Part 3 of Health & Wellness Magazine’s Guide to 100 Complementary & Alternative Therapies

The final installment of our mega guide to Complementary and Alternative therapies is here! If you missed parts one and two, click here for part one and here for part two.

We are grateful to: www.sacredsoulholistics.co.uk who were the original compilers of this list to which we have added several new therapies!

As always, please check with your appropriate health professional before trying any of these therapies.

Enjoy!

Qigong

What it is: Qigong (pronounced “chee-gong”) is an ancient Chinese practice which involves using specific postures, movements, meditation and breathing practices in order to balance the body’s flow of energy and achieve higher states of consciousness and awareness. It is both similar and related to Tai Chi.

Benefits:

Improves balance and coordination
Alleviates stress and anxiety
A great low-impact form of physical activity
Improves cardiovascular health
Speeds up recovery time from surgery and other medical procedures

More information: nqa.org/about-nqa/what-is-qigong/

Radionics

What it is: Radionics is a type of therapy in which specific diseases are detected and treated using waves of energy similar to radio waves. It is based around the principle that normal, healthy human bodies give off a certain frequency of energy frequencies, while those affected by certain diseases or health conditions will give off different energy frequencies. Treatment involves the rebalancing of these energy frequencies.

Benefits:

Possible to detect illnesses and diseases at an early stage
Non-invasive

More information: www.radionic.co.uk/

Rebirthing (breathing)

What it is: Rebirthing is a special type of conscious, controlled breathing technique which is thought to help cure certain conditions and effectively deal with traumatic, repressed childhood memories. Rebirthing sessions are usually conducted one-to-one between the client and their practitioner, or as part of a workshop with multiple people in the room.

Benefits:

Brings greater self-awareness
Treats anxiety and depression
Can help with relationship issues
Helps those who simply want to get more enjoyment out of life

More information: www.rebirthingbreathwork.co.uk/brs_what
Reflexology

What it is: Reflexology is a type of therapy which involves applying pressure to certain areas of the foot and hands. It is based on the belief that certain regions of the foot and hands are directly connected by nerves to other areas and organs and muscles around of the body (such as the heart, lungs, kidneys, eyes, or brain). Applying pressure to these areas helps to stimulate recovery and good health in its corresponding organ. Reflexology can be performed by a trained practitioner in a reflexology session, or special reflexology products (such as shoes, for example) can be purchased for everyday use.

Benefits

Stimulates nerve function
Relaxes and relieves stress
Relieves tired and tense feet and ankles
Eases anxiety and stress
Is beneficial for babies and small children as well

More information: www.aor.org.uk/home/what-is-reflexology
Reiki

What it is: Reiki is a traditional Japanese therapy which centers around the use and transfer of energy from the healer’s body to that of the subject in order to stimulate the body’s own natural healing processes, relieve stress, and generate overall feelings of relaxation and wellbeing.

Benefits:

Improves mental clarity and wellbeing
Helps to alleviate physical pain in the limbs, muscles or joints
Aids sleep and relaxation
Stimulates the immune system
Relieves pain from headaches and migraines
Reduces stress

More information: www.reiki.org/faq/whatisreiki.html
Rolfing (Structural Integration)

What it is: Rolfing is a form of physical manipulation therapy developed by biochemist Dr. Ida Rolf. It is based on the belief that all physical and emotional problems and discomfort stem from improper alignment of the body’s fascia (the connective tissue located just under the skin). By aligning them through a series of 10 sessions performed by a registered practitioner, subjects can achieve not only better posture, but greater overall wellbeing and health. Rolfing sessions incorporate fascial pressure, massage and gentle manipulation and realignment techniques.

Benefits:

Better posture and freedom of movement, particularly in older subjects
Decreased muscle and joint pain
Greatly benefits athletes and dancers who rely on their bodies

More information: www.rolfing.org/
Seitai Therapy

What is is: Seitai therapy is a Japanese treatment which focuses on stimulating a series of “master” points around the body, in a specific sequence, in order to bring balance and alignment to all organs and areas of the body (the word “seitai” in Japanese translates to “to bring the body into order”). During a session, the seitai practitioner will stimulate these acupressure points with their thumbs, elbows and fingers.

