Page 27 - Time Special Edition Alternative Medicine (January 2020)

Kneads Test

Move beyond the popular and
straightforward kneadings of
Swedish or shiatsu massage, and
most versions of hands-on therapy
continue to fall more under the
heading of “if it feels good, do it”
than “because it does good, do it.”
Here are some approaches that it
won’t hurt to try, even if in most
cases there is limited evidence
that they offer measurable relief.

Alexander technique
Named for the Australian- English
actor F.M. Alexander, who
developed it, this method focuses
on the link between the body’s
posture and movements and its
physical problems. Stand or move
differently, the thinking goes,
and you can relieve or prevent
injury. Though little research has
been conducted on the Alexander
technique, many doctors believe it
is worth a try for anyone looking to
relieve chronic pain.

Feldenkrais method
Think yoga, minus the obses sion
with specific positioning. This
technique aims for dexterous and
painless body movement with
the goal of building better body
awareness. That makes it similar to
the Alexander technique. Another
Reflexology seeks to make connections from the feet up.
thing in common? Limited research
on its effectiveness.

Rolfing Reflexology Spinal manipulation
This deep-tissue massage was Popular throughout Asia, reflexology Lots of studies have shown that
developed by the biochemist Ida (which traces its roots to ancient spinal manipulation can treat mild
Rolf, who discovered that the China as well as ancient Egypt) to moderate back pain—and certain
connective tissue surrounding works from the assumption that other conditions such as headache
muscles thickens and stiffens specific spots on the soles of the as well. Some chiropractors believe
with age. Rolfing practitioners feet correspond to various other that they can heal many other
use fingers, knuckles and even parts of the body. Massage the conditions and diseases by properly
l
knees to knead that tissue in an foot in a certain place, and re ieve aligning the skeleton, but there
effort to loosen it up, improving pressure or tension in the neck isn’t much research to back up
i
posture and realign ng the body. or even the liver. Although there those claims. There are some risks,
Some people find Rolfing helpful, is scant scientific evidence of its especially for those who suffer from
but be warned: it can be painful, effectiveness, reflexology can’t osteoporosis or nerve damage.
and certain conditions —advanced harm you, and many people find it Those cracking sounds you may
osteoporosis, for example----can be relaxing. After all, who isn’t up for a notice, however, are most likely all
made worse by the therapy. nice foot massage now and then? bark and no bite.