Types of Alternative Medicine

Allopathy refers to the old practice of medicine, which is the most dominant form of health care. However, as more and people are becoming aware of allopathy side effects, people are switching to different types of alternative medicine practices. A glance at the history of alternative medicine will show the various healing benefits using herbs, massages or spiritual healing methods. Here is an alternative medicine review, that will help you understand different types of alternative medicine.

Types of Alternative Medicine

Traditional Chinese Medicine
Traditional Chinese medicine also known as TCM, includes a range of different traditional medicinal practices which originated in China. TCM is the standard care in the Orient for over 3000 years, and includes various methods of healing like, acupuncture, diet, herbal medicines, physical movement like Tai chi, and massage techniques.

Aromatherapy
Aromatherapy includes use of various essential oils, which affect greatly to relieve pain, reduce stress, help to improve mood, and improve health. You can find aromatherapy oils in many health care stores, you can pick an oil for its healing properties. Some of the best aromatherapy oils are lavender oil, tea tree oil, frankincense oil, etc.

Ayurveda
Ayurveda originated over 5000 years ago in India, and it predates all other medical systems known to us. In Ayurveda a person's body type is taken into consideration, and then selective method are used for treatment. This is an alternative medicine science which has remedies to cure almost all kinds of illness, right from basic pain relieving medicines to medicines to cure cancer.

Crystal Healing
In crystal healing magnificent stones which have healing powers are used. These stones can help to improve your mood, and help you get rid of stress. Many stones also help to clean and revitalize the aura. Here is some more information on crystal healing.

Herbal Medicine
Herbal medicine also known as herbalism is an old alternative medicine treatment which uses various herbs and plant extract, which have special healing, aromatic or therapeutic properties. You can find many dried or fresh herbs which you can use to make teas, paste or syrups, or simply use herbs in cooking to flavor various dishes. You can also grow a herb garden which takes very less space, and use the medicinal herbs for different ailments.

Homeopathy
In homeopathy, which is an alternative medicine branch, minute doses of a natural extract are used to produce signs and symptoms of the illness, which stimulates the body's defenses that leads to a stronger healthier balance of internal chemistry.

Hypnotherapy
Hypnotherapy has many benefits, and can help to cure certain illness which can be psychological or physiological, without use of any medication. It can help in quitting smoking or help in weight loss. In this technique of healing an altered state of consciousness in the patient can be administered either by a practitioner or by the person itself.

Massage Therapy
Massage therapy can greatly help to relax your body and mind, can help to get rid of toxins from the body, purify the skin and even help in weight loss. There are hundreds of techniques of massage, and you can get a relaxing or stimulating massage at any health spa, and combine it with a sauna to get more health benefits.

Meditation
Many meditation techniques have been developed by different people. You can use tantra, yoga, zen, Tibetan or a basic breathing vipassana technique, which will help you to balance your mind. A meditation technique which suits you can help to reduce stress, and enhance your life by bringing balance and wellness to it.

Naturopathy
Naturopathy refers to using natural substances to prevent and cure diseases. By following naturopathy one can increase body's resistance power greatly. Most naturopathy practitioners implement element from various alternative techniques which help to create good health using, acupuncture, herbs, massage, etc.

Reiki
Reiki is a form of spiritual healing, in which a reiki practitioner uses his energy for healing a person. Reiki or energy medicine is combined with diet therapy or herbal or homeopathic remedies to help bring balance to a person's physical and emotional health.

Reflexology
Reflexology is alternative medicine science of healing touch, in which pressure to certain points in the body are applied to treat various ailments. Our body when suffering from any illness is under lot of stress or sustained injuries, using reflexology the body can be brought back to a balanced state.

Other Alternative Medicine Practices
Apart from the above mentioned alternative medicine branches, here are some more alternative medicine practices which help to heal the mind and body.