Alternative medicine & healing therapies

Alternative medical systems — TCM, Acupuncture, Ayurveda, Homeopathy, and Naturopathy — are used in place of conventional medicine. They are built upon a complete system of theory and practice. Learn more about these systems, ask questions, or contribute your knowledge.

Mind-Body Techniques are methods that harness the power of the mind, thoughts and emotions to positively influence physical health. Discuss mind-body techniques like meditation and relaxation, mental imagery, hypnosis, and biofeedback here.

Orthomolecular medicine proponents believe that many diseases are caused by molecular imbalances that can be prevented or corrected by administering the "right" nutrient molecules at the right time. Orthomolecular medicine as an alternative therapy employs vitamins, minerals and amino acids to create optimum nutritional content for the body and it targets a wide range of conditions. The goal is to bring all of the natural substances of the body into balance. Herbalism or herbal medicine, herbology and phytotherapy, is based on the use of plants and plant extracts. Medical herbs can be found and used in various forms such as herbal teas, coffee, herbal tinctures, fluid extracts, solid extracts, herbal poultices, powdered herbs and tablets, herbal ointments, essential oils and herbal supplements. If you have special knowledge or are interested in biological therapies, you are more than welcome to join this forum.

Body-based therapies manipulate the body's structures — bones, joints and soft tissues — as well as body systems including circulation and the lymph system. Discuss topics on chiropractic, massage, and other body-based techniques within this forum.

Energy therapists believe that illness can be caused by disturbances of the vital energy that flows throughout the human body. They aim to use energy to cause changes in the physical body, thereby influencing health. Talk about your experiences with reiki, bioelectromagnetic therapy, spiritual healing, and healing touch.