GKNM Hospital > Alternative Medicine

Alternative Medicine

Overview

Alternative medicine refers to medical practices and treatments that are used in place of, or alongside, conventional medicine. It encompasses a wide range of approaches, techniques, and therapies that may not be considered part of mainstream medical practice.

SeeMore

Alternative medicine often emphasizes the importance of treating the whole person, rather than just the symptoms of a disease or condition. Practitioners of alternative medicine may take into account factors such as diet, lifestyle, emotional well-being, and spiritual beliefs when developing treatment plans.

Alternative therapies encompass a broad range of approaches to health and wellness that fall outside of conventional medical practices. These therapies often focus on treating the whole person and may include physical, mental, emotional, and spiritual aspects of health.

SeeLess

Services Offered at GKNM IOP

Yoga therapy

Yoga therapy
 

Yoga therapy is a holistic approach to healing and wellness that uses the principles and practices of yoga to address individual needs. It combines physical postures (asanas), breathing exercises (pranayama), meditation, relaxation techniques, and lifestyle guidance to promote overall health and well-being.

Unlike traditional yoga classes, which are often focused on group instruction and general fitness, yoga therapy is tailored to the specific needs of the individual. It is often used as a complementary therapy alongside conventional medical treatments to help manage a wide range of physical and mental health conditions, including chronic pain, anxiety, depression, stress-related disorders, and more.

SeeMore


Yoga therapists work closely with their clients to develop personalized practices that address their unique challenges and goals. These practices are typically designed to improve flexibility, strength, balance, and posture, while also promoting relaxation, stress reduction, and emotional resilience.

Overall, yoga therapy emphasizes the connection between mind, body, and spirit, aiming to restore balance and harmony on all levels of being. It is often used as part of an integrative approach to healthcare, combining traditional and complementary therapies to support healing and wellness.

Yogic practices encompass a wide range of techniques aimed at promoting physical, mental, and spiritual well-being.Here are some common yogic practices

Asanas (Yoga Poses)

Physical postures designed to stretch, strengthen, and balance the body. Asanas help improve flexibility, mobility, and overall physical health.

Pranayama (Breathing Exercises)

Breathing techniques that regulate the flow of prana (life force energy) in the body. Pranayama practices can calm the mind, increase energy levels, and improve respiratory function.

Meditation

Practices that involve training the mind to focus and quiet mental chatter, leading to greater clarity, inner peace, and self-awareness. Meditation techniques may include mindfulness meditation, concentration meditation, loving-kindness meditation, and guided visualization.

Yoga Nidra (Yogic Sleep)

A guided relaxation practice that induces a state of deep relaxation while maintaining a state of awareness. Yoga Nidra promotes stress relief, emotional healing, and rejuvenation.

Mantra Chanting

Repetition of sacred sounds, words, or phrases (mantras) to quiet the mind, uplift the spirit, and cultivate inner harmony. Mantra chanting is believed to have a purifying and transformative effect on consciousness.

Kriyas (Cleansing Techniques)

Purification practices that cleanse the body and mind of toxins and impurities. Common kriyas include neti (nasal cleansing), dhauti (internal cleansing), and kapalabhati (breath cleansing).

Yamas and Niyamas (Ethical Guidelines)

Moral and ethical principles that guide ethical behavior and spiritual growth. Yamas include principles such as non-violence (ahimsa) and truthfulness (satya), while niyamas include principles such as self-discipline (tapas) and contentment (santosha).

Yoga Philosophy

The study of ancient yogic texts such as the Yoga Sutras of Patanjali and the Bhagavad Gita, which offer insights into the nature of the mind, the self, and the universe. Yoga philosophy provides a framework for understanding the principles and practices of yoga and applying them to daily life.

Yoga Therapy

Therapeutic applications of yoga techniques to address specific health concerns and promote holistic healing. Yoga therapy may include customized asana sequences, breathing exercises, and mindfulness practices tailored to individual needs.