Benefits:

Helps with respiratory problems
Relieves stress
Stimulates the immune system
Alleviates back, neck and shoulder pain
Helps alleviate joint pain and inflammation
Improves posture

More information: acuseitai.com/treatment-modalities/seitai-shiatsu.html
Self-hypnosis

What it is: Self-hypnosis is literally the process of hypnotizing yourself into a state of higher awareness to gain more control over your body and mind, as well as an increased sense of focus and mental clarity. It is closely related to autosuggestion, and requires you to remain highly focused on the process, and become completely relaxed in order to enter a self-hypnotized state. Usually, no special equipment or aids are required – a chair or a comfy place to sit or lie down is sufficient.

Benefits:

Helps you focus more clearly on your goals in life
Greater sense of wellbeing and mental focus

More information: www.hypnosisandhealing.co.uk/self-help-centre/how-to-use-self-hypnosis-to-achieve-your-goals/

Shiatsu

What it is: Shiatsu is a type of physical therapy which uses massage to increase the function of the body’s immune system in order to bring about healing for a range of emotional and physical conditions. It focuses on discovering the energy imbalances in the body, and then manipulating certain points along the body’s meridians in order to bring balance back to the body. The Japanese word shiatsu translates to English as “finger pressure”, however in a particular session, the practitioner may perform light assisted stretches on the client, as well as joint rotation, and gentle shaking of the limbs.

Benefits:

Encourages deep relaxation
Stimulates the immune system
Relieves stress
Is safe and beneficial for mothers both during and after pregnancy

More information: www.shiatsusociety.org/
Siddha medicine

What it is: Siddha medicine is a form of medicinal practice which originated in Southern India. Its methods and theories are similar to those of Ayurveda, and focuses on the importance of the body’s three humors being in balance, these being vatha, pitta and kapha. Siddha promotes the balance of the body through treatments including dietary therapy, herbs and minerals, bloodletting, yoga, suction therapy, and the application of various ointments.

Benefits:

Helps restore balance and health to the body
Places emphasis on food as medicine, promoting healthy eating practices

More information: nischennai.org/siddhamedicine.html

Sonopuncture

What it is: Sonopuncture, also sometimes known as Acutonics, is a vibrational form of medicine which works to stimulate the body’s healing using sound waves. Ultrasound waves are generated using a special type of handcrafted tool, which is held over the body in acupuncture points in order to send vibrations, deep into the body’s tissues and stimulate healing.

Benefits:

Less invasive than acupuncture, with similar benefits
Helps treat asthma and other respiratory and bronchial conditions
Can smooth the appearance of wrinkles and varicose veins

More information: www.bewellbuzz.com/wellness-buzz/what-is-sonopuncture-and-what-is-it-useful-for/

Sound Therapy

What it is: Sound therapy is a therapy specifically focused around the treatment of tinnitus and other ear and hearing-related concerns. It uses a special type of filtered music that the patient listens to in their own time in order to improve the performance of the brain by activating new neuronal connections. Music is played at low volume and is intended to be background noise as the individual goes about their day to day activities.

Benefits:

Helps relieve tinnitus (persistent ringing in the ears)
Aids deep sleep
Alleviates stress
Improves hearing
Promotes better concentration, learning, and overall brain function

More information: www.soundtherapy.com.au/how-does-sound-therapy-work/

Spiritual Mind Treatment

What it is: Spiritual Mind Treatment is also known as Affirmative Prayer. It involves the individual focusing on a sequence of thoughts and prayers which aim to recognize that there is one spiritual being which guides the universe, and calls on them to make changes and heal the body and mind.

Benefits:

Can be performed anywhere by the individual
Imparts a great sense of calm and spirituality
Helps one make tough decisions
Calms the mind and alleviates stress

More information: www.cslsr.org/about-us/what-we-believe/67-about-us/what-we-believe/1150-five-steps-of-spiritual-mind-treatment

Structural Integration

What it is: Structural Integration is another name for Rolfing, and it involves treatments which focus on the fascia of the body (the fascia being the connective tissue that surrounds muscles, blood vessels, organs, and nerves). A usual session of Rolfing or Structural Integration will involve the practitioner gently stretching the client’s limbs in a certain series of postures, or applying sustained pressure to certain areas of the body, in a similar way to a massage.

