Absolute Beginner's Guide to Alternative Medicine

■ Relaxation exercises

■ Supplements: vitamin B6 (100 mg two times a day)

■ Yoga: practice slowly, seeing how far you can move affected joints without

pain; do not exercise when joints are inflamed

Osteoporosis

■ Exercise: weight bearing unless advanced stage of disease

■ Herbs: a tea of stinging nettles, alfalfa, or sage

■ Supplements: calcium, vitamins D and C, hormone replacement therapy

Pain

■ Alexander Technique

■ Chiropractic manipulation

■ Healing Touch

■ Herbs: feverfew

■ Hydrotherapy: hot water packs

■ Hypnosis

■ Imagery

■ Magnets

■ Pressure-point therapies

■ Reiki

■ Sports massage

■ Therapeutic Touch

■ Trager Approach

■ Trigger-point massage

Poison Ivy and Poison Oak

■ Rinse the exposed area with soap and cold water; mix baking soda with

water to form a paste and apply it to skin; once the paste has hardened,

remove with cool water and apply a thin layer of honey to the area.

■ For itching and discomfort, grind 1 cup raw, whole oats to a fine powder and

add to tepid bath—soak for 20–30 minutes

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