In spite of the advancements made in the field of medicine, people every where are choosing to turn to alternative therapies in healing today. Alternative therapies are basically healing practices that are not encompassed by conventional medicine as perceived in the west. These include many of the natural healing techniques handed down by ancient cultures in different parts of the world. Many of these have not been scientifically corroborated, while many have been proven to be successful in healing a number of diseases.

Alternative therapies today include a wide spectrum of healing practices such as Ayurveda, Homeopathy, Unani, Naturopathy, Acupuncture, Yoga, Meditation, and Reiki, among others. Most of these are based on a holistic approach to health and incorporate techniques that aim to work on the body, mind and spirit. These require changes in lifestyle, ingestion of natural substances such as herbs, spiritual practices and exercise.

One of the most popular healing therapies today is yoga. Widely practiced all over the world, it has inspired faith in people worldwide with its efficacy in treating a wide variety of ailments. An integral part of ancient Indian culture, yoga has become a way of life for many people, in the effective treatment of a large number of mental and physical diseases.

Yoga is considered a holistic healing technique that should ideally be practiced on a daily basis. It involves the practice of physical poses (asanas), breathing exercises (Pranayama) and meditation. It has been widely acknowledged as an effective practice for people of all ages and differing lifestyles if taught by a qualified practitioner. Although yoga is a traditional meditative practice certain innovative variations have evolved, such as power yoga, which appeal to a more contemporary audience.

Hindu philosophy speaks of different branches such as Karma yoga, Hatha yoga, Bhakti yoga, Jnana yoga and Raja yoga. All of them do not necessarily involve exercise, although they all share a common goal in that they heal mental, physical and emotional problems.

Another healing practice that has become quite popular is Reiki. It is a natural healing technique that originated in Japan and is based on the premise that we are surrounded by energy that has healing powers. Reiki harnesses this healing energy (chi) in order to cleanse your aura, balance your chakras, reduce your stress levels and promote good health. You can practice Reiki on yourself as well as others.

The practice of Reiki involves the practitioner laying his or her hands on the chakras in your body, thereby becoming a channel for the flow of healing energy. This technique can be learned easily from a qualified Reiki Master who attunes the chakras in order to facilitate the flow of energy. It is believed that Reiki is also effective in distant healing.

As with many alternative therapies, Reiki is considered by many to be ‘faith healing’. Belief in its powers seems to increase the potency of the technique and there are many people who claim to have benefited from this healing technique as have those from other alternative therapies.