A List of Uncommon Alternative Medical Practices
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Uncommon Alternative Healing List
CAM, or Complementary and Alternative Medicine is becoming more popular in the U.S. As we seek less invasive and toxin-free medical care, many new healing therapies are being introduced. Some work independently and some are now used in conjunction with other medical practices.
On the list below is "Humor Therapy" and a familiar case showing success. The U.S. medical profession still does not advocate the use of laughter - however, the price is right - free! It is worth listing.
Unlike TCM (Traditional Chinese Medicine), which is thousands of years old, these practices are relatively new but many have similar philosophies and are often based on the ancient therapies.
Following is list of 11 therapies with a brief description/and a separate list with titles only - for your information.
UNCOMMON THERAPIES
Watsu: Also known as water therapy. This early form of aquatic body work combines muscle stretching , dance, massage and shiatsu - all done in a pool of warm water. Working in a warm water environment helps relieve muscle tension, joint compression, and allows a free fluid movement that would not be possible without the use of warm water.
Raindrop Technique: The techniques combines aromatherapy, reflexology, and massage. It is an 8-step process inspired by the Lakota First People. The aromatic oils are dropped onto the body from a height of 6 inches and then massaged into the back muscles. Oils are also used to perform reflexology on the feet.
Forgiveness Therapy (FT): In 1997, research done at the University of Wisconsin showed that forgiveness could be taught and yield positive results. This therapy has been shown to be beneficial in the treatment of addictions.
Bioresonance Therapy (BRT): BRT uses the body's own electromagnetic frequencies to locate and then eliminate health problems. Using a BRT machine, healthy and unhealthy energies are measured in response to food, bacteria and toxins. The BRT machine is used around the world by dentists, doctors, and veterinarians.
Manual Lymphatic Drainage (MLD) aka Lymph Drainage Therapy (LDT): Created in the early 1930's by a Danish doctor, this therapy involves a series of massaging motions to help relieve chronic sinus congestion and immune disorders. It is also used to manage lymphedema (swelling of arms and legs due to lymphatic fluid accumulation).
Humor Therapy:" "Laughter is the best medicine" - and research has shown this to be true. In addition to being an affordable therapy, it is considered a type of Psychoneuroimmunology. The New England Journal of Medicine published the Norman Cousins case study in 1979 where Cousins designed his own therapy to treat ankylosing spondylitis. Cousins found that 15 minutes of laughter could bring him 2 hours of pain-free sleep. Laughter is known to reduce blood pressure, strengthen the immune system, reduce stress hormones, and release the body's natural pain killers - endorphins.
Korean Chi Therapy: This therapy is based on traditional Chinese medicine, but instead of using needles, the therapy is done with sound energy. Using the 360 energy channels in the body, Korean Chi Therapy recognizes when energy flow is restricted - resulting in illness. Generally, the practitioner's fingertips move above the body but slight fingertip pressure may also be used.
Korean Hand Therapy (KHT): Uses acupuncture but only in the hand, to treat the whole body. For those afraid of needles other options are available (see detailed link below)
Vega Test Method (VRT): VRT is also based on the principal of acupuncture but uses a machine to measure changes in skin conductivity. In VRT, the patient holds a device in one hand while a probe is placed on acupuncture points.
Therapeutic Eurythmy (TE): Often used to treat children with ADD or ADHD. It uses the principle of Eurythmy (harmonious rhythm). It is known as the 'art of visible speech and song' because it provides a physical element to the sounds of speech and music. In 1919, students in Germany were taught music, poetry and academic subjects using Eurythmy which showed improvements in coordination, and a sense of well-being.
Polarity Therapy: This therapy uses other energy-based processes. These include the ying-yang therapies of TCM (Traditional Chinese Medicine), and the Three Principles and Five Chakras of Ayurvedic Medicine. To measure a client's energy, the practitioner uses palpitation, observation, and interview. Polarity touch can have a variety of intensity levels. The therapy is designed to decrease a client's fixation on negative people, things, and events which reduces ones flexibility, and ability to forgive.
For Your Information - More Therapies listed by title only:
EMDR (Eye Movement Desensitization and Reprocessing)
TTouch-For-You
Auditory Intervention Technique (AIT)
Autogenics Training (AT)
Bioenergetic Analysis
Orgone Therapy
Alphabiotics
Radiesthia
Tapas Acupressure Technique (TAT)
See links below for more healing information (See newly added link to: 10 More Uncommon Alternative Medical Practices)
More Information About Healing Practices
- 10 More Uncommon Alternative Medical Practices
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What are ear candles and what are they good for? Ear candles are 8-12 inch cones of rolled up waxy paper material that are used to remove soft earwax. They come under the heading of alternative medicine... - What Are the Energy Therapies Used in Medicine?
