Alternative Medicine
List of Contents
Actinotherapy
Acupressure
Acupuncture
Acupuncture Su-Jok
Alexander Technique
Aroma Therapy
Aura Therapy
Auricular Therapy
Auto-Urine Therapy
Ayurveda
Bach Flower Remedies
Biochemic Remedies
Chakra Therapy
Chiropractic
Colour Therapy
Counselling
Di-theramy
Electro-Homœopathy
Faith Healing: See
"Touch or Spiritual Healing".
Fasting
Folk Remedies: See
"Home Remedies"
Fruit-Vegetable Therapy
Gem Therapy
Heat Therapy
Home Remedies
Homœopathy
Homoeopuncture
Hydrotherapy
Hypnotherapy
Self-hypnosis (see
under Hypnotherapy)
Infrared Therapy
Kundalini
Laughter Therapy
Magnetotherapy
Massage Therapy
Meditation
Mesmerism
Moxibustion
Naturopathy: Same
as "Nature Cure"
Nature Cure
Osteopathy
Physiotherapy
Pranic Healing
Psychoanalysis
Radionics
Reflexology
Reiki
Sanjivani (Green
Grass Therapy)
Shiatzu
Siddha
Sleep Therapy
Sound Therapy
Tai Chi and other
martial arts
TENS (Transcutaneous
Electric Nerve Stimulator)
Tibetan Healing (Emchi)
Touch or Spiritual
Healing
Tribal Remedies
Ultrasonic Therapy
Ultraviolet Therapy
Unani and Tibb
Vastushastra
Water Therapy: See"Hydrotherapy"
Yoga
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Specialised therapy which uses the curative effect of Infrared and Ultraviolet rays and rays from other Radiant elements. ( See "Heat Therapy", "Infrared Therapy" and Ultraviolet rays under "Physiotherapy" for details.
Acupressure
Developed in China from the basic Acupuncture concepts. It is similar to Acupuncture except that instead of needles, fingers are used to press the Acupuncture points. This therapy gives similar effect to that of Acupuncture but is milder in action. Some points which are deep beneath the skin cannot be stimulated to the required degree by this method and therefore it has its own limitations.
This therapy is useful for minor ailments and as an adjuvant therapy along with Acupuncture or as a follow-up treatment after Acupuncture therapy which the patient can perform at home. This therapy can also be complimented with other Alternative Medicines or even with the Modern Medicines.
For minor day to day ailments the practice of this drugless but effective therapy is a boon and wards off many discomforts in life instantly and without medication and brings about a sudden euphoria. (Also refer "Shiatzu" the Japanese form of Chinese Acupressure.)
Benefits: Headache, neuralgia, toothache, back ache, acute sinusitis, diarrhoea, dysentery, eye strain, depression, sex related ailments, and longevity colds etc. can be successfully treated with this therapy. It is also effective in increasing the resistance power against diseases or ailments.
Acupuncture
The word acupuncture is coined from the two words, the Latin word "Acus" meaning needle and the English word "Puncture". Acupuncture is said to be the king of drugless therapies. It is time-tested and of great therapeutic value. It has attained worldwide acceptance for the reason of being a drugless and an effective therapy. It is probably the safest method of treatment, with the fewest side effects and the greatest benefits. The W.H.O. has recognised this therapy as the effective therapy listing about 40 acute and chronic ailments that it can cure. Infact it can cure more than that, and many more can be palliated.
In chronic pains as in arthritis, spondylitis, slipped disk, where high doses of pain killers is a must to ease the suffering, acupuncture does the job effectively. Today in China and many other places it has become the first line of treatment and not the least.
The technique of acupuncture is supposed to have originated in India. The Buddhist monks are supposed to have carried it to China during the spread of Buddhism where it developed as a fine, dependable drugless system of healing. Acupuncture enjoys patronage by that government and is tried first on many ailments before switching over to other modes. It is also gaining recognition in other countries today.
According to the theory of acupuncture, there is a constant flow of energy along the imaginary paths called 'meridians' situated in the body known in China as "Chi". It is the Living Force of the organism. The energy flows within a meridian and between different meridians which keeps all the parameters in harmony. It is believed that due to blockages or imbalances in these meridians or between different meridians, for any reason, results in disequilibrium of the energy flow, which results in diseased condition. And when the disequilibrium is removed health is restored.
Ailments are therefore treated by inserting fine and relatively painless needles at specific points along the pathways of the meridians and re-establishing the flow of energy.
Acupuncture cures many incurable ailments at the physical and mental level. Acupuncture treats mental depressions and other conditions by stimulating, releasing or balancing the mood-altering substances called "serotonin".
In most of the cases pains are relieved miraculously and permanently, probably by the activation of the body's own morphine-like substances called "endorphins" which are capable of deadening pains.
Acupuncture can create an anesthetic condition and the phenomenon is called Acupuncture anasthesia. In China and now, in other places of the world, doctors have performed over 2 millions operations by giving Acupuncture Anesthesia instead of general anesthesia which include open heart and brain surgeries, female sterilizations, removal of body organs, caesarian, and other minor operations. Acupuncture anesthesia is generally given to those for whom general anesthesia is contraindicated. (Also refer "Acupuncture Su-Jok" and "Auricular therapy".)
Benefits: Deadening the pain without drugs and removing its underlying causes in spondylosis, slipped disk, migraine, headache, rheumatism, arthritis, neuritis and in many other cases, depression, constitutional ailments including asthma, bronchitis, uric acid, organic dysfunctions, blood pressure, diabetes, indigestion, colics, irritable bowel syndrome, epilepsy, stammering, sexual problems, liver disorders, skin problems where other treatments do not respond well.
Acupuncture Su-Jok
Park Jae Woo a Korean acupuncturist is the originator of Su Jok Acupuncture. Hands and feet have the closest resemblance to the human body. Particularly hands are too closely similar to the human body in terms of shape. Reflexology is also based on this basic idea. (See "Reflexology")
The body organs and parts have their area of influence on the hand and the feet and palms and soles in particular. Cure is brought about by re-establishing the blockages or imbalances in the meridians just as in the case of traditional acupuncture technique (see "Aucpuncture"). Tiny painless Su Jok acupuncture needles are inserted on the palms and soles at specific points situated along the meridians. The thumb or the big toe is supposed to represent the head of a person and the four fingers and the toes, the four extremities.
Benefits: To cure ailments of the sinuses, eyes, mouth, ears, teeth, tiny needles are inserted at the specific sites in the thumb or the big toe. Moxibation with tiny herbal moxas is also carried out (refer "Moxibation"). A lot of research is being done the world over and reports of success are available.
Alexander Technique
Named after its creator, the Alexander Technique maintains that habitual bad posture and movement causes physical and mental stress. Conversely, correction of posture and movement restores the balance in the body, thus releasing emotional uneasiness too.
Using no drugs the Alexander Technique can provide effective therapy for posture-related
chronic conditions like aches and pains in the back and other parts of the
body. Most people require about 30 sessions to correct postures. It is mostly
used as an adjunct to other healing systems.
Benefits: Relief from pains and related disorders like indigestion, depression, anxiety, blood pressure etc.
An individual reacts differently to different aromas or fragrance. With one type we may feel refreshed and active and with some other we may feel distressful. Specific aromas increase meditating power, sexual appetite, gives inspiration, creates atmosphere of happiness etc., Incense sticks has been used for ages in religious rituals. Aroma Therapy is a scientific healing system aiming to treat and prevent diseases using aromatic essences extracted from healthy aromatic plants.
Benefits: Aroma Therapy is nowadays used in beauty treatments and massages. A room can be scented with particular aromatic oil to create a particular atmosphere. Aroma therapy acts well in insomnia, mental ailments and certain chronic diseases. Some acute diseases like acute cold, fever, headache, migraine, constipation etc. also respond well.
Aura Therapy
Earth is a large magnet. Every living matter on this planet lives under the influence of its magnetic energy (See "Magnetotherapy"). Earth's magnetic energy is influenced by the celestial or cosmic energies, which are presumed to be collectively from the planets, stars and other unknown celestial bodies. Every living matter also emits magnetic energy and this energy is influenced by the earth's magnetic energy and also the cosmic energies. This energy of a living organism is specific to one's self, and is termed as Aura. It is described as the magnetic field around the body that interacts continually with the other auras in the environment.
Many photographs and paintings of great saints contain a bright hue around their head or bodies. This is the aura that gives them the supernatural powers, which enables them to attain influencing powers over others.
Looking at the aura one can analyse the individual's physical
or mental well being. Very few people are gifted to see the aura through naked
eyes but for others it is not very difficult to learn.
However capturing of an aura on a photographic film was made possible by the
20th-century Russian electricians S.D. and V.K. Kirlian and is named after
them as Kirlian Photography. The process involves photographing an object
by exposing film with specialised camera in a dark room to ultraviolet light
that results from electronic and ionic interactions caused by an electric
field. The photograph shows a light, glowing band surrounding the outline
of the object or a radiance of colour around the body. This significant discovery
has bypassed the need to see the aura through a naked eye. It is of great
help in the treatment wherein a sick man's aura can be compared with his aura
after treatment to judge the progress of cure. Kirlian Photography has enabled
modern science, which relies on proofs and documentations to accept this invisible
fact.