Bhakti Yoga (Yoga of Devotion):

The path of love and devotion to the divine. Bhakti yoga practices include singing devotional songs (kirtan), worshiping deities, and cultivating a loving relationship with the divine

SeeLess

Acupuncture Therapy

Acupunture therapy
 

Acupuncture therapy is a key component of Traditional Chinese Medicine (TCM) that involves the insertion of thin needles into specific points on the body to stimulate energy flow, balance the body’s energy channels (meridians), and promote healing. The underlying principle of acupuncture is based on the concept of Qi (pronounced “chee”), or vital energy, which flows through the body along these meridians.

During an acupuncture session, a trained practitioner will first assess the individual’s health concerns and develop a treatment plan tailored to their specific needs. The practitioner will then insert sterile, single-use needles into specific acupuncture points on the body, which may be located along meridians or in areas of muscle tension or pain.

SeeMore


The sensation experienced during acupuncture varies from person to person, but it is often described as a dull ache, tingling, or sensation of pressure. Many people find acupuncture to be relaxing and may even fall asleep during treatment.

Acupuncture is used to address a wide range of health conditions and concerns, including:

Pain Management

Acupuncture is commonly used to alleviate acute and chronic pain, including back pain, neck pain, arthritis, migraines, and sports injuries.

Stress Reduction

Acupuncture can help reduce stress, anxiety, and tension by promoting relaxation and calming the nervous system.

Digestive Disorders

Acupuncture may be beneficial for digestive issues such as irritable bowel syndrome (IBS), indigestion, and nausea.

Women’s Health

Acupuncture is often used to support women’s health concerns such as menstrual irregularities, menopausal symptoms, infertility, and pregnancy-related discomfort.

Respiratory Conditions

Acupuncture may help manage respiratory conditions such as asthma, allergies, sinusitis, and bronchitis.

Mental Health

Acupuncture can be used as part of a holistic approach to mental health, helping to alleviate symptoms of depression, anxiety, and insomnia.

SeeLess

Cupping Therapy

cupping therapy
 

Cupping therapy is an ancient healing technique that involves placing cups on the skin to create suction. This suction is believed to mobilize blood flow, promote healing, and relieve pain and tension in the muscles and tissues.

The cups used in cupping therapy can be made of various materials, including glass, bamboo, or silicone. Traditionally, glass or bamboo cups are heated with a flame to create suction before being placed on the skin. However, modern cupping therapy often utilizes silicone cups that can be squeezed to create suction without the need for heat.

SeeMore


During a cupping session, the cups are placed on specific areas of the body, typically along the meridians or areas of muscle tension or pain. Once the cups are in place, they create a vacuum effect that draws the skin and underlying tissue upward into the cup. This suction may cause the skin to redden or become raised as blood flow to the area increases.

Cupping therapy is used to address a variety of health concerns and conditions, including

Muscle Tension and Pain

Cupping therapy is commonly used to relieve tension and pain in the muscles and soft tissues, making it popular among athletes and individuals with chronic pain conditions.

Inflammation

Cupping therapy is believed to help reduce inflammation by promoting blood flow and lymphatic drainage, which can aid in the removal of toxins and waste products from the body.

Respiratory Conditions

Cupping therapy may be used to alleviate symptoms of respiratory conditions such as asthma, bronchitis, and congestion by improving circulation and promoting relaxation.

Digestive Disorders

Cupping therapy may help improve digestion and alleviate symptoms of digestive disorders such as indigestion, bloating, and constipation by stimulating the digestive organs and promoting relaxation.

Stress and Anxiety

Cupping therapy is often used as a complementary therapy to promote relaxation and reduce stress and anxiety by activating the parasympathetic nervous system and promoting the release of endorphins

SeeLess

Varma Therapy

Yoga therapy
 

Varma therapy is a traditional healing system that originated in ancient Tamil Nadu, India. It is based on the principles of Siddha medicine, an ancient system of medicine that dates back thousands of years.

