Birmingham can offer a wide variety of alternative healthcare and alternative medicine.  There is no clear and consistent definition as to the exact nature of alternative or complementary medicines. 

The term ‘alternative medicine’ can be used to describe healing practices which do not fall within the realm of conventional medicine.  This includes some common examples such as naturopathy, chiropractics, herbal treatments, traditional Chinese medicine, meditation, yoga, hypnosis, homeopathy, acupuncture and other diet-based therapies.

Today, a more standard term for this sort of healthcare is CAM (Complementary and Alternative Medicine)

Some scientists reject the administration of CAM because alternative techniques tend to lack evidence and some have advocated defining it as “non-evidence based medicine”, or not medicine at all.  But The Prince’s Foundation for Integrated Health state that 46% of the UK population can be expected to use one or more CAM therapies in their lifetime and this figure is continually increasing.

Researchers suggest that people use CAM either because they are dissatisfied with conventional medicine and/or because they are attracted to CAM.  Alternative medicine is readily available in Birmingham.  You just need to know where to look.

Hypnotherapy in Birmingham

Hypnotherapy is applied in order to modify a person’s behaviour, emotional state, personal habits and help with pain management and personal development.  Hypnotherapy has been classically used to treat problems such as phobias, weight control, stress and anxiety, smoking and insomnia.   

Hypnosis can also bring about positive changes through deep relaxation and heightened awareness.

It is estimated that 95% of people are responsive to hypnosis.  The most common reason that someone cannot be hypnotized is the inability to relax and fear of being hypnotized.  As well as seeing a hypnotherapist, you can also practice self-hypnosis with use of tapes and CDs.

There are almost 100 listed hypnotherapists in Birmingham and surrounding areas.  TRANCE-ITION Hypnotherapy in Birmingham can help you with psychological and sociological problems in your life. 

More details: TRANCE-ITION

Chinese Medicine in Birmingham

Traditional Chinese Medicine (TCM) includes a range of traditional medical practices that are widely accepted in the Western world, the common being Acupunture.  Much of the philosophy of traditional Chinese Medicine derives from Taoist and Buddhist philosophies, which reflect the belief that the life and activity of individual human beings have an intimate relationship with the environment on all levels.

Acupuncture uses fine needles inserted at specific points on the body surface to restore or maintain health.  It is a powerful therapy which originated in China over 2000 years ago and has been practised and developed ever since.  It is part of the wider system of Traditional Chinese Medicine which also includes herbal medicine, dietary therapy, manipulation and massage.

Acupuncture has been successful in treating headaches and migraines, arthritis and rheumatic conditions, back pains and sciatica, sprains and injuries, anxiety, depression, insomnia, asthma, hayfever and even digestive and bowel disorders such as diarrhoea, constipation, irritable bowel syndrome.

The Birmingham Centre for Chinese Medicine is based in Kings Heath with English speaking professionals and can provide acupuncture, sports healthcare and alternative healing.

More details:  Birmingham Centre for Chinese Medicine

Osteopaths in Birmingham

Osteopathy is a safe therapy that is continually adapted and assessed to each patient during each treatment.  The osteopath will use the power and sensitivity of the hand to assess the state and mobility of your body’s tissues.  These are the bones, joints, muscles, ligaments, nerves and connective tissues.  Osteopathic techniques are designed to relieve local congestion by improving flexibility by a combination of stretching, moving and manipulating the joints, thus assisting the body to restore itself to the best possible function.

If you are looking for an Osteopath in Birmingham, you could be relieved from back pains, headaches and migraines, sports injuries, aching or strained muscles, hip and leg ailments or recovery from surgery.

St. Pauls Osteopathy Practice is near the Jewellery Quarter, Birmingham.  Contact them for no-obligation advice regarding Osteopathic treatments.

More details: Birmingham St. Pauls Osteopathy Practice

Health Shops in Birmingham

Health shop products, herbal remedies and herbal supplements are often used in conjunction with conventional medicine.  They are usually used to improve one’s health rather than to treat an illness.

Birmingham has an array of health shops and health food stores including popular high street branches of Holland & Barrett, The Natural Health Centre which is Birmingham’s longest established complementary health centre, and Natural World, The Health Store, Birmingham’s oldest independent health food retailer.

In Birmingham’s health stores you will find healthier or organic alternatives to certain foods, which is ideal for people with allergies or intolerances.  You will also find supplements for problems like acne, digestive problems, weight problems and minor illnesses.

Amazingly, Birmingham alone has more than 20 branches of Holland & Barrett.  To see a full listing of Birmingham’s health shops and alternative clinics.

More details: 

Birmingham Health and Nutrition Stores

Birmingham  Alternative Care