Alternative Medicine and Medical Spas

Similar to a day spa, medical spas offer treatments for the overall improvement of health versus beauty. In increasing numbers medical spas are also providing alternative medicine services such as massages, acupuncture and aromatherapy. Alternative medicine relies on diverse methodologies as well as cultural inspirations for maximum health benefit. By using this non-conventional approach to healing in cooperation with conventional medicine, medical spas are able to offer a wider range of healing services.

Hypnosis

Hypnosis is a procedure that places a person in a trance-like state of heightened focus. During that time he is more open to suggestion. When done successfully, hypnosis can help the patient to cope with medical conditions or gain better control over detrimental behavior.

• Princeton University: Hypnosis Workshop: Answers to basic hypnosis questions, including the difference between motivational hypnosis and hypnotherapy.
• Vanderbilt University Psychology Department: Weight Loss Through Hypnosis: Discusses the use of hypnosis as a tool to lose weight.
• Stanford Cancer Center: Hypnosis: Defines hypnosis and discusses its usefulness in treating cancer patients.

Acupuncture

Acupuncture is an ancient Chinese technique that involves the insertion of thin needles into strategic points on the body. Depending on the placement of the needles, they will stimulate nerves and muscle to assist in relieving symptoms such as pain, nausea and vomiting.

• The Acupuncture Center: A Layman's Guide to Acupuncture-Acupuncture: Simple definition of acupuncture.
• Robert Wood Johnson University Hospital: Acupuncture: An overview of acupuncture and its benefits. Includes a chart of conditions.
• The Ohio State Medical Center: Acupuncture: The philosophy, art and science of acupuncture.

Herbal Remedies

Herbal Remedies are medicinal remedies that are based off of plants and plant extracts. Herbal remedies are used to treat various ailments or diseases, however, care must be taken to prevent adverse side effects.

• UAB Medicine: Herbal Remedies: An explanation of herbal remedies.
• Clark University: Remedies from Native American Culture: A discussion of the use of herbal remedies and other Native American alternative medicine treatments.
• Mayo Clinic: Herbal Supplemenets: Questions consumers should ask prior to purchasing and using herbal remedies.

Biofeedback

This is a technique that involves both the mind and body to improve health with the help of a biofeedback machine. Biofeedback is often used as a relaxation technique for people who suffer from depression, anxiety or high blood pressure, for example.

• University of Maryland Medical Center: Biofeedback: Explains ways to improve one's health with the use of biofeedback techniques.
• Creighton University Medical Cente, School of Medicine: Alternative Medicine: Introduces methods of controlling one's physiological functions through biofeedback.
• The University of North Carolina at Asheville: Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs) about biofeedback: Diagram of a typical biofeedback system and frequently asked questions

Aromatherapy

Aromatherapy uses the aromatic essential oils of varied plants to stimulate certain responses through the sense of smell. It can be used for a number of purposes, including stress management, high blood pressure and even promote healing.

• University of Minnesota: Taking Charge of Your Health: Aromatherapy: Explains the concept of aromatherapy and essential oils.
• University of California, San Diego: Moores Cancer Center: Complementary and Alternative Therapies For Cancer Patients: Discusses the use of aromatherapy alongside standard cancer therapy.
• National Association for Holistic Aromatherapy: What is Aromatherapy?: The definition and history of aromatherapy.

Reflexology

Reflexology is a technique of applying pressure to various reflex, or pressure points on the feet and hands to stimulate responses from specific areas in the body. It is often used to reduce pain or stress as well as to treat certain physical disorders.

• University of Texas at Austin: Digital Writing and Research Lab: Reflexology: A brief explanation of zone therapy and how problems with the feet can lead to problems in other parts of the body.
• University of New Hampshire Health Services: Holistic Health-Reflexology: History beliefs and benefits of reflexology. Includes a reflexology map of the feet.
• Ontario College of Reflexology: What is Reflexology: Definition of Reflexology and how it works.

Acupressure

Acupressure is very similar to acupuncture with the exception that it uses pressure as opposed to needles to relieve pain, stress and other ailments. Pressure is applied to various strategic parts of the body to stimulate the nerves and muscles. The resulting responses encourage deep relaxation and increased circulation.

• Columbia University Medical Center: Acupuncture and Acupressure: Explains the nature of acupuncture and its benefits in cancer treatment for children.
• New York University Medical Center: Healthwise: Acupressure for Morning Sickness: Techniques for alleviating morning sickness with the use of acupressure.
• Aurora Health Care: Nausea of Pregnancy: Includes a review of a blind study using acupressure to reduce morning sickness.

Homeopathic Cures

Also known as homeopathy, homeopathic cures is a form of alternative medicine that uses small or diluted amounts of the substance which caused the symptoms in order to facilitate a healing response.

• Southwest Naturopathic Medical Center: Homeopathy: An overview of Homeopathy and its uses around the world.
• Seton Hospitals: What is Homeopathy: An overview of homeopathy.

Massage

Massage is the manipulation of the muscles of the body to promote healing and relaxation.

• University of Hawaii: Massage Therapy for Pain Syndromes: Discussion on the effect that massage therapy has on pain.
• Massage Therapy for Pain: How massage relieves pain and tension.
• Massage Therapy for Pain and Stress Relief: Massage as an alternative to medications.

Herbology

Herbology is the study of the herbs and plants that are used for medicinal purposes. They are often used as supplements as opposed to medications.

• Holistic Energies: Herbology: A brief definition of herbology.
• Mercer University: An overview of various herbal extracts.
• Rocky Mountain Herbal Institute: World History of Medical Herbology: An in-depth look at herbology and its history around the world.

Reiki

Reiki is a Japanese technique that uses the palms of the hands to transfer healing powers. It is used for relaxation of the mind and body. It is also thought to stimulate the body's natural healing process.

• International Association of Reiki Professionals: What is Reiki: A description of Reiki and a typical Reiki session.
• Hartford Hospital: Reiki: Defines Reiki and its benefits.
• Vanderbilt University Health Psychology: The Impact of Reiki in Controlling Stress and Depression: A look at the impact that Reiki has on depression.

Kundalini

Meaning “coiled power” in Sanskrit, Kundalini is the body's corporal energy that is coiled at the base of the spine. Kundalini is beneficial in that it aids in easing the pain of childbirth, emotional shock or certain traumatic injuries.

• UC berkeley: Kundalini Yogas FAQ: Facts regarding Kundalini, Kundalini Yoga and enlightment.
• Kundalini Yoga: Two Kundalini breathing techniques reviewed.
• Professor Brian Hoffert-History and Religious Studies North Central College: Tantra: Discusses Kundalini yoga and displays a Kundalini diagram.