10 Complementary Medicines And Alternative Therapies Explained (Your Ultimate Guide)

Complementary medicines and alternative therapies are becoming increasingly popular as people look for natural ways to improve their health and wellbeing. In this blog post, we will explore what exactly complementary medicines and alternative therapies are, how they differ from traditional medicine, and the potential benefits they can provide.

We will also discuss the definition of complementary therapies and alternative medicines, as well as some of the most common types of treatments available. Finally, we will explore some of the potential risks associated with these therapies. By the end of this blog post, you should have a better understanding of complementary medicines and alternative therapies so that you can make informed decisions about your own health care.

Complementary medicines are an increasingly popular choice for many.   

In fact, there are many mainstream healthcare facilities, or allopathic centers, that offer, and now recommend, a range of alternative therapies as part of their holistic therapy plans.

For example, many cancer patients who receive chemotherapy are now encouraged to include acupuncture as an additional treatment. 

The addition of acupuncture has been shown to help in the management of chemotherapy side effects such as nausea and vomiting.

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complementary medicines - acupressure

Number 1 Is Acupressure

Acupressure is often a first choice for those seeking complementary medicines or alternative therapy.

It is similar to acupuncture however is an easier, and often preferred option, as it is done without the use of needles.

Practitioners of acupressure use their hands, elbows, or feet and apply pressure with them to specific points on the body, along the body’s “meridians.”

The meridians are said to be the internal channels that our body’s life energy (qi or chi) flows through.

The theory is that if a meridian is blocked, or out of balance, then illness occurs.

Acupressure is thought to release and relieve the energy blockages within meridians and enables the Qi (body’s energy) to flow freely again.  This is said to be how we restore wellness.

acupuncture

Number 2 is Acupuncture.

Acupuncture, the second of our complementary medicines, usually brings needles to mind.

In fact, the term Acupuncture, actually describes an array of different procedures that stimulate specific points within the body.

Acupuncture therapy consists of penetrating the skin with thin needles.  These needles are then manipulated by the therapist, or by electrical stimulation.

Acupuncture is extremely popular.  It is practiced globally and used by millions of Americans each year.

Research studies have shown positive results. Particularly when acupuncture is used for chronic pain, nausea and depression.

complementary medicines - reflexology

Number 3 on our Alternative Therapies list is Reflexology.

Reflexology is similar to acupressure and acupuncture as it involves applying pressure to specific areas of the body.

Reflexology is an alternative medical therapy that works on the principle of applying pressure to specific points in the hands, feet, and ears to relieve pain and tension. It is a non-invasive therapy that can be used to treat a wide range of ailments including headaches, migraines, anxiety, insomnia and other stress-related conditions.

It is said these meridian pressure points correspond to the bodys organs and systems. Applying pressure is said to positively affect the organs and a person’s overall health by restoring the energy flow to optimal conditions.

Millions of people use Reflexology to complement conventional treatments for anxiety, cancer, diabetes, kidney function, and asthma.

Some studies have found reflexology improves respiratory function, may reduce fatigue, and improves sleep.

ayurveda

Number 4 Is Ayurvedic Medicine.

Ayurveda is an ancient system of holistic medicine that originated in India over 5,000 years ago. It is based on the belief that all living things are interconnected and that health and wellbeing depend on a balanced state of mind, body, and spirit.

Ayurvedic medicine is a comprehensive system of healing that focuses on the root cause of illness rather than just treating symptoms. It uses a variety of holistic treatments such as herbal remedies, massage therapy, yoga, meditation, and lifestyle changes to restore balance to the body. This approach has been used to treat a wide range of conditions from chronic diseases to everyday ailments like headaches and colds.

The ayurvedic range of treatments, include panchakarma (‘five actions’), yoga, massage, acupuncture and herbal medicine, to encourage health and wellbeing.

chiropractic

Number 5 Is Chiropractic Medicine.

Chiropractic medicine is now widely accepted within the medical community.

The practice focuses on treating disorders of the musculoskeletal and nervous systems. This includes physical pain located in the back, neck, joints, arms, legs, and head.

