We have all heard of alternative medicine. A practice which relies on the system of natural healing. One that does not use prescription medications or surgery. These therapies include everything from flowers to herbs, from water to crystals to hands on therapy to fine thin needles.
There are numerous alternative therapies which are available today some are well known such as acupuncture and chiropractic. Some have been heard of like hydro therapy and laser therapy. Then there are some we think we may have heard of and are not sure or never heard of and at the same time not at all familiar with what they are. Below are a few of these therapies that I personally have been asked about from time to time.
Chelation Therapy
Chelation therapy is based on the perception that upon the occurrence of a particular amino acid complex (EDT) comes in touch with definite positive charged metals and other materials like lead, zinc and copper it will adhere to them and remove them. The therapy is the method consists of taking out the substances which we do not want through the methods of intervense, orally or in a organic compound.
Chelation therapy is known for the ability to remove heavy metals which cause poisoning. It does come with numerous benefits for persons among them is aiding in repairing muscle damage, reduction of the risk of blood clots developing and can actually aide in bringing cholesterol levels to a normal range. The therapy can average around $3,000 if done intravenously however, the oral method is much less expensive.
Anti-aging Therapy
In literal terms means blending different types of therapies together to slow down and/or reverse the aging process. This is done through anti-aging and longevity medicines. Organic vitamins and supplements are now available at many homeopathic sites. Even creams to help are now ready for purchase. Some creams and supplements can be found at places such as Health Stimulant and even Anti-aging Hormone Replacement Institutes can be located one such place is The Longevity and Aesthetics Institute.
Candle Therapy
Candles have been around and used for centuries. They are used in churches, used in rituals all over the world and just simply used. The candles flame has always been a symbol for the soul. It has been stated that it is endowed with tranquility and bring about a mesmerizing effect. Candle therapy has been combined with other therapies like aroma and music.
Meditation Usage
In meditation it has it is stated that if a lit candle which has color, made with essential or botanical oils, that the basic energies are then discharged into the atmosphere. At which time they are consumed by the person who is in the immediate area of the candle. Every and each element in the universe does have an aura which have unique qualities.
The greatest and most favorable of meditation healing is to arrange the candles in a geometric pattern. The geometric energy then is activated by the arrangement of the candles for particular healing. Different shapes will change and heighten the outcomes of colors and scents.
A square formation balances the whole physiological system. The life force around it is grounded and calmed around the color of the candle, its scent or the meditation technique used.
Triangle produces the act of expansion. The energy of healing becomes heightened particularly if used during a meditation and if the presence of color or scent is in the candle the meditation becomes more cleansed.
Cross pattern adds in the balance of the elements earth, wind, fire and air contained within the person letting the reaction from the candle work more productively. It influences the center of the heart. It can be applied to all issues related to it. Our physical energy is also balanced.
Color Therapy
A holistic healing in by which the using of color is used in order to influence mood, emotions and possibly health. There are many was to integrate this particular therapy into your life. Sit under a light which radiates different colors. Use a colored light (pen light)and point to particular parts of the body. Wearing particular color of clothing and even glasses with colored lens like yellow, green and purple.
Light shades have a way of altering us. On bright sunny days you feel full of energy and happy but on rainy days you feel unsettled and fatigue. Light contains a whole scope of colors even if it is not visible to the human eye. Each color has its own frequency and vibration. Some natural healers hold the belief that a different color associates to each part of the body. If you read up on Chakras this can explain it in further detail.
Some persons and even practitioners hold to the belief the bodies tissues and organs require light. Upon a disease or injury occurring the vibration or energy of an organ within the body is afflicted. By putting to use the linked color frequency can then put back the body to health again. The practice of Eastern medicine states everyone has meridians that carry energy throughout our body and link to the organs. This is the premise as used in acupuncture. Acupuncture removes the blockage in the body to allow the flow of energy to continue.
Alternative medicine and holistic health use color therapy. Neurologist have found this therapy useful for children with Autism. Such as using red colored lenses.
If you are interested in color therapy there are books available at most major bookstores. You can even order the glasses, books and oils online at Color Glasses.
Crystal Healing
This particular healing employs the use of crystals in order to promote changes within the body and give positive changes within.
The belief behind this healing is that the crystals contain vibrational rates. When you place these in the aura your auras vibrational rates alter. The simplest way to achieve this is just simply wear the crystal/gemstone on a chain around your neck. There is a lot of information on this subject on the internet.