Benefits:

Relieves muscle pain and tension
Improves posture
Better posture and freedom of movement, particularly in older subjects
Decreased muscle and joint pain
Greatly benefits athletes and dancers who rely on their bodies
Imparts greater mobility of the limbs and joints

More information: www.theiasi.net/what-is-structural-integration-

Support groups

What it is: A support group is any group of people who come together to discuss and share stories of their common experiences. Common experiences that people may come together to discuss may include the ongoing treatment of an illness (such as cancer or diabetes) experiences with depression, drug or alcohol addiction, abuse, or other relationship problems.

Benefits:

Helps individuals feel less isolated and alone in dealing with their problem
Allows individuals to talk through problems or dilemmas they may be having in life
Encourages the sharing of practical advice and solutions in dealing with a certain issue
Reduces feelings of stress and anxiety
Provides a social support network that an individual can call on when they need.

More information: www.mayoclinic.org/healthy-lifestyle/stress-management/in-depth/support-groups/art-20044655

T’ai chi ch’uan

What it is: T’ai chi ch’uan (often also known simply as Tai Chi) is a type of martial art which focuses on slow, controlled movements and breathing performed in a continuous, flowing manner. Originating in China, this art form has now become a popular form of gentle exercise, and can be performed either alone, or in a class setting with others.

Benefits:

An ideal gentle form of exercise for older persons, or those with physical disabilities
Encourages deep relaxation
Improves balance and coordination

More information: www.taichiunion.com/

Thai massage

What it is: Thai massage is a special type of therapy which today combines different aspects of a number of different holistic therapies, including acupressure, yoga poses, and Ayurvedic principles. Traditionally, Thai massage does not use any oils or lotions, and the subject remains clothed during the massage.

A Thai massage session will differ slightly for everyone, depending on your individual needs, which your massage therapist will discuss with you prior to the massage. During the massage, the therapist may use different techniques such as kneading with the thumbs, knuckles, or fingers, walking on the subject’s back, gently stretching the limbs and muscles, and bending and rotating the joints.

Benefits:

Greater mobility and freedom of movements
Creates a deep sense of relaxation
Eases knots and tension points in the muscles
Increases overall sense of wellbeing
Aids stress relief

More information: www.bodyharmonics.co.uk/press-releases/review-what-is-thai.htm
Traditional Chinese medicine

What it is: Traditional Chinese Medicine is a blanket term which refers to a wide range of medicinal practices that have been utilized for thousands of years in China, as well as practices which continue to be widely in use today. It encompasses therapies including herbal medicine, massage, acupuncture, and dietary guidance in order to treat certain ailments, health concerns and psychological issues.

Benefits:

Complements other modern forms of medicine well
Effective against a huge range of ailments and health concerns
All-natural
Very few side effects

More information: www.tcmaustralia.com.au/
Traditional Korean medicine

What it is: Traditional Korean Medicine is a lesser-known form of medicine than Chinese Traditional Medicine, and relies on a number of similar principles and theories as Chinese Medicine. It dates back thousands of years (the first evidence of its use is from around 3000 BC) and includes the use of acupuncture, meditation, aromatherapy, dietary advice, herbs and herbal teas, and other practices such as moxibustion.

Benefits:

Effective in pain management
All-natural
Easy to incorporate aspects of it into your everyday life (in the case of meditation, aromatherapy and herbal teas)

More information: https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Traditional_Korean_medicine

Traditional Japanese medicine

What it is: Traditional Japanese Medicine, referred to as Kampo Medicine, is actually the practice and study of Chinese Medicine which arrived in Japan in the 7th century, and has since been changed and adapted slightly to Japanese culture. More recently Kampo is heavily focused on herbs.
Benefits:

Used to treat a wide range of conditions much the same as Chinese medicine

More information: https://kampo.ca/
Traditional Mongolian medicine

What it is: Traditional Mongolian medicine is a medical practice and set of medicinal and health theories which have been developed in Mongolia over hundreds of years. It is based on the theory that life and health is a complex network of interconnected internal processes, and involves treating various ailments with the use of techniques including moxibustion, minerals and herbs, water treatments, bone setting (which was likely an early form of physiotherapy), and historically, the topical use of animal blood.

