Alternative Therapies

Alternative therapies, unconventional treatment, complementary therapy, and integrative healing, all involve the use of nontraditional or nonstandard approaches to medical treatment. The term refers to a group of theories and practices - therapeutic touch, imagery, massage, acupuncture aromatherapy, reflexology, and herbal medicine, to name a few. Use of alternative therapies is not limited to a few patients on the fringe. Americans spend billions for dollars each year on alternative medical care.

Long dismissed by the medical establishment, unconventional therapies are now often recognized as legitimate areas of scientific study. One sign of recognition was the establishment in 1992 of the Office of Alternative Medicine (OAM) with the National Institutes of Health (NIH), the federal agency that oversees biomedical research in the U.S. The OAM serves as a clearinghouse for information on alternative therapies, coordinates studies on alternative treatments under way in other NIH departments, and some nontraditional techniques of today may enter the mainstream of medical practice tomorrow if they are shown to be effective.

Therapeutic Massage: Massage has been long recognized as an antidote to stress by loosening tight muscles and easing one into a relaxed state. Researchers are investigating whether massage has other health benefits, such as bolstering the body's immune system. More that 50 types of massages are practiced today. Therapeutic massage is offered through Dan Csanyi, in Health & Wellness Services (x4805) and Memorial Hospital, Center for Integrative Healing (237-4261).

Healing Touch / Reiki: Reiki is an ancient Tibetan hands-on healing method brought to the U.S. in the early 1920's. Hand positions on the head and shoulder pass healing energy to the client in a prayerful positive experience and works to align and balance the human energy field around the body. Reiki is offered through Memorial Hospital, Center for Integrative Healing (237-4261) and adjunct lecturer in Dance here at Saint Mary's College, Donald Stikeleahter (dstikele@saintmarys.edu).

Yoga: Whether you think of it as a way of life or as a way of exercising, yoga can reduce stress, enhance your mental well-being, and increase physical vitality. Yoga, as used in the Western world, is associated with physical postures and regulation of breathing. Several yoga sessions are being offered through Athletics second semester. Phone Athletics/Angela for further information (x5548). Yoga is also offered through Memorial Hospital, Center for Integrative Healing (237-4261).

T'ai Chi: T'ai Chi Ch'uan is an ancient body-mind-spirit discipline of relaxed calisthenics based on the interaction of two energetic forces, Yin and Yang, which coexist as harmonious opposites in nature and all living things. T'ai Chi is believed to enhance balance, flexibility, and coordination, while reducing stress. T'ai Chi is offered through Memorial Hospital, Center for Integrative Healing (237-4261).

Feng Shui: Feng Shui is the ancient art of placement. It is based on the belief that the arrangement of objects in our environment controls the flow of Ch's, which is our energy or vital life force. Feng Shui is offered through Memorial Hospital, Center for Integrative Healing (237-4261).

Aromatherapy: Aromatherapy is one of those rare forms of treatment that can improve your quality of life whether or not it has any other benefits. Whatever relief it confers, they speculate, stems from emotional response to aromatherapy's pleasing scents, rather than any physiological effects. Used as a comforting ritual to reduce stress, enhance relaxation, and relieve anxiety, aromatherapy may indeed improve your well-being, relieve psychosomatic symptoms, and alleviate some emotionally-related disorders. Aromatherapy is offered through Memorial Hospital, Center for Integrative Healing (237-4261).

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