How do you define an alternative therapy? The name makes it sound as though these forms of treatment are outside of the mainstream, yet for many, their alternative therapy practitioner is the first port of call when they need treatment.
Indeed, more and more people are turning to one form of alternative therapy or another instead of the allopathic western forms of treatment, based as they are on invasive surgeries and powerful drugs.
Alternative therapy, sometimes known as complementary medicine, thus refers to a varied group of therapeutic and diagnostic disciplines that exist, for the most part, outside the institutions where conventional health care is taught or provided.
Interestingly, mainstream medicine is beginning to recognise these treatments more and more - in the UK, some GPs and Primary Care Trusts are now referring people for treatment such as chiropractic. Why? Because it is cheaper and more effective than the mainstream options.
Collected under this umbrella you will find a diverse range of treatments, some based on ancient systems, others of more recent origin. The following list, though not exhaustive, gives some idea of the options available:
- Acupuncture
- Chiropractic
- Osteopathy
- Reflexology
- Applied Kinesiology
- Reiki
- Aromatherapy
- Homoeopathy
- Hypnosis
- Shiatsu
In addition, there are a range of what might be termed "self-help" techniques, practices that can be followed on a regular basis to attempt to improve and maintain your own health. This would include exercise techniques such as yoga or the Alexander Technique, and practices such as Nutritional Therapy.
