They are readily presented as complementary practices or unconventional therapies. None are recognized by the Academy of Medicine, but they all have their followers. Everything you need to know before consulting with your eyes closed.According to the Council of the Order of Physicians, 40% of French people would use complementary medicine. Among them, the body recognizes only acupuncture, homeopathy, mesotherapy and osteopathy – which are also the best supervised. However, other practices, much less scientifically studied for lack of funding, sometimes give results. “Western medicine is effective for acute conditions but not always for chronic functional disorders,” explains Julien Nizard. So there is a place for non-drug therapies. As long as you start by going to see a “classic” doctor, the only one capable of making a precise diagnosis. When the disease is functional (anxiety, fibromyalgia, non-migraine headaches …), we can explore the path of complementary medicine. It remains to choose the right therapist and avoid charlatans. Some fascia specialists are also physiotherapists, a pledge of seriousness. For others, word of mouth serves as an indicator. It is also necessary to question the practitioner on his diplomas. In lithotherapy, fasciatherapy and kinesiology, training courses are legion but not all are equal: some award a diploma in a few weekends, others after several years! “Also beware of people who charge exorbitant prices, further advises Professor Julien Nizard. Because the quality of care is not correlated with the price of the sessions. “
Lithotherapy relies on the power of stones
This ancient practice exists in several cultures. It gives the stones effects according to their chemical composition and their color, thanks to the particular radiance they exert. Overall, these are supposed to purify and energize the body. Azurite, a blue colored copper carbonate, for example, would raise unconscious thoughts and improve memory. Yellow jasper, a silicon dioxide, would stimulate and tone the liver, gallbladder and pancreas …
What science says about it: Among the rare studies carried out, none has provided scientific proof of the effectiveness of lithotherapy.
Why it can have an effect (anyway): former scientific director of the World Association of Natural Medicine, Jacques Staehle admits wearing a stone as a pendant. “It can work … if you believe it,” he smiles. A beautiful stone is magnificent for the eye, it is attractive and it feels good. For some, it meets a need. A stone will not cure a disease, but it can bring some satisfaction. It is also very important. “
Kinesiology is based on tests to rebalance the body
Invented in the 1960s, energy kinesiology uses manual and energetic techniques to erase imbalances in the body. It is based in particular on manual muscle tests, intended to assess any disturbances to the person who consults. The national kinesiology union defines this practice as a complementary, educational and preventive approach, but not as a therapy.
What science says about it: In 2017, Inserm (National Institute for Health and Medical Research) published a report summarizing the state of knowledge on kinesiology. According to him, too few studies have been conducted on the discipline to prove any effectiveness. On the other hand, several worrying cases of associated sectarian aberrations have been reported.
Why it can have an effect (anyway): “When the practitioner uses his knowledge conscientiously, without a purely commercial purpose, the simple fact of spending time, of touching the person can do him a lot of good”, underlines Jacques Staehle.
Fasciatherapy works on connective tissue
This gentle and deep massage acts on the fascia, connective tissues linked in a vast network under the skin, but also around muscles and organs. This therapy claims to detect and improve functional pain (osteoarthritis, rheumatism, sciatica, etc.), physical and psychological micro-trauma and help relieve stress.
What science says about it: There is not enough work to provide a definitive answer. Until recently, surgeons considered the fascia to be of no interest to the body. However, for the past ten years, allopathic researchers and specialists have been increasing their research. In particular, an atlas of fascia has been published and a documentary by Arte Fascinating fascias, the secret allies of our organism sheds light on the subject.
Why it can have an effect (anyway): The fascias are all connected to each other and are also connected to the central nervous system. Massaging an area could therefore alleviate a disturbance located at a distance. In any case, a good fasciatherapist can achieve, just by massaging and taking time for you, to relax the body.
Thanks to Prof. Julien Nizard, head of the Pain Support Department at Nantes University Hospital and Vice-President of the University College of Integrative and Complementary Medicines (Cumic), and to Jacques Staehle, former Scientific Director of the World Association of Natural Medicine . Author of Chakras of Healing (ed. Dangles).
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