Complementary approaches: body-based & energy practices

Manipulative and body-based practices in CAM are based on the manipulation and/or movement of one or more parts of the body. Some examples include chiropractic or osteopathic manipulation, and massage.

Massage

Massage therapy covers a group of practices and techniques. The main types of massage are Swedish massage, deep tissue, reflexology, shiatsu and acupressure. In these practices, therapists press, rub, and otherwise manipulate the muscles and other soft tissues of the body, often varying pressure and movement.  The benefits of massage are gaining increased acceptance by the medical community. It is commonly used by health care providers and massage professionals to relieve muscle tension, reduce stress and induce relaxation.

Massage can be used to relieve stress. It has also been shown useful in relieving and managing acute and chronic pain. Psoriasis can be triggered by stress, and both psoriasis and psoriatic arthritis can cause chronic pain; some patients find that massage helps manage both symptoms.

Energy Medicine

Energy medicine is based on the belief that illness results from disturbances of energies fields. Energy medicine involves the study of two energy fields, veritable (which can be measured) and putative (which has yet to be measured).

Veritable energy medicine

There are many well-established uses for the application of measurable energy fields to diagnose or treat diseases: electromagnetic fields in magnetic resonance imaging (MRI), cardiac pacemakers, radiation therapy, ultraviolet light for psoriasis, and more.

Light therapy for psoriasis involves exposing the skin to wavelengths of ultraviolet light under medical supervision. Treatments usually take place in a doctor's office or psoriasis clinic. However, it is possible to follow a treatment regimen at home with a unit prescribed by your doctor. The key to success with phototherapy is consistency. Learn more about light therapy for psoriasis.