Acupuncture is the practice of puncturing the skin with needles at certain anatomical points in the body believed to stimulate the central nervous system. This releases chemicals into the muscles, spinal cord, and brain. These biochemical changes may stimulate the body's natural healing abilities. They may promote physical and emotional well-being.
Ayurveda encourages certain lifestyle interventions and natural therapies to regain a balance between the body, mind, spirit, and the environment. Ayurveda treatment starts with an internal purification process, followed by a special diet, herbal remedies, massage therapy, yoga, and meditation.
Biofeedback is a technique that involves using visual or auditory feedback to gain control over involuntary bodily functions, such as heart rate, muscle tension, and blood flow.
Manipulative and body-based therapies treat various conditions through bodily manipulation. These therapies are based on the belief that the body can regulate and heal itself and that its parts are interdependently. Examples include chiropractic, osteopathic manipulation, cupping, massage, moxibustion, and reflexology.
Euthanasia refers to deliberately ending someone’s life, usually to relieve suffering. Doctors sometimes perform euthanasia when it’s requested by people who have a terminal illness and are in a lot of pain. Different countries have different euthanasia laws.
By creating images in your mind, you can reduce pain and other symptoms tied to your condition. The more specific the visualization, the more helpful it will likely be. People are taught to imagine sights, sounds, smells, tastes, or other sensations to create a kind of daydream that "removes" them from or gives them control over their present circumstances.
Homeopathy is the treatment of disease by minute doses of natural substances that in a healthy person would produce symptoms of disease. It is based on the idea that "like cures like", as substances that can cause certain symptoms can also help cure them.
Hypnosis is considered a complementary or alternative medical treatment when conducted by a trained therapist. It’s used in various settings, including emergency rooms, dental offices, and outpatient clinics. Clinical studies suggest that hypnosis may improve immune function, increase relaxation, decrease stress, and ease pain and feelings of anxiety.
Meditation is often considered a form of alternative medicine as it can help reduce stress, improve emotional health, and enhance self-awareness. There are various types of meditation, such as mindfulness and transcendental meditation.
Naturopathic medicine is a system that uses natural remedies to help the body heal itself. It embraces many therapies, including herbs, massage, acupuncture, exercise, and nutritional counseling. It often brands its treatments as natural and non-invasive.
Reiki is an energy healing technique that promotes relaxation, reduces stress and anxiety through gentle touch. Reiki practitioners use their hands to deliver energy to your body, improving the flow and balance of your energy to support healing.