapy.

These are just some of the forms that alternative treatment has to offer, anyone with any serious medical condition should always seek the advice of there Doctor before undertaking any of the forms above and if currently taking medication prescribed by your Doctor for your illness then you should continue to do so.