Alternative Health Care Services
Alternative health care services are forms of natural healing some people prefer over conventional medicine. Many of these services have been used for thousands of years to successfully treat many health conditions. Although conventional medicine can be effective, too, many people like the natural approach alternative health care gives.
Types of Alternative Health Care Services
Some of the alternative health care services used by individuals are chiropractic, massage, aromatherapy, reflexology and Reiki. With the exception of aromatherapy, these services are hands-on healing therapies that have been used over the centuries with good success. Reiki is a practice that utilizes energy to assist the body's innate healing capabilities.
Chiropractic
Chiropractic is an alternative service that mostly involves manipulation of the spine. During treatment, the chiropractor will apply light pressure to the spine or some other area of the body. Manipulation of the spine can help with conditions such as back pain, sciatica, headaches, neck and shoulder pain, and restriction of mobility. Chiropractic treatment may also include hot packs, ice, Trancutaneous Electrical Nerve Stimulation (TENS), therapeutic exercises, counseling and dietary supplements.
Massage
Massage therapists use their hands, forearms, elbows and feet to knead and apply pressure to the muscles and soft tissue. People who seek massage may do so to alleviate pain, heal an injury, decrease stress and promote relaxation, and reduce anxiety and depression. Massage is also effective in improving circulation, heart conditions, high blood pressure, headaches, hyperactivity, sleeplessness and pain in the neck and back. Massage oils and lotions are often used on the skin during a massage session.
Aromatherapy
Aromatherapists use essential oils to improve health. Plant oils are also used to improve the appearance of the skin when they are applied to it and are sometimes used by aestheticians when giving a facial. Aromatherapy oils can be used in conjunction with massage or inhaled to reap the healing benefits essential oils have to offer. Treatment with aromatherapy can be used to alleviate stress and anxiety, muscle pain, digestive problems and female conditions such as menopause.
Reflexology
Reflexology is an alternative healthcare service whereby the reflexologist uses her hands to stimulate reflex points in the feet, hands, or ears. Reflexology is based on the premise that there are reflex points in the feet, hands and ears that correspond to all parts of the body and stimulation of these points can bring the body into balance and facilitate healing. Some health problems reflexology helps include menstrual and intestinal tract abnormalities, anxiety, headaches and depression. Lotion may be used on the feet during a reflexology session so the hands can easily glide across the skin.
Reiki
Reiki is a practice where energy is delivered to the recipient through the practitioner's hands. The hands are either laid on the person or held above him. The energy delivered is expected to stimulate the recipient's own healing ability. Reiki can be used to create good health on a mental and physical level. It has been used to promote relaxation and alleviate stress. Chronic pain is another condition that is treated with Reiki.
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