Do alternative therapies really work

Are you tired all the time? Do persistent headaches make you miserable? Or maybe you’re afraid of flying? You don’t always have to pop a pill or get a shot to feel better; sometimes looking beyond traditional medicine is all that’s needed to regain control over your life. But holistic treatments, while increasing in popularity, are also surrounded by a foggy shroud of ambiguity – which ones work and which ones are just a lot of mumbo-jumbo? We gave alternative treatments a shakeout to sift the hype from the helpful, and here’s what we found really works: Acupuncture What it is: Part of Traditional Chinese Medicine (TCM), acupuncture is the oldest – it’s over 5,000 years old – and most widely used form of medicine. Acupuncture uses thin, sterile stainless steel needles on the body’s 365 acupuncture points to treat a specific health issue or body part. How it claims to work: When the balance between Yin and Yang is lost, the body can’t function properly and becomes prone to sickness. By inserting thin needles into the surface of the skin, blood circulation is stimulated and energy, or ‘Qi’ is allowed to flow again to fight off illness. Acupuncture can be uncomfortable – after all you are being pricked and prodded by needles – but when done properly, it should be bearable. What it’s good for: A report from the World Health Organisation concluded that acupuncture is an effective treatment for neck, low back and knee pain, nausea and vomiting, headache, depression, and arthritis as well as pregnancy-related issues. First person: “After returning from a trip to Asia, I fell ill with a mystery disease. I was in and out of hospitals for two years, and no one could figure out what was wrong. Then I was referred to a hospital that combined conventional medicine with Traditional Chinese Medicine, where I underwent acupuncture. They used needles on my head, spine, hands and feet and even between the toes, twisting them every 10 minutes to trigger the points over and over again. After three weeks, I felt relief; six months into it there was a huge improvement and now I’m healthy again.” - Michaela Nielsen, 39, an events consultant and mother of a four-year old who lives in Business Bay Try it: TongRen Tang offers more than 70 traditional Chinese medicinal products and services ranging from acupuncture and Tui Na to Moxibustion and Remedial Massage. 04-3497888; www.trtgulf.com. Chaslu Wellbeing Centre offers a range of TCM treatments, including acupuncture and herbal remedies. 04-395 5799; www.chasludubai.ae. Reiki What it is: This ancient Japanese healing art is an energy healing technique that draws on the body’s own power to release blockages that are hindering a person’s ability to heal, both physically and emotionally. How it claims to work: Reiki is also based on the life force – the ‘Ki’. When disturbed – for example by negative thoughts and feelings – the levels of the life force become jammed up and the physical body and mind are affected. During a reiki session, a therapist runs his hands over the body to identify blockages. By placing the hands over the affected area, he acts as a conduit of the universal life force to release energy back to you. During the process you might feel a slight tingling or warm sensation throughout the body, but it’s completely painless and will leave you feeling physically and emotionally rejuvenated. A basic level of reiki can also be learned by undertaking a short course, after which you can use it on yourself. What it’s good for: To some the concept of energy therapy might sound downright silly. That said, energy medicine has been successfully practised for thousands of years and casual evidence suggests it is helpful in relieving minor ailments, such as skin conditions, digestive discomfort, aches and pains, and certainly, stress. First person: “A friend recommended Reiki when I was about to undergo major surgery, and was very stressed. I was sceptical at first, but after one session, I was actually more relaxed so I went back for three more. By the end, I could actually feel the heat coming from the therapist’s hands and I was able to let go and really relax. Reiki helped me manage my stress levels and as a result I handled my medical procedure with more confidence.” - Mark Salama, 46, a graphic designer who lives in Tecom and is father to an 18-month old baby Try it: Reiki Touch Dubai is a centre dedicated to the art of reiki. www.reikitouchdubai.com. Spadunya Club specialises in holistic wellness, including r eiki. 04-4393669; www.spadunyaclub.com. Hypnotherapy What it is: During this form of deep relaxation, the unconscious mind responds to positive suggestion to bring about changes in your personal and professional life. How it claims to work: Under hypnosis, patients become much more focused and concentrated. They can then use their minds more powerfully – via imagery for example – to change their thought and behaviour patterns. For example, if you’re forever losing the battle of the bulge, hypnotherapy can help you to address the underlying reasons for your overeating, such as identifying emotional eating triggers, boosting low self-esteem, or learning to manage stress. What it’s good for: There’s solid evidence that hypnotherapy can help people quit smoking for good, sometimes in as little as one session! Hypnotherapy has also proven successful in helping to treat a wide range of other issues, from IBS and insomnia, to boosting self-confidence and overcoming fears and phobias. First person: “My hypnotherapy sessions have not only helped reduce stress levels, but also benefited health such as improving my IBS condition. I’ve lost weight and because I’m now enjoying exercising, I am fitter and my blood pressure is lower. I’ve learned to think more positively and stay focused on my goals and as a result I am a lot more motivated.” – Elaine Jones, 37, who lives in Al Barsha, a stay-at-home mother of  two teenagers Try it: l Dubai Hypnotherapy is run by Yvonne Morgan, a registered hypnotherapist and a member of the National Register of Advanced Hynotherapists. 