An aura can be positive or negative and can attract or repel living or the non-living matter just as a magnet attracts or repels other magnet. The aura has a specific colour particular to that organism and his mental and physical conditions like the temperament, health, moods, moral values etc. The colours of the aura and their shape in the kirlian photograph indicate the level of these energies associated with the physical, emotional and spiritual states of the subject being photographed. By analysing and understanding the colours of aura one can become aware of the type of energy that one emits, enabling to know its good or bad consequences. Thus it enables us to change ourselves to reach a happier and more balanced outlook towards life and cure all illnesses that might have originated due to this faulty Aura.
Benefits: Correcting the Aura, to open up the energy blocks so that the body's immune system will start the process of healing. In serious cases to enable the indicated remedies to act better.
Auricular Therapy
It actually means acupuncture of the ear. It was discovered
that the ear has some 200 acupuncture points and effective treatment for certain
ailments or diseases which could be done by inserting needles at these points.
Acupuncturists use this therapy to enhance the effect of the normal acupuncture
treatment. (Also refer "Acupuncture" and "Acupuncture Su Jok".)
Benefits: As an adjuvant therapy with Acupuncture, Su Jok Acupuncture, Reflexology,
Acupressure, Shiatsu or other Alternative Medicines to boost its effects against
drugs, cigarettes, alcohol addiction, tooth ache and other aches and pains,
to regulate hyper and hypo activity of the organs etc.
Auto-Urine Therapy
Auto-urine or self-urine has been used for healing & cure of diseases for centuries. Dr. John Armstrong of America re-established its credibility in the beginning of this century.
According to Dr. John Armstrong the chief proponent of Auto-urine Therapy there are clearly worded exhortations in the holy Bible enjoining people to drink their own urine and to use it for external applications and massage: (1) 'Drink waters out of thine own cistern.' (Old Testament.) (2) 'When thou fastest, anoint thy head and wash your face.'(New Testament, Mathew 6-17.). In Ancient Indian texts: Shlokas 41 and 42 of 'Vyavaharsutra' by the learned Jain Acharya Bhadrabahu also mention that one must drink one's own urine while taking a vow or undertaking the regular performance of a religious ritual. The great Tibetan Yogi Milarepa has stated that the Tibetan Buddhist monks and Lamas are able to perform exacting penances and live healthy and long lives by drinking their own urine.
It is also well known everywhere that thieves, dacoits, tramps and other criminal elements make a practice of drinking their own urine to maintain their health and strength, to survive ill treatment and to recover quickly from the beatings they receive at the hands of the guardians of law.
Benefits: Urine therapy has proven helpful in great number
of diseases, ranging from a simple cold and throat-ache, to tuberculosis and
asthma, from minor skin problems such as itching, to more serious skin diseases
such as eczema, psoriasis and even skin cancer. It has a wonderful healing
and toning effect when applied to the skin. It increases immunity against
diseases and aids in opening of the sclerosed arteries (presence of sclerosis
dissolving urokinese) leading to a heart attack. Urine is a tonic that strengthens
the body, and an 'elixir' that confers longevity. It deadens pain probably
by the activation of morphine like substances contained in the body called
"endorphins".
Ayurveda
Ayurveda is a guide to better health. It teaches the way towards a healthy living. Suggesting different intelligent ways, it guides us to be free from any disease or ailment. Should a disease occur, it suggests medications and regimen that will permanently eradicate it.
It is one of the oldest written medical system of Indian
origin that is supposed to be more effective in certain cases than many of
the modern therapies. It dates back to over three thousand years before Christ.
The knowledge was transferred down to generations through recitations of memorised
verses until books were written eight hundred years before Christ.
Originally found in vedic texts, today's Ayurveda is enriched
on the writings of the renowned Indian doctors Charak (Doctor of Medicine)
and Susruta (A surgeon who performed complex plastic surgeries and an authority
on Diabetes).
According to Ayurveda, health is considered a prerequisite
for achieving the goals of life. Ayurveda takes an integrated view of the
physical and spiritual aspects of men; each impinges on the other.
The philosophy of Ayurveda is based on the theory of Panchmahabhutas
(The Five Elements) of which all the objects and living bodies are composed
of. The combination of these five elements are represented in the form of
Tridosha, e.g. Vata (Ether + Air), Pitta (Fire) and Kaph (Water + earth).
These three Doshas (Tri+doshas) are physiological entities in living beings.
These are also known as three humours. The mental-spiritual attributes are
described as Satva, Rajas and Tamas. The various permutations and combinations
of Satva, Rajas and Tamas constitute human temperament and personality. Ayurveda
considers the human being as a combination of three humours (Doshas), Panchmahabhutas
(Five Elements), Sapta-dhatu (Seven Body Tissues), Panchindriyas (Five Senses),
Manas (Mind ), Budhi (Intellect) and Atman (Soul ). The doctrine of Ayurveda
aims to keep these structural and functional entities in a functional state
of equilibrium, which signifies good health. Any imbalance due to internal
or external factors is a disease and restoring the equilibrium through various
techniques, procedures, regimen, diet and medicine, is the treatment.
Herbal decoctions, fomentation, massage etc. are prescribed
to effect a cure. It also lays stress in eating healthy foods and dwelling
in healthy environment and stresses strict diet regimen for the prevention
and cure of various illnesses.
Ayurvedic medicines are mainly prepared from plants. But medicines prepared
from metals, minerals and animal matter are also used in many cases. This
system does not produce any side effects and is milder and slower in action
in many diseases where Allopathy shows miraculous and quicker effects, at
times at the cost of side-effects. If the merits and demerits were weighed
between Allopathy and Ayurveda then Ayurvedic regimen would emerge to be the
first choice.
In Ayurveda, diagnosis is by questioning and eight examinations, viz. pulse, urine, faeces, tongue, eyes, visual/sensual examination & inference.
Ayurveda considers the human being as a microcosm (Yatha pinde tatha brahmande), yet the treatment has to be individualised. While prescribing medicines to a person one has to consider other factors like the condition of body & mind, temperament (Prakriti), sex, age, metabolic fire (Agni), work-rest pattern, sleep pattern and diet. Treatment in Ayurveda has two components:
Preventive Measures
The preventive aspect of Ayurveda is called Svasth vritt and includes personal
hygiene, appropriate social behaviour and Rasayana Sevana (Medication), i.e.
use of rejuvenative materials/drugs.
Curative Measures
The curative treatment consists of three major categories of procedures: 1.
Aushadhi (drugs) 2. Anna (diets) 3. Vihara (exercises and general mode of
life).
Benefits: Being an independent system of medicine, treatment is available for all acute as well as chronic cases. To name a few, it cures constipation, diarrhoea, malaria, all infectious diseases, colds, diseases of the digestive, respiratory, geneto-urinary tracts, it cures sexual ills, aches and pains, circulatory problems including high blood pressure, heart disease and heart attacks, mental illnesses etc. It helps in treating diabetes, sexually transmitted diseases (STD's), AIDS and many other ailments which are incurable or fatal.
Bach Flower Remedies
Flower remedies are made from flowers having healing properties and contain the healing powers of the mother flower. This is a 20th century healing therapy discovered by Dr. Edward Bach, a renowned bacteriologist and a homoeopath from London in 1930. Flower remedies are totally without side-effects, even if the wrong remedy is given. It is believed that these remedies energise the body by restoring the mental balance, thus restoring the harmony between the mind, body and soul.
The remedies of this unique system are prescribed not for a particular complaint, but according to the personality and moods of the patient. According to the philosophy of this system human moods and personalities can be summed up into 38 types and nature has provided a remedy to all. Therefore in all, this system has a fixed 38 remedies that correspond to 38 different personality types. By changing the way one behaves, the related physical ailments can be eradicated naturally by this system. i.e. if an individual is short tempered, he is quiet likely to suffer from palpitations, depression etc.
Benefits: Changes the behavioural pattern of the individual at his mental level by making him more positive minded and there by eradicates his negativities like short-temper, revengeful attitude, selfish attitude etc. and the related physical ailments both of acute and chronic nature i.e. aches and pains, palpitation, cold, cough, indigestion, rheumatoid arthritis, asthma, bronchitis etc. This therapy is becoming increasingly popular owing to its simplicity and effectivity.
Biochemic Remedies
This system of medicine was discovered by the German homoeopath Dr. Wilhem Heinrich Schüssler. He reasoned that if we burn the body, or any part of it, we obtain the ashes containing the salts of iron, magnesia, lime, etc., which build up its tissues. Both the structure and the vitality of the body depend on their proper quantity and distribution in every cell constituting the body. In 1874 he propounded the thesis that "the inorganic substances found in the blood and tissues are sufficient to cure all diseases" of course those which come under the purview of these remedies.
Health is the state of the body when all the cells composing the various tissues are in a normal condition, and they remain in this state when they each receive the requisite quantity of the needful cell salt in its dynamised form, essential for the up-building of the different tissues. These remedies are simple to use and have demonstrated miraculous cures in many so-called incurable diseases or ailments and is widely practiced all over the world today.
