RED HOLD UP!
Think twice about these techniques, as they may pose dangers.
IV NUTRIENT THERAPY
Step right up, we’ve got another hot-right-now vitamin intake method said to detox and revitalise your body! And all from sitting in a comfy
‘drip bar’ where a wellness cocktail of vitamins, minerals and other micronutrients are administered intravenously. Hang on a minute. Some experts might shrug this one off, as long as you’re happy to face the possible uh-ohs of IV insertion in general (including a risk of infection, or of bleeding or bruising if the needle isn’t inserted properly into the vein). But just remember you’d be doing this at home, or at a boutique drip bar, with a practitioner you don’t already know and trust, adding an extra layer of unknown to the process.
You’re not guaranteed to have issues if you get a drip. But not all medical pros are convinced this therapy is worth the money, either. If you do brave the needle and feel more energised and alert from a fill-up, it may mean you needed the vitamins and nutrients because you had a deficiency, or that you were dehydrated.
CRYOTHERAPY
Could you make it for two to four minutes in a sub-zero chamber (we’re talking minus 110 to minus 160 degrees Celsius)? The cold temperature supposedly drops your surface temperature long enough for oxygenated blood to rush to organs and extremities, aiding muscle recovery and fat-blasting.
Before you freeze your ass off, know that the (still unproven) benefits may not outweigh the risks here. “This kind of cold may be particularly unsafe for those with high blood pressure or circulation problems,” says Dr Robert H. Shmerling.
Though some people swear by the treatments listed here, the evidence just isn’t there, says Emeritus Professor of Medicine, John Dwyer, from the University of NSW. “Science does not back up any benefits of the following complementary therapies,” Prof Dwyer says:
KINESIOLOGY
Kinesiologists believe that they can diagnose health problems by muscle ‘testing’. This involves a gentle pressure applied to a person’s arms while the kinesiologist asks a series of questions. If the muscle weakens or moves, according to the kinesiologist, this indicates a blockage of the energy pathway – which may be caused by anything from injury to food sensitivity or stress. If a number of muscles go limp, they claim the pattern of muscle weakness may point to a specific health condition. Once the muscle ‘testing’ points to the problem, the kinesiologist may prescribe everything from herbal medicine and cranial massage to dietary changes, homeopathy and special body movements or manipulation of acupressure points.
IRIDOLOGY
The eyes are not just the window to the soul – they provide a snapshot of your state of health, according to iridologists, who believe that the iris contains nerve fibres connected to various parts of your body via special nerve pathways. By looking at patterns, flecks and colours in the iris, trained practitioners believe that they can diagnose organ issues, current health problems and also spot potential future health conditions. They then suggest lifestyle changes and natural therapies to correct the issue or imbalance.
HOMEOPATHY
‘Like cures like’ is the catchcry of homeopathic medicine, which is based on the theory that health problems can be cured by a substance that produces similar symptoms in healthy people. To kick-start this healing process, people are given homoeopathic medicines made from diluted doses of substances such as plant or mineral extracts. These can be taken in the form of liquid, granules, powder or tablets and are said to stimulate the body’s natural healing response.
CUPPING
From Jennifer Aniston and Victoria Beckham to Gwyneth Paltrow and Lady Gaga, this alternative therapy has plenty of celebrity fans. During treatment, small heated glass cups are applied to the skin to create a powerful vacuum suction. This is supposed to work like the ultimate deep tissue massage and improve circulation, clear blockages in veins, reduce muscle tension and swelling, and activate the lymphatic system to clear toxins from your body. The cups are usually applied for between 2-10 minutes over problem areas or acupressure points. A little bruising or swelling may result, but this is generally not painful and usually disappears within seven to 10 days.