All alternative therapies, in their own way, cater to a holistic approach and involve natural substances to restore health and cure imbalance in the body.
Medical science is progressing by leaps and bounds, yet people all over the world are turning more and more towards alternative therapies which were the norm in bygone days and are now back on the road to recognition and are used around the globe.
Herbalism, massage and acupuncture trace their roots across centuries. And homeopathy, a medical branch, started as a remedial agent in the 18th century, by Samuel Hahnemann is also greatly appreciated and practised. These alternative health therapies tend to differ from modern medicine in many ways, mainly as they consider the holistic perspective. Their major advantage is that these therapies have few or no side effects as they cater to the whole body and not the illness, per se. Most of these treatments also rest on the belief that the power to heal ultimately lies within us, aiding us to start that journey.
Homeopathy
Homeopathy is the innovation of a German doctor Samuel Hahnemann (1755-1843). It is a system of medicine based upon the Law of Similars. A homeopath is guided by the behaviour and symptoms of the sick individual and prescribes medication corresponding to ‘similar’ signs and symptoms, proved by years of experience.
Biochemic salts are an integral part of the homeopathic doctors’ line of treatment but the basic concept of homeopathy is very different to that of biochemic medicine. Biochemic therapy asserts that the structure and vitality of the organs depends upon the harmony of the twelve salts and that illness is a result of a disturbance and imbalance in these tissue salts.
It is a well-known fact that the Royal family of England sponsors homeopathy and mostly avoids other lines of treatment.
Reflexology
Reflexology is very popular, both in the West and in the East; it is a 5000-year-old practice from China, ancient India and Egypt. Interestingly a frieze in the Physician’s Tomb in Egypt depicts patients receiving reflexology treatments as far back as 4,000 years ago.
This line of treatment was explored by Dr William Fitzgerald and brought into practice again in the early 1900s. Reflexology is based on the belief that ‘Chi’ flows in the body through 10 major channels and by massaging or applying pressure to specific points in the feet and hands, the related diseased organ is stimulated. The improvement in its performance cures the imbalance and brings the body back to health.
The reflexologist gently probes the feet and the joints for crystal calcium deposits or grains of uric acid and by manipulation of these parts, the grains are dispersed, releasing the blocked energy and the ailing organ is restored to health.
The most practical aspect of reflexology is the fact that it does not need to be studied in depth to be used on oneself. Its basic rule is “If you feel pain, press it out” and a lay person interested in applying reflexology on himself needs to do just that.
In fact, this line of alternative ther- apy has gained so much popularity that books on the subject with simple guidelines are available at most book shops. Many tools such as rubber balls with nodes, wooden massagers, rollers with grooves, etc. are now available for use in reflexology, but the best tools are your own hands and the rolling pin used in the kitchen. The pressure points respond amazingly to the human touch and the rolling pin, when used on the soles, suffices.
Reflexology is different from acupressure because points are believed to be located only in the palms and soles of the feet. In acupressure they are scattered all over the body.
Acupuncture
This focuses on regulating the Chi and using meridians to remove blockages to restore health. The main difference being that needles called ‘filifom’ are used at specific points to harmonise the body. This branch of treatment can be traced to China in the Jang Dynasty (618-907 AD). It is a specialised field requiring intense focus and training.
Though, in the olden days acupuncture was practiced mainly in China, these days it has gained universal recognition; it has even been used during brain surgery to keep the patient conscious yet free of pain. This alternative is very potent and should be practiced only by a qualified practitioner.
Acupuncture, acupressure, reflexology and Shiatsu are all aspects of zone therapy and aim at un-blocking meridians and stimulating healing effects on the internal organs through their specific modus operandi.
Reiki
Reiki, is one of the most popular alternatives in the world and has innumerable practitioners. Reiki is a simple technique of transferring healing energy from an attuned person to a receiver.
‘Rei’ means universal and ‘Ki’ means life force in Japanese. Dr Usui was empowered by the healing source after 20 days of fasting and meditation on Mount Kuri Yama and a new healing system was born. At first it was limited to a handful of people but gradually many got attuned and became Reiki healers.
This has four levels and each carries with it a different symbol and a different level of healing. Reiki is transmitted not only through one’s hands but also through the thought process and this is the concept of its third level of atonement. It is connected to the third eye and is used in distant healing.
