Massage therapy, chiropractic care, yoga, acupressure, and herbal remedies and supplements are all forms of alternative medicine. Understanding the techniques used with each type, however, is essential in successful treatment.

While medical doctors used to frown on a patient’s use of most of these, a change has occurred within the medical field. Doctors now even prescribe some of these in their treatment of ailments like back pain, osteoarthritis, fibromyalgia, high blood pressure and cholesterol levels, and even hypertension. In a Consumer Reports article, doctors stated they wished patients would inform them when they are taking supplements and using other forms of alternative medicine, as it aids in the ongoing study of effective treatment plans.

Massage Therapy

The Touch Research Institute (TRI) at the University of Miami School of Medicine has confirmed the benefits of deep tissue massage in their testing of infants through seniors. Light to moderate pressure to both tissue and muscles sets off a chain of biological events within the human body. Studies have proven weight gain in premature infants, reduction of depression symptoms (both physical and mental), reduction of pain, and improvement of the immune system.

There are over 30 variations of massage therapy used by professionals today. Each one is designed to alleviate pain and stimulate the body’s own healing process.

· Active Release Techniques (ART) – soft tissue massage for overused muscles.

· Acupressure – pressure applied to points on the body to get blood flowing and restore health.

· Shiatsu – type of Oriental therapy involving stretching and pressure point therapy.

· Joint Mobilization – type of massage and exercise therapy given by physical therapists.

· Myofascial Release – prolonged, deep pressure applied to areas of the Myofascial network to restore movement and eliminate pain.

· Neuromuscular Therapy – uses alternating amounts of pressure applied to muscle spasms; most useful on lower back pain.

· Deep Connective Tissue Massage – a form of intense, deep pressure applied to points of the body to relieve stress and muscle tension, and alleviate pain.

Chiropractic Care

Chiropractors treat musculoskeletal and nervous system disorders, addressing the root of the problem rather than its symptoms. Not only is the technique of spinal manipulation and joint therapy effective, but it is often more cost effective. Even today, it is much less expensive for this type of treatment than traditional medical office visits, x-rays, tests, and prescription drugs. The benefits of these alternative treatments are freedom from pain, stiffness, and an overall sense of health and well-being, stimulated by the body’s own endocrines from the adjustments. For many patients, chiropractic care is the only alternative to surgery.

Herbal Remedies & Supplements

Herbal remedies are sold in health stores and retail vitamin shops, and can be grown and made at home. Like vitamin supplements , there are thousands of types for healing various ailments, but they are not all the same. Scientific research has proven that the body’s ability to absorb certain vitamins and minerals is dependent on specific types of manufacturing processes in order to ensure their effectiveness. Some supplements are more effective when taken together with other supplements. So it is important to do the research and seek professional advice in developing a whole-health regimen.

The difference between prescription drugs and herbal remedies and supplements is often a point of confusion for consumers, and understanding these differences goes a long way towards seeing benefits for your particular condition. A prescription drug which relieves pain does so as soon as it enters the bloodstream. A supplement, such as glucosamine chondroitin, will also relieve the pain, but it will take a month or more before the results show up in the body. This supplement is aiding the body in building up joint tissue and strength, and that takes time. Once the buildup of this substance is constant in the body, the result is no more joint pain. Not only is the supplement less expensive than prescription medical treatment, but it has no side effects, as with synthetic pharmaceuticals, and it addresses the root of the problem, not just relieves the symptoms.

Another misconception is that a supplement is the cure. It is only one part of a natural approach and should be used in conjunction with a healthy diet, exercise, and other preventative measures like the use of sunscreen to avoid skin cancer.

Alternative medicine is any remedy used in lieu of traditional medical treatment, whereas some that fall under this category are actually complementary, used together with known medical practices to cure. While some alternative therapies have not been proven in studies, they are still being researched. Regardless of whether they are accepted by traditional medical science, the real proof of their effectiveness lies with the individual who uses them. Medical science continues to look at these treatments and explore their ability to aid the body in achieving whole health.