Examples of complementary and alternative medicine
| Name of therapy | Brief description |
|---|---|
| Acupuncture | Stimulation of acupuncture points by inserting a needle, electrical current (electroacupuncture), heat (moxibustion), laser (laser acupuncture), or pressure (acupressure) |
| Alexander technique | Psychophysical re-education for improving posture and coordination |
| Aromatherapy | Application of “essential” oils from plants, usually through gentle massage |
| Autogenic training | Autosuggestive, self hypnotic technique for relaxation |
| Chelation | Intravenous infusion of EDTA for arteriosclerotic diseases |
| Chiropractic | A system of healthcare which is based on the belief that the nervous system is the most important determinant of health and that most diseases are caused by spinal subluxations which respond to spinal manipulation. |
| Enzyme therapy | Oral administration of proteolytic enzymes aimed at increasing wellbeing |
| Flower remedies (Bach) | Highly dilute plant infusions to balance physical and emotional disturbances |
| Herbalism | The medicinal use of preparations that contain exclusively plant material |
| Homoeopathy | System of medicine developed about 200 years ago by S Hahnemann based on the “like cures like” principle, often using extremely high dilutions |
| Hypnotherapy | Form of cognitive information processing using suspension of peripheral awareness aimed at apparently involving changes in perception, memory, mood, and psychology |
| Massage | Manual techniques of rubbing, stroking, tapping, or kneading the body with a view to treating physical or emotional conditions |
| Osteopathy | Form of manual therapy involving massage, mobilisation, and manipulation |
| Reflexology | Use of manual pressure to specific areas (typically on the sole of the foot) thought to be related to inner organs |
| Relaxation | Eliciting a relaxation response (release of physical and mental tension); often included in broader therapeutic programmes |
| Spiritual healing | Channelling of “healing energy” from an external source (for example, God) through the healer to the patient with a view to enhancing health and wellbeing |
| Tai chi | A system of movements and postures used to enhance mental and physical health |
| Yoga | Stretching exercises for breathing control and meditation |