Stones and crystals have always been used for curative and protective treatments and can be of extreme help in the application of Reiki. The stones are first cleansed and washed, removing any negativity they may have, they are then treated to Reiki. When worn as adornments or kept near by, they are believed to radiate Reiki’s healing and energy.
Aromatherapy
Aromatherapy, as the name suggests, uses essential oils from aromatic plants, flowers and herbs to promote serenity of the mind and alleviate suffering. The roots of this therapy can be traced to 1800 BC in Babylon where essential oils of myrrh and cypress were used extensively. Not surprisingly, even in Egypt, when the tomb of Tutankhamen was opened in 1922, a pot of fragrance of frankincense was found and an aroma of myrrh and cedar wood wafted from the bandages.
Aromatheraphy has been used as a complementary mediatory with acupuncture by the Chinese, who also incorporated essential oils in their massage system, also a science in itself. It has also been used by the Arabs who disinfected their bodies with sandalwood, camphor and rosewater as a preventive measure against disease. The French used it as a prophylactic agent against the plague. During the plague, they fumigated houses and churches with frankincense and pepper and incense burnt continuously in their homes.
The French scientist Gattefosse discovered the healing properties of essential oils when he immersed his badly burnt hand in an infusion of lavender which was in a vessel nearby. He was amazed at how quickly healing took place, leaving few scars. And the word aromatherapy was coined.
In recent times, extensive research has been carried out in the field and scientists and aromatherapists confirm that the oil from Australia’s tea-tree has antifungal, antibacterial and antiviral properties and has now become a household name in the world of cosmetics.
Methods of using aromatherapy vary; vaporisers, aroma baths and inhalation massage are often used. However, there is a word of caution: essential oils are marvellous healing substances but some are potentially hazardous if misused. Base oils, too, must be subjected to a patch test before use.
Almond oil and olive oil are apt choices of base oil but a drop of the chosen essential oil must be added to them and patch-tested for allergy.
Steam inhalations of eucalyptus, lavender and peppermint essential oils help relieve symptoms of colds and open clogged nasal passages. But they must be used in correct proportions. A very simple method to calm oneself is to take a drop or two of essential oils of lavender or ylang ylang on the palm and generate heat by rubbing the palms together; this enhances the scent of the oil. The palms are then cupped over the nose and the aroma is inhaled. With each breath you will feel a sense of calmness and peace. A few drops of eucalyptus or peppermint oil sprinkled on a handkerchief and inhaled will effectively help to clear nasal passages.
Massaging the body using essential oils and base oils is very therapeutic, as it relieves stress when the blood-vessels and tissues are stimulated and absorb the oil. In turn, the relaxing and harmonising aromas and therapeutic effects of oils stimulate the organs, or harmonise its imbalance and the body regains equilibrium.
Magnetotherapy
Magnetotherapy occupies a prominent place in non-medical modes of treatment, although its use is not very common in Pakistan. Globally it is used in conjunction with medical treatment. In India, the therapy is so advanced that it is used on its own to help cure and manage diseases.
Its theory is that disease is a result of imbalance in the electro-magnetic forces present in the body. A disturbance of the natural vibratory frequency of the cells of any part of the body gives rise to disease. Magnet therapy restores the vibratory frequency of various organs and re-establishes their balance to help restore health.
Cleopatra’s beauty is said to be a result of a small magnet she always wore. But the remedial use of the magnet was discovered by Paracelsus (1493 -1641), a Swiss alchemist who is called the father of magnetotheraphy.
Treatment by magnets is carried out on the basis that the North Pole of a magnet stimulates and the South Pole is inhibitive to growth. The strength of a magnet is called gauss; magnets of industrial use are of higher gauss and those of personal use, lower gauss.
It is believed that when magnets are kept in contact with the diseased area of the body and correct strength and gauss is applied, that part regains its natural vibratory frequency and healing ensues.
Another use of magnets is magnetised water, which is made by keeping two glass bottles, one on the North Pole and one on the South Pole of a medium-strength magnet, for 24 hours. Great healing properties have been attributed to this magnetised water and it is regularly used by many people in India. Magnetised hair oil, too, has enhanced properties to control falling hair.
