Unconventional healing: the rise of alternative therapies

What are alternative therapies?

Complementary and alternative therapies are a broad range of treatments that fall outside the boundaries of mainstream healthcare. These therapies are unregulated, with no concrete evidence to say they actually work. However, some are used by many to help mental wellbeing and general wellness.

Licensed Therapist, Courtney Morgan, Founder of Counseling Unconditionally, Kentucky, USA says: "Alternative therapies are supportive interventions or approaches that are different from traditional talk therapy. When people think of therapy, they often picture sitting on a couch in an office, talking through their thoughts and feelings with a mental health therapist. Alternative therapy varies from this vision as it often incorporates movement, creative interventions, hands-on activities, and may or may not be facilitated by a licensed therapist."

Conventional therapies usually examine past experiences and thought processes. On the other hand, alternative therapies take a more holistic approach that focusses on energy and a broader sense of emotional wellbeing.

What are the different types of alternative therapies?

There are many types of alternative therapies out there, with most claiming to benefit both physical and mental health. But for now, let's explore the most popular options that focus on mental health.

Meditation and mindfulness therapy

Meditation therapy is often used for its purported effects on wellbeing, anxiety, stress, and mild depression. It involves focusing on your breath or repeating calming words or phrases to reduce overwhelming thoughts and feelings. While meditation exercises can vary, they usually include sitting or lying quietly, as you pay attention to your breath and heart rate. This practice is thought to reduce stress levels and improve your sense of emotional control.

Mindfulness works in a similar way, but instead of paying attention to your body, it teaches you to observe your thoughts and feelings - even the hard-to-accept ones. It aims to help you gain a better understanding of your emotions and experiences to lower stress and anxiety.

Tai chi

Tai chi combines meditation with gentle exercise and encourages deep, controlled breathing alongside slow, flowing movements. It is widely considered to promote balance and relaxation, decrease stress and uplift mood.

Yoga

Yoga is another practice that pairs meditation with exercise, combining physical postures and breathing exercises. Some people use it as part of their overall wellness routine, while others use it to manage anxiety, stress and depression.

Light therapy

Light therapy exposes your body to simulated sunlight with the belief it boosts your mood.

Music and sound therapy

Sound therapy uses sound, music and specialised instruments such as singing bowls, gongs and chimes. People use it to help themselves relax, help mental wellbeing and ease anxiety.

Aromatherapy

Aromatherapy is the practice of concentrated plant extracts (essential oils) to influence the mind through smell. Different oils are considered to offer varied effects - such as lavender oil, which is linked to relaxation and sleep.

Laughter therapy

Laughter therapy harnesses the power of humour to lift your mood. It is also thought to lower stress and anxiety, and help manage depression.

Hypnotherapy

Hypnotherapy is a broad range of techniques that involve hypnotising someone to try and treat various conditions or break unhealthy habits.

Somatic therapy

Cheryl Groskopf, Clinical Counsellor, Los Angeles, USA, describes somatic therapy as a practice focused on how our bodies store stress and trauma.

"Somatic therapy dives deep into the mind-body connection," she says. "Techniques like deep breathing, movement and mindfulness help release this tension. Trauma can cause physical changes in the body, and somatic therapy addresses these directly. Focusing on bodily sensations can provide you with so many answers when you listen to the wisdom of your body."

ASMR therapy

Autonomous Sensory Meridian Response (ASMR) is a term used to describe a pleasing tingling sensation that starts on the scalp and moves down through the body. It's triggered by specific sounds or visual stimuli which may help relaxation and improve sleep.

How effective are alternative therapies in improving mental health?

Conclusive research on the effectiveness of alternative therapies for treating mental health is limited. But it is thought that certain treatments could help with relaxation and anxiety brought caused by stress.

Dr Alison Tarlow, a clinical psychologist from Florida, USA says that many alternative therapies have been practised by cultures outside of the West for centuries. While some alternative therapies may have strong scientific support, others are based on experimental evidence and long-standing traditions. aiming to promote overall wellbeing.

"The effectiveness of alternative therapies on mental health varies from person to person," she says. "Many people report significant benefits from these therapies, including stress, improved mood, enhanced relaxation, and better overall mental wellness. However, everyone is different, and what helps one person may not help everyone."

Are alternative therapies safe?

Alternative therapies are not considered conventional treatments, tested and approved by healthcare professionals. For this reason, your doctor may not recommend them as a form of treatment.

According to Mind UK - a leading mental health charity - most alternative therapies are generally safe and effective when led by qualified and experienced practitioners. However, some therapies may not be suitable if they conflict with conventional treatment or could worsen existing mental health conditions.

For example, hypnotherapy isn't suitable for people with personality disorders or conditions such as psychosis. With therapies involving elements of exercise, such as Tai chi or Yoga, ease yourself in slowly to avoid injuring yourself. Be extra careful with these therapies if you're pregnant or have conditions such as back pain, osteoporosis or a hernia.

How to access alternative therapies

Alternative therapies are usually accessed outside of standardised and regulated healthcare.

You can find recommendations for local alternative therapists through various channels. These can include alternative therapy centres, some mental wellness websites and health spas. In some cases, alternative therapies may be available through the NHS.

When seeking alternative therapists, it's vital to check they have the necessary training and experience. Always research their qualifications before committing to treatment.