Alternative Medicine Practices from Around the Globe

There are many alternative medicines out there. "Alternative" is understood to mean that these practices are "alternatives to modern medicine and medication," which patients may have already tried and received little results for their efforts. Almost every country in the world has some form of alternative medicine, and many of these global alternatives to medicine can now be found in the United States. If you are looking for stress or pain relief and you have had enough of the pharmaceuticals prescribed for such conditions, try one of the following alternatives from different countries.

Rolfing 

Rolfing was created in the United States nearly a hundred years ago by Ida Rolf. Sixty years ago an actual institute for her ideas and teaching was begun, which lead to dozens of "certified Rolfers" graduating from the program and opening Rolfing offices across the country. It is an alternative medicine that applies deep-tissue pressure to align the body with the earth's own gravitational field. It is not the same as deep-tissue massaging, and the process is sometimes painful. Some people report feeling better after the sessions, but that may just be due to the fact that the physical contact between the Rolfer and the client produces elevated endorphins and oxytocin in the brain, which help people feel happier and more content.

Reiki

Reiki was created in Japan in 1922. In this form of alternative medicine, the Reiki therapist lays his or her hands on you, all over you, one area at a time. Your entire torso, head, arms, hands, legs, and feet are all touched. The Reiki therapist applies zero pressure; he or she just touches you with open hands to "transfer healing energy" from him- or herself to you. Touch is healing to stressed out persons, which is why you might find this alternative medicine soothing. Look into Susan Cutter Healing Arts for more information about Reiki healing.

Chakra

In India and some parts of China, Chakra is the teaching of the seven zones of the body, with the spine being the very center of the Chakra zones. To heal a Chakra is to remove that energy barrier that is causing pain, health problems, or discomfort in your body. Unlike other forms of alternative medicine, Chakra healing has several approaches. Meditation, massage, and lying prone on your stomach while Chakra stones are placed on their corresponding Chakra areas on your spine are all said to heal your Chakras and return the natural order of your energy and your body to you.