Books on alternative therapies can be found in the library. They will have a Dewey number of 615.5. Look out especially for the Family Guide to Natural Medicine which has useful information on many of the therapies you are researching.
Below are some websites which will give you some basic information about the main types of alternative therapy and medicine. You may want to start with this guide from Channel 4 which lists over 20 different forms of alternative therapies.
Acupuncture – this webpage from the British Acupuncture Council explains what Acupuncture is. There are links to more information about its history, different forms of treatment and some frequently asked questions.
Alexander technique – this webpage from the Society of Teachers of the Alexander Technique explains what it is. If you hold your mouse over the link ‘About the technique’ on the left hand side of the page, you will find more links about its history and research.
Aromatherapy – this webpage from the Aromatherapy Council explains what aromatherapy entails, provides some links to information about its effectiveness and describes what you might expect from an aromatherapy session.
Ayurvedic medicine – this short article from the Ayurvedic Practitioner’s Association outlines the basic ideas behind Ayurvedic medicine.
Chinese medicine – this webpage from the Association of Traditional Chinese Medicine outlines what Chinese medicine is and suggests some ailments that may benefit from Chinese medicine.
Chiropractic – this webpage from the British Chiropractic Association explains what chiropractics do. There are more links on the right hand side of the screen to information about its history and how it can help some condition.
Homeopathy – this webpage from the Society of Homeopaths explains what homeopathy is and how it is used to treat patients.
Hypnotherapy – this webpage from the Hypnotherapy Association answers frequently asked questions about hypnotherapy. This other page from the same website explains what it feels like to be hypnotised and outlines how hypnotism differs from other therapies.
Osteopathy – This webpage from the General Osteopathic Council outlines the basics of osteopathy. Click on the ‘Factsheet Index’ at the top right of the page to find out more specific information.
Reflexology – this is the homepage of the British Reflexology Association. Click on ‘Information’ to find out more about reflexology. The following link shows an interactive reflexology foot and hand map which is useful too.
Shiatsu – this webpage from the Shiatsu Society outlines what shiatsu is, its history and the different types of shiatsu.
Yoga – this webpage from the British Wheel of Yoga outlines what yoga is and how it can help you.
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