Benefits: Though only twelve in number, individually or in specific combinations, it has demonstrated miraculous cures in a variety of diseases. To name a few, the remedy Ferrum phosphoricum is a very reliable remedy in fevers. Calcarea fluoricum miraculously dissolves bony growths, ganglions and tumours doing away with operations, Kali phosphoricum calms the mind and gives refreshing sleep, Magnesium phosphoricum is good for pains and colics like menstrual, renal or abdominal, Silicea along with other remedies cures acute and chronic sinusitis and the list is big and beyond the scope of this book. The remedies are relatively cheaper, free from any side-effects and safe in the hands of laymen.
Chakra Therapy
It is believed that subtle energies from the cosmos, having influence upon the living being are distributed through the body through seven power centres called chakras (wheels). These chakras are situated in the body along the vertical axis of the body from the base of the spine to the head. This energy in the form of light, is attracted by the aura surrounding the human body (See "Aura Therapy"). Acting as a prism, the aura breaks the energy into seven streams corresponding to the seven colours of the rainbow. Each colour is drawn to a particular chakra or energy centre. Any imbalance of energy in the chakras influences the corresponding gland, giving rise to hormonal changes, which, in turn, produce immediate changes in the mental sphere, physical appearance, physical well- being, digestion, and intelligence and the related disorders.
Chakra Therapy forms the basis for some of the specialised healing methods like Ayurveda, Aura, Colour Therapy, Gem Therapy, Kundalini Yoga, Faith healing, Meditation, Pranik Healing, Reiki, Touch or Spiritual Healing etc.
Benefits: To regulate the energies of the chakras and thereby warding off the related ailments like pain in the heart, palpitation, pain behind the sternum with indigestion, choking sensation in the solar plexus, nervousness, anxiety, depression etc.
Chiropractic
This method of Spinal Manipulation for Health is discovered by Dr. Daniel David Palmer of Iowa in 1895. The word chiropractice finds its etiology from the Greek words Cheiro (hand) and Prakrikos (done by hand). The chiro-practitioner manipulates the backbone with his hand to bring back into alignment the vertebrae that are partially misaligned or misplaced. This restores the normal flow of neuro-hormonal secretions in the spinal cord and the attached nerves, so that the body recovers from pain and the disease causing that pain. Chiropractitioners manipulate the bones and muscles of the body, usually by hand. This applies more to the spinal column or the backbone, which is adjusted to rehabilitate the normal functioning of the nervous system.
Some people confuse Chiropractic with Osteopathy. Though both these sciences have similar philosophy and approach, the technique of manipulation is different. Chiropractice has a lot of advantages over Osteopathy, particularly in the technique of spinal manipulation.
Benefits: To correct the de-aligned spinal column that results in pain and discomfort. Relieves the inflammation, tensions in the muscles leading to intense burning sensations, frees pinched nerves. It also corrects the hyper and hypo activities of the glands due to compressed nerves.
Colour Therapy
The healing power of colour on the mind and body is a scientifically accepted phenomenon today. Propagated initially by the Greeks, Indians, and Chinese, it maintains that energies having seven different colours, which enters the body in the form of light is attracted towards the seven energy centres of the body called the Chakras. (See "Chakra therapy") Here it performs complex reactions on the chemical or molecular level to regulate the energy flow within the chakras. Colours, therefore contribute a great deal to the mind and emotions. This therapy makes use of sun rays for the treatment of various diseases. Coloured bottles filled with water, oil etc. are kept in the sun for sometime to get charged with a particular colour of the Sun rays depending upon the colour of the bottle. Colour as a power is known to vitalise, enlighten, animate, heal, inspire the sick etc., The therapists maintain that each individual is influenced by the vibrational energies of specific wavelengths of the seven major rays or colours of the rainbow collectively known as the VIGBOYR (Violet, Indigo, Green, Blue ,Orange, Yellow and Red.) and health can be maintained by maintaining the correct balance of these colours.
Benefits: All chronic as well as acute diseases can be effectively treated. Resistance power of the body against diseases is increased under the judicious use of this therapy.
Counselling
Counselling is practised by counselling psychologists, marriage counsellors, pastoral counsellors, teachers, parents and friends. The people who seek counselling are normal people who need help to cope with their personal problems in the present situation.
Some people though not mentally sick act as lunatics due to causes of frustration, anxieties or depressions. The causes could be inherited, acquired by self or thrust upon by others or even by nature.
They react sharply to the given stimuli mainly due to lack in deeper self-knowledge and lack of analytical viewpoint or reasoning power in a given situation. They require a counsellor to methodically and impressively suggest a change in attitude, a modification of self-perception and a modification of the perception of others.
Suppression of emotions can lead to serious mental or physical problems and a counsellor is a medium for the counsellee to speakout one's bottled-up emotions thus making one's heart feel lighter. Counsellor using his impressive powers (Hypnotic powers) and other abilities can suggest minor changes in the counsellee's attitudes towards life and living, making future of the counsellee more pleasurable. In a way the counsellor uses hypnotic effect to impress these changes in the counsellee's subconscious mind. Service to humanity thus becomes a motto of the counsellor and a good counsellor, a boon to society.
Benefits: Achieve a better personal adjustment and growth in maturity, by stimulating the counsellee to exploit the potential and use more of the resources for a meaningful life.
Effective counselling has saved many from taking wrong steps leading to self-destruction or taking abrupt decisions of a serious nature like committing suicide.
Counselling has helped in re-establishing the broken bonds of marriage, parent and children relationship, boss and worker relationship etc. This has cured Chronic Fatigue Syndromes, behavioural abnormalities, defective tendencies etc.
Di-theramy
Application of electric current to produce heat in the deeper tissues of the body.
Benefits: Relieves inflammations and related pains and swellings.
Electro-Homœopathy
Twenty two years after the death of Hahnemann, founder of homeopathic treatment, Dr. Count Caesar Maity an influential scholar of Italy, presented to the world a new system of treatment in 1865. His system was nothing but a twisted version of the principles of Hahnemann. Hahnemann believed that the medicine for treatment should be simple and in minimum quantity so that the disease is eradicated. He also believed that many symptoms of one disease could be treated by a single dose of a single medicine that produced the same symptoms in the body. On the contrary Dr. Maity, propounded that diseases can be treated by a collective use of medicines as per the symptoms. Hahnemann propounded the theory of Similia Simlibus Curantur i.e. Like Cures Like (treatment of the sick by those medicines that created the similar symptoms in healthy people). On the other hand, Dr. Maity propounded Complexa, Complexes Curantur. I.e. chronic ailments could be treated only by intricate and collective medicines.
According to Dr. Maity the diseases take birth due to impurities and defective flow of blood in the body. He asserted that matters could be set right if the blood and its flow are set right. The impurity of the blood can be due to many reasons. The treatment has to follow the prescribed procedure.
Electro-homoeopathy asserts that all its medicines divide themselves in two electrically charged parts as soon as they enter the body. Electro-homœopathy believes that if the medicine does'nt have any effect on the nervous system, it cannot fight the disease. The entire nervous system works on electrical impulses, as such, it was propounded that this imbalance in electrical impulses can be set right only by electrical impulses. Though this theory appeared foolish earlier, now it is evident to be true. This therapy did not develop as expected and therefore could not get a government recognition, but it has presented many miraculous cures to the world. There are very few practitioners of this system and its remedies are difficult to obtain.
Benefits: Some miraculous cures are reported in cases of liver disorders, toxin related problems, headaches, worm troubles, asthma, bronchitis, blood pressure, allergies and even mental disorders, etc.
Faith Healing: See "Touch or Spiritual Healing"
Fasting
It is said that upon fasting the disease of a person dies and not the person. All the religions of the world have incorporated fasting as part of their rituals. It has made this ritual of fasting mandatory to its followers thus indirectly imposing a holy law to maintain good health.
The Father of the nation of India, Mahatma Gandhi was a strong propounder of fasting. Not only he used fasting to keep himself fit and healthy but used it as a tool against the British colonialism.
Food provides the body with energy and sustains life. Continuously eating piles-up toxins in the body which do not get a chance to get eliminated. Upon fasting, the process of elimination of toxins begins. This gives rest to the various processes going on in the body, providing opportunity to accelerate the rejuvenating process of certain parts and organs of the body. In particular it gives rest to the digestive and assimilative processes in the body thus improving its efficiency. Thus it makes the person who fasts feel lighter and energetic.
Animals when sick instinctively abstain from eating thus providing chance to the immune system of the body to take up the work of healing.
Drinking plentiful water during fasting promotes the elimination of toxins and waste materials from the body and accelerates the cleaning up process of the liver and the kidneys. More than five litres of water must be taken for this purpose everyday. Water should be taken at regular intervals and in divided doses instead of taking large quantities at a time. Alternation of luke warm water and cold water improves the efficiency of fasting.
Previous day of fasting, requires only a small quantity of fruits and vegetables which is to be taken, preferably in its raw form. Apples, oranges, tangerines and other citrous fruits containing fewer carbohydrates may be preferred. To break the fast a glass full of lime juice or orange juice fortified with salt may be taken followed by barley water. The next meal can include oats or kanji. The third meal could be curds or yogurt, rice or a vegetable sandwich. Light meal should be continued for the next four days and non-vegetarian foods should be totally abstained during this time.
Benefits: Increases resistance power of the body against diseases, mental powers such as power of concentration and memorisation increases. Eliminates toxins, waste materials and other debris present in the circulatory system, eliminatory system such as the gastro-intestinal tract and the urinary system. Accelerates the Rejuvenative process and cures liver disorders.
