varied allied therapies like, magnethotherapy, yoga, accupuncture, naturopathy, yoga, pranayama and aromatherapy are described here

1. ALLIED THERAPIES
Radhika Chintamani

2. What is allied therapy ?
• Definition: Allied therapy is a form of medicine that is practiced
outside the mainstream of conventional medicine.
• It exists in all cultures to some degree in terms such as
traditional medicine, indigenous medicine or folk medicine etc.
• 100 or even 1000s of years of history.
• More than 100 systems of allied medicine or alternative
medicines are still in practice all over the world.
• Chinese - Acupuncture, French - Magnetic healing, Germans –
Heilpraxis, English – Herbalism, India - Ayurveda with Siddha
being widely practice in the southern part of the country, Japan
– Shiatsu.

3. • Some of the allied therapies are:
1. Magnetotherapy
2. Acupuncture and Acupressure
3. Naturopathy
4. Yoga and pranayama
5. Aromatherapy

4. 1.MAGNETOTHERAPY
• Magnetotherapy uses magnets of various size and strengths that
are placed on the body to relieve pain and treat the disease.
• It involves the application of static permanent magnets for
health benefits.
• Worn as bracelets, necklace, insoles etc.

5. • History:
• since 4000 years
• Practiced in Egypt, India, Greece and China.
• Chinese used magnetic stones on acupuncture points
and meridians to therapeutically influence
energetically charged points.
• Chinese, Indians, and Egyptians all believed that
physical diseases was a result of energetic imbalances.
• Done to balance the body’s subtle energies or natural
magnetism.
• Bio magnetism is a natural magnetic field that surrounds and
permeates all living organism.
• All human beings function by this invisible bio magnetic
filed. This is known as our natural magnetism.

6. Bio magnetic field – Our natural
magnetism.
• This subtle energy of body or
aura is made up of multiple
layers and relates to our
physical, mental, emotional,
and spiritual self.

8. Physiological effects of Magnetotherapy.
• increase the amount of oxygen available to cells.
• creates less acidic environment in the body.
• magnetic field stimulate metabolism.
• Neutralizes pH and creates an environment that is
inhospitable to pathogens.
• Correction of the intracellular ionic conditions.
– Benefits:
• Completely natural, painless, easy, and non-invasive.
• No side effects and it may be easily used in conjunction with
both conventional and alternative treatments.
• Targets the root cause of the pain/disease rather than only the
symptoms.
• Results can be often seen in a few minutes, days or sometimes in
a few weeks.

9. Increase the amount of oxygen available to cells.
Maintains pH

10. Indications and contraindications
• Bone fractures
• Arthritis
• Tendinitis
• rheumatic pain
• Delayed healing
• pain
• Vitiligo
• Pacemaker
• Expecting mothers
• Directly on the skin under a
hot pack.
• Not on open wound.[can be
used on the dressing]
• Metal implants such as
titanium.
• Tumors
• Heart.

11. Author condition Therapy used Results
Candace S.
Brown,
Frank W. Ling,
Jim Y. Wan,
Arthur A. Pilla,
chronic pelvic pain static magnetic
field therapy
significantly
improved disability
and reduced pain
when active
magnets were worn
continuously for 4
weeks in subjects
with Chronic
Pelvic Pain.
Richard Carter,
Thomas Hall,
Cheryl Aspy,
James Mold.
Pain in carpal tunnel
syndrome.
5 flexible stacked
magnetic pads. 1000
gauss of magnetic
energy was given.
The placebo disks
appeared identical to
these magnets.
This study did not
show magnets to be
more effective than
the placebo, but the
reduction in pain
with this simple
intervention was
remarkable.

12. 2.Acupuncture and Acupressure.

13. • Chinese -1st to carryout acupuncture.
• 3000 years ago.
• Chinese medical book – named HUANG TI NEI
CHING - written by Huang Ti.
• Health flows through the body in the special form of
energy as Chi , through a system of tracts.
• Disease occurs when there is collection of Evil air in
these tracts.
• Hence it led to insertion of needle into these tracts.