Energy Therapy is a part of the medical practice known as CAM or Complementary and Alternative Medicine. Energy therapy is based on the belief that the use of natural energy fields can promote good health... - My Visit to a TCM Doctor in Beijing
High on my list of things to do when I visited Beijing, China, was to have a check-up done by a TCM (Traditional Chinese Medicine) doctor. Is it possible to be diagnosed without taking off my clothes, without... - Acupuncture for Cats and Dogs
Our cats and dogs are now suffering from the same chronic ailments previously thought to only affect humans. These ailments include diabetes, musculoskeletal problems like arthritis, asthma, chronic pain,...
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I'm all for laughter therapy -- it may not cure all that ails you, but you will feel better.
I agree with Immartin. Sometimes laughter cures all.
wow.....i didn't know that there were so many types of therapy......thx 4 share
Thank you BK, for a very informative and thought provoking hub, there so much knowledge in this hub. thank you for shariung it. Goodspeed. creativeone59
Me too GreenGardenGuy - I've been prescribed herbs by a TCM doctor and they have healed me. No side effects!
I want to laugh more Immartin. I want to think of some way to make my hubs hilarious!
I'm with you both Susan Carter - I want to laugh and laugh and laugh. And it does feel good.
You know loveofnight - I have a list with over 100 therapies but some just seemed so weird. But others I think need a whole hub - so I'm going to research further.
You're very welcome creativeone59 - thanks you so much for writing. I'm glad you found the hub informative.
Thanks so much for the comments!
um....i could go for a raindrop or a watsu technique right now!! sounds sooooo amazing! As always...your Hubs always teach me something fascinating!!
I agree with you the herbivorehippi - that raindrop technique sounds so soothing. I know some people who have done a type of watsu - and loved it because they would not have been limber enough otherwise. Good stuff.
Thanks so much for commenting!
Thank you so much for such an informative list! Isn't it great that so many more people are becoming more aware of alternative therapies? Here's hoping that some day, these will be very much a part of the mainstream - and not alternative - healthcare.
I think the humour therapy would be right up my alley. I love to laugh but often find that the stresses of the day bring less of it lately. I think I'm goint to try to laugh more. I know it has so many benefits, this will encourage me to relax a little more. Great Hub!
Bk...
Powerful hub! You are really into healing techniques, aren´t you? Great. This has been informative and very interesting! Thumbs up!
warmest regards and infinite blessings,
Al
Very good hub. I bookmarked it as it is so interesting and I was not familiar with all those types of therapies.
Very interesting. Thanks for the information.
BkCreative, I use behavior therapy to treat many developmental disorders, such as ADHD, communication deficits, eating disorders, atrophies, paralysis, tactile defensiveness, over-sensibility to sensory stimuli, emotional disorders, and many other things. Very often, I work in conjunction with MD's, physical therapists, and speech pathologists.
Holistic treatments will at some point replace many of today's medical treatments, at least when it comes to long term treatment. Most of what I see today is that medicine is focused in the immediate mending or patching of disease or dysfunction. Holistic therapies encompass the reorganization of environmental, nutritional, and other treatments. They are not so popular because they require long term work. Most people, practitioners and clients find these therapies too complicated and effortful. But they work very well.
I'm with you Shalini Kagal - Imagine a health care profession that doesn't heal. We are suffering so much here in the US because of the drugs, more so than the illness. One day we will make the change. We have to!
Yes, Veronica Allen - we have to laugh more. It does feel so good but yet we have so many issues to deal with. But I am going to change this. I must find more humor. You know when I pick up a video it is so violent even if it's called a comedy. No, we have to change this.
Thank you Mystique1957! I am finding other ways because I don't want to age with a medicine cabinet filled with drugs. I am perfectly healthy now but so many of my peers are on so many drugs - and are taught they will die without them. No effort is made by their doctors to promote health - just suppress symptoms. Sigh!
Hi Pamela99 - I have a list here of more than 100 therapies. There are so many - this is good because we have choices that are all non-invasive. And we should have choices.
You're welcome Deltachord! Glad you liked the hubs.
Good to hear this gramon1. I'm glad to hear that the medical profession is finally embracing other options - and the behavior therapy you mention seems to cover so much.
