Alternative Treatments for Heart Disease

The term "alternative medicine," specifically alternative treatments for heart disease, describes any medications, treatment plans or complementary therapies for heart disease outside of those prescribed by a traditional medical doctor. Some drugs not reviewed by the FDA may nevertheless have curative properties, and some therapies that are unrecognized by official medical associations have been used to effectively manage disease symptoms for thousands of years.

At the same time, some treatments and medications that have not gained the approval of official licensing and regulatory bodies may be ineffective or they may have dangerous side effects. Those who approach alternative medicine, alternative treatments for heart disease or complementary therapies for heart disease should be open-minded about the limits of conventional medicine, but should also be willing to accept a degree of risk.

Acupressure and Acupuncture

Acupressure is the Chinese medicinal practice that uses massage and the application of localized pressure on specific areas of the body to treat physical ailments and promote optimal health. Acupuncture is a medicinal practice that involves inserting needles into specific pressure points or meridians to relieve pain or treat chronic disorders.

Alternative medicine practitioners use both acupressure and acupuncture to treat heart disease. In an acupressure or acupuncture session geared toward preventing heart disease and promoting heart health, the practitioner applies pressure to or uses needles in these areas:

• Adjoining valley: Located in the fleshy area of the palm between the forefinger and the thumb, the adjoining valley is the area used to balance the energy of the lower and upper body.
• Bigger rush: Located between the big and second toe on top of the foot, the bigger rush is the area used to control liver health. In Chinese medicine, the liver is important to minimizing stress, a contributing factor for many heart problems.
• Inner gate: Located on the inner arm about an inch above the wrist, the inner gate is the area used to strengthen the heart while reducing chest pain.
• Mind door: Located on the wrist crease below the inside of your pinky finger, the mind door is the area used for general heart health.

While an acupressure or acupuncture practitioner may include more points, the above four are the main ones that promote heart health, enhance proper circulation and reduce stress.

Common forms of alternative medicine are often divided into three categories:

• Complementary therapies: Techniques and remedies used along with conventional treatments
• Holistic therapies: Treatments that attend equally to the physical, mental, emotional and spiritual aspects of health, rather than focusing solely on one aspect
• Natural therapies: Techniques that make use of the body's natural ability to heal itself.

Other common alternative treatments for heart disease and complementary therapies for heart disease include:

• Chelation therapy
• Massage
• Meditation
• Prayer
• Yoga.

Speak to your doctor before beginning any course of alternative medicine or complementary therapy.

Resources

Holistic Online. (2010). Alternative medicine: Definitions. Retrieved November 12, 2010, from http://www.holistic-online.com/Alt_Medicine/altmed_definitions.htm#Complementary

Holistic Online. (2010). Acupressure. Retrieved November 12, 2010, from http://www.holistic-online.com/remedies/Heart/heart_acupressure-heart.htm

Wrong Diagnosis. (2010). Alternative treatments for heart disease. Retrieved November 12, 2010, from http://www.wrongdiagnosis.com/h/heart_disease/alternative.htm