The term “Reiki” means universal life force energy, and is a method of touch therapy that activates and balances this life-force energy in the patient. The practice of reiki is directing energy to balance the body’s chakras, while channeling energy to other parts of the body through Reiki techniques. These techniques are useful in healing physical, mental and emotional conditions. To practice Reiki, one must be attuned by a person that is a Reiki Master. At that time, training in the various reiki techniques is provided. There are three levels of degrees of Reiki. There are differences in philosophy in reiki, which has brought about various versions of this healing method among its practitioners.

Biofeedback refers to any training process that educates one in using the power of their mind to control physiological bodily functions. Biofeedback immediately measures and reports the responses of the body’s vital functions so that it can be consciously influenced. Biofeedback training improves health and empowerment through the conscious self-regulation of automatic functions, such as breathing, heart rate and blood pressure. It is a safe, non-invasive procedure that provides continuous information about the subtle changes in the body’s stress response through the use of biofeedback instruments. This brings about an individual’s awareness of particular body reactions to stress and creates the opportunity to learn to control them. The self-regulation skills acquired through biofeedback training are retained by the individual even after the instruments are no longer used.

Most people benefit from the stress-reduction techniques taught during biofeedback. It helps conditions aggravated by stress, including headaches, hypertension, diabetes, anxiety, irritable bowel syndrome, intestinal cystitis, urinary and fecal incontinence. Some biofeedback patients are children who use the therapy for attention deficit disorders. The biofeedback devices are becoming more affordable and accessible, and can be purchased and used at home. Overall, biofeedback training provides more control over one’s health and helps prevent disorders that can become costly.

Music therapists are practicing musicians who combine their musical talents with professional training in psychology. They devise programs that use their specific artistic talents and health skills to help prevent or reduce physical, mental and social problems. Music therapy is effective because sounds and vibrations affect the human body. Certain sounds can relax the body, while other sounds can increase bodily responses. The body’s systems can react in sync with the rhythms of the sounds being introduced.

Also, the body can be stimulated to vibrate to different frequencies of sound through resonance. Music is played at a certain frequency to focus and to calm jangled nerves. It can be used to reduce pain, to improve moods and to comfort the dying. It has been particularly useful in easing the birthing process for expectant mothers and in alleviating with Alzheimer’s patients. Music therapists work as members of a larger health care team serving a number of patients. They may conduct their work with individuals or in groups. Together, they discuss their cases and decide on the best form of treatment. They employ activities to treat or maintain the physical, mental and emotional well-being of patients. They try to improve their patients’ self confidence and self control and can relieve depression or anger. Patients are encouraged to deal with their problems by expressing themselves through music. Prevention is also an important part of music therapy.

Massage therapists condition the body through skilled kneading for therapeutic and remedial reasons. They massage with hands and mechanical vibrating equipment. They also give steam and dry heat treatments, ultraviolet and infrared light treatments and different types of water therapy. Massages stimulate the blood circulations, relax tight muscles and move energy around, in addition to other beneficial effects. Treatments may be given at the customer’s request or according to physician’s instructions. It has therapeutic effects for musculoskeletal disorders, releasing tensions, promoting relaxation and controlling pain. Massage therapists also can assist their customers in weight reduction, exercise, and body conditioning programs.

With the cultivation of discipline of mind energy, one is able to follow a series of images or suggestions which brings the listener from an outer state into a deepening inner state. The use of the faculty of imagination with the five senses is key with this tool. A common example used is the image of lemons. See in your mind's eye a fresh juicy lemon. Now imagine yourself squeezing that lemon, notice the response of your salivary glands.

Aromatherapy is a branch of herbal medicine that utilizes the medicinal properties found in the essential oils of various plants. The oils easily penetrate the bodily tissues therapeutically because of its small molecular size and pharmacological properties. It relies on the power of scent to influence moods and emotions, to relax and stimulate the mind and soul and alleviate the symptoms of certain ailments. Aromatherapy is used through four methods: with a diffuser dispersing micro properties of the essential oils into the air; by external application absorbed through the skin; with floral waters sprayed into the air or on the skin; and by internal applications. It is therapeutically used as an antibacterial, antiviral, and antispasmodic; as a diuretic, vasodilator and vasoconstrictor treating infections, modifying immune response, and harmonizing moods and emotions.

Therapeutic touch is a contemporary version of hands-on healing devised by clinical health professionals. After tuning into the patient’s energy field, the practitioner determines blocks in the patient’s energy fields and works to rebalance and replenish the energy flow with their hands. Despite the name, there is usually no physical contact. This method of touch therapy has proven effective in healing many health conditions, which includes decreasing anxiety, reducing pain, mending wounds and fractures, and increasing relaxation. It is taught it eany universities around the world and has become an integrated healing practice by the medical professions.

Applied Kinesiology is a form of bodywork in which the goal is to diagnose illnesses using the strength or mobility of certain muscles. Health imba;aces in the body’s organs and glands are determined by identifying weaknesses in specific muscles. An applied kinesiologist studies the activities of the muscles and the relationship of muscle strength to the health of the patient. They use muscle testing to balance mechanically opposed muscles.

There is a relationship between specific muscles and specific organs and glands. By stimulating or relaxing specific muscles, the response would affect the other areas of the body that are imbalanced. The applied kinesiologist corrected the muscles dysfunction through the use of various reflexes or by performing a manual procedure on the muscle, like a deep massage or a realignment or stimulations of acupuncture points. This method of healing is popular with the chiropractic profession. The health conditions that can benefit from this form of therapy include structural imbalances, musculoskeletal imbalances, joint problems, and sport injuries. Allergies to certain foods can be determined through the use of applied kinesiology.

Every persona has an electromagnetic field that surrounds their body. This field, called an aura, radiates all the colors of the rainbow. The colors in one’s aura changes from one moment to the next depending on the physical, mental and spiritual condition of the person. Each color vibrates to a different frequency. Different colors have different effects on the body. Certain colors stimulate or inhibit the body's systems, such as the endocrine system and nervous system. It has been proven that specific colors have an effect on specific diseases. Through the therapeutic use of colored lights, a range of health conditions have been improved. Color also affects one’s response to the environment and to others. In color therapy, colored lights are applied to various parts of the body, such as acupoints, the skin or the eyes. The value of color therapy is being investigated in hospitals and medical centers. Positive results have been found in the treatment of sleep disorders, chronic pain, endocrine problems, diabetes, allergies and stress.

Acupuncture is an Oriental medical therapy based on the belief that health is determined by a balanced flow of chi, the vital life force energy present in all living organisms. Acupuncturists believe that the body is divided into twelve major energy paths where the chi circulates meridians. Each meridian is linked to  specific internal organs and organ systems. By inserting the very fine stainless steel needles into a patient’s body at the acupoints, the flow of energy will be regulated which is believed to promote smooth functioning of the hormones, nerves, blood supply and vital organs. Stimulation by needles at acupuncture points releases hormones called endorphins in the brain, which can block pain.

Acupuncture is used to treat headache pain, asthma, arthritis, drug detoxification, mental disorders, chronic pain and many other ailments. Acupuncture is also being used in place of anesthetics. The acupuncturist makes an evaluation to use and where to insert them. Acupuncturists must be very accurate, and their sensitive hands make the treatment painless. Many acupuncturists are qualified in fields of medicine, nursing and physical therapy, and practitioners are required to have a certification from the National Commission for the Certification of Acupuncture, the generally accepted accreditation in the field. There are at least five types of acupuncture used in the United States, and many states require acupuncturists to be licensed.