Healthy Manhattan: A Primer on Alternative Health
Alternative health medicine is used by millions of people and, according to one recent estimate, is a $34 billion industry. Yet it does not receive as much mainstream press attention. That is why we are now launching a monthly, alternative health series to help New Yorkers make sense of the many programs and services offered all across the city.
As we begin, we offer this primer on some of the most common therapies.
ACUPUNCTURE: It’s been practiced for thousands of years in China, originally with stone knives. It has since evolved to the mostly painless insertion of needles in order to stimulate the skin and muscles. It is used to treat pain and a wide variety of conditions including migraines, infertility, bowel and bladder problems, digestive disorders and respiratory ailments.
AROMATHERAPY: The use of scents from essential oils or plants in order to increase energy, relaxation or decrease pain, stress or congestion. Every scent treats a different problem. Some scents are anti-parasitic, antifungal or anti-inflammatory. The scented oils can be applied directly to the skin, breathed in directly or applied as a scent throughout one’s home.
BACH FLOWER REMEDIES: This technique involves the dilution of flower dew. The soaking or boiling of flowers in water is said to combine the energy of earth, air, water and sun to alleviate stress and depression. They are meant to replace negative energy with positive energy in order to treat all diseases and conditions that come from emotional problems. Today, Bach flower remedies are sold as tablets and in liquid form.
CUPPING: The placement of cups on the back creates a vacuum on the skin to increase blood and energy flow. It is used to treat pain, respiratory problems and digestive issues.
EMOTIONAL FREEDOM TECHNIQUE: Also known as "tapping," this technique involves the tapping of 10 pressure points while the client thinks intensely about something that is bothering him or her. It’s used to treat all problems brought on by emotional issues such as fear, depression, stress, eating disorders and addictions. For more info, turn to page 9.
REFLEXOLOGY: This works on the premise that everything in the body is connected, and different areas of the feet and hand correspond to problems in different parts of the body. A pressure massage is given to different areas of the feet and hands depending on the problem. It is believed to promote better sleep, reduce pain and strengthen the immune system. It can increase blood flow, helping women during pregnancy and delivery .
REIKI: The practice of sending positive energy or "life force" to different areas of the body by placing hands on or a few centimeters away from different areas of the body. It originated in Japan and is used to treat many ailments, including respiratory problems, blood problems and pain.
YOGA: An exercise of the body and mind through breathing, this "moving meditation" originated in India and is now found to be useful for people who find other forms of exercise too difficult due to health problems. It is recommended for treatment of slight lower back pain, depression and for exercise. Bikram yoga and other "hot yoga" is more strenuous and is done in a room heated between 95-105 degrees Fahrenheit.