There are many types of alternative medicine used throughout the world today. As many women are moving toward a more natural lifestyle, they are looking for types of alternative medicines that resonate with them.

Exactly what is alternative medicine?

Alternative, natural, and holistic medicines are terms used in healing therapies other than traditional or conventional Western medicine. Basically it is any form of care that looks at the whole person including their mind, body, and spirit, to find the underlying imbalance that might be causing disease. These alternative treatments are less invasive and ride on the belief that a well-balanced, well-nourished body will resist disease, fight infections, and heal itself faster.

A body treated through alternative medicine therapies will age more gracefully than one treated with Western medicines.

Let’s look at some of the most popular alternative therapies

Homeopathy

Homeopathy is a form of alternative medicine that is based on treating “like with like.” Homeopathy views the symptoms of an illness as the normal response to your body’s attempt at regaining its natural healthy state. Basically, it means that if a substance is causing the problem or symptom then giving them a very small amount of that same substance will remedy the illness.

Homeopathy is often used to maintain and treat illnesses such as allergies, rheumatoid arthritis, and irritable bowel syndrome as well as women’s feminine issues such as menopause, PMS and heavy periods.

Everybody’s Guide to Homeopathic Medicines

Chinese Medicine

Chinese medicine focuses on strengthening the patient’s immune system, making it strong enough to heal itself. Originating in ancient China, Traditional Chinese medicine has changed and grown for thousands of years. Most TCM practitioners use the traditional herbs and acupuncture as well as other methods to treat a wide variety of health problems.

Women can benefit from Chinese medicines. Treatments they may seek help for include acupuncture for back pain, heart disease, diabetes, menstrual irregularities and tension. Herbal Chinese medicines can be taken for hormonal imbalances, stress, and other mood disorders, weight issues and to promote general well-being.

Naturopathic

According to WebMD.com, “Naturopathic medicine (or naturopathy) is based on the belief that the body can heal itself naturally. Naturopathic medicine attempts to improve health, prevent disease, and treat illness by promoting the use of organic foods and exercise; encouraging a healthy, balanced lifestyle; and applying concepts and treatments from other areas of complementary medicine (such as ayurveda, homeopathy, and herbal therapies).” It favors the more holistic, or whole body, approach to medicine, generally avoiding surgery or the use of drugs.

Naturopathic medicine is used to promote the person’s overall good health, prevent disease, and treat illnesses. Earaches and allergies are often treated by naturopathic physicians as well as migraine headaches, menopause, cancer and lower back pain

Here’s a list of more well-known types of alternative medicines:

• Acupuncture
• Aromatherapy
• Chiropractic
• Emotional Freedom Techniques
• Guided imagery
• Herbal remedies
• Hydrotherapy
• Hypnosis/self-hypnosis
• Massage
• Meditation/visualization
• Movement and exercise therapy
• Nutrition therapy
• Osteopathy
• Reiki/energy medicine
• Spiritual healing/healing through prayer
• Therapeutic touch

Alternative medicines like homeopathy, Chinese medicine, and naturopathy have been practiced in some form for over a thousand years. More and more, people are moving towards a more natural way of living and taking care of themselves. These alternative medicine techniques are based on our natural health.

If you’re considering using alternative medicines for your health, be sure to talk to your doctor before dropping any treatments you currently use. Also, study up on the alternative treatment, its benefits, and any potential side affects you might experience.