Benefits:

Promotes the importance of a good diet in improving health and wellbeing
All-natural
Generally safe to combine with other modern medicinal treatments

More information: https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Traditional_Mongolian_medicine

Traditional Tibetan medicine

What it is: Traditional Tibetan medicine is influenced heavily by Tibetan Buddhism, which is centered around the belief that all pain and suffering in life is caused by ignorance, attachment and aversion. Tibetan Medicine is focused on re-balancing what it believes to be the body’s three humors – rLung (blood circulation, nervous system, and thoughts), mKhris-pa (which encompasses bodily functions such as thermoregulation, metabolism, and liver function) and Bad-kan (digestion, joint health and mental stability).

Benefits:

Takes into account the health and functioning of the entire body when discerning the cause and treatment of a certain illness or health concern
Focuses heavily on one’s mental well being and clarity

More information: www.takingcharge.csh.umn.edu/explore-healing-practices/tibetan-medicine

Thalassotherapy

What it is: We’ve all heard of and experienced the healing power of the ocean. Thalassotherapy is just that – It’s a type of therapy which uses seawater, as well as marine mud and algae, to treat a range of illnesses and health concerns. Its name is derived from the Greek word “thalassa” which literally translates to “ocean”, and is based on the principle that seawater and sea plants have many natural benefits to the body due to their natural mineral content, which includes magnesium, potassium, calcium, sodium, and iodide. Thalassotherapy is generally performed in special thalassotherapy spas, which use seawater and algae collected from oceans which are free from pollution and other toxins which could be detrimental to your health.

Benefits:

Extremely calming and relaxing
Improves skin circulation
Helps treat a range of skin-related concerns such as acne, eczema, and rosacea

More information: spas.about.com/od/hydrotherapy/a/thalassotherapy.htm

Therapeutic Horseback Riding

What it is: Therapeutic horseback riding, which is considered one form of equine-assisted therapy, refers to the practice of an individual, often mentally or physically impaired in some way, learning to ride and handle a horse, with the help of a riding instructor in order to greatly improve their balance, coordination, cognitive function, and muscle tone. It has been found to be extremely beneficial for those with disorders including ADHD, cerebral palsy, depression, anxiety, autism, PTSD, and drug and alcohol addiction, and other mental health problems.

Benefits:

Effective as an autism treatment
Complements other traditional medicinal treatments
Effective in treating various behavioral issues in children and adults
Improves general posture and fitness
Relieves depression and anxiety

More information: www.vtea.ca/whatis.htm

Therapeutic Touch

What it is: Therapeutic Touch is a form of healing which is centered on the principle that the human body is comprised of layers of energy fields, which often become imbalanced, causing the body’s natural healing ability to be weakened. A typical Therapeutic Touch session involves the therapist placing their hands on or near a patient’s body, and using their own energy to detect and re-balance their patient’s energy fields.

Benefits:

Non-invasive
Calming and relaxing
Especially beneficial for patients who are in hospital or otherwise bed ridden
Stimulates the body’s natural healing processes
Helps alleviate pain and anxiety

More information: www.takingcharge.csh.umn.edu/explore-healing-practices/therapeutic-touch

Tibetan Eye Chart

What it is: The Tibetan Eye Chart is a diagram which is used to perform a set of eye exercises in order to strengthen the muscles and nerves in the eyes, improve vision, and prevent any further vision problems developing later in life. The exercises are performed in a certain order and for around 30 seconds each, and exercises involve focusing on different parts of the chart in a range of specified patterns.

Benefits:

Completely free
Naturally strengthens the eye
Improves vision
Especially effective in treating astigmatism
Takes just a few minutes a day
Exercises can be performed anywhere in your your own time

More information: www.livingnow.com.au/articles/health-and-healing/do-you-have-astigmatism-simple-exercises-to-be-rid-of-it

Trager Approach

What it is: The Trager Approach is a form of movement education developed by Milton Trager, M.D. There are two versions – one in which the client is passive, and the other in which the client is active. In passive sessions, the client lays on a table and is treated by the certified practitioner by having their limbs moved in a series of stretches and postures. Active sessions are done in the client’s own time and involve performing a series of exercises given to them by their practitioner.

