5 of the most ‘alternative’ therapies
Are you finding that conventional medical treatments are just not working and you need to try something different? Well here are 5 alternative therapies that you may not have even heard of, but can possibly help towards a solution to your physical and mental matters:
Note: it is always worth making sure that anyone carrying out these form of treatments on a professional basis have comprehensive therapist insurance in place.
Gem Healing Therapy
Gem therapy is believed to be a form of healing, using gemstones that carry certain vibrations which have the effect of changing people’s aura. Healers believe that one’s human body consists of 9 colours, and any shortage or extra of one of these colours can distress the body, and possibly even lead to illnesses. Gemstones are used to restore the balance to the original composition of the nine colours. It is very important that the gemstones are of a natural origin and have not been modified in any way, as this can result in loss of inherent energies.
Abhyanga
Abhyanga is a self-treated therapy whereby you anoint yourself with warm oils infused with herbs. It is considered that this form of therapy gives you a similar feeling to being loved, providing a sense of warmth and stability. A Charaka Samhita book states that ‘by using oil massage daily, a person is endowed with pleasant touch, trimmed body parts and becomes strong, charming and least affected by old age’. The treatment will take around 15-30 minutes.
Tok Sen Therapy
Tok Sen originates from Thailand and was originally known to be an ancient therapy, whereby wives would tap wooden sticks along the body of their husbands to relieve their hard day’s work. The wooden sticks are made from the wood of a tamarind tree that has been struck by lightning. This event is said to have allowed the wood to be removed of any negative energy. The tapping of the wooden sticks on one’s body will send them into a meditative state and allow the body to loosen for an effective massage treatment. This therapy aids pain relief, improves blood circulation and removes energy blockages.
Buteyko
Dr K P Buteyko developed breathing exercises to help healthy breathing patterns. This method of therapy is said to allow individuals to find the correct ratio of carbon dioxide and oxygen within the bloodstream. There are many people suffering from illnesses related to breathing, like asthma and emphysema, who have claimed that Buteyko has reconditioned and normalised their breathing. As Buteyko has been recognised by the British Thoriac Society as a valid intervention for Asthma, GP’s and consultants can refer patients to undertake Buteyko as a form of treatment.
Gua Sha Therapy
Gua Sha is a natural therapy deriving from China, that involves scraping your skin with a massage tool to help with inflammation. The majority of people who use this type of therapy tend to be those who suffer from chronic pain, muscle or joint pain. Although the procedure is not painful, it may change the appearance of the skin as it involves rubbing and scraping of tiny blood vessels near the surface of the skin, which can lead to them bursting.