Folk Remedies: See "Home Remedies"
Fruit-Vegetable Therapy
The therapeutic action of certain raw fruits and vegetables has long been recognised. Eating fruits in the morning helps in elimination of toxins from the body gathered from the previous days food or other toxic sources. Antioxidents contained in some of the fresh fruits bind with the harmful free radicals (An organic compound in which some of the valence electrons are unpaired, occurring as a normal byproduct of oxidation reactions in metabolism) in the blood and make them inactive. Cholesterol, diabetes, toxemia can be avoided by regular intake of fruits and vegetables and its juices.
Benefits: 1. Juices of raw fruits and vegetables have a diuretic action upon the body i.e. it increases the urine output and thereby lowers the pH (density) of the urine facilitating the elimination of the toxic waste material from the body. 2. The organic acids of the salts in fruits after chemically getting digested leave an alkaline ash by the formation of alkaline carbonates, which turn the body alkaline and therefore aid in maintaining the correct Acid and Alkaline balance of the body. 3. All fruit juices and the citrus juices in particular have the property of cleansing and eliminating the toxic waste from the intestines. 4. The carbohydrates of the fresh fruit juices are chiefly in the form of fructose, dextrin and acids which are easily digested and completely assimilated. This in turn supplies quick and natural energy which is of immense value to the sick in convalescence. 5. Provide necessary vitamins, minerals, metals and enzymes besides energy to the body in the easily assimilable form.
Gem Therapy
All Gemstones are highly sensitive crystals. They have conductive vibrations with specific wavelengths representing specific colour from the spectrum of the rainbow. They filter out specific rays from white sunlight and give it in required concentration to the patient, deficient in that particular colour. These vibrations exhibit qualities of healing diseases as has been evident from time immemorial. It is used both as curative as well as a preventive remedy to a wide range of ailments. The ever-growing popularity speaks by itself the success in curing the sick, thereby becoming an important drugless therapy of the future. Gems effects the living organism by drawing solar and cosmic energies and direct its therapeutic effect to balance or tone up the required vibrational colours in its specific wavelength to re-establish healthy condition. There are many types of Gems used in treating ailments but nine of them are important and are called Navaratnas.
Benefits: Chronic as well as acute diseases can be effectively treated. Resistance Power of the body against diseases is increased under the judicious use of this therapy.
Heat Therapy
It employs infrared lamps, diathermy machines and similar heat appliances. Heat energy increases the blood supply to the injured portion and relaxes any spasm of blood vessels or muscles. (Also see "Actinotherapy", "Infrared Therapy").
Benefits: It is very useful in treating certain types of arthritis, muscle sprains, inflammation, stiff joints etc.
Home Remedies
This system deals with the medicinal properties of food items of daily use in the house to find a quicker and a better solution to the day-to-day ailments right in the kitchen.
We use Fruits, vegetables, condiments and other flavouring herbs in our daily cooking for refreshment and entertainment which are mostly derivatives from the plant world. Every plant has a medicinal value. Though we use it in our daily foods, some of them have excellent medicinal virtues. Judicious use of these items, many a times not only prove to be very helpful in diminishing the suffering from day to day ailments but eradicates it completely from the root.
Benefits: Cough, cold, diarrhoea, dysentery, fever, high blood pressure, diabetes, headache, migraine, sore throat, abdominal colic, kidney, gall bladder coilcs, skin care, pain, aches etc.
Homœopathy
Dr. Christian Frederic Sammuel Hahnemann, a German Physician in around 1700, while translating Cullen's Materia Medica from English to German, became indignant over the theoretical explanation of the malarial fever and the curing property of Cinchona Bark as due to its bitter effects on the stomach. This explanation did not satisfy Hahnemann, as there were plenty of other bitter drugs but not possessing fever-curing properties. He examined this observation more thoroughly discovering the fundamental principles of what was to become Homoeopathy. He conducted experiments upon himself, which went in to history as the famous Peruvian Bark Trial. After series of repeated tests, Hahnemann observed a pathological effect, which appeared to resemble malarial fever. Following this clue, he started to prove several so called specific drugs on himself and other healthy volunteers and in every case he noticed the similarity of symptoms produced by the drugs to that of the natural diseases to which these drugs were supposed to be specific.
His experiments confirmed and re-confirmed that the symptoms
exhibited while proving a drug cured similar symptoms produced by a disease
and he called this phenomenon "Similia, Similibus Curantur" i.e.
"Like Cures Like" upon which this system is based.
Then he discovered the method of potentisation. This enabled him to obtain
better effect of the original drug by diluting it. This method of potentisation
had another wonderful effect, which could evoke latent medicinal property
of drug, practically inert in its original state. Carbo Vegatiblis is such
a drug which is just an animal charcoal but after going under the process
of potentisation it attains medicinal properties which are life saving.
Therefore the speciality about Homœopathy is, unlike other systems of medicines Homoeopathy cures a disease by administering the person with small amount of potentised drugs to produce symptoms like those of the disease. The unique method of potentisation while reducing the concentration of the medicinal substance raises its power wherein, only the curative power of a medicinal substance or the latent medicinal property of a relatively inert substance found in nature is evoked. Interestingly above the 12th potency, the remedy is diluted to such a degree that no molecules of the basic medicinal substance can be found even with a powerful electron microscope. But as the higher potencies are made of the medicines they become more deep acting and powerful, thus enabling the eradication of deep seated chronic ailments.
The Modern Medicine also called the Allopathic Medicine considers the cause of the diseases as an inevitable external influence upon the human organism. When the germs, microbes and other parasites invade the body, they are killed or eliminated. Homœopathy on the contrary believes that invasion of germs, worm or microbes etc. is only specific to an individual whose resistance power to defend against this influences has minimised. i.e. In a family of five if one contacts a contagious disease the others may not get effected by it and the reason is that they have a stronger defense mechanism. Homœopathy therefore tries to activate body's own defenses to effectively guard the organism which requires remedies in milder concentrations as against attempting to kill the invaders with poison or pesticides which are also poisonous and harmful to the body.
Unlike the general belief that Homœopathy is slow acting, it cures many ailments or even acute diseases instantly, some of them even within seconds, like that of toothaches, migraines, headaches, fever, gastroenteritis, sore and inflamed throat etc. Within minutes in cases of diarrhoea, renal colic, intestinal colic, mild insomnia, acute sinusitis, nose block, allergies of skin, respiratory allergies like wheezing of asthma and Bronchitis, watering of the nose etc. Even some difficult to treat chronic diseases by general methods, sometimes respond within few hours to a few days. However in case of some deep seated and stubborn chronic diseases, and those diseases termed as incurable by the Allopathy and other systems of medicines, it may take some time for the complete eradication of the cause from its root. The time taken could be approximately from one month to over a year.
Physicians from the ancient times have observed that some substances produce a few of the same symptoms that they were used to treat. In Ayurveda it was observed that by grinding medicinal substances to a finer consistency in a mortar and pestle, the virtues of the medicines were enhanced. However, it was in the late 1700, that a German Physician, Dr. Christian Frederic Sammuel Hahnemann examined this observation more thoroughly discovering the fundamental principles of what was to become Homoeopathy. While translating Cullen's Materia Medica from English to German, Hahnemann became indignant over the theoretical explanation of the fever curing property of Cinchona bark as due to its bitter effects on the stomach. This explanation did not satisfy Hahnemann, as there were plenty of other bitter drugs but not possessing fever-curing properties. He conducted experiments upon himself, which went in to history as the famous Peruvian Bark Trial. After series of repeated tests, Hahnemann observed a pathological effect, which appeared to resemble malarial fever. Following this clue, he started to prove several so called specific drugs on himself and other healthy volunteers and in every case he noticed the similarity of symptoms produced by the drugs to that of the natural diseases to which these drugs were supposed to be specific.
Thus, Hahnemann concluded that any substance capable of producing artificial symptoms on healthy individuals could cure the same symptoms in natural disease. This forms the basis of the theory of Homoeopathy "Similia Similibus Curentur" or let like be treated by like. He published his research works in the classical books "Materia Medica Pura" and "Organon of Art of Healing".
Homoeopathy thus is based on the following cardinal principles:
The Law of similars
The law of Similars states that a medicine, which can produce artificial symptoms
on healthy human beings, can cure the similar set of symptoms of natural diseases.
The Law of direction of cure
The direction of cure states that during curative process the symptoms disappear
in the reverse order of its appearance, from above downwards, from organs
that are more important to less important organs etc.
The Principle of single remedy
In the treatment of chronic diseases, Homoeopathy generally uses only a single
medicine, which has a true similarity of symptoms with that of the remedy.
This process of selecting the correct remedy is based on individualisation.
The theory of minimum dose
The doses applied are the minimum possible sufficient to correct the diseased
state.
The theory of chronic diseases
The theory of chronic states that that most diseases are due to three chronic
latent affinities in the human being called miasms. These miasms normally
remain dormant, but express their presence in conducive situations such as
irregular living, constant exposure to unhealthy situations, emotional stress,
atmospheric influences, etc. and over power the immune system/health.
Homoeopathy does not give much importance to the nomenclature of disease for treatment. The concept is that the physical, mental and spiritual expressions of the sick form the totality of the disease. It is also believed that the external influences such as bacteria, viruses could not cause sickness unless the vital resistance of an individual is reduced beyond a certain level.
