Alternative Therapies Quiz

Swedish, Shiatsu, Tui Na, and other massage techniques are all types of body work that may help improve lower back pain. Acupressure, craniosacral therapy, reflexology, and Rolfing may also help.

Named after its inventor, Ida Rolf, Rolfing is a deep tissue massage that works mainly by using pressure to loosen the fascia, the thin layer of tissue that binds muscle fibers. Rolfing may improve flexibility of ligaments and tendons that bind bone to bone and also muscle to bone. To find a qualified body work practitioner, see the National Certification Board for Therapeutic Massage and Bodywork.

Scientific research confirms that the mind and body are interconnected through the immune, endocrine, and central nervous systems. These systems communicate via chemical substances (hormones and neurotransmitters, for example) that they each produce and use to "talk" to each other. Mental and emotional states can affect our physical health because our emotions and thoughts trigger biochemical reactions in our bodies. Thus, individuals have the power to influence their health by thinking positively -- or negatively.

Ayurveda, an ancient healing tradition from India, is based on a life energy system that recognizes seven major energy centers in the body called chakras. A Sanskrit word meaning "wheel," chakra describes the way energy spins from these centers.

The chakras are located from the base of the spine to the top of the skull. Each chakra is believed to have its own "frequency" characterized by a specific color, sound, and range of emotions.

Chakras have long been believed to connect our nerves, hormones, and emotions. Recently, science has confirmed that chakra sites do run parallel to the body's neuroendocrine-immune system. Ayurvedic healers believe that chakras form a link between our physical anatomy and the energies inside our bodies.

According to a study published in the 1996 International Journal of Neuroscience, massage therapy is associated with the increase and strengthening of the immune system's natural killer cells. Massage can also help increase the amount of other cells involved in fighting infection and cancer.

Even a simple ten-minute back rub has been shown to reduce anxiety and increase our secretion of infection-fighting antibodies, according to a 1994 issue of the journal Applied Nursing Research.

Last but not least, a 1991 University of Miami study found that premature babies who were regularly caressed gained weight 49 percent faster than did those of the same weight who were never caressed. Although both sets of babies were fed precisely the same diet, the caressed babies grew longer and had larger heads and fewer neurological problems at the age of eight months than did the controls. So, it appears that caressing human touch may literally promote health and growth.

Unlike modern conventional medicine, which is primarily concerned with treating symptoms and fixing conditions with the help of pharmaceutical drugs and surgical procedures, holistic medicine addresses the entire individual. It aims to heal the physical, mental, and spiritual elements of each patient.

To treat patients, holistic physicians (who are M.D.s) may use an eclectic mix of drugs, surgery, chemotherapy, Ayurveda, and Traditional Chinese Medicine. Following a holistic medical program may lead to a cure for chronic disease, or what some physicians call "remission of symptoms." A holistic treatment plan may also bring the patient such improvements in emotional and physical well-being that he or she feels that healing has taken place, even though they may still be experiencing illness.

The measured, dance-like movements of Tai Chi and Qi Gong are designed to isolate specific energy pathways that are believed to run throughout the body. These movements promote energy flow through the pathways and improve function in their corresponding organs. Both of these movement arts have martial arts applications, but they're mainly practiced to enhance health and longevity, which is why those silver-haired guys look so swell.

The guy who does Tai Chi performs graceful movements or "forms" that include combinations of kicks, blows, and parries. His slow movements are coordinated with mindful breathing until his actions become activated by energy, or what the Chinese call chi, rather than muscle power. Because Tai Chi can help soothe inflamed joints, increase muscle strength, and improve balance, the Arthritis Foundation recommends Tai Chi as a remedy for arthritis.

Qi Gong aims to regulate the body, breathing, emotions, and mind. The guy who does Qi Gong is benefiting his central and autonomic nervous systems by performing poses and movements that send blood, oxygen, and energy to various body parts. Qi Gong is endorsed by many medical organizations and hospitals as a safe and effective healing therapy for various conditions. It also helps strengthen muscles, balance, and physical coordination.

Go ahead and laugh, but much research has identified humor therapy as an effective healer. The biophysiology of laughter has been measured and found to increase blood flow and produce neuropeptides, which bolster the immune system.

What this means in everyday terms is that watching an hour-long humorous video can increase your blood level of the natural immune-enhancing chemical gamma-interferon for nearly a day, according to a study published in a 1996 issue of Humor and Health Journal. Humor is thus a valuable therapy for people with depressed immune systems, such as cancer patients.

Besides helping strengthen immunities, humor can also help reduce anxiety, reduce anger, lighten depression, and raise our tolerance for pain. Humor Therapy is one alternative remedy that may offer great medical benefits to a variety of people.