Some Alternative Health Strategies

CAM (complementary and alternative medicine) therapies are generally classified into 5 seperate categories or domains. Some of these domains have sub-domains but we will broadly go into them here.

Alternative Medical Systems are built onto entirely different systems of theory in regards to the body and have evolved in a completely different direction from the mainstream medical approach. A couple of examples of alternative medical systems developed in Western societies are homeopathic and naturopathic medicine. Some real world Eastern techniques include Ayurveda, acupuncture and numerous local systems.

Mind-Body Interventions uses a blend of techniques meant to enhance the mind's capability of affecting the body's condition, such as meditation, yoga, hypnosis and therapies that use creative techniques like art, music and dance, among others. Even something as routine as journal writing fits into this category.

Biologically Based Therapies like natural and biologically based interventions, practices and products mostly composed of herbs, nutrients such as antioxidants and vitamins also count in this particular category. Some also overlap with modern medicine's use of dietary supplements such as antioxidants, which started out as CAM and is now obviously mainstream. Anything from the use of Tea Tree Oil to the Paleolithic diet can also fall under this CAM category.

Manipulative and Body-Based Methods are based on manipulating certain parts of the human body. This includes, but is not limited to: chiropractic manipulation, colonics and massage therapies.

Energy Therapies uses subtle and less than subtle manipulations of the energy field that are supposed to surround and inject themselves into the human body. Examples include biofield therapies like Reiki, Qigong, natural healing and bioelectromagnetic-based therapies which involves the use of electromagnetic fields.

This article appeared originally in The September 2004 issue of The ZoneNet newsletter.

Ryan Joseph is a writer/researcher. For additional information visit http://www.anti-aging-vitamins.com/

The Truth About Your Health

BEWARE OF THE CULTURAL HYPNOSIS We live in a cultural... Read More

What AreThe Symptoms Of A Sinus Headache?

Problems with sinuses, give rise to headaches, so you have... Read More

Does A Compulsive Gambler Really Want To Stop Gambling?

This question most gamblers ask themselves when they begin to... Read More

Health and Anti-Aging

Some words about anti-aging and disease preventionThe aging process is... Read More

The Tribrain and Trauma Therapy

When someone experiences a trauma they go into immediate shock.... Read More

Your Body is a Map of Your Consciousness

Everything begins with your consciousness. Everything that happens in your... Read More

Therapeutic Massage Goes Main Stream

Have you ever bumped your knee or elbow? What was... Read More

Working with an Intuitive Counselor: Opening the Door to Yourself

"Oh, I've had a psychic reading before. They read some... Read More

Constipation Relief With Fruits Part III

Here's another group of fruits that you can use to... Read More

Natural Pain Management

Life in today's hectic society is going more and more... Read More

Herbal Remedies to the Rescue!

Since the dawn of civilization, man has always turned to... Read More

Freedom Is Found In Detachment

I am looking for freedom in my life. And I... Read More

Using Essential Fatty Acids for Reducing Arthritis Joint Pain

Essential fatty acids provide protection for the whole body. In... Read More

Reiki Energy Balance

Here's a simple exercise that anyone can do, even if... Read More

Herbal Therapy

Herbal Therapy, also referred to as Herbalism, is one of... Read More

How I Overcame Anxiety/Panic Attacks

Has this ever happened to you, out of the blue,... Read More

Hypnosis

HYPNOSIS is a state of induced but conscious sleep through... Read More

Hinoki: Natural Essences in Abundance

Living in a hectic urban landscape, do you look forward... Read More

Serotonin Kills Pain ? And May Be Available From Your Subconscious

Serotonin is not just for depression--it's potent for pain relief... Read More

Treating West Nile Virus with High Quality St. Johns Wort

West Nile Virus, although new to the U.S., is well-documented.... Read More

Homemade Bath Products...the Pros and Cons

When you surf the Internet to find proper bath products... Read More

What Disorders Can Acupuncture Treat and How Does It Work?

How did acupuncture start?The story was met with widespread disbelief.During... Read More

Athlete Foot Remedies

Athlete foot is a common skin infection that is caused... Read More

Constipation Remedy Using Citrus Juice

Citrus JuicesCitrus juices are a constipation remedy that is an... Read More

Sleep And Massage Therapy

Hands-On Therapy for Peaceful SleepOne alternative medicine approach is a... Read More