In treatment, primary emphasis is given to increase the defensive mechanism of the individual through holistic approach of individualisation. Here the treatment is directed in correcting the imbalance in the immune mechanism and restoring health to the sick. Here two sick individuals are never considered identical for selection of medicine, though they may be suffering from the same disease. Individualisation of a patient through a detailed and exhaustive case taking, is the most important aspect in Homoeopathy.
Benefits: This system of medicines is equally beneficial
in Acute as well as chronic ailments and demonstrates miraculous effects in
curing the so-called incurable or hopeless diseases. It also miraculously
dissolves tumours, cysts, ganglions and other growths and has gained reputation
in raising the immune system of the body. It has received praises in epidemics
and infectious diseases and in particular recurrent chronic infections where
Modern Medicines has little to offer except palliation. It gives immunity
towards the susceptibilities, tendencies towards diseases and ailments. It
has a wide range of remedies for almost all diseases and is a complete medical
system in itself.
It specially cures sinusitis, asthma and other allergies, skin allergies like
urticarea, blood pressure, heart ailments, migraines, various types of pains,
gastro-Intestinal diseases including diarrhoea and dysentery, Irritable Bowel
Syndrome, colitis, acute and chronic gastritis, constipations, spondylosis,
rheumatism, rheumatoid arthritis, skin diseases like herpis zoster, pityriasis,
skin-discolourations, pimples, boils, tooth ache, Migraine, headache, kidney
stones, gall bladder calculi, cystitis, cataract, tennis elbow, athletes foot,
chronic fatigue syndrome, stammering, mental ailments like schizophrenia,
anxiety depression, loss of memory and many more ailments and diseases that
are considered to be difficult to cure.
Homoeopuncture
Homoeopuncture is a amalgamation of Homœopathy and Acupuncture treatment. Homœopathic medicines are inserted at specific acupuncture points or acupuncture needles containing Homœopathic remedies are inserted and stimulated for enhancing the effect of the acupuncture therapy. An experienced homeopath who is also an expert acupuncturist can only give justice to this therapy as selection of a most suitable homœopathic remedy in its right potency for a given acupuncture point needs a thorough synchronization. This therapy is given to those patients who show mild response to homœopathy or acupuncture or only show partial response to the complimentary use of both Homoeopathy and Acupuncture therapies.
Benefits: Boosts the curative effect of some incurable diseases which do not respond well to Homœopathy or acupuncture individually.
Hydrotherapy
It involves the use of water in the form of various types of tub baths, enema, compresses & packs, steam bath, hot foot bath, wet or dry hot fomentation.
To this effective therapy is added a novel technique of drinking water called the Water Therapy. Water is a great cleanser and purifier. Drinking large quantities of water helps in elimination of toxic wastes from the body accumulated after eating food. We seldom maintain acid alkaline balance of our food. We eat acidic food in larger quantities which turns our bodies acidic. pH of the urine becomes more acidic, as a result we experience burning whilst urinating. We become prone to urinary infections; toxins are retained in the body which reduces the body resistance against diseases, uric acid levels in our body rises up giving rise to uric acid related ailments like gout etc. drinking large quantities of water thins the urine, cools the body, improves digestion, improves the efficiency of elimination of waste materials. Water therapy is specially useful for the following ailments like arthritis, diabetes, all allergic conditions including asthma, skin rashes, digestive disorders, hypertension, constipation etc., and even for serious ills like cancer and tuberculosis. Water therapy prescribes one to one and a half liter of water to be taken first thing in the morning and in more severe cases twice daily. A total five liters of water per day is essential for the therapy to be more effective.
Praying in the church, mosque or temple etc. or chanting mantras, shlokas or jap of the word "OM" creates a hypnotic effect. This hypnotic effect can be channalised for good or bad purposes and primarily be used for healing.
N.B.: If it appears to be difficult to drink four to five glasses of water in the morning. Start with two glasses of water and gradually increase the quantity to five liters.
Benefits: Cures disorders arising from the excessive acidic condition in the body like joint pains, sweat having foetid smell, high blood pressure, diabetes, indigestion, fatigue, insomnia, palpitation, allergic conditions, headaches etc.
Hypnotherapy
This therapy is used for removing psychological problems and blockages in the mind by taking the patient into his deeper level of consciousness. The present behavioural pattern of any individual is a mirror of the bad experiences, startling situations, shock, insult, frustration that he experienced in his life right from his mothers womb till the present day, imbibed in his subconscious mind.
Hypnotist makes his subject go into a state of artificial sleep called trance and gets access to his subconscious mind wherein the root of all psychological problems lie. By putting the patient in a deep trance, and giving positive suggestions at his subconscious level the old negative impressions are gradually wiped out. Ailments or diseases at his Mental as well as Physical level can thus be effectively eradicated by wiping out or by nullifying these negative imprints from his mind. With this method, different faulty temperaments or attitudes of an individual can be changed to enable him to lead a positive future, cure his mental or physical diseases or enhance his receptivity to other indicated treatments.
Hypnotism may increase the efficiency of the dull children
and corrects the attitudes of intelligent children who cannot concentrate
on their studies but prefer to play or dream all the time. It increases the
mental ability and power of concentration.
The hypnotist can make the subject to reveal past events long forgotten but
lying hidden in his sub-conscious mind and neutralise them with convincing
suggestions to heal him from its side effects. This procedure of healing is
similar to the one termed as "Inner Healing" by the charismatic
practitioners but more scientific in nature.
Some dentists use hypnotism as an anaesthetic. After the patient has been hypnotised, the dentist drills the tooth and fills the cavity. The patient remains relaxed and feels comfortable throughout the procedure.
Hypnosis helps some people to control or stop such problems or habits such as eating disorders, smoking and drug addiction. Hypnotism has been used to improve learning, reading, sleep, speech problems like stammering, enhancing sports performances, and behavioural problems.
Hypnotism occasionally has aided in the treatment of patients with chronic illnesses like arthritis, cancer, multiple sclerosis, pain, stroke, heart ailments, stomach, and lung disorders etc.
Self-hypnosis is hypnosis of the self, effective in wiping out the negativities and relieves the mind from all related strains, tensions and anxieties. It is therefore one of the effective ways to control ones aggrieved emotions that might lead to serious physical or mental problem if left unattended.
Benefits: Sleeplessness, palpitation, indigestion, aches and pains in any part of the body etc. It increases the retention power of the mind, tensions, depressions, anxieties, short temper, suicidal or murderous tendencies, phobias, strange mannerisms, examination fears, etc. can be treated by the hypnotist or even self-treated by the method of Self-hypnosis.
Infrared Therapy
One good method of applying dry heat is by means of infrared heating lamp. These lamps make use of the infrared rays produced by a coil or plate within the lamp. Infrared rays are electromagnetic waves of high wavelength having low frequency and have a deep heating effect. Lamp should be placed at least 30 inches away from the skin to prevent burning.
Benefits: This type of heat is beneficial in treating injuries and infections of the skin and of deeper tissues more specifically and quickly.
Kundalini
Kundalini is the secret of life. Almost every tradition speaks of Kundalini in its own way. The Hindus call it Prana or Chaitanya, the Chinese call it Chi the Japanese call it Ki, the Christians call it the Holy Spirit. It is nothing but the spiritual power of self which governs the "Mind and Body" and becomes one with it to form the trinity of life the "Mind, Body and Soul". It is the cosmic power endowed upon the mind and body to give it a meaningful life. Kundalini is a subtle energy of great potential but lying dormant within us. It has to be evoked to experience its full potential. Kundalini is one of the mediums of healing of the body deep from the eternal self to its outwardly disorders.
The life energy in the body and the mind is governed with perfect harmony from seven centres in the body called the Chakras (See "Chakra Therapy"). The Kundalini Energy also called the Life Energy resides in the Muldhara chakra (the Chakra situated at the root) or the "Secral Plexus".
Benefits: By evoking Kundalini, one gets in harmony with the creator and the environment created by him resulting in stronger body resistance resulting in good health. Yoga ultimately aims at invoking the kundalini to achieve samadhi, a state of union with God the supreme power of universal existence. (See "Yoga").
Laughter Therapy
10th of January is celebrated as the "World Laughter Day". Over the past two decades, extensive research has been carried out all over the world and it has been proved that laughter has a positive impact on various systems of the body.
Today due to fast life, cut-throat competitions, monetary anxieties etc. happiness and laughter have been snatched away from the people. The entertainment programmes like movies, serials, dramas, radio programmes, newspapers are aimed at attracting peoples attention by creating anxious atmospheres. Farcical or comedy programmes are seldom produced. The entire atmosphere of this globe has turned negative and anxiety creating. The fast life needs a little diversion. We need to be in a atmosphere of the type what Laurel and Hardy created, for some time of the day to rejuvenate our depleted and depressed minds. A Hearty laugh a few times during the day is the simplest, economical and effective method to create the situation required for a healthy chemistry of the body.
Recognising the potential of Laughter, Laughter Clubs are being set up all over the world and are increasing in number day after day...
Benefits: It helps to control many diseases like high blood pressure, heart diseases, anxiety, depressions, nervous breakdown, insomnia, peptic ulcer, allergies and even cancer.
