Alternative Therapies?

Question

Is it true you can tell that an "Alternative Therapy" is complete hokum, by listening to see it it has to be explained by the word "energy"?

Answer 1

SOME of them may be. There are some "alternative therapies" that are mental suggestion (which is technically the basis of hypnosis), but there are some that actually deal with the chemical balance that exists in your body.

There are a LOT of people out there that have had very good responses to all sorts of alternative medicines that "regular MDs" have even commented on. Millions of people get benefits from supplements (vitamins, minerals, herbs, etc) and thousands of people get benefits from homeopathic doctors that give specified products or use weird machines that most people can't understand.

Answer 2

We shall see how hokum it is if you ever get really sick and nothing conventional works for you (which it probably won't as these things just mask symptoms rather than dealing with the whole person as this New Age alternative stuff does)

You are obviously interested because you wouldn't have asked the question and there are some great answers which are completely true already listed on here so I don't need to go into it anymore.

Answer 3

I have experienced various alternative and complementary therapies, some associated with the word energy and some not, and in my experience all have brought some good results. Reflexology is a specific foot massage that just feels like having your feet caressed or pinched, but the theory is that it works with energy zones in the foot and through the body. Acupuncture is similar and both therapies treat many ailments. Hypnosis is not as mysterious as it once appeared to be. The mind is wonderful and can create anything it wants...be it negative or positive...and thoughts are considered to be energy too. There is nothing magical or incredible about any alternative therapy as they are all just natural methods and afterall we ARE energy...and that is just natural.

Answer 4

Don't be scared by the word energy. There are a lot of energy workers out here that do good work with their patients. My experiences are with Reiki and they were all great.
Depending on the modality, the treatment might be HOKUM but you'll have to give it a try and see if it works for you. Not all treatments will work for everybody that tries them. Just like in drug based medicine, not all drugs work the same on all patients.

Answer 5

well I support BOTH sides and I am happy to hear both sides. Please don't lump everyone into the same bin lol I use alternative BUT ALWAYS seek medical advice. I see my GP for regular health checks and blood tests and everything else BUT I also use *some* alternative item WITH caution and when GP's can't help. Alternative meds *can* help people because it lookes at the causes and not just the symptoms. For example: I have a slipped disk. Nothing will work other than 6 monthly injection which the last 1 didn't work and Ive waited 9 months to get another one. Currently they cannot help other than that, SO I use yoga and excersise to help. Pain meds don't work because of the type of pains I get and Is it's not the type of pain that I wish to take higher pain meds for BECAUSE my pain is only the symptom of my condition which improves with core and relaxation excersises. (To me it's lazy to swallow pills everyday when you can actually DO something to help, why wouldn't you and as DR Frank often points on on here, diet pills and quick fixes don't work, lifestyle changes do, so why would I use what a GP has given me? Nothing but pills when there are *some* things I can do instead) I hear both sides, I use both sides and I use alternative medicine not as an alternative but as a whole healthcare package when it's combined with other practices which includes constant contact with my GP. So again, while there ARE people on here who will be silly and block you just because someone challanges their point (that goes for any board on here, some people are simply rude and nasty lol) doesn't mean the rest of us are like that. I often read your answers and Dr Franks answers on here and indeed take note as well as agree!

Answer 6

Well I don't know exactly what you mean about hokum, but is you try to said that it doesn't work, maybe you don't know about it, I'm a naturphatic phycisian, acupuncturist and hypnotist, a lot of therapies in antural medicine don't make sence to me as well but they do work. Is hard for anyone to explait and a lot of people have been making out this stupid explanations that people get more confuse about it. But trust me Works because I see works.
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Answer 7

I really believe that 'alternative therapy' is a natural medicine incorporating the mind,body and spirit. Energy can flow positively and negatively affecting the body's balance. Basically you have to believe in it for it to work to it's full potential. Try it..you might like it!!

Answer 8

alternative therapies

Answer 9

Thats not true in all cases-acupuncture is meant to balance the energy of the body,etc.Scientific research has proved that it is a valid therapy.

Answer 10

You are full of it...Energy! No some are hokey some really work
try it you might like it better then conventional medicine which is run by Drug companies who want your money!