SIX FORMS OF COMPLEMENTARY AND ALTERNATIVE MEDICINE BIOLOGICAL BASED THERAPIES Biological based alternative treatments use substances that are found in nature. Echinacea and fish oil with omega 3s are common biological based therapies. These include amino acid, animal-derived extracts, botanicals, fatty acides, minerals, prebiotics, probiotics, proteins and vitamins. ENERGY THERAPIES Energy therapies involve manipulation of energy fields (electromagnetic fields and biofields/putative fields) by channeling energy fields from the practitioner to the client to affect health and well-being. Energy therapy techniques include magnet therapy, light therapy, healing touch and Reiki. MANIPULATIVE AND BODY-BASED METHODS In manipulative and body-based methods the body systems and structures (bones, joints, soft tissues, circulatory system and lymphatic systems) are manipulated beyond their passive range of motion and with appropriate use of force. This method is commonly part of chiropractic and osteopathic medicine. Methods in this category include massage therapy and spinal manipulation. The National Center for Complementary and Alternative Medicine MIND-BODY INTERVENTIONS Mind and body methods attempt to use the mind techniques to affect physical function and to promote health. The concept of using the mind to treat illness is an important approach used in traditional Chinese medicine, Ayurvedic medicine and referenced in moral and spiritual aspects of the healing process by Hippocrates, the father of Western medicine. Mind-body interventions include acupuncture, deep-breathing exercises, guided imagery, hypnotherapy, meditation, progressive relaxation, tai chi and yoga. MOVEMENT THERAPIES Movement therapies use body movement control in promoting emotional, mental, physical and spiritual balance and well-being. There are a broad range of Eastern and Western movement methods including Alexander Technique, Feldenkrais Method, Pilates, Rolfing Structural Integration and Trager Psychophysical Integration. WHOLE MEDICAL SYSTEMS Whole medical systems are complete medical systems of theory and practice evolved in various cultures over time. They do not include Western medicine or conventional medicine. They instead include ancient whole medical systems such as Ayurvedic medicine and traditional Chinese medicine, as well as modern whole medical systems such as homeopathy and naturopathy.
Posted on: Thu, 06 Mar 2014 06:54:22 +0000