5 Alternative Treatments and Practices Worth Trying December 18, 2008
Posted by healthandsurvival in Alternative, Fitness, Longevitiy, Wellness, Women's Health.Tags: acupressure, acupuncture, aromatherapy, reiki
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5 Alternative Treatments and Practices Worth Trying
As a society full of technological advancements in all areas of our lives, we are sometimes hesitant to try traditional, or alternative, practices when it comes to our health and well-being. However, there has been a large increase in demand for therapies, treatments, and practices that are not aligned with our Western values.
Many people could feel the benefits of some of these practices, but have yet to try them. Here is a brief list of some alternative treatments and practices that are gaining popularity these days.
Therapeutic Massage
While this is the most popular alternative treatment by far, many people are still hesitant to undergo massage therapy for various reasons. Studies show, however, that there are many great benefits of utilizing massage therapy on a regular basis. Decreased anxiety, improved circulation, and increased flexibility and range of motion are just a few of these benefits. Talk to your physician or a licensed massage therapist and see if massage could help you.
Acupressure
Often confused with acupuncture, acupressure is less invasive and uses no needles to manipulate the body. Acupressure points are not generally related the affected areas, but rather associated with traditional Chinese medicine and the influences of yin, yang, and the individual’s chi. While this may not sound like something worth exploring, many who have undergone acupressure have finally felt relief which traditional medicine had been unable to provide.
Acupuncture
Acupuncture utilizes needles to manipulate the same points as in acupressure. Although acupuncture came first, some people are hesitant to undergo this procedure due to its extensive use of fine pointed needles. However, some people have gone so far as to claim acupuncture helped them to sleep better, quit snoring – even quit smoking. If you are adventurous and have explored your other options, you may want to consider acupuncture.
Reiki
Though this particular alternative treatment has no scientific basis, the people who claim to have experienced the healing powers of Reiki are growing on a significant scale. Reiki practitioners believe they’re able to manipulate a universal healing life-force energy, and that they are able to transfer this intelligent energy to their patients through the use of nothing more than their palms. People who undergo Reiki treatment claim to feel not only physical, but mental, emotional, and spiritual benefits from the treatments as well.
Aromatherapy
Aromatherapy involves the use of essential oils to manipulate physical and/or emotional responses to help with an individual’s healing process. This is actually a Western derivation of alternative medicine, as essential oils are used in various ways in other holistic treatment options in varying degrees. Aromatherapy is used, with varying levels of success, in many people who don’t wish to venture too far beyond the realm of traditional medicine.
This post was contributed by Kelly Kilpatrick, who writes on the subject of medical coding online training. She invites your feedback at kellykilpatrick24 at gmail dot com

I am a huge fan of alternative health methods – Dr. Sha is my inspiration I have learned a lot of great tips from him by reading his “Soul Power Series” – and actually just recently pre-ordered his newest book, scheduled to come out in January, “The Power of Soul.” I love your list of alternative treatments and have found aromatherapy and massage to be quite helpful- I haven’t yet tried acupuncture,acupressure, or reiki
I would still go for therapeutic massage and aroma therapy on the top of your list. Acupuncture just gives me the creeps, all those needles that is stuck on your body is just too scary to imagine. At least with massages and aroma therapy the risk and dangers are almost zero and the satisfaction is guaranteed.