Lesser Known Alternative Therapies

Posted on March 1, 2008

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In recent years there has been an increase and acceptance of alternative/complementary therapies. Many of us have heard and even used more popular forms such as Acupuncture, Hypnotherapy, Reiki or Aromatherapy, however there are many more therapies being practiced and used worldwide. Below are some of the lesser known therapies, some of these are centuries old and some have been introduced in more recent times..

Biofeedback

Biofeedback is therapy which uses monitoring devices to help people control and regulate their bodily functions including heart rate, blood pressure, temperature, and muscle tension. In an effort to increase relaxation, relieve pain, and develop healthier and more comfortable life. The monitoring device feeds back impulses to the patient in the form of lights and bleeps; these are displayed on a biofeedback monitor.

The therapy tries to find a way to reduce the number of lights and beeps being fed back. This relaxes the body’s electrical impulses and reduce the patient’s symptoms. Eventually with training, the patient can apply knowledge gained without the use of a machine.

Chelation therapy

Chelation therapy involves the use of synthetic amino acid EDTA (ethylene diamine tetraacetic acid) which is injected into the blood stream, muscles or taken by mouth. These bind metals (lead, mercury, nickel, copper, and cadmium.) these toxins can then be excreted from the system usually via urine.

Cognitive Therapy

Cognitive therapy is a powerful form of psychotherapy based on the belief that psychological problems are the products of faulty ways of thinking; it is a self-help technique that combats depression and other negative emotions by consciously changing the way we think. The Therapy was developed by psychiatrist Aaron T. Beck in the 1960s.

Craniosacral Therapy

Craniosacral therapy is an alternative treatment technique that is very similar to osteopathy. It is a non-invasive manual therapy that uses gentle massage of the head and neck to release tension and restore balance in order to improve health, reduce pain, and increase resistance to disease.

Craniosacral therapy is based on theories developed in the 1930s by William G. Sutherland that were originated by physician William Sutherland, (1873-1954), and is now widely used in North America.

HydrotherapyHydrotherapy is an alternative therapy that uses water in the treatment of disease, help cure illness and maintain good health. Hydrotherapy makes use of water, either internally or externally, in a variety of different forms, including steam, and ice, in order to relieve muscle pain, increase circulation, and generally improve health. Hydrotherapy is practiced by licensed hydrotherapists, physical therapists, and naturopaths.

Light Therapy

Light therapy is an alternative therapy used to help relieve a variety disorders, ranging from seasonal affective disorder, sleep disorders, chronic pain and depression. Light therapy uses bright, colored, and low-level forms of light delivering beams to various areas of the body in order to trigger hormone release and healing, practiced by physicians, physical therapists, and psychologists.

Magnetic Therapy (Magnetotherapy or Magnotherapy)

Practitioners of this therapy use negative magnetic fields which have a beneficial effect on health. Placing magnets near or on an injury site practitioners believe can increase blood flow and stimulate harmed tissues. This fairly recent form of therapy is claimed to have beneficial effects for natural pain relief for knees, legs, wrists, back and arthritis.

Osteopathy

Osteopaths acknowledge that there is a link between the body’s structure and how it functions. Osteopaths work through the musculoskeletal system, mostly on muscles and joints, paying special attention to how the internal organs can affect, and are affected by, the musculoskeletal system of the patient. Various manipulative techniques are used by the practitioner in conjunction with conventional medical, surgical, and other therapeutic procedures.

Trigger Point Therapy

Trigger point therapy is a touch therapy that is used to eliminate painful “trigger points”. It is used by massage therapists, chiropractors, and osteopaths. The therapist will apply concentrated finger massage to exert pressure on “trigger points” (painful irritated areas in muscles) this breaks cycles of spasm and pain thus relieving pain and help to increase muscular flexibility.

This is by no means a definitive list of the lesser known alternative therapies. There are many more available both old and new many having developed from more mainstream therapies to treat very specific requirements.

Steve Hill is a webmaster from Birmingham, he has interests in a number of websites including:
Stuttering information
stuttering
Alternative therapies

Article Author :Steve_Hill


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