By Michael Obrien


Alternative healing modalities is a branch in medicine that deals with all non-convectional therapies used for the purposes of curing disease. Unlike the convectional means, they do not have concrete scientific backing on their mechanisms of action. In terms of function they can be subdivided into complementary methods which work in conjunction to convectional therapies to enhance the actions of the convectional methods.

The use of these forms of treatment is quickly gaining popularity in many countries including the united states. A recent research showed that about every 4 people out of 10 use some form of this therapy. The reasons suggested for the increasing trend include dissatisfaction with disappointing convectional treatments, the increasing evidence of effectiveness of these methods and the improved communication between nations and cultures on approaches to disease processes.

There are several principles that are fundamental to the practice of these forms of therapies despite lack of scientific approval. One is having a conviction that our body must be viewed and treated as a whole and not just symptoms of diseases. Good health is considered a perfect balance of the body mind and spirit. The other principle is that our body is designed to heal itself and does not need external interventions like surgeries but it eventually heals with good support.

There are about five major modalities that are employed in this approach. These include alternative treatment systems which include activities such as acupuncture, Ayurveda, chiropractic medicine and hypnotherapy. Acupuncture involves using sharp needles pierced on specific points in the body to bring about balance in the body energy. Ayurveda is an Indian traditional practice that aims at treating the body, mind and spirit together.

Another category is the biological based techniques, here there is the use of herbs either whole plants or parts thereof like roots. These plants that specialists have identified have different roles when consumed and can cause relief from sickness. It also include the use of special diets to manage disease conditions. Taking a diet low in sugars and fats for diabetic patients is one example. Body manipulative methods is another group which includes practices like massage where the experts through applying moderate pressure on the body provide relaxation and eases stress on the individual.

There is the group of meditation modalities. The principle here is to clear the mind of any harmful condition in the surrounding and to give them a state of peace that is therapeutic. An example is the meditations practiced by Buddhists. Practices such as religious prayer and faith in a supernatural powerful being for help is part of meditation.

The last modality is energy modalities, these are based on the belief that the body contains of energy that is essential to survival and can be influenced into the correct flow in presence of disease. Magnetic fields are commonly applied in this set ups to affect nerve functions.

Although the alternative healing modalities may not be fully understood from a scientific view, they remain to be an essential and useful part in the management of disease processes. Doctors now encourage patient to use them appropriately where they can be accessed.




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