One of a Chiropractors main techniques that is offered is “spinal manipulation” (“adjustment”).  This involves applying controlled force (using the hands), to joints that have become “hypomobile”.

The belief in Chiropractic Medicine is that our joints’ movements become restricted when surrounding tissues are injured, either during a single event or through repetitive stress.

Chiropractic adjustments are intended to restore the joints mobility by loosening the muscles and surrounding tissues. Then allowing these tissues to heal. This is said to be what enables pain to be relieved.

Studies of chiropractic medicine affirms it use as one of the best alternative therapies, with research suggesting it is highly effective for decreasing pain and improving physical functioning.

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The next 5 holistic medicine therapies may not be as well known but are growing hugely in popularity.

aromatherapy

Number 6 Is Aromatherapy.

Aromatherapy uses essential oils.

Essential Oils are the concentrated extracts from the roots, leaves, seeds, or blossoms of plants. It is believed that these oils promote healing.

The oils can be inhaled, massaged into the skin or, in some cases, taken orally.

Each oil has a specific purpose.

Some are used to treat inflammation or infections. Others are used to promote relaxation.

Studies suggest aromatherapy helps reduce pain, depression, and anxiety.

balneotherapy

Number 7 is Balneotherapy.

Balneotherapy, is also known as Hydrotherapy, and involves the use of water for therapeutic purposes.

The practice of Balneotherapy dates as far back as 1700 B.C.E. Balneotherapy is a set of water-based treatments, typically using natural hot springs, mud, mineral water or sea water to promote relaxation, reduce pain, muscle and joint soreness, improve circulation, stimulate the immune system and revitalise the body.

It is used to treat a range of conditions, from acne, to pain, as well as swelling, and anxiety.Practitioners use mudpacks, douches, and wraps in attempts to reap the healing rewards of water.

homeopathy

Number 8 is Homeopathy.

Homeopathy is believed to function in a similar way as a vaccine.

It is based on the principle of treating, “like with like,”.

This means a substance that causes adverse reactions when taken in large doses, can be used, in very small amounts, to treat the same symptoms.

This concept of “like with like” is sometimes used in conventional medicine, as well. For example, Ritalin is a stimulant, and is used to treat patients with ADHD.

Homeopaths gather extensive background information on patients before prescribing a highly diluted substance. This is usually given in liquid or tablet form.

It is said to jump start the body’s natural systems of healing.

There is clinical evidence that homeopathy is effective however more research is needed to determine each of the treatments effectiveness.

naturopathy

Number 9 is Naturopathy.

Naturopathic medicine is based on the healing powers of nature.

Naturopathic doctors are trained in conventional allopathic medicine as well as various forms of complementary and alternative medicines.

They seek to understand the cause of a condition, by exploring its mental, physical, and spiritual manifestations in a patient.

Naturopathy typically involves a variety of treatment techniques, including nutrition, behavioral changes, herbal medicine, homeopathy, and acupuncture.

reiki

Number 10 is Reiki Energy Healing.

Reiki is a form of energy healing. It is based on the idea that a “universal life force” flows through our body.

According to this philosophy, sickness and stress are indications that our life force energy is out of balance, stagnant or low.

Similarly for those who have high levels of energy, good health, and happiness this would signify having a well balanced and strong life force.

In a Reiki session, the practitioner acts as a conduit for the “universal life force”.

This energy is drawn through the practitioner and into the client. They do this by the placement of their hands on the client’s body, (or a slight distance away).

Reiki can also be performed long-distance.

The purpose of Reiki is to promote relaxation, speed up the healing process, reduce pain, and generally improve the client’s well being.

If you have used any of these complementary medicines and alternative therapies, or you know of others, please do share and leave a comment below. And if you are wanting more then why not check out our post on Qigong and its health benefits.

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10 complementary medicines and alternative therapies explained (your ultimate guide)
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HolisticJB
Educator and International Leadership Consultant with over 20 years experience, and still loving it! Qualified and Licensed Reiki Master Teacher, Hypnotherapist and Chakra Energy Health Body Worker. A traveler, a foodie and a knowledge seeker with a passion for all things healthy, herbal and energy holistic!

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