Benefits:

Reduces the risk of muscle sprains and tears
Limbers up the muscles and joints
Improves posture and overall mobility
Calming and relaxing
Imparts a greater sense of overall wellbeing

More information: www.trager.com/approach.html

Transcendental Meditation

What it is: Transcendental Meditation is a popular and hugely effective method of meditating whereby one uses mantras in order to influence positive mind states, stress reduction, and overall self improvement. It was introduced in the 1950s by Maharishi Mahesh Yogi in India, but has its roots in ancient Vedic practice. It is usually practiced for 15-20 minutes at a time, multiple times per day, and can be learned by attending various workshops and seminars, in order to be able to practice individually at any time.

Benefits:

Improves sense of wellbeing
Enhances creative ability
Provides stress relief
Aids sleep and relaxation

More information: tm.org.au/
Trigger Point Therapy

What it is: Trigger point therapy, also sometimes called trigger point myotherapy, is a form of massage therapy which involves applying pressure to a specific trigger point on the body in order to alleviate muscle spasms in the area. Pressure is usually applied with a finger, knuckle, or elbow, for roughly 30 seconds at a time. The therapy is performed by a qualified massage therapist who is trained to identify and activate trigger points.

Benefits:

Alleviates the pain of muscle spasms
Improves range of movement
Calms and relaxes the mind and body

More information: www.massageenvy.com/types-of-massage/trigger-point-therapy.aspx

Tui Na

What it is: Tui Na, also sometimes referred to as Tui Na massage, is a form of Chinese soft tissue and skeletal therapy in which the practitioner uses his or her hands to gently manipulate the muscles, bones and joints in order to relieve pain the body, promote relaxation, and treat a range of other disorders. It is often used instead of, or in conjunction with, other Chinese physical therapies including acupuncture or moxibustion.

Benefits:

Helps improve circulation and relieve circulatory disorders
Helps with gastrointestinal and digestive issues
Alleviates pain and stiffness in the body
Reduces stress, anxiety and insomnia

More information: www.pacificcollege.edu/news/blog/2014/12/19/benefits-tui-na-massage

Visualisation

What it is: Visualization, also sometimes called guided image therapy, is a type of self-therapy which involves the individual imagining a certain outcome to a situation, an objects, or an action. It has been shown to be effective in changing behavior by triggering emotional and psychological changes as though the imagined outcome is actually occurring. Visualization can be guided by listening to an audio track or the voice of a trained therapist, and can also be done without any guide.

Benefits:

Can help treat addictions
Eases stress and anxiety
Can help one make difficult decisions more easily
Helps stop bad habits
Helps treat chronic pain

More information on visualization. https://www.drweil.com/health-wellness/balanced-living/wellness-therapies/guided-imagery-therapy/

Water Cure (therapy)

What it is: Water cure is the simple procedure of drinking 1 to 1.5 liters of water quickly upon waking. It is based on the theory that many people are simply dehydrated, rather than suffering from an actual illness or disorder, and that water can be a simple cure.

Benefits:

Flushes the digestive system
Improves hydration levels in the body
Aids in digestion and bowel movements

More information: vwww.watercure.com/

Yoga

What it is: Yoga is a thousand-year-old form of spiritual and physical practice which involves various sets of postures, stretches, visualizations, and breathing exercises performed in a sequence. There are many different types of yoga, each with their own theories, benefits, and postures (asanas). Common variations include hatha yoga, vinyasa yoga, ashtanga yoga, and power yoga, and these can be practiced in a class environment, or individually.

Benefits:

Increased flexibility
Gently strengthens the muscles
Promotes a more calm and centered mind
Realigned joints and muscles
Alleviates stress and anxiety
Aids sleep

More information: www.yogajournal.com/article/beginners/yoga-questions-answered/

Zang Fu Theory

What it is: Zang fu theory is an aspect of traditional Chinese medicine which categories the organs into the human body into two categories: Zang organs, which include the heart, lungs, liver, kidneys, spleen, and pericardium, and the fu organs, which include the stomach, gallbladder, small intestine, large intestine, bladder and San Jiao (Triple-Warmer). The theory also states that each organ has a corresponding element (including wood, metal, fire, earth and water). Medical treatments associated with Zang Fu theory may include any combination of acupuncture, prescriptive diets and eating patterns, and herbal remedies.

Benefits: