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Therapies
Introduction
Alternative or complementary therapies, such as reiki, acupuncture and meditation, are often effectively used alongside mainstream medical treatments to diffuse pain, manage stress and speed up healing.

Before deciding on a therapy that's suited to your needs, you have to first gather knowledge about the many options available and assess their individual risks and benefits.

In your quest, be sure to read our article on where complementary therapy fits in.

 Acupuncture
Acupuncture is an ancient medicine originating from China many thousands of years ago. The basic premise behind the medicine is that humans are dependant on energy to live and be healthy. Acupuncture therefore uses the body’s energy to heal.
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 Alexander Technique
This technique alleviates pain and fatigue by focusing on correcting the relationship between the head, neck and back. By correcting posture and teaching people how to move, sit and stand properly, the Alexander Technique will teach you how to avoid unnecessary and harmful tension patterns.
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 Aromatherapy
This ancient natural and holistic therapy makes use of aromatic plant oils. The therapeutic "essential" oils are specially chosen for their healing properties and foster harmony and balance of the mind, body and soul. They can be administered via massage, inhalation or compresses, and can also be used in the bath or in oil burners.
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 Ayurvedic healing
Ayurveda, the “science of life,” is the traditional medicine and the natural healing system of India and its cultural sphere. It is probably the oldest health care system in the world, with roots going back over 500 years into the Vedic era. Not surprisingly, it has been called the “Mother of all healing”.
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 Crystal healing
Originating from deep within the earth’s crust, crystals have inspired, mystified and entranced people throughout the millennia. Crystal healers believe that the energy in semi-precious and precious stones can heal both body and mind, and that crystals can be used in diagnosing underlying disease.
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 Chiropractic
This manipulative therapy focuses on the treatment of musculoskeletal problems. The science of chiropractic uses the recuperative powers of the body and the relationship between structure of the spine and function of the nervous system in the restoration and maintenance of health.
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 Electrotherapy
While electrotherapy has been in use for at least 2000 years, researchers have only recently started to explore its many possibilities. Subsequently, it looks like this non-invasive technique could be the answer to many modern-day ills. Find out how chronic pain, depression and anxiety patients can benefit.
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 Feng Shui
Feng Shui is the ancient Chinese art of designing and creating a harmonious environment. Feng Shui (pronounced "Fung Schway") is based on the belief that energy patterns are generated and effected by everything we do, build or create.
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 Homeopathy
This therapy is based on the principle that "like cures like." Homeopaths work on the premise that if a particular substance produces symptoms of illness when administered in a large dose, it has the ability to heal those same symptoms when taken in a much smaller, diluted dose.
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 Meditation
Meditation teaches those who practice it the powerful art of deep relaxation and the ability to keep one's attention focused in the present moment, far away from the stress of past memories and future events. The physiological health benefits include reduced heart, respiration and pulse rates and increased energy levels.
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 Osteopathy
Osteopathy is a 'hands-on' manual therapy that doesn't simply look at symptoms that present themselves. By paying attention to the significance of any alteration in structure or function, an osteopath is able to interpret whole patterns of aches, pains and general health problems. If you've any questions, post them to our Holistic Bone Doc.
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 Reflexology
This therapy is based on the idea that there are certain "reflex points" in the hands and feet that correspond to different body parts, organs and functions. When specific points are massaged, it triggers off a response in the corresponding body part. Reflexology reduces stress and tension, increases energy flow and blood supply and creates a space in the recipient’s body for healing to take place.
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 Reiki
The word "reiki" means "universal energy" and is a form of energy healing. The therapy involves the transferral of healing energy from the reiki practitioner to the receiver. The reiki practitioner is given the gift of healing after studying under a reiki master. Reiki re-balances the mind, body and spirit, facilitates healing and restores wholeness.
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