Acupuncture is an approach for encouraging the body to assist natural healing and to improve the body’s functions.  This practice is done by inserting needles and applying either electrical or heat stimulation at extremely precise acupuncture points. 

Acupuncture is usually seen as strange and mysterious to many of us, but it has been time tested over the centuries and is still validated today.  The purpose of acupuncture therapy is to promote health while alleviating pain and suffering.  Acupuncturists view sickness and health based on the concepts of vital energy as well as energetic balance and imbalance.    Acupuncturists assess this flow of vital energy within pathways known as “meridians and channels”.

The advanced energy and biochemical balance created by acupuncture results in the stimulation of the body’s natural healing abilities.  It also promotes physical and emotional well-being.

All though generally associated with pain management it has much broader functions.  Acupuncture can be beneficial in the treatment of digestive disorders, respiratory disorders, urinary, menstrual and reproductive disorders as well as neurological and muscular disorders.  It is especially useful in solving physical problems related to emotional conditions and stress.   

Aromatherapy can be described as both the science and art of utilizing naturally expressed aromatic essences from plants.  These aromatic essences are used to balance, promote and harmonize the health of the body, mind and spirit.  

Aromatherapy is an art and science which seeks to analyzer the physiological, spiritual and psychological branch of the individual’s reaction to aromatic extracts as well as to oversee and enhance the person’s innate healing process.  Aromatherapy is also considered a holistic medicine and is both a preventative approach as well as an active regimen during acute and chronic stages of disease or illness.

Aromatherapy is non-invasive and is designed to affect the whole individual and not just the disease or symptom.  It assists the body’s natural ability to balance, heal and regulate itself by the correct use of essential oils.

The history of massage therapy is quite long in culture all over the world.  In our modern society, people use many different forms of massage therapy for a variety of health-related reasons.  In the U.S., massage is often labeled under complementary and alternative medicine, despite its conventional uses.  

Principal Points

• Scientific evidence involving massage therapy is very limited.  Scientists are not certain what changes occur in our bodies during massage and whether or not they influence health.  Studies are being sponsored by The National Center for Complementary and Alternative Medicine to answer these questions and indentify areas where massage may be most helpful.

• Massage therapy presents few serious risks if it is used properly by a trained massage professional.

• You should tell your health care providers about any complementary and alternative medicinal practices you use.  Be sure to go into complete detail of what you do to manage your health in any alternative way.  This aids in ensuring safe and coordinated care.

Alternative medicine is any kind of practice that is considered outside of the compass of conventional modern medicine.  Alternative medicine covers a wide range of healing approaches, philosophies, and therapies.  Many of these health care practices and treatments are not taught widely in medical schools.  Some examples of alternative medicine are chiropractic, ayurveda, naturopathy and acupuncture.

Alternative medicine is built upon full systems of both practice as well as theory.  Many times these systems have advanced earlier than conventional medicine used in the United Sates.  

Alternative medicines that have grown in western culture include homeopathic and naturopathic medicine.  Systems that have been developed in eastern cultures include traditional Chinese medicine and Ayurveda.