The philosophy of this medical profession to do no more than prescribe a drug is inexcusable. There is a whole history behind it of course - with the Rockefeller moguls supporting medical schools if they included the pharmaceuticals - and so they did. Perhaps with this ability to communicate with one another - the medical profession is hearing a roar from us.
Thanks for your input!
BkCreative, I really don't think that the medical profession, as in the American Medical Association (AMA) are too convinced about the use of alternatives, not even behavior therapies. But many doctors do experience many frustrations when their medicine is insufficient. So, many doctors are willing to consider combining their skills with other practitioners.
I think that is how revolutions happen, from the ground up!
Very Good Read Thank You.
These sound interesting! I've done Raindrop therapy before and found it excellent. Nice hub, BkCreative!
No doubt gramon1 - change is not coming too easily with the AMA. Even as the public begins to use more (so-called) alternative care - it is always with a caveat from the med profession, as in - this therapy works but science does not support it or the FDA does not approve and blah blah blah. Actually, those are two reason why I WOULD try an alternative.
Thanks for checking back.
Thank you dpfitzell. Glad you read and commented.
Great Katrina Ariel. I'm glad for the input about the Raindrop therapy. It just sounds so soothing yet luxurious. Just thinking about it.
This is a great hub BK! You have listed a few I am interested in learning more about, a couple I agree with (water therapy and laughter) and one that is new to me but has me very curious given my MS related eye problems. (EMDR) Any chance you will be taking requests for a hub about that one in particular? (smile) Wondering if it helps with dizziness. Thanks again for the great info.
Thanks so much Jen's Solitude. Maybe I can expand a bit more on EMDR. I have some great websites. There were so many therapies to choose from. I think I will research more and expand on some of them. I did with the Korean Hand Therapy (KHT) which has received a lot of responses.
Thanks for the compliment and thanks for the suggestion.
That is fantastic information - I love the Humor Therapy - and the Watsu - I would make up my own though - WATSUP therapy - ha ha. Laughter is the best medicine after all for all that ails us....great hub though and so nicely done!
You totally ROCK BK! I look forward to your answering my request, thank you in advance!
Great Hub, I really like the Forgiveness Therapy, forgiving someone does make yah feel better.
Fantascit hub, I must admitt I think I need them all, LOL, I enjoyed this hub and learned so much from you, thanks
BkCreative, you have great resources in your hub. I like the humor therapy. I haven't had a good laugh for a while. I'm wondering how do they make you laugh.
Interesting. I wonder if AMA would be comfortable with so many. They had to tusse with born to heal types when Ruth Montgomery wrote about it. SOme of them are really effective. Thanks for writing about them
This was a very interesting hub.
You know akirchner - just the idea of a 'Whatsup' therapy made me laugh! You are so clever - and I love your interview this week in the hub weekly - great stuff! Lots of great humor in your hubs!
Thanks for checking back Jen's Solitude - I'll look into some more therapies. I'm so glad we the people are effecting this change! Yay for us!!!
The Forgiveness therapy is interesting duncan101- it seems we have a great need for it. I like what Mary McCleod Bethune said - she said 'Forgiving is not forgetting, it's letting go of the hurt' - maybe we can work with that concept!
Funny Darlene Sabella - I'd like to sign up for the Raindrop Technique. And sure why not all. Nothing wrong with a higher state of well being.
When I was doing the research camiciob one writer wrote about how clowns are used where children are involved to make them laugh and how that helps healing. Maybe we need more clowns around us. I mean real clowns - not people we call clowns. That's what that Robin Williams movie was all about - him being a clown for the children.
It seems ramkkasturi that the AMA will not even recognize humor even though hospitals are using it in the way of clowns for children. I'm glad you found the hub interesting.
Thank you for writing nancy_30.
I appreciate the comments and the input that is shared.
Very creative hub, BKCreative! And my favorite is humor therapy! LOL! I hate when a day goes by without me achieving my much needed belly laugh!
Another very interesting hub, and as usual well written. I didn't knew about Korean Chi Therapy, seems pretty worth knowing. Thumbs up!
We do need to LOL everyday - several times Ann Nonymous! That great belly laugh. Yet...days do go by...with no laughter. Hmmm.
I'm glad you found the hub interesting hypbodude. I'm glad we are looking into other options - and taking control of our health.
Thanks for the comments!
So many. Far more than I had realised.
And there are many more ethel smith. I'm thinking of doing a second list. Thanks for commenting!
