9. Naturopathy

Naturopathic medicine is premised on the healing power of nature. Naturopathic doctors are trained in both conventional and alternative medicines, and seek to understand the cause of a condition by exploring its mental, physical, and spiritual manifestations in a given patient . Naturopathy typically involves a variety of treatment techniques including nutrition, behavioral changes, herbal medicine, homeopathy, and acupuncture. Because it involves so many different therapies, it’s difficult to design studies that specifically target naturopathy’s effectiveness. That said, one study that evaluated the practice for low back pain found positive results .

10. Reflexology

Reflexology involves applying pressure to specific areas on the feet, hands, or ears. The theory is that these points correspond to different body organs and systems; pressing them is believed to positively affect these organs and a person’s overall health. (For example, applying pressure to a spot on the arch of the foot is believed to benefit bladder function.) A person can either use reflexology on her or his self, or enlist the help of a reflexologist. Millions of people around the world use the therapy to complement conventional treatments for conditions including anxiety, cancer, diabetes, kidney function, and asthma. Some studies have found that reflexology can improve respiratory function in breast cancer patients, reduce fatigue, and improve sleep—but other studies have reached less definitive conclusions .

11. Reiki

Reiki is a form of energy healing based on the idea that a “life force energy” flows through everyone’s body. According to this philosophy, sickness and stress are indications that life force energy is low, while energy, health, and happiness signify a strong life force. In a Reiki session, a practitioner seeks to “transfer” life energy to the client by placing their hands lightly on the client’s body or a slight distance away from the body (Reiki can also be performed long-distance). The purpose is to promote relaxation, speed healing, reduce pain, and generally improve the client’s wellbeing. For the most part, there’s no regulation for Reiki practitioners. Studies of the practice’s efficacy are varied: Some find therapeutic touch to be an effective form of treatment; some don’t .

2. A BRIEF HISTORY OF DENTISTRY By Tim Lambert http://www.localhistories.org/dentistry.html

Early Dentistry. In Sumer (now Iraq) in 2000 BC people believed that tooth decay was caused by worms. This strange belief carried on in the West until Tudor Times. The Etruscans, an ancient civilization that existed in Italy after 800 BC were excellent dentists. They made false teeth from human or animal teeth held together with gold bands. They also used gold appliances to hold loose teeth in place (e.g. if the bone around the teeth was wasting away). The Romans used similar dental methods. Meanwhile about 400 BC the Greek doctor Hippocrates described diseases of the mouth.

In the Early Middle Ages monks acted as doctors, surgeons and dentists. However in the early 12th century the Church forbade clergy to do operations of any kind. In their place a new type of craftsman called a barber-surgeon emerged. As well as cutting hair and doing surgery he pulled teeth!

In Tudor Times dentistry changed little and a visit to a Tudor dentist would be painful! In Europe the first textbook on dentistry was published in Germany in 1530. Furthermore during the 17th century some barber-surgeons began to specialize in dentistry. Gradually dentistry became separated from surgery. The first English textbook on dentistry was published in 1685. It was called The Operator for the Teeth.

In the Middle Ages some people cleaned their teeth by chewing twigs. Others made toothpaste from things like crushed eggshells. However there were no toothbrushes. The Chinese invented the toothbrush in 1498 but they took a long time to reach Europe. Toothbrushes were introduced into England in the mid 17th century.