Dietary supplements are used to correct nutritional imbalances in the body. The modern diet contains a high amount of processed foods which lack nutrients. The use of dietary supplements in CAM involves identification of the ailments or deficiencies in the body and prescription of the appropriate vitamin or mineral; large doses of vitamins and minerals act as medication to stimulate the body to heal itself. For example, Vitamin E is known to address diabetes, menopause, premenstrual syndrome and varicose veins.
Homeopathy, developed in the 1800s by Dr. Samuel Hahnemann, operates on the Law of Similars. The Law of Similars states that any substance that produces negative symptoms in a healthy person can heal someone who has the same symptoms, the more dilute the remedy the more effective and the remedy stimulates the body to heal itself. Homeopathy is used to treat virtually any condition.
Reflexology is a technique that uses touch to stimulate reflex points on the body. The points correspond to a part of the body. Reflexology stimulates the nerve pathways to the afflicted body part and reduces stress within the area. Reflexology also increases blood flow to the area. Conditions like anxiety, asthma, headaches and cardiovascular issues can be addressed through reflexology.
Acupuncture is an ancient Chinese medicine. Acupuncture involves the insertion of sterile needles into specific points on the body to change the chi or life energy of the body. Acupuncture is also done in conjunction with moxibustion which is the burning of the herb moxa over the acupuncture points. Acupuncture is used to address many different conditions like stress, pain, injury and asthma.