This is some great information BkCreative. I love the water and laughter therapys. I'm a great believer in laughter I feel it also keeps you young. Excellent hub
Thank you pmccray. Laughter seems to be the most popular therapy. SO it seems to be missing in our lives. Hmmmm. It means we have to laugh more! Thanks for commenting!
wow, BK, this is the first time to read all about these ones, I hope they gain more popularity in the massess as well, Thank you, Maita
You're welcome Maita. It seems every time I hear the news there is some approved drug being recalled because of life-threatening side effects. Like cholesterol drugs. One of the easiest things to do is control cholesterol - but we are given toxic drugs that threaten our lives. We are going to have to make a decision once and for all - to practice preventive health care or find causes and act accordingly - and stop with the drugs.
Thank you for writing!
Hi BK
A very interesting hub and like a lot of other commenters I really like the idea of laughter therapy. The idea of being able to enjoy myself whilst making myself healthier really appeals to me!!
Amber:)
I'm thinking Amber Allen since the laughter therapy is so popular (because we know it works) - I'm going to work on a hub. Hmmmm. Thanks for writing!
Very interesting, that's QUITE a list. Thanks for all the info.
I can't wait for the hub! I think you've found a really interesting area to write on. Amber:)
Thanks Paradise7 - there is so much more and I'm going to try and wade through a few more and write another list or maybe a couple specific hubs - or both. I'm so glad to see that we are embracing these new/old concepts.
I am so enjoying your hubs Amber Allen. In fact if you didn't stop here and comment I never would have met you. One of the greatest reasons for leaving comments - so we can connect. I will continue writing in this area since there is such a positive response. However, today is the first day of Spring, the sun is shining and it must be in the 70's - so I am off to get some 'sunshine therapy.'
Thanks for the comments!
What a super cool hub! It was all great... but humor therapy was my favorite. I wonder if there are groups or practitioners that practice this in some way. Have you ever heard of any?
Nice to meet you Emmeline. About humor therapy, I'm going to do a bit more research. I do think it is worth investigating further - it seems we are beginning to realize that we don't laugh as much as we want - like in days going by and no laughter. Kind of weird when you think about it. I'm going to work on a hub about it this week coming. I know I need to laugh more - much more.
I'll do a hub - and if any groups, I'll list it - and the best websites. Thanks for commenting.
you are just brilliant BK and I admire you for your belief into alternative medicine, this is a way to go in the future, Maita
Hi BKCreative, I want to first thk you for stopping by and commenting on my Coney Island Story. I really like your Alterative suggestions, I will give them a try. Especially EMDR and MDL. Well keep them coming, I really enjoy ready your Hubs so far, but I've got along way to go, to just get half way my best so far is the No.8 One.
Thanks so much Maita. I always appreciate hearing from you. I'm so glad we have decided to take control of our health. I think I will write some more hubs about alternative medicine. Although it is ancient in the rest of the world it is all so new here.
Hello Amez! I read your comment about the lucky number 8 - and I left an answer. I am beginning to feel very lucky by the way. And I'm going to work on more alternative hubs. They are getting such positive feedback. We are truly receptive to taking control of our health.
Thanks for the comments!
Informative Hub!!!!!!
The hub is useful for the masses at great extent. It provides excellent list of alternative sources of medicine. The best part is that they do not possess any side effects. The various therapies which were mentioned in the hub like Polarity Therapy, Therapeutic Eurythmy, Korean Hand Therapy, Korean Chi Therapy, Humor Therapy, Bioresonance Therapy, Forgiveness Therapy, Raindrop Technique, and Watsu etc., the therapy which attracted me most was humor therapy. Thanks for sharing such wonderful peace of text.
You're welcome brethodge - and thank you for commenting. I appreciate your input. I'm so glad to see that we are all becoming more receptive to what is called alternative. My experiences have been so positive with 100% results.
Nice to meet you by the way. I'll come visit!
What a different and thought provoking article!! Thank you for this hub.
very interesting.. Laughter therapy is best one ! It relaxes your stress.. Good to know about all other ones.
You're welcome Coolmon2009. I'm glad you found the hub interesting. I'm so glad we are embracing this positive change.
Thank you, too, Ten Blogger. The laughter therapy seems to be the most popular therapy. I will certainly work on it and create a hub!
I appreciate the comments! Thanks for writing!
Quite interesting. There's so many options in this hub.
wow i so enjoyed this hub, it was definately alternative, and some of things i have never heard of before, thanks
Thank you portamenteff! I'm glad you found the hub and the options interesting.
You're welcome poetlorraine! I'm so glad to see these alternative. I'm glad you enjoyed the hub.