14. • India : BHEDANA KARMA-Piercing therapy.
• Sushruta has defined these points as areas of very high
concentration of energy [Prana].
• Charaka in Charaka Samhita, has mentioned about
meridianology part of acupuncture.
• In South India, kings had Adankals as their acupressure
therapists. They accompanied kings on their battle field.
• 2 Cosmic regulators. Yin and Yang.
• Balance between Yin and Yang = Health.

15. • Acu tracts : 12 meridians
• Acu points :630 points
• Ancient times : fish bones,thorns of various plants, needles,
metals were used.
• The needles are placed for 5 to 30 minutes.
• Needles range between 1 to 10 centimeters in length, diameter
from 0.26 to 0.45 mm.

17. • Acupressure:
• Is an ancient art of healing using fingers to gradually
press key healing points which stimulate the body’s
natural self curative abilities.
• History of 5000 years.
• Acupressure releases muscle tension, improves
circulation, reduces pain, and gives vibrant health, enables
deep relaxation and hence aid in self healing.
• Uses same pressure points and meridians.
• Indian customs and traditions are closely knitted with the
therapeutic aspect of acupressure and acupuncture.
• They can be linked to the ornaments worn like, bangles,
earrings, toe ring, nose ring, vermilion.

18. • Moxibustion: Is a traditional Chinese medicine therapy
which consists of burning dried mugwort (moxa) on
particular points of the body.
• They can be used directly burnt on the skin or indirectly
using an acupuncture needle.
• Used on meridian points-stimulates the smoother
circulation of chi and blood through these points.
• treats conditions associated with Yang deficiencies.
Three types of Moxibustion:
• Direct scarring :small cone of moxa is placed on the skin
at the acupuncture point.
• direct non scarring.
• indirect Moxibustion.

20. Physiology of healing.
• Acupuncture block pain impulses from reaching the brain and
increase the level of endorphins in the body, thereby
minimizing pain.
• In particular, acupuncture seems to increase serotonin,
endomorphin-1, beta-endorphin, and encephalin, all of which
are chemicals that help to reduce pain symptoms.

21. Indications and contra indications
• Fibromyalgia
• Back pain
• Insomnia
• Chronic fatigue
• Anxiety
• Asthma
• High blood pressure.
• Stress
• Purulent Infectious diseases.
• Bleeding disorders.
• Sacral foramen.
• Uncontrolled movements.
• Oedematous limb
• Intracapsular points
• Wounds, sensory deficits.
• Acute stroke
• epilepsy

22. Title Authors Therapy used results
Acupuncture in
patients with
osteoarthritis of
knee: A
randomized trial.
Dr. C .Witt,
B.Brinkhaus, S
Jena, et al
Acupuncture
compared with
minimal acupuncture
and no acupuncture.
After 8 weeks, pain
and joint function
improved with
acupuncture group
than in other
groups in OA knee
subjects.
But this was only
for short time.
Chronic neck
pain: A
comparison of
acupuncture
treatment and
physiotherapy.
J David
S Modi
AAAluko
C Robertshaw
J Farebrother
Group 1 received
only acupuncture.
Group 2 received
only
therapy[Maitland P-
A mobi and
longitudinal
traction].
For 6 weeks.
No control group.
Both showed equal
effects. But
acupuncture was
more effective in
subjects with
greater baseline
neckpain.

23. 3.Yoga and Pranayama.

24. • Yoga is essentially a spiritual discipline based on an
extremely subtle science, which focuses on bringing
harmony between mind and body
• Yoga= YUJ which means to unite or to join.
• History: Indus Saraswati civilization, 2700 B.C
• Mentioned in Rig-Veda.
• Classical Yoga was 1st systematically defined by
Maharshi Patanjali .
• His classical text , the Yoga Sutras describes the nature
of the mind and the ways to control its restlessness.