Magnetotherapy
Magneto therapy is the art of healing through external application of magnets. It is a drugless therapy and therefore no medicine is orally feed or externally applied to the body of the patient or injected in his system. The magnet relieves distressing symptoms of many diseases and cures them miraculously without medicine. It is a forgotten ancient system of treatment which is being revived now in India and abroad.
The therapeutic value of Magnetotherapy is vast, though magnetotherapy can be successfully used in treating as many as 230 types of ailments. It has proved to be highly useful in treating diseases like kidney and gall-bladder stones, diseases pertaining to lunacy, asthma, bronchitis, acute pains like cervical spondylosis, ankylosing spondylitis, toothaches, acute or chronic inflammations like sciatica, rheumatism, infections, hyper tension, boils, skin ailments like eczema, leucoderma, diseases of bones and joints, headaches, migraines, sinusitis, sprains, stiffness, and of reproductive organs, diseases of bowels and the uterus, arteriosclerosis of the arteries, reduction of cholesterol, urinary trouble, bed-wetting, dysmenorrhoea, stiff shoulders, constipation, fatigue, sleeplessness, maintenance of beauty and charm in women etc. and other related ailments have been successfully treated by this method.
Benefits: It is now the established fact that application of magnets reduce pain, eradicates painful swelling and inflammation remarkably in a short span of time and has a soothing effect on the aching part. This miraculous effect has made this therapy more popular in India and abroad.
Massage Therapy
It is an ancient oriental practice. Massage can both stimulate or relax the body, according to the nature of rubbing, kneading, and therapeutic stroking of the muscles and joints of the body to stimulate their action and cure strains. It improves the blood circulation, relaxes the tired muscles and soothes the frayed nerves. It also relieves physical and mental stress and gives youthful feeling. Massage comes from the Greek word 'masso' (to knead) and the Arabic 'mass' (to press gently).
Benefits: A massage can sedate or stimulate the body depending on the nature or style of strokes applied. This therapy is also very effective for diseases arising out of stiffness and inflammations of muscles & joints and low blood circulation e.g. arthritis, varicose veins, cervical pain, pain in legs, etc. It also aides in mental relaxations.
Meditation
Stress leads to anxiety and depression. These tensions in the mind reflect upon the body causing different ailments and diseases. Continued stressful environment has shown to lower the immunity of the body thus making it susceptible to various ailments or diseases which the individual was previously immune to. Meditation is as old as religious belief, and its main therapeutic value is in combating stress. The principle behind meditation is that you relax and empty your mind of those thoughts that chase each other round and round, those worries, anxieties, fears and even hopes that will not let you alone. When you have stilled your thoughts in this way, you will be led gently into full and effective relaxation. In a similar stressful situation two individuals may react differently. The one who faces the situation with a cool mind escapes the resultant side effect but the one who takes it to the heart suffers unforeseen health problems. It is this individual who should learn the art of meditation.
Benefits: Meditation increases efficiency of the mind, makes it cool and increases the power of concentration, makes one more receptive to rationalism, eradicates headstrongness, boosts vitality, tones up the immune system and encompasses many other positive benefits etc.
Mesmerism
Austrian physician Franz Mesmer in the late 1600 sought to treat disease through magnetic forces possessed by the living being which he termed animal magnetism. The effect produced by the interaction of the subtle magnetic forces to that of the patient was called Mesmerisation (See "Sleep Therapy") and "Hypnotherapy". Mesmerisation was an early therapeutic application of hypnotism which attained scientific acceptance after Goan Priest Abbé Faria gave it a scientific perspective.
Benefits: Same as Hypnotism. (See "Hypnotherapy").
Moxibustion
Moxibation is used as an independent therapy or as an adjuvant therapy along with Acupuncture to enhance its effect. The treatment is done by applying the required amount of heat emanated mostly from the burnt moxa (herb) to excite the affected acupuncture point. This therapy is generally used to treat diseases that are the result of excess negative energy which is known as Yin.
This method has been prevalent for a long time in countries like China, Japan and Korea. The Japanese name for this method is 'Mo Gu Sa', and is used to cure diseases which are not amenable to treatment by ordinary acupuncture, such as-bronchial asthma, chronic bronchitis, chronic diarrhea, paralysis and arthritis. Nowadays Athletes use moxibation for obtaining instant relief from acute pains arising from sprains, twists etc. right on the playground.
In this method the concerned acupuncture point is directly or indirectly excited by applying moxa heat in the required intensity and duration. Also after the point is stimulated, by a acupunture needle moxa is burned over that point to enhance the curative effect of the treatment given.
Benefits: Instant relief from aches and pains from sprains and injuries.Enhancing the curative effect of the Acupuncture, Acupressure or Shiatzu treatment.
Naturopathy: Same as "Nature Cure"
Nature Cure
Day by day more and more people are realising the need to be one with the
nature. Our body is a collection of certain elements from the Nature in the
required proportions. Nature gives us life and sustains it. We are therefore
a part and parcel of Mother Nature and therefore our existence is governed
by the laws of Nature. Any deviation from these laws of nature or any imbalances
of these natural elements in us would put our mind, body and soul into disharmony
resulting into sickness. This system believes in the five elements of nature
(Water, Air, Fire, Earth & Sky) for treatment. Hydrotherapy, enema, fasting,
sun bath, steam bath, massage, air bath, fruits & vegetables, exercises,
mud packs are some of the tools used in this therapy.
Benefits: Almost all the ailments or diseases can be prevented or cured by
judicious use of Nature Cure Therapy. In more complex cases it can be complemented
with any other system or therapy recommended from amongst the Alternative
Medicines.
Osteopathy
Pains, mild to severe which demand constant use of pain killers come under the purview of this therapy, evolved by the German physician, Dr Andrew Taylor Still (1828-1917) based in America. He founded the first college of Osteopathy in 1892 and obtained legal recognition. From then on, it went on spreading to the nooks and corners of the world.
Numerous diseases are associated with the musculoskeletal
system and is a dependable system of curing ailments of the bones and muscles.
Treatment consists of manipulation of bones of the body and massaging the
sensitive and tensed up or spasmodic areas in the muscles that generate pain.
It is mostly used to correct the misalignment of spinal vertebra wherein 90%
of the problem lies due to pinched or trapped nerves. This condition gives
rise to mild to severe pains and various other distressing referred ailments
in other parts of the body. Wherever movement is restricted, the osteopath
manipulates to open the joint and restore alignments - usually between two
vertebrae. If the bones slip back into place, relief is immediate.
Many a times, the cause of pain could be due to wrong posture either standing,
sitting or sleeping, lifting or pushing heavy weights, sudden twists or jerks
etc. For the osteopaths the spinal cord is the most important channel of nerves
in the body. For every function and movement of the body is controlled through
this channel. Faulty posture increases the strain on the spine and gives rise
to pains of various characters and intensities.
There has been a new development in the cranial manipulation and this technique is called the Cranial Osteopathy. The bones of the skull has been found to move lightly while breathing and it is this movement that carries out a circulatory intricate channels surrounding the brain. An extremely gentle treatment can be applied to this area. The practitioner will simply hold the bones with his hands, whilst the patient's own breathing improves their Positioning and function. Though Acupuncture is a very beautiful therapy for pain relief, manuel correction of the bone misalignments can be done better through osteopathy. Chiropractic is different from osteopathy as it is mostly concerned with the spinal dis-alignments, curvatures and the resultant posture defect that give rise to various ailments including the pain in the back and elsewhere. (See "Chiropractic".)
Benefits: Recently acquired problems, such as a backache caused by awkward lifting, may be cured in one session. Longer-standing conditions, accompanied by tissue damage or structural adaptation by the muscles and ligaments, usually require a series of treatments.
Physiotherapy
It is the use of any physical agent, e.g. heat or exercise to treat a disease or injury. Paralysis, muscle weakness, poliomyelitis, fractures, sprains and multiple sclerosis cases can be treated by this therapy. Physiotherapists make use of the following devices for treatment.
Radiant of Infrared heat lamp, electrical heating pad and diathermy, hot bath, ultraviolet lamps, ultrasound etc. Equipments such as traction machines, pulleys, weights, bars, braces, crutches, wheel chairs etc.
Benefits: Relieve discomfort, pain or inflammation in the fastest possible manner, mostly after surgery.
N.B.: Acupuncture or Acupressure could be a better alternatives to some of the methods in this therapy.
Pranic Healing
There are countless facts and phenomenon that we hear about or experience in person that are miraculous and stunning and there seems to be no satisfactory scientific explanation to this effect. We then start believing the existence of supernatural powers.
We know that our nervous system works by the circulation of minute electrical energies conducted by the nerve fibres that work like electrical wires. Our heart pumps by the action of contraction and relaxation of its muscle fibres due to the influence of a small electrical pulse generating system contained in the heart called the pace maker. If it emits quick electrical pulses the heart beats faster. We also have seen elsewhere that the entire cosmos is an energy with the ability of attractions and repulsions. We know that the earth itself is a large magnet with the North and the South Pole, and it can be proved by suspending a magnet. Any energy that attracts or repels is a volatile magnetic energy, may it be by the conduction of electrical wires or without. The existence of volatile energy in our body may it be in the form of magnetic, electrical, static, etc., is proved beyond doubt with equipments such as EEG and ECG machines. This is the energy that sustains life. And this life energy is called Prana or the Soul or the Spirit. Pranic healing is about the healing of this Prana.
