The Magic of Massage Therapy

Massage therapy takes over where a spa massage leaves off. This form of alternative medicine can help ease pain associated with cancer, headaches, and fibromyalgia.

    At the end of a stressful week, a relaxing massage might be just what you need. For people coping with injuries or chronic pain, however, massage therapy can serve as a form of alternative medicine, not just a soothing treat. Nearly one in 10 people have used therapeutic massage for many conditions, including stress, anxiety, pain, and sports injuries.

One survey revealed that about 60 percent of those who used massage therapy felt that, in combination with standard medical care, it could improve their health.

Ayurvedic Medicine: An Ancient Treatment for Modern Times

Ayurveda is an Indian medicine system that focuses on balancing all aspects of a person's being.

    Thousands of years ago, healers on the Indian subcontinent began to develop the seeds of ayurvedic medicine, or ayurveda. Meaning "science of life," this alternative medicine system includes many tools and techniques, such as healing with herbs and changing diet or lifestyle, to bring your body and health back into balance.

All About Acupuncture

Acupuncture is an ancient Chinese practice that involves penetrating the skin with fine needles.

    The Chinese developed a method of medical treatment using needles to balance streams of energy in the body thousands of years ago. This form of alternative medicine, called acupuncture, is based on a system of energy meridians (lines) that connect vital organs. According to traditional Chinese medicine, points along these energy pathways can be manipulated to correct imbalance, which is the cause of many symptoms of illness.

Create Mini Moments of Mindfulness

Get all the benefits of meditation in short spurts with these simple tips.

    Mindfulness techniques, which empower people to stay in the moment and stop their minds from wandering, have been used for thousands of years to promote spiritual growth and mental health. When your brain is in a state of mindful meditation, the parts of the brain that minimize distraction and promote awareness are stimulated. Over time, meditation can actually change the way your brain functions to promote relaxation, creativity, and more.

Using Biofeedback to Improve Your Health

Biofeedback techniques can help you control stress, migraines, and even blood pressure.

    Long ago, experts thought that many of the body's internal processes, such as blood pressure, heart rate, and skin temperature, were outside of our control. However, in the 1950s and '60s, researchers began realizing that you can influence some of your body's functions, with a little help from biofeedback.