Alternative Medicine

August 30, 2021 / Wellness What is Reiki, and Does it Really Work? Reiki is an energy healing technique that promotes relaxation, reduces stress and anxiety through gentle touch. Reiki practitioners use their hands to deliver energy to your body, improving the flow and balance of your energy to support healing. Mikao Usui developed reiki in the early 1900s, deriving the term from the Japanese words rei, meaning “universal,” and ki, which refers to the vital life force energy that flows through all living things. Now, reiki is used all over the world, including in hospitals and hospices, to complement other forms of health treatments. The health benefits of reiki Reiki promotes relaxation, stress reduction, and symptom relief to improve overall health and well-being. It [...]

Massage therapists versed in lymph drainage massage are in a position to assist the growing population of women who have received breast cancer treatment. The American Cancer Society estimates there will be over 252,000 new cases of breast cancer in 2017, the most common type of cancer in the U.S., accounting for almost 155 of all new cancers. It’s the most prevalent type of cancer, and the risk of developing it increases with age. Incidence of Breast Cancer The National Cancer Institute statistics review states that fewer than five percent of women diagnosed with breast cancer in the U.S. are younger than 40. Rates begin to increase after age 40 and are highest in women over age 70. Further, the median [...]

A growing body of research indicates massage therapy can benefit the immune system, especially important during winter months. People looking to fend off cold and flu as the winter months arrive should speak to a massage therapist about prevention strategies. Regular massages have been shown to make the immune system stronger, according to studies. “Researchers working with patients with compromised immune systems have found massage therapy can improve how the immune system functions,” said Jeff Smoot, 2015 President of the American Massage Therapy Association (AMTA). “Those same benefits can translate to people seeking to fight off the common cold, flu and other seasonal illnesses.” Massage therapy increases the activity level of the body’s white blood cells that work to combat [...]

BY JUSTIN MITCHELL The most shocking part of Michael Phelps’ performances at the 2016 Olympic Games in Rio De Janiero had nothing to do with his swimming. It had nothing to do with his technique or hair color (looking at you, Ryan Lochte). More than anything, people were freaking out over the giant purple marks on the swimmer’s back and shoulders. “What in the world is all over Michael Phelps?” said everyone on Facebook and Twitter. Not to worry, the internet came in for the save. Media outlets were quick to explain large circular bruises are a skin souvenir from cupping, an ancient Chinese therapy that uses heated glass or plastic cups placed on the skin to draw out toxins [...]

After hearing a lot about Cupping Therapy lately, I decided it was time to learn something about it. WebMD claims that supporters of cupping therapy believe the suction of the cups mobilizes blood flow to promote the healing of a broad range of medical ailments. Cupping therapy dates back to ancient Egyptian, Chinese, and Middle Eastern cultures. One of the oldest medical textbooks in the world, the Ebers Papyrus, describes how the ancient Egyptians were using cupping therapy in 1,550 B.C. Now I was really curious so I decided to experience Cupping for myself. I've enjoyed my sessions very much, so much that I am participating in a Cupping Certification Course in July 2016. I want to have a conversation with [...]