Thanks for the comments!
Thanks for publishing this article. I am currently doing a show on a local FM radio station on alternatives. This list will be useful in exploring and presenting alternatives. May I refer to your article? I have been publishing hubs myself under the name davidisaiah
You're certainly welcome to use the article - I'm so glad you are spreading the word. And I am going to work on several more alternative therapies, because I am getting such positive feedback.
Thanks for writing - and glad to meet you by the way!
I've heard of some of these therapies but, I am looking into the others. This was a good read. Thanks.
You're welcome phoxphire! I'm looking into some more therapies to write about. I'm glad about this interest in effecting change! Thanks for commenting!
Well they are not all laughs for sure but being here doing whatever I want I have done many probably no one else has enjoyed but I have fun doing them, this place has been the best thing for me in years, and laughter yes, but also that forgiveness,,that is a hard one that has to be done for our own sakes. And I think we feel better and can laugh after we tell the ones off we need to forgive, don't you? J/K,,kinda
I'm with you Pollyannalana - what a community we have. It's interesting that we have to be taught forgiveness. I lived for awhile in a culture that didn't allow problems from one day to extend to the next. What was yesterday was done - today is for the present - and tomorrow, we'll get there. It was a strange experience - because I can hold a grudge. I find it easier to let things go now. Whew!
I'm glad you wrote and glad you are having fun. Me too!
Love this hub.
It is my opinion there are lots of different ways to effect health concerns. And I truly believe in CAM...NOT Alternative. So often you see health minded people fighting among themselves as to what is the only way to treat.
In my opinion, like in nature, there are many ways to get what we need. A kind Heavenly Father or loving Mother Nature does not restrict healthful, helpful, thing, ways or techniques to one nation or region, but helps people where they live work with things they know.
When we stop fighting about who had the 'only' way that works, and realize we are all on the same side...that of health and happiness...and start understanding and respecting each other, the world will be a much better place to be.
Thanks for compiling this info.
You're welcome Healthy Hanna. It is all there for us. Perhaps soon we will see clearly. I've been happy and healthy and as long as I stay away from toxic drugs I expect to remain so.
Most cultures advocate prevention. That's the side I am on. But then the next step should be holistic - not a one size fits all drug to suppress. It should be safe and chemical-free. We were never meant to ingest chemicals.
Thanks for commenting!
I definitely can see how these types of therapies would help...Great Hub Bk!
Thanks Michael Shane - this list inspired me to write a separate hub about Humor Therapy. It seems we are ready for this type of healthy change.
Great hub! i really like the laughter therapy
It seems the laughter therapy is becoming very popular. I'm so happy. It makes me feel like laughing. Nice to meet you by the way and I've already checked out your hubs!
This is an outstanding hub! Many people can get confused with all the options. My suggestion would be to try each one and see what works best for you.
Good idea HappyHer - I think any one of them would make us feel better so nothing wrong with that. And the websites offer a lot of information for further research.
Thanks for your input!
Now I wonder why doctors haven't approved humour therapy-ha!laughter is one of the few things we can't be charged for-yet:)
I tried bio-resonance a couple of years ago for chronic pain following shingles-it was so uplifting,and while I still occasionally get pain,it has never been as bad since.A real feel good therapy too.
Thanks so much itakins for that input about bio-resonance. There is nothing better than a personal experience and recommendation.
And yes, we must laugh more. May 10th is designated "World Laughter Day" - I hope we hear more about it.
I'm glad you commented!
Great information. I think that natural medicine is always better for your health than synthetic products.
Was Egoscue in your list? I didn't notice it. Worth researching to combine with chiropractic for musculoskeletal disorders and postural improvement.
Thanks for reading and commenting Clifton Gerdeman. I agree with you.
I'll research Egoscue, Dr. Harris Meyer. I'm not familiar with it - and so many other options. Thanks for the input!
I loved reading that "forgiveness" is part of Alternative Medicine therapy. Until we learn to forgive (others and ourselves) we hold on to toxins which have a mammoth affect on our bodies. Very interesting and educational, reading about various alternative techniques. Wish I could try them all! Great hub, as always. Your fan forever ~ :)vocalcoach
Love hearing from you vocalcoach. It is too bad how much stress is destroying us. We have to find ways to let go. And certainly forgive ourselves.
Thanks so much for writing!
GreenGardenGuy 2 years ago
Interesting. I'm all for alternative treatments. I mostly stick to herbs and herbal therapies. Have had quite good results with them.