In today’s world, where one is struck with the word ‘alternative’ to describe systems of healing that aim at complete and holistic healing of the body, mind and spirit, we often treat the symptom and not the origin of a problem. Still, what’s in a name? As Shakespeare said, “a rose by any
other name would smell just as sweet.” We examine four ‘alternate’ therapies that provide wellness and complete well-being.’


Reflexology

Reflexology is based on the principle that each of the body’s organs and glands are “linked” to
corresponding areas of ears, hands and feet. The application of pressure on these points results in energy being restored to the body, which in turn helps in strengthening the immune system and the natural healing system of the body, and as a consequence, functioning more effectively. In fact, reflexology can be called a trigger since it is our own body that does most of the work by detoxifying itself and triggering all the organs to focus on healing.

A trained reflexologist understands the network of one’s body systems, recognises the problems in the body through the feet and applies pressure to energise them and restore balance in the entire body using their thumb and fingers as implements.

Many civilisations all over the world have recognised the basic principle of reflexology, though they may not call it the same. There is evidence of it being practised in India, China, Japan, and also in the Egyptian and Mayan civilisations. Reflexology in its modern form was developed by an allopathic ENT surgeon, Dr. William Fitzgerald, who observed that applying pressure on some points seemed to have a numbing effect on pain. The therapy was developed further in the early 930s by Eunice D. Ingham, a physical therapist, who established that the reflexes on the feet were a mirror image of the organs of the body.



Biofeedback

Biofeedback is a technique where people combat stress and improve their health and physical performance by altering their brain activity, blood pressure, muscle tension, heart rate and other bodily functions.

Despite initial scepticism, researchers proved that many individuals could really alter their involuntary responses on being “fed back” information either visually or audibly about what was occurring in their bodies. Studies have also shown that we can have more control over so-called involuntary bodily functions.

Under the Biofeedback method of treatment, mechanical sensor devices are used to pick up electrical signals from the muscles and translate them into a form that people can decode. This device triggers a flashing light or activates a beeper every time the muscles become tense. People learn to associate sensations from the muscle with actual levels of tension and develop a new, healthy habit of keeping muscles only as tense as necessary.

After treatment, individuals are often able to reproduce this
response at will without being attached to the sensors.

At present, Biofeedback techniques are widely used for an increasing number of stress induced disorders such as migraine headaches, incontinence, high blood pressure or hypertension, cardiac condition and ADHD (Attention Deficiency Hyperactive Disorder).

Naturopathy

Naturopathy believes that diseases are physical manifestations of the body’s attempt to heal itself when it falls out of harmony with its environment. With a strong stance against the chemical prevention of diseases, it advocates the play of inherent natural defence mechanisms, which are self-curative and self-preventive.
Essentially, it seeks to stimulate the body’s inherent power to regain health with the help of the five natural elements—earth, air, fire, ether and water.

Patients going to a naturopath are treated in three stages. First, diagnosis of their condition is made without using invasive techniques such as biopsies, because they run counter to the naturopathic stance against surgery and use of drugs. In the second stage, the patient is put on a detoxification regime that includes cleansing the colon, fasting, massage, deep breathing, baths and exercises. The third step involves a corrective regime that includes a new diet with a focus on natural nutrition.

In the West, naturopathy began as a quasispiritual movement against the medicinal experience of nineteenth century Europe. After the Second World War naturopathy inevitably took a backseat with the growing popularity of antibiotic science. Later, with the discovery of the unsuspected side effects of DDT, thalidomide, and other high-tech wonders, people once again began to lean on the comforts of the time-tested practices of naturopathy. In India naturopathy shares much common ground with Ayurveda, the traditional Indian system of medicine. Mahatma Gandhi’s interest in the method brought it back into focus.

CranioSacral Balancing

Cranio-sacral balancing is a hands-on, no-drug therapy that restores the balance in the cranio-sacral system that comprises the skull bones, the spinal column, the sacrum and the soft connective tissues.

At the heart of cranio-sacral balancing is the therapeutic process of somato-emotional release, discovered by Dr. Upledger and Dr. Zvi Karni in the late 1970s.
According to their findings, when one’s body is subjected to physical force by accident or injury, it either dissipates these forces and allows natural healing to follow, or retains them, walling them off, forming an energy cyst or an area of dysfunction which inhibits normal body functioning. This system has a natural pulsation that can be felt anywhere in the body with practice. The therapist feels the rhythm at the base of the skull, and then applies pressure to stop the pulsation. This is a ‘still point’, a therapeutic interruption of the cranio-sacral rhythm that makes the body reorganise its activity for more optimal functioning, both physically and emotionally.

Interestingly, the most significant factor that governs the formation of energy cysts is one’s emotional status at the time of the injury or accident. Negative feelings, like resentment, anger, fear and such emotions increase the possibility of energy cyst formation. Naturally, it follows that
the therapy works very well with a positive and accepting attitude.

For most of us, health care is often the last thing on the agenda. It is only when the machine has all but broken down that we pay attention to it, treating one symptom after another. Perhaps, it is time we explore ‘alternatives’ and usher in holistic wellness to our lives.