Alternative Therapies, Part II
Disclaimer: I am in no way endorsing any of the therapies, treatments or remedies that may be mentioned in this article. The information contained therein is strictly for educational purposes and neither the author, Suite101, nor i5ive Communications takes any responsibility for the efficacy, effectiveness or use of these therapies. Always check with your doctors before adding any new therapies, supplements or exercises to your healthcare regimen--especially if you have a preexisting condition or disease.
Surprise! You get a two-fer this month! I don't usually publish more than one article a month, but there was so much information out there, that I just had to continue with another round of alternative therapies for your reading and educational pleasure!
One of the newer/older therapies that is hugely popular, largely for its aesthetic appeal, is crystal healing. Crystals, gems and rocks have been said to have healing properties for thousands of years. The belief that different stones have different "vibrations" that correspond to different points of the body, or "chakras," goes back at least 4,000 years in Egypt, and may be older.
Different crystals, gems, stones and other materials are used for different purposes. Each is used to balance the body's aura or chakra. For example, lapis lazuli is said to balance the mind and bring wisdom; Coral is used to rebuild core energies that have been depleted; Malachite, a lovely green stone, is for re-aligning oneself with the Earth and Nature; and Moonstone is said to help with PMS, rebalance emotions and enhance psychic abilities. There are many books and websites devoted to information on crystal healing and they are readily available both online and at metaphysical shops.
Acupressure (the non-invasive cousin of acupuncture, which is done with fine needles) is putting pressure on certain points of the body, sometimes with gentle circular massage. The theory behind this therapy is that what the Chinese call "chi" or "vital energy" needs to freely flow throughout the body in order for the body to work properly and heal itself. When the chi flow is interrupted, poor health or illness follow. When the chi flow is properly restored, the body is able to heal itself, with little or no outside intervention like medicines.
According to the practitioners of acupressure, the chi is carried along channels or meridians of the body. By putting pressure along certain points of these meridians (there are 14 of them, by the way) one can strengthen, calm or block the chi flow. See this illustration for a look at the different meridians. The different points and meridians also correspond to different organs and systems in the body, thereby guiding the therapist to them by the very problems or symptoms that the patient is having. This painless alternative to acupuncture is very popular for pain control and is frequently used with self-hypnosis. (See Part I of this series)
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