Internationally the use of magnetic bracelets, belts and inner soles is very common. Needless to say, this therapy needs a certified magnet therapist.
Ayurveda
Ayurveda – literally ‘the science of life or living’ is an ancient therapy. It incorporates the three Doshas in its line of treatment: the vata, pitta and kapha. The equivalent of the three Doshas in Greek medicine are blood, phelgm and bile. It is believed that when any of the three Doshas is excessively agitated or sluggish, an imbalance is created and disease follows. The restoration of health depends on the regaining of the balance of the Doshas.
The three modes of diagnosis rest on firstly, the case history of the patient. Then, an objective examination in which the ved or Ayurvedic doctor palpates the entire body, paying attention to the natural odours which emanate from a patient and which denote the progress of the illness. In the third stage of examination, pulse points at the wrist, the neck and heart are felt and the ved then draws his conclusion of the malady. It is believed that a gifted ved can correctly diagnose an illness merely by taking the patient’s pulse.
Researches all over the world have testified that natural substances used in Ayurved, like the use of the bitter gourd to aid diabetics, papaya seeds to kill intestinal worms and the use of raw garlic to help ease hypertension are all beneficial. Body and head massage using herbal oil is also a very important aspect of this therapy.
Needless to say, Ayurveda is a holistic therapy using the inherent healing properties of natural substances of plants, vegetables, fruits, herbs and minerals. This medium of healing is akin to Hikmat or Hakims of the subcontinent and has many similarities in its line of treatment.
Bach flower remedies
Bach flower remedies were developed by a doctor called Edward Bach and are aimed at curing emotional states and disharmony of the persona. The remedies are believed to restore positive emotions, eliminating negativity to restore health. They can be used successfully to treat physical ailments linked to emotional upheaval; treatment of migraine using Bach’s flower remedies has been very successful.
One of Bach’s rescue remedies for anxiety has been used for trauma and also to relieve stress. Students appearing for exams, professionals for interviews and the harried housewife can all benefit from this. It is an internationally acclaimed therapy.
Yoga
Although one hears of numerous yoga classes and of innumerable people who do these exercises or ‘asanas,’ little is known about the theory of yoga and its beginning. The word yoga is derived from the Sanskrit word ‘Yug’ which means to join and implies the union of the self with the cosmic, as the yogi disciplines his body, intellect and mind to achieve their ultimate balance.
It is, in fact, a philosophy of living and not merely ‘contortions’ of the body. The postures, which are known as ‘asanas’ clear the energy imbalance from the yogic perspective as these asanas are corrective, restorative and relaxing. The motto of the asanas in Sanskrit is Sthir Sukham Asanam which means asanas impart stability and well-being.
Meditation or ‘dhyana’ , when practiced in its entirety, imparts an almost sublime serenity. Yoga nidra brings about great relaxation and cures insomnia by calming the inner self.
The bulging stomach, hunched shoulders, weak eyesight and poor digestion all find relief in Yoga. That is one reason why it has gained universal popularity.
All alternative therapies, in their own way, cater to a holistic approach and the use of natural substances to restore health and cure imbalance in the body which according to these therapies are a cause of ill-health. Whether it is through herbs, salts, yogic exercise, acupressure or acupuncture, restoring the harmony of mind and body and eradicating disease is the ultimate aim.
A Matter Of Faith
I had heard of faith healing and believed that it must bring about miraculous recoveries, but on the whole the concept remained very vague for me. Last year, when my mother was diagnosed with cancer, she refused surgery saying she wanted to wait a bit. There were, at the time, at least five people who I had met in the hospital, also suffering from the same disease. All were opting for surgery. They told us we were ‘mad’ and that we were wasting precious time.
My mother, however, remained steadfast in her refusal, having several reasons for what she was doing and opted instead for treatment such as radiation, homeopathy and ‘alternative medicines’. It was at that time that my friends reinforced my faith in the power of natural remedies. One close friend brought my mother aloe vera extract saying that she knew a woman who had made it a part of her diet and was now completely cured of cervical cancer.
