There are many other forms of complementary and alternative medicine. These are just a few:
A process of neuro re-education, this is designed to improve well being and relieve pain associated with poor posture, injury and chronic illness.
The use of essential oils in massage, sprays, compresses, bathing or just burning in a room to have a restoring and calming effect on both mind and body.
Another ancient system of healing, Ayurveda comes from India. Ayurveda believes that the five elements of the universe are present in the body resulting in one of three personality types known as “doshas”. Similar to Traditional Chinese Medicine, Ayurveda views good health as the result of the mind, body and soul working in harmony together. Imbalances are dealt with through traditional herbs and exercises (yoga).
Bach Flower remedies are named after their founder Dr Edward Bach who was an English physicist in the 1930’s. Taking the essence of flowers, Dr Bach noted that different flowers were able to either create or dispel emotional states that he believed were intrinsic to disease. For example the flowering essence of Mimulus is used to dispel feelings of fear, especially of the unknown.
Bush Flower remedies are Australia’s answer to the Bach Flower remedies. Based on native Australian Bush flowers, they are also used for dealing with emotionally based reactions
A form of bodywork designed by Australian Tom Bowen in the mid 1900’s. Bowen technique relies on gentle, accurate, short sequences that target stress buildup in the muscles. Interestingly, there are short “breaks” of rest during the session which are designed to allow the body to absorb the treatment.
Already well known, Traditional Chinese Medicine is centered around the belief that disease arises as a result of imbalance of one of the 5 elements. Diagnosis is done through inspecting the tongue and measuring the pulses of the meridians. Treatment is then given by altering diet and lifestyle with the addition of herbs and acupressure / acupuncture.
A relatively strong kind of bodywork technique that relies on the manipulation of the spine to bring about stress relief, good posture and ultimately good health.
Colour therapy works by stimulating the optic nerve to correct energy and emotional imbalances. This can be used alone or with other therapies.
A verbal form of therapy, counselling explores personal beliefs and values to address stress management or emotional traumas such as conflict or grief.
A form of body work that relies predominantly on extremely light touches focused on the tissues of head going down to the tailbone. This is based on the concept that spinal fluid and the bones in the head and spine are constantly in movement.
Crystals have long been associated with wealth, power and healing. Crystal and Gem Therapy work by channeling or focusing energy to areas where a condition lies. For example amethyst is thought to bring a clear and open mind whilst smoky quartz is thought to be more grounding.
Most CAM practitioners are aware of and utilise the body’s own energy for the purposes of healing. Whether on a magnetic level or an electrical level, there are unseen energies at work within the body. Energy healers such as those who work in Reiki are trained to be more sensitive to areas of the body that have less energy as a result of disease or pain.
They will usually work with channels, meridians or fields.
A process which sees the practitioner tap into the subconscious mind via special audio equipment to bring clarity and health. Similar to biofeedback in which the patient is taught how to lower their own blood pressure through a range of specialised techniques.
This is one of the most common forms of alternative medicine. A trained herbalist will seek to balance states of disease by using herbs in teas, tinctures, extracts, powders or pills.
