There are many different healing therapies available. Allopathic medicine, which is treatment by a conventional medical doctor, is very common, but in recent years alternative healing therapies have gained in popularity. Some of these include chiropractic medicine, osteopathy, craniosacral therapy, and reflexology.
Chiropractic medicine is a healing modality that focuses on problems caused by misalignment of the musculoskeletal system. The most common treatment in the chiropractor’s arsenal is the adjustment. During an adjustment the chiropractor applies controlled pressure to the client’s joints in order to release tension, reduce pain, and improve mobility. Treatment in a chiropractor’s office may also include other therapies such as massage, ultrasound, and electrical muscle stimulation. Chiropractic medicine is effective in the treatment of pinched nerves, joint pain, headaches, back pain, and other musculoskeletal conditions.
Osteopathy is one of the healing therapies that are similar to chiropractic medicine. Its practitioners also believe that most health conditions are caused by problems with the musculoskeletal system. Osteopaths are trained to do adjustments of ligaments, muscles, and bones. Unlike chiropractors, however, osteopaths also receive training in allopathic medicine and are licensed medical doctors. An osteopathic doctor treats patients by using both adjustments and conventional medicine.
Craniosacral therapy is an alternative treatment that is derived from a combination of chiropractic medicine and osteopathy. It is based on the philosophy that there is a rhythm or pulse to the cerebrospinal fluid that flows between the head and the base of the spine. Blockages can interfere with this rhythm and when that happens, illness and other problems can result. In order to improve the pulse and flow of the cerebrospinal fluid, the craniosacral therapist gently massages bones in the head, pelvis, and spine. Practitioners believe that this treatment can relieve migraines, improve coordination, ease chronic fatigue and depression, and reduce or eliminate many other conditions.
There are many other healing therapies that aren’t based on the belief that health conditions can be related to the spine and musculoskeletal system. Reflexology is an alternative healing technique that focuses on the feet. It is based on the concept that there are zones on the bottom of the feet that correspond to different glands, organs, and other parts of the body. Reflexologists believe that applying pressure to these zones and massaging them will ease various health problems. A reflexology session can be very relaxing, and many think that it can relieve stress, headaches, arthritis, insomnia, and help with various other health problems.
