Complementary and alternative medicine

The Complementary and Alternative industry consists of mostly ancient Asian culture that's based off of idea that we as humans have energy that sustains life. When our energy gets low or blocked we become ill. Alternative medicine is made up of many oral traditions that have been proven effective in replenishing the energy that's lost or unblocking it. Acupuncture and massage therapy are probably the most well known types of complementary and alternative medicine. complementary medicine is used as an aid to alternative or western medicine. Natural Products or herbal medicine are the most common of this field. Complementary medicine treats the entire problem, not just the symptoms if the practitioner can not find the root of the problem, usually they will refer you to someone who can.

Massage Therapy

Massage therapy is one of the oldest forms of medicine performed on humans. It involves the manipulation for skin and muscles to relieve tension and inflammation in the body. Massage therapy is mostly used as a relaxation technique, however, recent studies have shown that massage therapy can prevent injuries. The massage therapy industry has grown tremendously over the years, now there are over eighty different styles and techniques of massage. In many of the different techniques of massage the massage therapists uses their body to move and manipulate the tissue. Massage can be painful but the benefits are worth it. A massage can last anywhere from five minutes to two hours the length of the massage depends on if the massage is for stress control, relaxation, or symptom relief. Every massage therapist is different, just like every massage technique is different, a massage therapist will customize to the massage the patients specific needs, using his or hers hands, arms, and sometimes even feet during the massage. Over the years studies have proven that massage therapy can cure symptoms of back pain, headaches, osteoarthritis, side affects from cancer treatment, and even anxiety.

Swedish Massage

Swedish massage is one of the most common massage techniques. It involves circular motions and pressure using hands, elbows, and sometimes even feet to maximize range of motion. Communication between a therapist and their client is very important during any massage, but with Swedish massage, the pressure used during the massage can be very intense. Massage is not supposed to be painful, and if the client does not communicate with the therapist it can lead to a very painful unpleasant experience, which is the opposite of the intent of massage therapy.

Reflexology

Reflexology is used for all types of circumstances. Including on its own, during massage,and acupuncture. It involves using objects like hands or needles that apply pressure to pressure points in the feet, hands and ears. Reflexologists believe that these areas match up with organs and systems in the body, which also stimulates and benefits a persons overall health. Applying pressure to the left and right feet, hands and ears affects almost everything on the related side. For example, pressing in the middle of the foot affects the kidneys and how they function. Reflexology is used as a complementary to western or alternative medicine. The practice of reflexology is another ancient practice similar to massage therapy; It is believed that is has been passed down as oral Egyptian tradition from generation to generation. </ref>

Acupuncture

Acupuncture is a very common alternative practice, also involved with reflexology. It's known to treat many different types of ailments. It consists of poking needles into various point in the body. The main practice of acupuncture is pain management. Instead of taking medication to stop pain, acupuncture blocks pain receptors altogether for complete temporary relief. Acupuncture should be painless, as the needles used during treatment are very fine and should cause almost no pain. Acupuncture has been proven to heal many different kinds of chronic illnesses, treat infertility, and relieve pain from many types of injuries.

Natural Products

Natural products are one of the most popular fields of complementary and alternative medicine. It includes the used of herbs, plants and other kinds of natural products to compliment alternative treatments or western medicine. One of the most well known natural product is Cannabis, also known as medical marijuana (MMJ). In the medical profession, marijuana is used as a natural pain reliever, for those with cancer, joint and back injuries. Echinacea is America's best selling herbal treatments, it is used to shorten the length of a cold. However, there are mixed reviews on whether or not it actually works or if it is just a placebo. More common, natural products are garlic, and fish oils, which are used to lower cholesterol, and blood pressure.

Yoga

Yoga is a very common exercise retinue. It combines deep breathing, meditation, and stretching. Holding your body in poses rather than constant movement, yoga strengthens your core and increases flexibility. Yoga is a slow paced workout is very beneficial for physical health.

Reiki

Reiki is a Japanese technique used for relaxation and stress reduction. Reiki is the combination of the Japanese words Rei meaning "wisdom or higher power", an Ki which means "life force energy". Reiki is based off the belief that that we are made of energy that sustains our life and when our energy gets low, that is when we get sick. According to reiki practitioners in Japan, reiki has been used to heal almost every illness. Reiki consists of hand motions that allow energy to flow.

Thai Chi

Thai Chi is also another alternative treatment for relaxation and stress. Its an ancient chines tradition that is practiced as a form of exercise. By moving your body in slow constant movements, and breathing deeply Thai chi, provides and gentle physical activity that also decreases stress and anxiety, increases flexibility, balance, muscle strength, and enhances the immune system.

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