Library · 16 modalities

Modalities

How we rate the evidence

Good evidence
Consistent results from well-designed studies or high-quality reviews for specific uses.
Some evidence
Several studies, including some well-designed ones, show a modest benefit for specific uses.
Limited evidence
A few small or low-quality studies suggest a possible effect for some uses.
Insufficient evidence
Little or no good-quality research, or the research does not support the claims made.

Some evidence

Acupuncture: what it involves and what is known

Acupuncture uses thin needles at set points on the body. People try it mostly for pain; research supports it for some chronic pain, less for other uses.
Some evidence

Chiropractic: what it is and what is known

Chiropractic uses hands-on spinal manipulation, mostly for back pain, neck pain and headaches. Research suggests small benefits for low-back pain.
Some evidence

Massage therapy: sessions, safety and evidence

Massage therapy is hands-on work on muscles and soft tissue that people seek for pain, tension and stress. Some studies suggest short-term pain relief.
Some evidence

Yoga therapy: what a session involves

Yoga therapy adapts postures, breathing and meditation to your goals, often for back pain or stress. Studies suggest modest benefits for some uses.

Limited evidence

Acupressure: what it is and what is known

Acupressure is a hands-on practice from Chinese medicine, used for pain, nausea and stress. Research hints at benefit for a few uses, but benefit is uncertain.
Limited evidence

Aromatherapy: what it is and what is known

Aromatherapy uses essential oils from plants, inhaled or in massage, to relax and ease stress. Studies are small and mixed, so any benefit is uncertain.
Limited evidence

Osteopathy: what it involves and what is known

Osteopathy is a hands-on approach to muscles and joints, often tried for back and neck pain. Research is mixed; here is what a session involves.
Limited evidence

Reflexology: what it is and what is known

Reflexology uses thumb and finger pressure on the feet and hands, often for relaxation and stress. Evidence of benefit is limited and mixed.
Limited evidence

Shiatsu: what it involves and what is known

Shiatsu is a Japanese finger pressure therapy people try for relaxation, tension and stress. Here is what a session is like and why the evidence is limited.
Limited evidence

Sound therapy: what a sound bath involves

Sound therapy uses singing bowls and gongs to help people relax and ease stress. Here is what a sound bath is like and what the limited research shows.
Limited evidence

Traditional Chinese medicine: what is known

Traditional Chinese medicine combines herbs, acupuncture and movement for pain and wellbeing. Some parts have support; the herbal side lacks good studies.

Insufficient evidence

Applied kinesiology: what to know first

Applied kinesiology uses hand muscle testing to judge health, foods and supplements. Here is what a session involves and why studies find it unreliable.
Insufficient evidence

Color therapy: what it is and what is known

Color therapy, or chromotherapy, uses colored light to try to influence mood and health. Here is what it involves and why the evidence is thin.
Insufficient evidence

Crystal healing: what it is and what is known

Crystal healing uses stones placed on or near the body for calm and well-being. Here is what a session involves and why studies find no effect beyond placebo.
Insufficient evidence

Homeopathy: what it is and what is known

Homeopathy uses highly diluted remedies, often for colds and aches. Here is what it involves, how it is regulated and why reviews find no reliable benefit.
Insufficient evidence

Reiki: what it is and what research shows

Reiki is a Japanese hands-on or hands-near practice people try for relaxation and stress. There is no reliable evidence it helps beyond placebo.