The Prana energy originates from the cosmos and resides within the boundaries of our bodies from the time we are conceived in our mothers womb and until we are alive. It leaves our body to join the cosmos once we expire. Human beings can channelise and utilise the energy to achieve different feats. With this energy one can heal his ownself or others.
To receive Pranic Healing one must adhere to the following: proper diet, proper breathing, sufficient and proper exercise, proper etheric hygiene, emotional and mental hygiene, forgiveness and loving kindness, proper human relationships, proper livelihood, self control for stress, proper life-style, etc.
Healing from within, deep from the subconscious level and at a frequency level of the soul create wonders in chronic diseases of physical or mental nature. The curative effect is similar to Reiki. Hypnotism and Mesmerism also give similar benefits. However Pranic Healing is practiced on the spiritual philosophy and as such people tend to be in line more rigorously and adhere to the philosophy in a fanatic way which can change them into a reformed human being more effectively then any other system of healing. It affords excellent mental ability and mental and physical fitness, calmness and serenity to tackle a given situation. It finally leads the way to 'Samadhi' the ultimate goal of happiness. The techniques from the yogic therapy are adopted to achieve this effect.
Benefits: It enables one to lead an orderly, disciplined, spiritual and happier life style that could make one immune to all odds including diseases.
Psychoanalysis
Human behaviour and emotions are largely influenced by unconscious wishes. By bringing these unconscious wishes into consciousness, and listening to and analysing them, the analyst can subsequently help the patient solve his problems. The bad experiences resisted in the subconscious mind are mostly forgotten by the conscious mind, but they still influence the present behavioural pattern of the individual. By attempting to nullify it, it will eradicate the present altered mental and physical state.
The method of solving problems by psychoanalysis was pioneered by the Austrian physician Sigmund Freud (1856-1939) at the end of the nineteenth century. In effectivity it is similar to Hypnotism.
Benefits: Treatment is carried upon by attempting to uncover the imprint of incidents of startling experiences, acute emotional stresses, etc. on the subconscious mind, thereby even curing the chronic ailments of Psychosomatic nature.
Radionics
The basic concept of Radionics is that man in company with all other life forms is submerged in the electro-magnetic energy field of the earth. Each life form has its own electro-magnetic field which the Austrian physician Friedrich or Frenz Mesmer called the animal magnetism (See "Mesmerism").
It was observed by Dr. Albert Abrams, that atoms of diseased tissues emanate some kind of radiation which was different in different diseases. The practitioners use extra-sensory perception to tap this electro-magnetic energy. He attunes his mind to that of the patient or using a drop of blood of a patient or a photograph, analysis his ailments and treats the patient through the power of the mind sending vibrational waves of the required frequency. Nowadays electric, electronic machines and specialised cameras are used for the purpose. Radionics has a similarity with Radiesthesia, Hypnotism and Aura Therapy. While Radiesthesia is basically a diagnostic tool, Radionics is a therapy.
Benefits: Analysis and cures mental and physical ailments at the psychic level, sometimes with the help of specialised machines.
Reflexology
Reflexology is a system of diagnosis and healing by massaging the feet. It depends on links between certain areas of the feet and organs of the body. Foot massage is believed to have been practised by the ancient Chinese and Egyptian civilisations. Reflexology in the form that we know it today dates from the nineteen-twenties, when Dr. Fitzgerald an American and some of his colleagues started relating various zones of the body to sensitive areas on the foot.
Areas of the feet are related to parts of the body. The toes correspond to the top of the head. The hollows at the base of the toes are the ears and eyes. The sides of the foot by the little toes represent the shoulders. Lower down on the foot are the thyroid, the lungs and the heart. Still lower, are the solar plexus, the stomach and the spleen. About half way down the foot, is the waist line, the kidneys and the transverse colon, and below it, the descending colon and the small intestine. The heel corresponds to the sciatic area. The sides of the heel represent the hip and the lower back. The back of the ankle represents the rectum and the prostate gland. Points on the side of the foot represent the ovaries or the testicles. On top of the foot is found the breast area, with the bronchial and lung areas.
Benefits: The treatment is simple and effective in many of the ailments like Blood Pressure, Blood Circulation, Migraines and Headaches, Indigestion, pains in general, diabetes, insomnia, etc. Reflexology equipments like acupressure footboard, sandals etc are commonly available.
Reiki
Of Indian Buddhist origin, Reiki was popularised by Japanese in the nineteenth century. Its healing concept is based on energising the seven subtle energy centres called the Chakras. See "Chakra Therapy". Today it boasts of many followers all over the world. Reiki stimulates and increases the flow of body energy. It can be practised by the subject on himself or on others and it is claimed that a sick is healed even from a distance (by distant healing procedure). Positive results are reported by individuals. Reiki is to be learnt from a Reiki Master. This science uses similar techniques used by Charismatic healers or Faith healers but in a more organised and scientific way.
Benefits: Reiki practitioners are thought to channelise healing energy to themselves or to the patients. Reiki by itself is not a cure for any pathological problem - be it acute or chronic. It is more a lifestyle approach adding a level of mental and emotional health to the pathological Cure. Insomnias, depressions and other acute emotional disturbances and ailments arising there from are successfully treated.
Sanjivani (Green Grass Therapy)
Wheat is grown in bright shade in small pots containing fertile virgin soil that it is not contaminated with pesticides and chemical fertilizers. After seven days or when the tiny tender leaves reach the height of about 18 cms. are cut with the help of a pair of scissors and juice is extracted.
Infants can be given up to 10 drops of the juice, children up to 5 years may be give from 20 to 30 drops of the juice and adults can take from four table spoons to half a glass.
Benefits: Due to high concentration of chlorophyll and other essential elements, this juice has proved very effective in the elimination of toxins and building up of the immune system. It also increases the vigour and vitality of an individual. Heart ailments and hopeless cases of cancer are reported to have been cured very effectively through this therapy. It is also advocated for arthritis, tooth aches, vision defects, sleeplessness, gastritis, indigestion, gastric ulcers, asthma, chronic skin diseases, mental disorders, premature graying of hair, Chronic Fatigue Syndrome (CFS), Calcium Deficiencies and Osteoporosis, etc.
Shiatzu
Shiatzu developed in the eighteenth century in Japan is a mixture of Acupressure and the native Amma massage therapy. Shiatzu is the Japanese form of Chinese Acupressure. Shi means finger and Atzu means pressure. However, whereas the Chinese Acupressure uses only the fingers and thumbs, the Japanese Shiatzu uses other parts of the body as well. Sometimes the ball of the thumb, the palm, the elbows, the knees or even the sole of the feet will be used. One technique involves the patient lying on his face whilst the practitioner stands on the soles of his feet. This particular treatment is not as unpleasant as it sounds. It is known to stimulate the kidneys. The basic concepts of Shiatzu, Acupressure and Acupuncture are the same and uses the same points of treatment as Acupuncture.
Benefits: See "Acupressure".
Siddha
Siddha System is one of the oldest systems of medicine in India. Traditionally practised in South India, with its literature primarily in Tamil, Siddha medicine is largely based on the ayurvedic concept that vitiation of the body's humours is the cause of disease. The methods of diagnosis are specified with pulse reading and urine examination being considered important. Siddha advocates the use of metals and minerals in medicines. Care should be taken to see that medicines are bought from reliable sources. Prevention of disease and promotion of health are important aspects of Siddha. Correct food habits are stressed and is affordable by the common man.
The term Siddha means achievement and Siddhars were the saintly figures who achieved results in medicine through the practice of Yoga. Eighteen Siddhas are said to have contributed towards the development of this medical system. Siddha literature is in Tamil and it is practised in the Tamil speaking parts of South India. The system is also called Agasthyar system after its most famous exponent sage Agasthya. A number of medical works of this system are ascribed to him. The Siddha System is largely therapeutic in nature.
Basic Concepts
The principles and doctrines of this system, both fundamental and applied have a close similarity to Ayurveda. The difference between these two systems is essentially linguistic. According to this system, the human body is the replica of the universe and so are the food and drugs, irrespective of their origin. Like Ayurveda, this system believes that all objects in the universe including human body are composed of five basic elements namely earth, water, fire, air and sky. The food that the human body takes and the drugs it uses are all made of these five elements. The proportion of the elements in these drugs vary and their preponderance or otherwise is responsible for certain actions and therapeutic results.
As in Ayurveda, this system also considers the human body as a conglomeration of three humours, seven basic tissues and waste products of the body such as faeces, urine and sweat. The food is considered the basic building material of the human body that is processed into humours, tissues and wastes. The equilibrium of humours, body tissues and waste products is considered as health and its disturbance or imbalance leads to disease or sickness.
Diagnosis and Treatment
The diagnosis of disease involves identifying its causes. Identification of causative factors is through the examination of pulse, urine, eyes, study of voice, colour of body skin, tongue and the status of the digestive system of the human body. The system has worked out its colour, smell, density, quantity and oil drop-spreading pattern. Diagnosis involves the study of person as a whole as well as his disease.