Varma therapy focuses on manipulating vital energy points (called Varma points) located throughout the body’s energy channels (nadis) to promote healing and restore balance. These Varma points are believed to be centers of vital energy where the body’s life force, known as prana, flows.

SeeMore


The practice of Varma therapy involves applying pressure, massage, or stimulation to specific Varma points to treat various health conditions and promote overall well-being. Varma therapists use their hands, fingers, and sometimes specialized tools to apply precise pressure to these points.

Varma therapy is believed to have a range of potential benefits, including

Pain Relief

Varma therapy is commonly used to alleviate acute and chronic pain, including headaches, joint pain, and muscle tension.

Injury Healing

Varma therapy may help promote the healing of injuries by improving circulation, reducing inflammation, and stimulating the body’s natural healing processes.

Stress Reduction

Varma therapy can promote relaxation and reduce stress levels by calming the nervous system and promoting the release of endorphins, the body’s natural stress-relieving hormones.

Emotional Balance

Varma therapy is believed to have an effect on the body’s subtle energy system, which may help balance emotions and improve overall emotional well-being.

Digestive Health

Varma therapy may help improve digestion and alleviate symptoms of digestive disorders by stimulating the digestive organs and promoting better nutrient absorption.

Varma therapy is often used as a complementary therapy alongside other treatments and practices, such as herbal medicine, dietary changes, and lifestyle modifications. It is typically performed by trained Varma therapists who have a deep understanding of the body’s energy system and Varma points.

SeeLess

Reflexology

Reflexology

Reflexology is a complementary therapy that involves applying pressure to specific points on the feet, hands, or ears, known as reflex points, to stimulate the body’s natural healing processes and promote relaxation. The underlying principle of reflexology is based on the concept that these reflex points correspond to specific organs, glands, and other parts of the body.

During a reflexology session, a trained practitioner uses their hands, fingers, or specialized tools to apply pressure to the reflex points, usually in a systematic manner. The pressure applied is typically firm but gentle, and the practitioner may use various techniques such as kneading, thumb-walking, and circular motions to stimulate the reflex points.

SeeMore


Reflexology is believed to have a range of potential benefits, including

Stress Reduction

Reflexology can promote relaxation and reduce stress levels by triggering the body’s relaxation response.

Pain Relief

Reflexology may help alleviate pain and discomfort by stimulating the release of endorphins, the body’s natural pain-relieving chemicals.

Improved Circulation

By stimulating blood flow and lymphatic drainage, reflexology can help improve circulation throughout the body.

Enhanced Well-being

Reflexology is often used to support overall health and well-being, promoting a sense of balance and harmony in the body.

Support for Specific Conditions:

Some people use reflexology as a complementary therapy to support the management of specific health conditions, such as headaches, digestive issues, and hormonal imbalances.

SeeLess

Electro Homeopathy

Reflexology

Electrohomeopathy is a form of alternative medicine that originated in the 19th century in Italy. It was developed by Count Cesare Mattei, who claimed to have discovered a new system of medicine based on the use of “electrodynamic” or “vital” energy present in plants. This system is also sometimes referred to as “Mattei’s cancer cure.”

In electrohomeopathy, practitioners believe that certain plants contain a specific energy that can be extracted and used to treat various ailments in humans and animals. These extracts, known as “electrohomeopathic remedies” or “matteic compounds,” are prepared by mixing plant extracts with alcohol and then subjecting them to a process of dilution and succussion (vigorous shaking).

SeeMore


Proponents of electrohomeopathy claim that these remedies can rebalance the body’s “vital force” or “electrodynamic energy” and stimulate the body’s natural healing processes. They believe that electrohomeopathic remedies can be used to treat a wide range of conditions, including chronic diseases, infections, and even cancer.

