The term “alternative medicine” may also be referred to as “complementary medicine”. It describes any medical treatment that is not traditionally used. Some traditional Chinese medical techniques such as Acupuncture, once thought of as strictly alternative have now become much more mainstream. Today Acupuncture is often used in conjunction with a more traditional therapy. Although practiced for centuries in other parts of the world, some examples of therapies still considered “alternative medicine” in the west are Ayurveda, Homeopathy, Naturopathy, Chinese or Oriental Medicine and Reiki.

A chiropractic adjustment is a common practice used to manipulate the vertebrae of the back and neck. The goal is to help reduce pain and stiffness, eliminate nerve irritation and improve the overall range of movement. It typically involves a short, high powered thrust firmly applied to the vertebrae accompanied by a “pop” which is a release of gas (oxygen, nitrogen, and carbon dioxide) from within the joint. Most often, relief is felt immediately although there may be some short term, minor discomfort if the muscle is in spasm during the adjustment.

While the many benefits of acupuncture have traditionally been used for the body, acupuncture has many benefits for facial rejuvenation as well.

Ultra-thin acupuncture needles, when placed into key points on the face create a gentle stimulation and movement of blood flow. This stimulation aids in the production of new collagen to help firm and tone the skin. Once the blood flow has been stimulated, a facial mask of Chinese herbal ingredients is applied. This soothing and gentle mask helps hydrate and nourish the skin while also improving skin elasticity.

A complete treatment is 10 – 12 sessions although significant improvement is often seen after just 6 sessions.

Cupping is an ancient therapy and popular form of alternative medicine. It is used to increase blood flow, help with pain, and also as a deep tissue massage. The suction created by cupping helps to loosen tight muscles and increases blood flow. This increased blood flow helps to stimulate healing in the affected area. It is also believed to mildly relax the nervous system and is sometimes used as an alternative treatment for high blood pressure.

Moxibustion is a traditional Chinese heat therapy that involves the burning of the plant mugwort called “moxa” close to the surface of the skin. It has been used for thousands of years in Asia to help energize the flow of Qi and to provide balance within the body. When used along with acupuncture, Moxibustion has been shown to be effective for muscle stiffness, tendonitis, arthritis, headaches and migraines.

Shiatsu, an acupressure system originating in Japan is based upon thousands of years of Eastern philosophy. In Oriental medicine, disease is believed to be a disruption of the energy flow called Qi along the meridian pathways in the body. Qi is thought of as the essence of life and is experienced both physically as well as spiritually. Creating a balance of this energy is the goal of Zen Shiatsu. The massage itself can be as gentle or as forceful as the patient requires.

By using a combination of firm pressure with gentle stretching, the therapist can redirect this flow of energy and create a more balanced flow. This combination of expansive stretching and compression is used to release areas of stagnation or energy blockage. Once this energy flow is balanced no part of the body is overworked. The aim of Zen Shiatsu is to promote a balanced flow of energy in the body in order to maintain good health.

Although America is largely dependent on modern medicine in the treatment of disease, herbal medicines are used by almost 80% of the world’s population. Herbal medicines have a written history dating back 5000 years and were the primary source of healing since the beginning of time.

The focus of herbal medicine is to stimulate the body’s natural healing process through the use of herbs along with a healthy diet and lifestyle. Although modern medicines used to be largely derived from plants, today only 15% are still plant based. Conventional medicine focuses mainly on using strong, synthetically derived chemicals to attack disease. Often these chemicals have side effects of their own.

Nicotine is a highly addictive drug. Whether through smoking or ingestion, nicotine has the ability to bond to receptors in the brain causing the brain to produce dopamine, the so-called “feel good” hormone. It is that production of dopamine that makes it so hard for a smoker to quit.

While most smokers are aware of the dangers of nicotine, few realize that within a cigarette there may be up to 7000 different chemicals. Each of these chemicals creates a reaction in the body. Quitting cigarettes creates another reaction as the body adjusts to life without this overload of stimulants. In the first stages of cessation there may be a fogginess or lack of clarity in thinking, daytime lethargy, nighttime insomnia, irritability and headache.

The good news is that physical improvements can begin within a month of quitting smoking. The first signs are a general improvement in your respiratory health. You may cough less or simply have less sinus irritation. Cilia, which were once encased in nicotine tar may begin to grow again and renew themselves inside the lungs. Within one year of quitting, a person’s risk of coronary disease is cut in half and blood pressure and heart rate often return to their normal states.

Today there are several options to help overcome a smoking addiction. Bupropian, the generic form of Wellbutrin has been shown to aid in the cessation of smoking. Nicotine replacement therapy in the form of skin patches or gum and lozenges offer a gradual withdrawal from nicotine. Some people find success with behavior modification by examining the triggers that cause the tobacco craving and replacing that urge with a more healthy option like exercise.

Traditional Chinese medicine dates back almost 3,000 years and is rooted in Taoist philosophy. It encompasses many different forms including herbal medicines, therapeutic massage, acupuncture, and moxibustion. Tai Chi and Qi Gong, practices that combine breathing, specific movements and mental focus, are also considered part of traditional Chinese medicine.

In Western culture, perhaps the most widely used therapy is acupuncture. In fact, The American Academy of Acupuncture (AAMA) was created in 1987 to represent physicians (MDs and DOs) in North America who use acupuncture in their traditional medical practice. The society currently represents over 1300 physician acupuncturists in North America alone.

Craniosacral therapy or (CST) is sometimes referred to a “subtle therapy” because of its very gentle movements used to manipulate the synarthrodial joints of the skull. It is considered an alternative therapy in which a practitioner gently holds the skull and sacrum while moving it very slightly. It is believed that these tiny movements can alter the circulation and pressure of the cerebrospinal fluid that cushions the spinal cord and brain. This therapy, also called cranial osteopathy is used to help relieve tension and stress.

The philosophy of holistic medicine is that one can only achieve optimal health when all parts of the person (mind, body, spirit) are working together. The body must work synergistically. If there is an imbalance, this can result in poor health. A holistic doctor may often use alternative as well as conventional therapies to treat a patient. Therapy could include medications to relieve symptoms but possibly a lifestyle change as well to prevent the symptoms from recurring.