Back to: Alternative Medicine in New York

Dr. Jared Hanson N.D., L.Ac. is a naturopathic doctor and acupuncturist practicing in New York.

Holistic Therapies in New York

Hydrotherapy, or the application of water for therapeutic purposes, has been a core therapy in natural medicine since the time of Hippocrates, who recommended cold water with friction in the treatment of fevers and inflammation. Water of both hot and cold or alternating temperatures is used in hydrotherapy. Its application acts to either increase or decrease circulation to both the surface of the body where it is applied as well as to internal organs related to the surface area through reflexes in the nervous system. Hydrotherapy is a powerful tool for detoxification. It can also boost immune function, decrease healing time, and relieve stress.

Traditional Chinese Medicine also uses physical modalities to address energy imbalances. These include cupping, moxibustion (the application of heat), gua sha (scraping therapy), qi gong (therapeutic exercise) and tui na (therapeutic massage). These are employed according to the same principles as acupuncture and to the same points or channels.

Soft tissue manipulations, such as positional release and muscle energy technique, can be extremely helpful, particularly in musculoskeletal complaints. Visceral manipulation, strain-counterstrain technique and myofascial release are all low impact physical therapies that are commonly used in holistic medicine.

Naturopathic manipulative therapy resembles osteopathic manipulative therapy or chiropractic adjustments, but is applied according to naturopathic principles. Its use varies with the scope of practice in the state in which a naturopath practices.

Holistic medicine traditonally also employs the use of other physical therapies. These include sunlight (heliotherapy), fresh air, and different forms of electricity such as microcurrent or TENS units.