Alternative Healing Methods

Dave Hill - 1 November 1987

Since ancient times, alternative healing methods have been used by medical practitioners and spiritual adepts to soothe the irritation of body and soul. Many people today are drawn towards the mystical and transcendental as alternatives to orthodox methods. Before people condemn these alternatives, they must look carefully at them, not shutting their eyes to the unsatisfactory and disastrous results that happen when they have ignorantly employed. For those wanting to channel their research into the area of alternative medicine, I give a list of practices currently being carried on in New Zealand.

Acupressure: A healing method often practised with massage. It involves pressure on a set of pressure points all over the body that follow the ‘meridians’. Used for relieving tension and generally revitalising the patient.

Acupuncture: An ancient Chinese skill that heals and anaesthetises using fine needles that stimulate energy so that the body can heal itself. Some doctors now use this method.

Allergy treatment: Some doctors and naturopaths have become interested in diagnosing and treating allergies that are often put down to hypochondria. Food allergies are found by making the patient fast and then introducing foods one at a time. Allergies from dust, feathers, mites and animal fur are found by putting a few particles of the substance beneath the skin and looking for reactions. Allergies from chemicals and fumes can be more difficult to track down.

Aroma therapy: This uses the unique qualities of perfumed volatile oils and essential oils. A combination of inhaling the vapours from the oils and pressure point therapy is used to treat psychological and physical ailments.

Bach flowers: Dr Edward Bach researched remedies made from the essences of flowers. They work by correcting negative psychological influences and allowing the patient’s positive mental energy and creativity to heal them. Considered most effective at life’s changes and crisis points when a negative attitude is at the root of the problem.

Chakra and Aura healing: The chakras are the seven energy centres within us; these are; root chakra, sacred chakra, solar plexus chakra, heart chakra, throat chakra, third eye chakra and crown chakra. Auras are energy centres which radiate from us beyond our physical bodies, Our mental and physical states are expressed in the aura field.

Colour therapy: Different colours give off different vibrations that match the vibrations of the body and mind and so can heal them.

Creative visualisation: This works on the basis that we are as we think. It seeks to help people to visualise themselves as well, whole and happy, to create a state of mind conducive to health and happiness.

Dance and music therapy: Very similar to music healing although the two are not necessarily used together; they can bring new life to people shut in on themselves physically or mentally.

Herbalism: The ancient method of using the medicinal properties of herbs and plants.

Homeopathy: The use of herbal substances in minute quantities that if used in large amounts would produce the patient’s symptoms. Works on the principle that ‘like heals like’.

Iridology: Diagnosis of physical and mental illnesses by examining the flecks on the iris of the eye. Often used by naturopaths.

Magnet therapy: Uses the poles of a magnet to exert forces on the energies of the body and so bring them into alignment for healing.

Massage: An ancient method in which the hands knead, smooth and roll the body directly to produce relaxation of the underlying muscles. Useful for nervous strain, muscular tension and strain.

Medical astrology and numerology: The application of these ancient arts to predict the kinds of medical problems a person would be susceptible to. Also used as diagnostic tools.

Meditation: A means of concentrating and clearing the mind of the Clutter that impedes creativity. There are many ways of meditating and each person must find the way that best suits them.

Music therapy: Becoming increasingly used (along with dance, drama and art therapies) to aid those with tight, tense bodies and who find spontaneous movement and thought difficult. It helps the mentally ill and intellectually handicapped to find a means of expression.

Naturopathy: A blanket term incorporating many different treatments such as massage, reflexology, Bach flowers, counselling and homeopathy, aiming to produce a holistic, healthy life style to balance and revitalise the whole organism.

Nutrition: The mainstay of naturopathy. Correct diet and the use of supplements of vitamins, minerals and herbs aim to enable the body to attain its correct balance.

Osteopathy: This balances the body’s muscular-skeletal system by manipulation of the spine, the use of massage and corrective exercises. Osteopaths believe that most ill health stems from misalignment of the spine.

Parapsychology: A blanket term to include a wide variety of occult practices such as chakras, auras, colour therapy, numerology, astrology and tarot to bring awareness and balance to the individual, physically, mentally, emotionally and spiritually.

Pyramidology: The centering energies of the pyramid are said to quieten the mind, aid concentration and creativity and also balance the energies of the body to give healing.

Rebirthing: Breathing exercises and warm baths are used to take the patient back to the birth experience so that the trauma of birth may be healed.

Reflexology: Certain points on the feet are supposed to be directly connected to other points in the body. Massage and acupressure applied to the feet will cure illness in the related part of the body.

Shiaszu: The ancient Japanese art of acupuncture without needles. Massage of the pressure points is used to heal, to stimulate the various systems of the body, to increase energy and to relax tensions and anxieties.

Touch for health: This works on the ancient Chinese meridian therapy and the network of pressure points. It aims to strengthen or weaken the meridian/organ system, as needed.

Trance and hypnotherapy: Trance and hypnosis are used to cure obesity, tension, smoking, bed-wetting or anxiety. Often combined with storytelling.

Vitamin therapy: Vitamins are used to maintain health but also, in massive doses, to cure obstinate mental problems and acute and chronic physical ills.

Yoga for health: Gentle stretching exercises and breathing techniques to strengthen the body and balance the mind, often incorporates meditation. It is said to benefit those with chronic spinal and breathing problems.