25. • Hatha yoga: is the common Yoga followed. It seeks to
balance the body with mind.
• ‘Ha’ - The Sun- energy of solar plexus, tha’ – The Moon,
energy of emotions located in the limbic region of brain.
– It is the physical disciple of classical yoga.
• Methodology of hatha yoga.
– It emphasizes methods of doing yoga poses [Asana] and
energetic breathing exercises [Pranayama] for physical health
and well being.
asana pranayama

26. Ashtanga yoga
1. Yama- ahimsa,satya,asteya,brahmacharya,aparigriha
2. Niyama- shoucha,santosha,tapas,svadhyaya,eshwara pranidhana
3. Asana
4. Pranayama
5. Pratyahara
6. Dhrana
7. Dhyana
8. Samadhi

27. Physiology of yoga.
• Chakra:
• Chakra is thought to be an energy point or node in the subtle
body.{subtle means psycho-spiritual and not physical}
• The meeting points of the subtle energy channels are called
Nadi.
• Prana is the vital energy or the life force.
• Prana circulates in these channels nadi.
• There are 7 chakras.

30. • The sequence for a complete practice of all the
techniques in classical yoga is
– Breathing exercise [Ujjaye pranayama]
– Joint freeing series [Pavanamuktasana]
– Spine freeing series
– Yoga poses [Asanas]
– Yoga posture flows [Vinyasa]
– Respiratory locks [Bandhas]
– Hand gestures [mudras]
– Cleansing practices [Kriyas]
– Contempletion exercises [Dharanas]
– Meditation [Dhyana]
• Benefits of yoga
– Relaxation
– Feeling of wholeness
– Creates mental equilibrium, emotional health, calmness,
sensitivity to oneself and others.
– Improves posture.

31. Pranayama:
• Pranayama is the practice of controlling the breath,
which is the source of our prana, or vital life force.
• Pranayama has 3 components;
– External breath- Rechaka
– Internal breath- Pooraka
– Retention of breath- Kumbhaka
• Ratio of P:K:R=1:4:2
• Benefits of pranayama:
– Improves lung volumes and capacities.
– Excretions become scanty
– Nadi is purified.
– Happiness and inner peace.

32. Title Authors Therapy used results
Effect of short
term intensive
yoga program on
pain , functional
disability and
spinal flexibility
in chronic low
back pain: A
randomized
control study.
Padmini Tekur,
Chametcha
Singphow,
H.R.Nagendra,
Nagarathna
Raghuram.
1 week residential
intensive yoga with
asanas for back,
pranayamas,meditat
ion and interactive
sessions on
philosopical
concepts of yoga.
Another group did
physical exercises
for back.
Spinal flexibility
improved, and
there was a
significant
reduction in
Oswestry
Disability Index in
Yoga group than
control group.
Effect of an
integrated
approach of Yoga
therapy on QOL
in OA of knee
joint: A RCT.
John Ebnezer,
Raghuram
Nagaratna,Yogita
Bali, H.R.Nagendra.
Group 1:
TENS,US+ yoga.
Group 2:
TENS,US+
exercise.
2 week.
Adjunctive
program of yoga
for OA knee was
better than
therapeutic
exercises.

33. 4.Naturopathy
• It is an art and science of healthy living and a drugless system of
healing based on philosophy.
• "natura" (Latin root for birth) and "pathos" (the Greek root for
suffering) to suggest "natural healing".
• Hippocrates, as the first advocate of naturopathic medicine.
• Believes in 5 basic elements of nature.: Space, Air, Fire, Water
and Earth.
• Naturopathy is also mentioned in the Vedas as water therapy and
fasting and their benefits to cure diseases.

34. Physiology of healing.
• Naturopathy believes that the cause of all disease is one. i.e., the
accumulation of MORBID MATTER in the body.
• Rx - elimination of morbid matter from the body.
• Acute diseases heal by themselves. Chronic diseases occur due to
suppression of acute diseases.
• Nature - Greatest healer. Human body heals by itself.
• The whole body is treated and not the disease.
• It treats all aspects like physical, mental, social, and spiritual at
the same time.
• Accg to naturopathy, FOOD IS THE ONLY MEDICINE. No
external medicines are used.

