Alternative Therapies C-D

Chelation Therapy
Chelation therapy involves the use of chemical compounds injected into the blood stream, muscle or taken by mouth to bind metals that are present in toxic concentrations so they can be excreted (usually in urine) from the body. Some scientists theorised that hardened arteries could be softened if the calcium in their walls was removed using chelating compounds.

The most common condition that alternative practitioners treat with chelation therapy is hardening of the arteries. They believe intravenous chelation therapy "reverses and slows the progression of atherosclerosis and other age-related and degenerative diseases" such as coronary artery disease and macular degeneration.

Some chelation advocates claim that autism a neurodevelopmental disorder that appears in early childhood, might be caused or aggravated by heavy metal poisoning and might be ameliorated by chelation therapy.

For further information on chelation therapy and its possible side effects and safety concerns:
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Chelation_therapy

Chinese Medicine
Covers a range of traditional medical practices that developed over several thousand years in china. They include acupuncture, massage (Tui Na), herbal medicine, Qi Gong, Thai Chi, Feng Shui.

Chinese medicine is based on balancing energy (qi) in the body with the theory that all things in the universe, including the body, are governed by the forces Yin (night, cool, passive, inward, restful) and Yan (day, hot, outward, energetic). The two are interdependent and need to be balanced in order to maintain the correct flow of energy round the body. They hold that body's energy, (qi), circulates through the body along specific interconnected channels called meridians. Where there is an an imbalance between Yin and Yan, causing disruptions of the energy flow, such as blockages, stagnation and redirection, practioners believe that emotional and physical illness will occur. In order to release these disruptions, specific points on the meridians called acupoints are stimulated via needles, pressure or other means. Herbal medicine
is deemed to complement this practice with the herbalist using a range of herbs based on the patient's illness and yin and yan conditions. For further information:
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Chinese_medicine

Colonic Hydrotherapy
Also known as colonic irrigation with claims that it reduces the toxic load on the body by exercising and toning the bowel thus aiding the evacuation of waste.

Said to be useful in treating constipation, irritable bowel syndrome, diverticulosis, secondary condtions related to poor bowel mechanics. Benefits said to include improved bowel performance, clearer skin, more mental clarity and fewer headaches. It is also claimed that, following treatment, the bowel is better able to absorb nutrients and is less likely to absorb enterotoxins.

For further information on colonic hydrotherapy and a directory of therapists:
www.colonic-association.org

Craniosacral Therapy
Said to be a subtle and profound healing therapy which assists the body's natural capacity for self-repair. Developed from the work of an American osteopath in the early 1900s who discovered intrinsic movements of the bones in the head and different rhythms in the body. It is believed that these movements are inextricably linked with mental and emotional health in turn having an effect on physical health. Restriction of movement corresponds to a reduction of the natural capacity to self-heal. Using the hands to feel these movements it is said that craniosacral therapists can facilitate change in areas of restriction. A limitation or absence of the movements implies a reduction in the expression of health which may result in, for example, numbness, a sense of something missing or disease. For further information:
www.craniosacral.co.uk

Crystal Therapy.
In recent decades there has been increased interest in the power of crystals to promote healing by assisting the body to heal itself. Crystals and gem stones are said to restore health by drawing on the natural healing powers of the body. Crystals are claimed to resonate in such a way that they stimulate the aura (the energy field that surrounds living things) which in turn brings healing to the body. The healing effect is enhanced if the crystal is placed on the chakra areas (energy nodes) of the body believed in Hinduism to be the seven occult centres of life and consciousness in the spine and brain, which enliven the physical and astral bodies of man.
The main chakras are described as being aligned in an ascending column from the base of the spine to the top of the head. Each chakra is associated with a certain color, multiple specific functions, an aspect of consciousness.

It is said that certain crystals and gem stones appear to have an empathy with each chakra and will help to cure illness and enhance a sense of well-being. For further information:
www.crystal-healing.org

Dream Therapy
Dream Therapy is based on the theory that the reason we dream is to make us aware of feelings or information in our minds that we have either suppressed or not even thought of. It is said to help people unlock the meaning of their dreams - to see them as signs and unharness their 'power'. Some see dreams as a kind of spiritual message from the unconscious.

It is further claimed that dreams can hold the key to many psychlogical and spiritual developments for the individual. Therapists claim that in learning to interpret and understand this language of symbols in dreams, people can become more in touch with their subconscious desires and conflicts. As whatever is happening on this deeper level has such a controlling influence on their lives, the more this information from dreams can be brought to consciousness, the greater their insight and awareness on every level.
Dream therapists can also include hypnotherapists who use hypnosis to help clients interpret their dreams and to use this information to make emotional progress in targeted areas of life. Said to be particularly useful for people who have recurring dreams.
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Dream_therapy