Hydrotherapy : Hydrotherapy is the use of water to revitalize, maintain, and restore health. Hydrotherapy treatments include saunas, steam baths, foot baths, sitz baths, and the application of cold and hot water compresses. Father Sebastian Kneipp, a 19th century Bavarian monk, is said to be the father of hydrotherapy. Kneipp believed that disease could be cured by using water to eliminate waste from the body. Hydrotherapy is popular in Europe and Asia, where people "take the waters" at hot springs and mineral springs. In North America, it is often recommended as self-care by naturopathic doctors.
There is a physiological basis to hydrotherapy. Cold is stimulating, and it causes superficial blood vessels to constrict, shunting the blood to internal organs. Hot water is relaxing, causes blood vessels to dilate, and removes wastes from body tissues. Alternating hot can cold water also improves elimination, decreases inflammation, and stimulates circulation. Hydrotherapy treatments are often given at health spas or recommended as home self-care treatments.
Mud therapy : Mud therapy is an alternative treatment that helps to cure various skin problems, rheumatism, pain and arthritis. Mud Therapy is used as an alternative treatment to cure many diseases like pain in joints, rheumatism, arthritis or any aches and also to tone down overweight. The mud therapy can be done with specific type mud only. Certain types of mud contain a higher amount of minerals and plant residues, which is the main reason for its medicinal property. Mud therapy was practiced by Ancient Greeks to treat different kinds of ailments. The medicinal property of the mud comes from the plant residues that have been deposited in the soil over a long period of time. The composition of mud varies depending on the content of its plant mineral and material.
Herbal medicine : Herbal medicine -- also called botanical medicine or phytomedicine -- refers to using a plant's seeds, berries, roots, leaves, bark, or flowers for medicinal purposes. Herbalism has a long tradition of use outside of conventional medicine. It is becoming more mainstream as improvements in analysis and quality control along with advances in clinical research show the value of herbal medicine in the treating and preventing disease.
Physiotherapy : Physiotherapy is a health care profession directed at evaluating, restoring and maintaining physical function. The types of physiotherapy treatments vary and depends on your particular muscular or skeletal condition. Often, physiotherapy treatments are specifically made for one person and may not be the same for another with the same condition. Treatments are "tailor-made" for your particular problems and goals.
Accupuncture : Accupuncture & Alternative Medicine Center of Phuket International Hospital provide our new dimension of Traditional Chinese Medicine (TCM) service by Licensed Acupuncturists. Accupuncture is the ancient Chinese method of healing. Herbal therapies may be combined with Accupuncture treatment. By combining Western knowledge and techniques, Accupuncture has become an acceptable and sought after treatment for many disorders. Accupuncture improves blood circulation and energy flow in the body to balance bodily functions (yin and yang) and gradually eliminate aches and pains.
Although the aches and pains are located at specific points in the body, this holistic approach to treatment does not concentrate on any one particular area of pain because it regards the different parts of the body as a whole. This makes the treatment effective on the entire system. Accupuncture needles and their positioning must be suited to each patient’s physiology. It's also important that the needles be sterile and disposable to ensure the patient’s total safety.
Acupressure : Acupressure is a safe and gentle alternative therapy used to relieve symptoms from many common disorders. Unlike some forms of Western medicine, this therapy does not involve the use of any invasive techniques. A skilled practitioner simply uses their thumbs and fingers (sometimes the elbow) to exert pressure to specific body points. Acupressure is closely associated with other forms of Oriental medicine, such as acupuncture and shiatsu. The philosophy of Oriental medicine originated about the year 600 BC when Taoism was developed; beliefs that center on the human connection to nature.
It is believed the changes in nature (i.e. weather) impact human lives mentally, emotionally, physically, and spiritually. Oriental practitioners believe disease is caused by internal (emotional), external (weather), or other factors, including trauma or an unhealthy lifestyle. Many changes impact the body on a daily basis and affect the flow of qi (pronounced "chee"), or vital energy. Chinese medical theory sets forth to correct this balance and produce harmony within the body.
Massage therapy : The term "massage therapy" encompasses many different techniques (see box for examples). In general, therapists press, rub, and otherwise manipulate the muscles and other soft tissues of the body. They most often use their hands and fingers, but may use their forearms, elbows, or feet.
Yoga : Yoga is a healing system of theory and practice, its a combination of breathing exercises, physical postures, and meditation, practiced for over 5,000 years. Yoga is considered a mind-body intervention that is used to reduce the health effects of generalized stress. Yoga is believed to calm the nervous system and balance the body, mind, and spirit. It is thought by its practitioners to prevent specific diseases and maladies by keeping the energy meridians open and life energy (Prana) flowing.
Yoga is usually performed in classes, sessions are conducted at least once a week and for approximately 45 minutes. Yoga has been used to lower blood pressure, reduce stress, and improve coordination, flexibility, concentration, sleep, and digestion. Yoga is generally low-impact and safe for healthy people when practiced appropriately under the guidance of a well-trained instructor. Overall, those who practice yoga have a low rate of side effects, and the risk of serious injury from yoga is quite low. However, certain types of stroke as well as pain from nerve damage are among the rare possible side effects of practicing yoga.
Homeopathy : Homeopathy is the second most widely used system of medicine in the world. Its growth in popularity in the United States has been around 25 to 50 percent a year throughout the last decade.