055-5567485; www.dubaihypnotherapy.ae. Hypnotherapy The Solution is run by Sylvie Rossetto, a certified hypnotherapist from the California Hypnosis Institute of India and offers regular free introductions to hypnotherapy. 050-5518671; www.hypnotherapythesolution.com. Reflexology What it is: According to reflexology wisdom, all of our organs are connected through nerves to our feet. Therefore, physical ailments in those organs can be healed by applying various amounts of pressure to reflex points on the feet using the thumb, knuckle and hands. How it claims to work: A reflexology massage is not for the faint hearted. Based on the premise that bad blood flow equals bad health, deep pressure is applied to the blocked or congested areas to re-activate energy. If a certain part of your foot hurts during the massage, that indicates which part of your body has problems. The pain lasts only as long as the therapist presses on the point and can range from ‘that good kind of pain’ to barely bearable. You can take solace in the fact that once the session over, you’ll feel as if you’re walking on sunshine. What it’s good for: Research has shown reflexology to be effective in reducing stress and tension, improving circulation, lowering blood pressure and alleviating pain, such as backache. First person: “My job kept me on my feet over eight hours a day and it got to the point where even putting on my shoes was painful. Then I had headaches, swelling and aching joints. Special insoles and footwear only offered temporary relief. But after a one-hour session of reflexology that was extremely painful, the aches and pains had practically disappeared. I continued with weekly sessions and within two months, the discomfort, headaches and swelling were gone.” - Judaline A., 52, interior decorator and mum of two who lives in Motor City Try it: The Holistic Institute – 04-4503525, www.theholisticinstitute.org. Feet First Reflexology and Massage Centre offers not only reflexology, but also other specialised massages such as shiatsu. 04-3399369; www.feet1st.com. Tui Na What it is: This TCM treatment uses manual techniques such as rolling, pressing, pushing and pulling to address specific problems such as lubricating stiff joints and re-establishing the flow of energy. How it claims to work: The therapist applies gentle to heavy force using his hands, thumbs, palms, fingers and elbows to increase blood circulation, relax muscles and tendons and re-establish energy so the body can heal itself naturally. This deep and strong therapy can be painful as tender areas, such as the lower back, shoulders and neck are the main focus of the treatment. After a session, you should feel lighter and more balanced. What it’s good for: Tui Na has been effective in treating chronic back and neck pain, migraines, sciatica, arthritis, muscle spams, constipation and stress-related tension. First person: “I’ve had severe, debilitating migraines since I was 15. I recently started with bi-weekly sessions. It was quite painful in the first few sessions as the therapist applies a lot of pressure as if she’s trying to pull something out of you, but afterwards I began to relax and even fell asleep! Today I’m 100 per cent free of migraines; it was a real breakthrough.” – Dawser Al Hadidi, 37, co-founder, www.stylendubai.com Try it: Dubai Herbal & Treatment Centre is a specialist centre offering a combination of allopathic and alternative medicine. 04-3351200, www.dubaihtc.com. TongRen Tang. 04-3497888, www.trtgulf.com. Aromatherapy What it is: According to the National Association for Holistic Aromatherapy, “Aromatherapy is the art and science of using naturally extracted aromatic essences from plants to balance, harmonise and promote the health of body, mind and spirit”. How it claims to work: After checking what essential oils are appropriate for you, an aromatherapist will massage the body using different strokes to help the oils penetrate the skin and do their job – utter relaxation is guaranteed! At home you can use essential oils in a massage to improve circulation, in a diffuser to release mood-boosting scents, or put a few drops in the bath to relax or detox. What it’s good for: What’s not to love about a therapy that promotes wellbeing through wonderful scents like Ylang Ylang, frankincense, bergamot and peppermint? There’s a reason people drink chamomile tea – it’s soothing and calming. But if you’re on edge, try mixing lavender, lemon and sandalwood for the ultimate stressed-busting decoction. First person: “My aromatherapy sessions were some of the most memorable moments of my pregnancy. The massages helped me relax, sleep better, and reduced the pressure of the extra weight I was carrying. They also helped give great relief to my back and legs, especially during the last trimester.” - Reema Shetty-Bitar, works in the wellness industry, new mom, and lives in Jumeira