35. • Five types of major therapies and three minor therapies.
– Five therapies are:
1. Ether or vacuum therapy: Self-control, Healthy
lifestyle, Mental discipline, Rest & relaxation, Fasting.
2. Air therapy: Morning walks, control on inhalation &
exhalation, Yoga poses.
3. Fire therapy: Sun rays therapy, Sun bath, Steam bath,
Hot fomentation.
4. Water therapy: Drinking water in the morning on
empty stomach, Shower bath, Eye wash, Water enema.
5. Earth therapy: Walking barefoot on the earth, Lying or
sitting on the earth, Mud bath
Three minor therapies are:
» Diet planning
» Lifestyle
» Meditation

36. Title Authors Therapy used Results
Herbal medicine
for low back
pain: A Cochrane
Review.
Gagnier,Joel J,Van
Tulder,Maurits
W,Brian, Berman et
al
Herbal medicine
compared with
placebo, and no
intervention.
Harpagophytum
procumbens, Salix
alba and capsicum
frute scens seemed
to reduce pain
when compared to
placebo.
Traditional Chinese
Herbal Patch for
Short-Term
Management of
Knee
Osteoarthritis: A
Randomized,
Double-Blind,
Placebo-Controlled
Trial
Xuezong
Wang, Yuelong
Cao, Jian Pang, Jiong
Du, et al.
Traditional Chinese
herbal patches,
Fufang Nanxing
Zhitong Gao (FNZG)
and Shangshi Jietong
Gao (SJG), for
painful knee
osteoarthritis (OA)
and placebo group.
no significant
difference among,
three groups in short-
term pain
management.Group
1 was better.

37. 5. Aromatherapy
Aromatherapy is the practice of using the natural oils extracted
from flowers, bark, stems, leaves, roots or other parts of a plant
to enhance psychological and physical well-being. The inhaled
aroma from these "essential" oils is widely believed to stimulate
brain function.

38. Physiology of healing
• The "smell" receptors in the nose communicates with
parts of the brain, amygdala and hippocampus, that serve
as storehouses for emotions and memories.
• When essential oil molecules are inhaled, it is believed
that they stimulates the parts of the brain and influence
physical, emotional, and mental health.
• some essential oils have the power to activate central
nervous system in ways that may increase attention,
sharpen thinking and improve sleep.
• lavender oil improves pain tolerance and ginger oil lowers
levels of nausea following surgery.
• lemon balm eased agitation among severe dementia
sufferers.

39. Benefits
 Reduce anxiety
 Ease depression
 Boost energy
 Speed up healing process
 Eliminate headache
 Induce sleep
 Strengthen immune system
 Reduce pain
 Increase circulation

40. Title Authors Therapy used Results
Evaluation of
aromatherapy in
treating
postoperative
pain: pilot study.
Jung.T.Kim, Michael
Wajda, Germanine
Cuff, David Serota,
et al.
2 % Lavender oil
through face mask
with supplemental
oxygen, in post op
breast biopsy
subjects.
No difference in
pain in lavender oil
and control group.
But higher
satisfaction rate in
pain control was
seen in lavender oil
group.
Interventions for
hemiplegic shoulder
pain: Systematic
review of
randomised
controlled trials
Yun Hyung
Koog, Sang Sik
Jin, Kwon
Yoon & Byung-Il Min
Aromatherapy plus
acupressure, slow-
stroke back massage
and intramuscular
neuromuscular electric
stimulation for one
group.
Group 2:
intramuscular
neuromuscular electric
stimulation and
exercises.
Aromatherapy plus
acupressure, slow-
stroke back massage
and intramuscular
neuromuscular
electric stimulation
were more effective
than the controls.

41. References:
• Alternative therapies by Swati Bhagat.
• Acupressure, trigger points and musculoskeletal pain by
P.E.Baldry.
• Structural yoga therapy by Mukunda stils.