Lifestyle

Get Out: Alt Healing

althealThe RI area is home to dozens of alternative clinics and healers. So what ails you? From anxiety to arthritis, put down the meds, get out, and turn 2014 into the year of the new you.

Rolfing: If your body is a temple, after a few years it’s going to fall victim to gravity like said structure. Ouch! Solution? Push everything back where it belongs. After 10 sessions, your Rolfer will have strategically pushed you back into shape. You: 1, Gravity: 0
point to spine
Pulse Healing works off the concept that negative mental energy comes from an imbalance in the body’s energy force — the pulse. A diagnosis of the patient’s eye will reveal which point on the body the pulser needs to connect with.
point anywhere
Reflexology: Each point on the bottom of the foot, palms, and ears is directly connected to another part of the body. Strategically putting pressure on each zone will bring healing to its corresponding body part.
point to feet or hands
Acupressure and Acupuncture are ancient healing arts. Pressure is gradually applied to key healing points, which stimulates the body’s natural self-curative abilities. Acupressure utilizes the healer’s fingers while acupuncture applies pressure with needles. Both methods are used to decrease tension, increase circulation and reduce pain. point to anywhereEssential Oils used topically, inhaled and taken orally are proven to assist ailments from menstrual pain to the common cold. Taken orally, essential oil monoterpenes has been proven to help acute bronchitis, chronic bronchitis and sinus infections.

point to throat

Hypnosis relies on putting a patient into a trance state to heal ailments of the mind, body, and spirit. People use it to overcome fears, quit habits and ease pain. Some therapists claim it can even replace general anesthesia! However, not everyone can be put into a trance state. That’s probably something you’d want to know before entering the operating room.

Massage therapy can be more than just a pleasant way to spend an afternoon. This ancient form of body manipulation can help heal injuries and relieve muscle strain. Some people claim that those who receive regular massages fare better in car accidents than those who don’t! Now there’s a good excuse to book an appointment.
Reiki healing relies on using energy to create balance in the body. After a reiki healer gently lays her hands gently on or just above a patient’s head and torso, he can expect reduced anxiety, improved sleep and well-being, and greater self awareness. Some enthusiasts believe that when used in tandem with western medicine, it can help patients heal faster from surgery or chemo.
Meditation can give you a sense of peace, calm and well-being, and it can be done anytime, anywhere and by anyone. Studies have shown that meditation can even reduce high blood pressure. Stressed out by all those resolutions you made for 2014? Meditate!

Breath work involves purposely adjusting normal breathing patterns to achieve alternate states of consciousness and often results in long-term spiritual or psychological benefits. Some breathing techniques have been reported to warm the body — a great skill to have in the dead of winter!

Laughter yoga relies on the idea of fake it till you make it. Forced laughter has the same physiological benefits as real laughter and when practiced in a group, often becomes real very quickly. More reason to laugh at your relatives’ lame jokes at your next family get-together.