The Siddha system of medicine emphasises that medical treatment is oriented not merely to the disease but has to take into account the patient, his environment, the meteorological consideration, age, sex, race, habits, mental frame, habitat, diet, appetite, physical condition, physiological constitution, etc. This means the treatment has to be individualistic, which ensures lesser chance of committing mistakes in diagnosis or treatment.
Benefits: Generally considered as a satisfactory method for curing common ailments, Siddha medicine can be used to treat some chronic problems and even incurable diseases.
Sleep Therapy
The founder of this system was a renowned German physician Franz Mesmer. He mesmerised those who suffered from insomnia to go to sleep and through auto suggestion removed the hurdles that prevented a good nights sleep, thereby curing them of their disorders or diseases. This effect came to be known as Mesmerism (See "Mesmerism"). Dr. Mesmer believed that the effect he produced upon the patients was through animal magnetism that he possessed within him. By transferring healthy magnetic energy to the sick he opined to convert sick magnetic energy of the patient to a healthy one thus restoring health.
Mesmerism later developed as hypnotism with the father of Hypnotism Fr. Abbe Faria a Goan Catholic priest giving scientific basis to the effect (See "Hypnotherapy"). Many ailments result due to lack of refreshing sleep. Human being is the only animal who uses the maximum of his mental faculties along with the physical exertions. Naturally the mind and the body become tired and require a refreshing sleep.
Very few people know how to sleep peacefully after a hard days work. They carry their anxieties, and negative thoughts from the days experiences to the bed or open up their subconscious mind and refresh the negative experiences to the conscious mind and remain restless till late nights trying to unknot the complexities resulting in anxious and unrefreshed sleep, sometimes with anxious dreams too. This results in dull feeling in the morning, creates palpitations, tendency to high blood pressure, diabetes, mental ailments, heart ailments, etc. The art of sleeping has to be learnt by those who don't inherit this technique. A refreshing sleep after a hard days work or mental labour or exertion will make one feel lighter.
Benefits: Sleep can energise or revitalise our depleted energy. Chronic Fatigue Syndrome (CFS) can be effectively treated by this therapy. All diseases or ailments aggravated due to lack of sleep, can be effectively treated.
Sound Therapy
Different kinds of sound affect the body differently. Some are soothing, some are energizing and some are pinching. This principle is made use of here for treatment. For example, the vibrations of the sound 'OM' is considered very helpful in curing many disorders.
Benefits: Gives mental peace and tranquility. Wipes out the negative impressions evoked by the subconscious mind to the superficial mind and gives hypnotic effect in cleaning up the negative emotions from the subconscious mind. (See "Hypnotherapy" for further understanding.)
Tai Chi and other martial arts
Practice of Tai Chi and other martial arts releases the body energy and provides relief from pain, stress, and muscular tension. Its "body and mind" approach emphasises prevention of disease and promotion of physical and mental health. Though originally an oriental discipline, martial art is accepted as a scientific health practice today. Martial arts are holistic therapies and not a treatment for a specific disease.
Benefits: Keeps body and mind fit by exercise.
TENS (Transcutaneous Electric Nerve Stimulator)
It is an electronic device to relieve one's pain. This device delivers controlled low voltage electrical impulses to the underlying sensory nerve fibres of the painful area lying deep beneath the skin and stimulating them. Such electrical stimulation of the sensory nerves effectively blocks the pain message to be carried to the brain or deadening the pain by activation of morphine like substances called endrophins. (See "Acupuncture" for details)
Benefits: Relieves pain with better efficiency.
Tibetan Healing (Emchi)
The Tibetan system of medicine called Emchi is essentially based on Ayurvedic principles. Ayurveda entered Tibet along with Buddhism. Local treatment and the Ayurvedic ways were amalgamated to give birth to this new system of medicine. Tibetan medicine lays more stress on healthy living. It is an amalgamation of art, science and spiritualism and is inseparable from Buddhism.
Benefits: See "Ayurveda".
Touch or Spiritual Healing
There are three main classes of these healers. Firstly, the religious man, whether clergyman or lay person who believes that his gift comes from God Himself. He works through the laying on of hands, and through prayer. Secondly, there is the spiritualist healer. He believes that his work is done under the guidance of the spirits of dead people or of spirits that have never been born into life on this earth. He often works in a trance-like condition. Some of these spiritualist healers go through the motions of performing surgery just above the flesh, without actually touching the patient. They seem to be operating on the psychic body of the patient and by healing the psychic body they get a corresponding healing of the physical body. Finally, there is the healer who recognises that a power flows through him to the patient. Rather than to think of it as a spiritual or supernatural force, he prefers to believe that it is a natural power, like magnetism or electricity, which some people are able to tap and transmit to others with beneficial effect.
Benefits: Cures sometimes incurable ailments or diseases which no other system of medicine would cure.
Tribal Remedies
Some of the remedies used by tribal people are unique and of great affectivity in certain ailments. An attempt has been made to compile information on the methodology and administration of the medicines in the areas of its influence.
Benefits: Jaundice, Kidney Stones, Varicose Ulcers, Sinusitis, Indigestion, etc.
Ultrasonic Therapy
It makes use of high frequency ultrasound waves whose frequency is above that of audible sound (20000 cps).
Benefits: This therapy is used for pulverising stones of gall bladder, kidney, etc. and also for many other purposes like massaging painful centres situated some distance away beneath the skin, un-assessable for other forms of treatments, thus obviating the necessity of surgery in such cases.
Ultraviolet Therapy
It is used to treat certain skin diseases. It may damage the tissues with severe burns, if not used properly. But it must be taken in moderation. Ultraviolet rays are high frequency (low wavelength) radiations and contain high energy.
Benefits: Young people who suffer from pimples and acne will find ultraviolet radiation an excellent way to get rid of this troublesome skin condition. Also acts well in psoriasis and other skin ailments.
(Homoepathy is a better option to treat these conditions and the therapy may be tried only if Homoepathy fails)
Unani and Tibb
This system is based upon four humours present in the body i.e. Sauda, Safra, Balgam and Khoon. Pulse examination however, is a prime necessity for diagnosis. Herbs and minerals are used as medicine. Mogul rulers introduced this system in India during 12 A.D. It is practised widely in India, Pakistan, Bangladesh and many other countries. Based upon the concept of the humours and vital forces, which control the functioning of the body, the principles of Unani Tibb are not very different to those of Ayurveda. Besides the curative aspect, Unani medicine is used for the promotion of health and rejuvenation of vigour. It also aims in Treating Individual Temperaments.
Benefits: See "Ayurveda".
Vastushastra
Vastushastra principles were strictly adhered to for health, wealth and prosperity in ancient India. It is a science of building structures like buildings such as houses, temples, business establishments, bridges etc.
The globe is a big magnet having the North and South Pole. The energy of the magnetic waves complete a circuit by going round from the south to the north pole. The magnetic effect of the universe affects the globe and the magnetic effect of the globe and the universe effects the living as well as the non living organisms. This magnetic effect has an adverse influence on the day to day life of a human being as well. Several do's and Don'ts are advised for minimising these influences. The direction, angles and shapes of structures and the placing of essential things like the cot, chairs, grinders, water tanks, kitchen, fire place etc. are believed to have a strong relation to the health, wealth and general prosperity of individuals living in it. The subject is very vast and just an introduction is intended. The 10 main points are specified below to get an idea of the subject.
1. The main water source or a water feature should be towards
the north-east.
2. The kitchen, generator room, furnace or boiler should be towards the south-east.
3. The guest room, store or children's bedroom should be towards the north.
4. The master bedroom, CEO's office should be towards the south-west.
5. The centre should be light and airy.
6. There should be more open space towards the north and east as compared
to the south and west.
7. The south and west floor levels should be higher than the north and east.
8. The south and west boundary wall should be higher than the north and east
walls.
9. The entrance is preferred from the north or east.
10. You should sleep with your head towards the south and raise the headside
by 3 inches.
Benefits: Living in Vastu perfect constructions and environment gives you
immunity towards diseases, negative or evil forces. One enjoys good health
and longevity, remains more enthusiastic, becomes prosperous and gains luck
for whatever one does.
Water Therapy: See"Hydrotherapy"
Yoga
Is a Hindu system of philosophy and spiritual practice. It is a medium of
healing of the body, deep form the eternal self to its outwardly appearance
and its disorders. In broad terms, it aims at deliverance from suffering and
pain through meditation, relaxation by specific exercises and techniques to
effect a reunion with the Universal Spirit the Kundalini (See "Kundalini").
In more specific terms, it includes the practice of various postures such
as static and moving, breathing exercises, physical exercises, a disciplined
diet, relaxation and meditation and living harmoniously with the nature. All
this indeed is a methodic and spiritual way of life, all of which tones up
the body, mind, and spirit.
Yoga is therefore not a system of medicine, nor a religious practice but a universal discipline. It is a means to the end which is samadhi, a state of union with God the supreme power of universal existence. Yoga has developed through the ages and is the oldest discipline. The earliest historical evidence of yoga can be seen in the seals of the Harrappa civilisation which flourished around 3000 B.C.
Benefits: Yoga helps in many acute as well as chronic ailments like allergies, diarrhoea, dysentery, sinusitis, headache, migraine, aches and pains in the skeletal system, blood pressure, heart problems, diabetes, indigestion etc. and above all for the ailments at the mental spheres like sleeplessness, anxiety, nervous palpitation, depression, impairment of memory etc.
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