More People Using Alternative Therapies for General Health

According to a reader study published in the September issue of Consumer Reports more people now use alternative therapies as part of their health care. This does not mean that people have given up on prescription medications for common health problems. However, the trend of alternative medicine is still growing strong with people utilizing therapies such as chiropractic, yoga and deep tissue massage as well as others.

These therapies are being used as additional treatments for discomfort from conditions such as back pain and osteoarthritis.

Now it looks like the survey is indicating that therapies such as deep breathing, meditation and yoga are being used to treat various conditions which include migraines, anxiety and even insomnia.

The report also signifies that conventional practitioners are actually more open to using alternative therapies than once thought.

Some of the responses from this new report include:

Chiropractic care ranked above all other alternative therapies.

Yoga and meditation proved effectiveness in the treatment of anxiety and depression and was nearly as effective to prescription drugs.

For respiratory problems like colds and allergies very few people tried deep breathing exercises or chiropractic care. However, the two percent that sought chiropractic care for cold, flu or allergies had noted that 40% said it helped greatly. Three percent had tried deep breathing for cold and flu with 32% noting it helped greatly.

It was also reported among those who took part in the survey that they do inform their physicians about their uses of alternative therapies. For example, 57% who had used Shiatsu massage mainly for neck and back pain had mentioned it to their physicians along with the 81% who had used chiropractic care.

This report demonstrates that alternative therapies are being used more and more frequently in addition to conventional medications.

A few aspects of alternative therapies:

It is a natural non-invasive form of treatment. No pharmaceutical drugs are prescribed.

It concentrates on the wellness of the patient with the belief system that the human body has the natural ability to heal itself. Alternative therapies view the patient as a whole not just a condition or disease.

Today parents are now turning to alternative therapies for their children using chiropractic for preventive and wellness care. Pediatric massage is also being used today for children. Parents also are sending their kids to yoga. Believe it or not children today have pressure from school, environment and peers. Yoga is enjoyed by children and a great way for them to relieve stress and become relaxed.

Sources:

Stl Today

Massage for Children

Yoga Kids