Not So Conventional the Way to Go?
Many patients are nixing prescription drugs and turning to alternative medicines to treat a variety of ailments such as anxiety and even cancer. Here are some of the most popular alternative treatments, according to the National Center for Complementary and Alternative Medicine. (Reuters)
Acupuncture
Advocates of this form of alternative medicine claim it relieves pain and can treat infertility and disease. The treatment consists of the insertion and manipulation of needles in specific places on the body. (Reuters)
Deep Breathing
The benefit of learning to breathe correctly and deeply through your diaphragm is believed to relieve tension and stress, something we can all use after a long day at work. (Reuters)
Meditation
The health benefits of meditation claim to help your mind, body, and spirit, boost your immune system and improve your physical and emotional responses to stress. (Reuters)
Chiropractic and Osteopathic Treatments
Chiropractic and osteopathic treatments claim to relieve headaches, vertigo, back and neck pain and improve sleep. (Reuters)
Homeopathic Doctor
This medical treatment originated in Europe and claims to stimulate the body's ability to heal itself through small doses of diluted remedies. Several celebrities have chosen to treat cancers this way including Olivia Newton John. (Reuters)
Yoga
Practicing this form of meditation is believed to improve overall health, flexibility, strength, posture and improve concentration. (Reuters)
Progressive Relaxation
This exercise is used to reduce anxiety by relieving muscle tension, and practitioners claim this technique reduces ulcers, insomnia and hypertension. (Reuters)
Massage
A weekly massage might not just be an indulgence, it is believed that this practice can lessen depression, lower blood pressure and boost your immune system. (Reuters)
Guided Imagery
Guided imagery is based on the concept that your body and mind are connected, and uses a program of thoughts and suggestions that guide you toward a relaxed state of mind. (Reuters)
Natural Products
Natural products consist of a substance produced by a living organism, and many believe their use can promote a variety of wellness issues like weight loss, reducing the risk of heart to disease and supporting a health immune system. (Reuters)