special subjects
Types of Complementary and Alternative Medicine
Manipulative and Body Based Practices
Manipulative and body-based practices focus primarily on the body’s structures and systems (eg, bones, joints, soft tissues). These practices are based on the belief that the body can regulate and heal itself and that its parts are interdependent. They include Chiropractic None Massage Therapy None Reflexology None Cupping None Gua sha (eg, Scraping , coining, spooning) Moxibustion None Acupuncture is also sometimes considered a manipulative therapy. Manipulative therapy is included in osteopathy as well as chiropractic. Some of these therapies (cupping, scraping, and moxibustion) result in lesions that may be mistaken for signs of trauma or abuse. These therapies are thought to stimulate the body’s energy and to enable toxins to leave the body. However, only studies of mixed quality have assessed their efficacy, and more research is needed. 