Boosting health with energy therapies

(Part 2)

This is the second article in our two-part series on Complementary and Alternative Medicine. The first one appeared in this column last week. And now, to continue:

Other energy therapies include:

• Qi gong (chee-gung). This is an ancient Chinese practice that uses physical postures, breathing techniques, and mental focus to maintain health, promote healing, and increase vitality.

Qi gong is most often used for: lowering blood pressure, stress relief, improving immune system function, pain relief, and increasing flexibility, balance, and strength. Many forms of qi gong exist, but all fall into three common categories — martial, medical, and spiritual. These forms can range from internal to meditative to the more external and physical. Movements in qi gong are rhythmic and gentle, making them easily adaptable for all age groups, even if you are physically impaired. Tai chi is a type of qi gong.

• Reiki (ray-kee). Derived from the Japanese word for universal life energy, reiki is rooted in Japanese spiritual tradition. Reike practitioners believe they can channel healing energy by placing their hands just above or slightly on you when you are receiving treatment. The goal is to access your healing energy and use it to facilitate your own healing.

Reiki is most often used for relaxation and stress relief.

HANDS-ON THERAPIES

Hands-on therapies work toward more efficient, relaxed movement and proper alignment of the body in order for it to function properly. Rather than relying on the manipulation of energy, hands-on or manual, therapies work by applying physical forces to the body. Hands-on therapies include:

• Massage. Massage has a long well-documented history worldwide, with almost as many techniques as there are cultures. Research has also proven its effectiveness, especially for chronic lower back and neck pain (see photo on Page D-1). Defined as hands-on manipulation of soft tissues through touch, movement or pressure, massage therapy ranges from gentle stroking and kneading to deeper, manual techniques. Positive effects that have resulted from massage therapy include easing muscle tension, increasing range of motion, improving blood and lymphatic circulation, lessening depression and anxiety, enhancing sleep and, in some cases, lessening dependence on medications.

Few complications have been reported from massage therapy, but you may experience some discomfort for a day or two, especially with deep-tissue massage. Massage therapy generally isn’t recommended on areas where you’ve had recent surgery or fractures, or where you received radiation therapy. Similarly, massage therapy at the site of an open wound or open skin infection is not recommended. If you’re prone to feeling ill after chemotherapy, you may feel worse if you have massage therapy within the first 36 hours after a chemo session. Others may not notice the effect. Also, massage therapy isn’t recommended if you have acute signs of infection, such as fever, chills, or gastrointestinal or respiratory symptoms, and caution is advised if you have osteoporosis. Massage to the leg is also contraindicated in the presence of acute deep vein thrombosis.

Massage is most often used for: tension and anxiety, neuromuscular conditions such as neck or back pain, muscle soreness, and fibromyalgia.

• Spinal manipulation. Your spinal column is a complex masterpiece of movable bones extending from your hips to your skull, with 30 pairs of nerves exiting along it. While much can go awry with such an intricate system, there are many options for treatment. Chiropractors, osteopaths, and other health care professionals can provide spinal manipulation. Chiropractic and osteopathic care focuses on restoring proper body structure and functioning.

During spinal manipulation, sometimes called spinal adjustment, the practitioner applies a controlled amount of force to a spinal joint, moving it outside of its usual range of motion. Alternatively, a rhythmic force is applied to improve joint motion in the neck, spine, and pelvis. The practitioner may use a special table to better help perform the adjustments.

There’s good evidence that spinal manipulation can help low back pain. There’s also some evidence that spinal manipulation may help tension headaches and neck pain. Spinal manipulation is generally considered to be safe, though it’s not for everyone. Consult your doctor before you decide. Common side effects are discomfort in the treated area, headache or tiredness. Generally, though, these problems clear up within one or two days. On occasion, high-velocity upper neck manipulation has been associated with a stroke.

Spinal manipulation is most often used for: lower back pain, other pain conditions, overall well-being.

DON’T FORGET THE FUNDAMENTALS

It’s easy to forget the most basic of complementary therapies. These won’t surprise you, but they’re part of any integrative health plan. In fact, you may be able to use some of the therapies in this report to help you accomplish a few of these:

• Good nutrition — regular exercise

• Smoking cessation — stress management

• Safety practices — restorative sleep

• Cheerful attitude — maintaining a healthy social network

SAFETY FIRST

The option to pick and choose among alternative, complementary, and conventional treatments provides great opportunities to maintain health and well-being. It can also make health care more complicated. Consider your options carefully. Be sure the therapy you’re considering will do more good than harm.

When contemplating any practice, system or method, follow these steps:

• Gather information. Educate yourself about the therapy you are considering. Talk to people who you know have used it. Ask your doctor. The Internet can be a great source of information, but can also be a source of misinformation.

• Check credentials. When considering a practitioner, check credentials — make sure the person has adequate training and experience. Check with the PRC if they are licensed. Talk with your doctor or another trusted health professional to get advice.

• Consider the cost. Find out exactly how much the therapy will cost you. Many complementary and alternative therapies aren’t covered by health insurance.

• Be an open-minded skeptic. Stay open to various treatments, but evaluate them carefully.

USE IT TO YOUR ADVANTAGE

If you’re interested in seeing how a particular therapy might fit in with your current health plan, talk with your doctor. Together, you can discuss risks and benefits, and decide what’s best for you. When talking to a practitioner of a complementary therapy — such as an acupuncturist — be sure to share the details of your conventional therapy. This way, all your health care providers have a complete picture of your health management.

The idea behind integrating all these different approaches is to create a customized plan for your health. It’s not a question of using either conventional or complementary medicine. It’s about using both the best of conventional medicine and the best evidence-based alternative or complementary medicine.

You don’t need a medical condition to integrate some of the practices in this report into your life. Start looking at your health in positive, holistic ways. Include your mind, body, and spirit, and think about how they’re connected. Investigate therapies that will improve your strengths and minimize your weaknesses. The possibilities that integrative medicine offer are all well-worth exploring. I think it will be the way to health and wellness in the 21st century.