Crystal therapy done by a crystal therapist or practitioner has been used to help aide in removal of chronic pain. The practitioner places the crystals around the person laying on the floor in a single or in a specific geometric shape. The crystal than take aim at, absorb, direct and then separates allowing the condition in our bodies to bring back a natural rhythm that cures the disturbance.
Ear Candling
I am sure most people have heard of using ear candles to remove wax by inserting a candle into the ear and lighting it.
Basically this is an ancient tradition by lighting a cotton ear candle and inserting the other end into the ear. This basically is to work just like aromatherapy. It provides you to calm your body and emotions, calm your mind and promotes general overall good health.
Yes, it can also be used to remove earwax that has built up in the ear and causing uncomfortable symptoms such as headaches. The ear candling therapist will allow the candle to burn down and then put it out. Some therapists will cut it open and show the client the wax/contents of your ear canal. After the session you can feel slightly dizzy or noises can seem much louder. Just apply ear oil on cotton and insert into the ears. For up to after two days or may feel your ear a little warm or itching. For this simply use one or two drops of hydrogen peroxide and remove with cotton swab. Your sinuses also may drain afterward. This is a good thing as your sinus pressure is relieved.
These sessions can cost from $25.00 to $60.00 and keep in mind these sessions only last about 15 minutes on average or up to 45 minutes it depends on the practitioner
For ear candles a lot of health and nutrition stores sell them.
Some Reiki and Ayurveda practitioners do perform ear candling.
Warning ear candling does have some downfalls like being burned by hot wax.
Candles that are specified to be used for health purposes are classified by the FDA as a medical device and therefore must have FDA approval to be manufactured and sold.
Therapeutic Touch
Therapeutic touch therapy blends components into one such as massage and energy healing which is to ease pain and help conditions that are distressing the body and mind.
In this therapy the therapist may have direct contact to the person by touch or using their hands to penetrate the persons energy field in order to start the healing process.
The usual therapeutic touch therapy will begin with therapist gliding of their hands of person but not touching them directly. This is done so the practitioner can link to the persons energy field. Once they feel they have a strong connection they than can proceed to channeling the energy into each primary meridian contained within the body. This helps them to determine where the specific blockage is occurring.
Once they have established the location the therapeutic touch session can start. This is where therapeutic massage maybe used that does involve direct touching contact. The massage is to activate the correct flow of energy and at the same time brings relaxation to the person. Acupressure may also be used in order to help clear the blockage. Most therapeutic touch therapists also use aromatherapy and soothing music during the session.
Tapping is another method used in this therapy. The practitioner uses their forefinger and index finger to which they lightly tap on particular point on face, upper chest and hand in order to expedite the discharge of negative factors either emotional or physical and sometimes both that is the source of the problem for the patient. Either out loud or quietly the patient keeps repeating a mantra that takes aim on the negative condition. The tapping can be repeated as often as the practitioner feels is necessary and dependent upon how the patient is feeling.
Traditional Healers
Here are just a couple as they are numerous in content.
Cherokee
Even though there is ready access to medical facilities a lot Cherokee to this day still use Cherokee medicine and retain time honored traditions. It is viewed among the culture that all things plants, humans and animals are one living being referred to as the great life.
More than 700 plants are used for healing. Some of the herbal medicines are recognized by the Western world as a drug action. However, it can be symbolic reaction to certain cultures including Cherokee.
The medicines are taken orally or by Cherokee injection methods which consists of scratching skin with comb till it draws blood then the herbal medicine is poured upon the skin by the healer. It can also be given by blowing it through a tube onto the skin then massaged into the skin.
Conjuring is another practice used to heal. Basically it is a form of magic or ritual in which to heal patients.
Most Cherokees still use the practice of herbs to cure. Plants are still gathered and prepared. The third plant must also be picked never the first two according to tradition so this way the plants may reproduce. To this day I still pick the third plant. Some traditions remain with you for life.
Among the herbs used are mint to settle stomachs, mullein which is for anti inflammatory and stinging nettle for rheumatism, arthritis and fever.
African Healers
African healers combine rituals and herbs to do healing. African healing or medicine has numerous practitioners including midwives, and diviners.
Diviners are the healers in which establish the cause of illness which can include spirits of ancestors which caused it or other powers. Midwives have extensive knowledge of plants to aide in childbirth. Herbalists that make the herbal formulas.
Sources:
Holistic Online
Alternate Heals
Peaceful Mind
Dhyansanjivani
Therapy Color
Gems 4 Friends
Colon Health
Quack Watch
North Carolina Museum of History
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