Another well-wisher gave us a cinnamon powder and honey recipe to cure not only cancer but all types of infections and aches and pains. Other such natural medicines included lemongrass for its antibacterial, antifungal and fever-reducing properties, beetroot powder to increase blood count and barley green which produces minerals essential for the body.
Having said all that, what was important to my family at the time was a renewed sense of faith and the belief that if God wanted, anything could happen. We travelled to a Dargah abroad where I met several people who told me how they had been cured without mainstream medical treatment. We heard many inspiring stories of miraculous cures and the encouragement we received was heartening. .
When we returned, my cousin gave me a documentary called The Secret. There was one particular story that I found particularly moving. A man, called “the miracle man” landed in the hospital after his plane crashed. Every bone in his body was broken and the doctors said he would never be able to do anything on his own. He, however, made a promise to himself. He decided he would walk out of the hospital by Christmas. And he did.
My mother did finally go for surgery but it was unsuccessful in the sense that the cancer was of the aggressive type, one that cannot and should not be touched. However, we feel our forays into the realm of alternative medicine and faith healing have given her a much needed boost; her energy levels are higher and her willpower is stronger than ever. For the rest of us, the experience has revitalised our faith in God and given us new hope.
That said, talking of faith healing and actually having the faith and patience required for it are two entirely different things. Consistently maintaining the conviction that this path demands is exhausting, to say the least. It brings with it its fair share of helplessness; from that helplessness sprouts a fresh sapling of hope, reminding one of the fact that things are being controlled by something bigger than all of us and that if we pray hard and long enough, things will eventually come right. — Sabina Peshimam
Acupuncture for Dummies!
I had been suffering from a nasty low back pain for at least a year. I confess that I hate attending to personal medical problems, not because I don’t value myself but simply because I am lazy as hell when it comes to taking appointments from doctors and of course the fear of being diagnosed with something horrible.
But this backache was getting so bad that I finally decided to see an orthopaedic spinal surgeon who declared his verdict: spinal surgery or bust!
This was when I started looking for alternative medicine and, in some crazy state of mind, opted for acupuncture.
As I lay for my first session, I was overwhelmed by the soothing fragrance of green flower oil known for its amazing pain relief properties, mixed with the aroma of cloves and eucalyptus. I lay on my stomach, looking at fish in an aquarium and coconut palms swishing outside the window in the mellow breeze. Wished I was a tree, trees didn’t have backaches. My day dreaming was rudely interrupted by some guttural Chinese, the doctor was approaching my curtained cubicle. The next minute someone put something cold on my back and, without a hint or warning, the acupuncture specialist started poking needles in my lower back. “Ouch, ow , ow ow….” , I winced helpless, lying on my tummy as needle after needle was inserted in my back. “Please relax, where is pain?” the acupuncturist asked me. “Uh...here and here and here…” I replied touching my painful lower back awkwardly.
A clinically cold hand removed my hand from the hollow of my back and ouch!! More needles! “Ow, ow …ouch!!” “Relax, my sensitive flower!” came the amused reply in English with a strong Mandarin accent. Relax? Weren’t the Chinese as famous for torture tactics as for medicine? I could display utmost courage for a single jab; this was a series of 10 -15 needles in my lower back, everyday for at least 10 sittings of acupuncture. Must say though that the more taut you make your body, the more it hurts and after a couple of days, it does get slightly better.
But one day I mentioned that I had been nauseous since the night before, “No problem”, said the acupuncturist, “today okay”, and inserted a needle in each of my wrists, the centre of the base of my neck and one in my chest. “Ow ow ow…!” “You are too sensitive”, he rebuked. Little did he know that I felt like a voodoo doll! I could neither lie on my back, nor really on my tummy because of the needles in my chest. He came around, twisted my arms and flattened my wrists on the plinth. He bent the neck needle a bit and pressed my head down. “OWW.” To divert my attention I closed my eyes and started singing a Ragav number. “Ooooooooh Angel eyes…..” I was clearly not in my senses.
The nausea certainly disappeared, scared of needles I guess. After half an hour, as I enjoyed a rejuvenating green flower oil massage I decided that acupuncture is probably for desensitised people, the kind who think anaesthesia is unnecessary, but not for me. It helped my back pain for as long as the sessions lasted; once over, the pain crept back. What finally cured my pain was taking up a sport but that’s another story.