However, it’s important to note that electrohomeopathy is considered highly controversial and lacks scientific evidence to support its efficacy and safety. Critics argue that the principles of electrohomeopathy are not based on scientific understanding and that the remedies are highly diluted to the point where they likely contain no active ingredients. Additionally, relying on electrohomeopathy as a sole treatment for serious medical conditions can be dangerous, as it may delay or prevent individuals from seeking proper medical care.

Overall, electrohomeopathy remains a fringe practice with limited acceptance in mainstream medicine, and individuals considering electrohomeopathic treatments should exercise caution and consult with qualified healthcare professionals.

Remedies of Electro – Homeopathy

Electro-Homoeopathic Medicines

  • There are only 114 non-poisonous paint are used to make the total 60 remedies.
  • These plants are divided into Nine Combinations Groups.

Nine Groups are further CLASSIFIED under Five Heads.

9 Groups of the medicine

Angioiticos

remedies, which act on the blood vessels the arteries and the veins, and the circulatory system.

Canceroso

remedies, act on cellular construction and the chronic degeneration of Lymph.

Febrifugo

remedies, act on the fevers and all types of intermittent diseases, as well as disorders of the spleen and liver.

Vermifugo

remedies act on the intestines, but also on the other parts of our organism, and then also destroy all worms.

Linfatico

remedies act on both systems of lymph, and blood especially the white corpuscles.

Pettorale

remedies, act on the respiratory system and bronchial tubes.

Venereo

remedies have a general constitutional effect.

Scrofoloso

remedies, act on the scrofulous disorders and the metaboli.

SeeLess

World Health Organization: Conditions Successfully Treated with Acupuncture

Gastro-intestinal

  • Acute and chronic gastritis
  • Indigestion
  • Food allergies
  • Nausea and vomiting
  • Acute/chronic ulcers (pain relief)
  • Constipation/ diarrhea
  • Colitis

Gynecological & Hormonal

  • Infertility in women and men
  • Menopause
  • Premenstrual syndrome (PMS)
  • Diabetes
  • Morning sickness
  • Menstruation (irregular, heavy, or painful)

Heart & Circulatory

  • Heart problems/palpitations
  • Numbness/poor circulation

Wellness

  • Fatigue, stress, insomnia
  • Emotional & psychological disorders
  • Depression, anxiety
  • Side effects of radiation & chemotherapy

Respiratory & Immune System

  • Acute sinusitis
  • Allergic rhinitis, including hay fever
  • Common cold, flu, cough
  • Immune system deficiency
  • Acute bronchitis, bronchial asthma
  • Emphysema
  • Rheumatoid arthritis

Neurological and Musculo-skeletal

  • Headache and migraine
  • Neck pain/stiffness
  • Carpal tunnel syndrome
  • Arthritis /joint problems
  • Back /sciatica/ pain
  • Shoulder/ knee pain
  • Sports injuries/ sprains
  • Tendonitis/tennis elbow
  • Cervical-brachial syndrome
  • Post-operative pain
  • Peripheral neuropathies
  • Facial palsy (early stage)
  • Intercostal neuralgia
  • Facial pain
  • TMJ/jaw pain
  • Meniere’s disease/dizziness
  • Trigeminal neuralgia

Addictions

  • Alcohol
  • Nicotine
  • Drugs

Kidney/Bladder

  • Stress incontinence
  • Urinary tract infections

Eye, Ear, Nose and Throat

  • Conjunctivitis
  • Toothache
  • Post-extraction pain
  • Chronic pharyngitis

Dr.S.Gandhi

Ph.D. Yoga & Varma, D-Acu MAcu, MDAcu , M.D.E.H

Consultant in Traditional Yoga and Integrated Medicine Therapist.

Dr. Priya Dharshini.R

BNYS (Bachelor of Naturopathy & Yogic Sciences)

Medical Officer – Alternative Medicine

Dr. B. Harshinie

BAMS (Bachelor of Ayurvedic Medicine and Surgery)

Medical Officer – Alternative Medicine

Sthescope Icon
Teleconsultation

Make an Appointment

Find Doctor
Find a Doctor

View Profiles

Recent Events