From aches and pains to hormonal disorders, depression, anxiety and even immunity-related disorders, these non-invasive, alternative therapies promise to heal from within, slowly but surely, minus the side-effects of allopathic medicines. Heres more on three popular therapies.

This ancient eastern practice that originated in China found itself in the spotlight a decade ago when singers Celine Dion and Mariah Carey claimed it played a vital role in helping them conceive. Both gave birth to twinsafter much struggle due to their respective health issueswithout having to resort to IVF. But while the western world may have just recently woken up to the benefits of acupuncture, the Japanese and the Chinese have been using this therapy for decades now, treating everything from aches and pains to allergies, migraines, anxiety and even various hormonal disorders.

So what exactly is this form of treatment? Traditionally used to balance energy flow, acupuncture involves inserting very thin needles at strategic points of your body. Its essentially a drugless, natural treatment with no side effects, which works on the concept of Yin and Yang. Energy blockages are identified and worked upon, and balance in the body is restored for its optimal functioning, says Mumbai-based Dr Santosh Pandey, a PhD in alternative medicine. It is particularly helpful for inflammation or pain, as inserting a needle into a specific location can cause a release of endorphins, which are chemicals that your body produces to promote self-healing. Since it activates pain-killing hormones, it can treat acute or chronic pain.

Acupuncture sessions usually require anywhere from two sessions to 30 and more to show results, depending on the severity of the mental and/or physical issue being treated. If you suffer from chronic liver problems or issues with clotting, its best to avoid this therapy, cautions Dr Pandey.

Naturopathy, says Arizona-based Naturopathy physician Dr Meghna Thacker, believes in the healing power of nature. The body has an inherent capacity to heal itself and in many cases, without any treatment at all. With an increasing number of people preferring a holistic approach to health and wellness, this alternative and now broadly integrative medicinal practice is fast gaining traction.

So whats the basic tenet behind it? The aim, says Dr Thacker, is to first do no harm. The idea is to try healing the patient with natural and non-invasive therapies. For example, if a patient is dealing with an infection, if I can treat him or her with botanical or microbial medicines, that would be my preference over antibiotics, she adds.

In her recent book, Amazon bestseller, Seven Steps To Heal Your Thyroid, Dr Thacker explains in depth the science behind naturopathy. We treat the patient as a whole and not just that one particular issue. We identify the root cause and underlying reasons. The focus on this kind of therapy is also to prevent diseasesthere a so many factors that need to be looked at to ensure overall good health, she says.

Among the popular treatments is the bio-identical hormone replacement therapy (BHRT), which is different from the standard hormone therapies offered by modern medicine. In BHRT, we use natural plant-based prescription medicines to help patients transition from perimenopausal to postmenopausal years, explains Dr Thacker, who also specialises in thyroid treatment, adrenal support, nutrient IV therapy in addition to emotional wellness.

Several celebrities, including Kate Hudson, Gwyneth Paltrow and Cameron Diaz, have taken to social media to tout the benefits of this Japanese healing technique. And, despite the bad press it often receives for having little scientific data to back up the results, youll find many, especially in India, swearing by it. Reiki uses the bodys chakras to transfer healing energy to a recipient, working on the not just the body, but the mind and soul as well, says Mumbai-based Reiki grandmaster, certified numerologist and multi-modality Vannee Jaising, It can help you solve mental, physical as well as emotional issues, provided the recipient is open to receiving the healing energy."

Jaising, a conduit of this healing energyhas seen a surge in clients over the last few months, with COVID-19 and the consequent lockdowns and economic crisis pushing people on the brink of a meltdown. Reiki does not require physical touch. I can administer this healing to anyone, in any part of the world, and it will work, she explains, adding that this healing energy practice is free of side effects, making it safe for all. There are, of course, newer and more powerful modalities available nowReconnective Healing, Merkaba, Lama Fera, Humkara with Haleem, to name a few.

"Reiki can easily be your go-to first aid kitinstead of popping in a crocin to cure that headache, try this practice first to heal yourself. The benefits of spiritual healing are aplenty and much needed in this pandemic era, says Jaising.

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From reiki to acupuncture: How alternative therapies can help you manage pain and balance your mood - VOGUE India

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