Health A–Z · Therapies
Therapies, A to Z
What helps, at home or in the clinic, and what to expect.
Search by name, another name (HBOT, PBM, tapping) or a goal (back pain, sleep, recovery). Misspellings are fine.
Jump to:Red light therapyInfrared saunaCold plungeIntermittent fastingAcupunctureHyperbaric oxygen therapyBreathworkYogaDry brushingFunctional medicine
- 227therapies & practices
- 202you can start at home
- 16health goals
Dr. Axe AI answers from Dr. Axe’s library and shows its sources. Your labs show what to work on first.
What do you want help with?
Pick a goal to see the therapies used for it, what you can do at home, and when a practitioner helps.
53Pain & recoveryAcupuncture, Chiropractic care, Massage therapy70Sleep & stressSleep hygiene, 4-7-8 breathing, Sleep meditation47Brain, focus & moodMindfulness meditation, Brain exercises, Neurofeedback54Muscle, bone & performanceStrength training, Bodyweight exercises, Kettlebell workouts41Weight & metabolismIntermittent fasting, Strength training, Walking30Heart & circulationWalking, Zone 2 cardio, Infrared sauna16EnergySunlight, Cold shower, Walking13Gut & digestionElimination diet, Bone broth fast, Mindful eating18Detox & liverInfrared sauna, Dry brushing, Lymphatic drainage massage24Skin, hair & nailsRed light therapy, Face yoga, Gua sha19Joints & inflammationYoga, Qigong, Swimming22Longevity & cell healthStrength training, Fasting, Infrared sauna12ImmunitySunlight, Infrared sauna, Cold shower9Blood sugarWalking, Strength training, Intermittent fasting8Women's hormonesPregnancy workouts, Kegel exercises, Yoga5Men's healthStrength training, Kegel exercises, Burst training
Browse by type of therapy
Open a type to see every therapy in it, A to Z.
34Mind-body & breathworkBreathwork, Mindfulness meditation, Brain exercises51Movement & exerciseRunning, Qigong, Yoga24Fasting & cleansesFasting, Intermittent fasting, Bone broth fast12Heat, cold & lightInfrared sauna, Red light therapy, Cryotherapy23Hands-on & bodyworkDry brushing, Cupping therapy, Chiropractic care9Clinic therapiesHyperbaric oxygen therapy, Exercise with oxygen therapy, Salt therapy13Traditional & whole-system medicineAcupuncture, Functional medicine, Neti pot13Sleep, sound & natureSleep hygiene, Brown noise, Green noise26Nutrition therapiesMilitary diet, Food combining, Macrobiotic diet15Beauty & DIY at homeFace yoga, Detox bath, Honey face wash
Popular and new in therapies
The therapies pages readers open most on DrAxe.com, and the newest ones.
Most popular
Ranked by recorded monthly readers
1Beauty & DIY7 min readFace yoga7 face yoga exercises for fuller, firmer cheeks & tighter skin
2Nutrition therapyMilitary dietMilitary diet plan for weight loss? potential benefits vs. dangers15 min read
3Nutrition therapyFood combiningFood combining rules, benefits & how to follow this ancient approach to eating10 min read
4Mind-body & breathworkBrain exercises30 brain exercises to protect and bolster cognitive health14 min read
5Beauty & DIYDetox bath15 detox bath recipes to remove toxins & feel refreshed6 min read
Just published
The newest therapies pages
Fasting & cleansesLiver cleanseWhat really helps your liver22 min read
Fasting & cleansesHeavy metal detoxBinders, testing and foods that help23 min read
Sleep, sound & natureCampingHealth benefits of camping include better sleep, mood and stress support9 min read
Heat, cold & lightSunlightBenefits of sunlight for vitamin D status, mood, sleep, immunity & more10 min read
Whole-system medicineFunctional medicineWhat it is, the evidence & why it should come first15 min read
Movement & exerciseHiking6+ science-backed benefits of hiking for physical & mental health9 min read
Healthy homeDigital detoxBenefits, tips and how to get started5 min read
Start at home, or see a practitioner
Most of what helps is free or close to it: sleep, sunlight, movement, breath and fasting. Some therapies need equipment or trained hands. Here’s which is which.
At home197 therapies
The foundations. Pick one or two, do them daily for a month, and see what changes.
WalkingStrength trainingBreathworkSleep hygieneSunlightIntermittent fastingCold showerDry brushingMindfulness meditationYogaGrounding techniquesQigongBrain exercisesRunningFastingBrown noiseVibration plateBone broth fastHeavy metal detoxMuscle recoveryLiver cleanseBodyweight exercisesInfrared saunaDaniel fastDirty fastingAromatherapy massageJuice cleanseExerciseColon cleanseBody recompositionPoulticeSwimmingReboundingDetox drinksGreen noiseKnee strengthening exercisesExercise with oxygen therapySuspension trainingJumping jacksRed light therapyTraditional Chinese medicineBrain detoxIsometric exercisesKettlebell workoutsKinesiology tapeSun lampAcupressureAutophagyBody detoxLiquid dietSlow livingCognitive behavioral therapyEnergy healingOil pullingBurst trainingGreen light therapyWhite noiseHomeopathyTabataSpin classCoffee detoxAromatherapyMoxibustionReflexologyWarrior dietJapanese walkingLymphatic drainage massageOMAD dietGua shaSitz bathSleep meditation12-3-30 workout4-7-8 breathingSalt therapyTime-restricted eatingCupping therapyCrossFitEgoscue methodAyurvedaBody scan meditationCircadian rhythmCold plungeCold water swimmingFlexibility trainingGuided meditationHikingJump ropeKindnessLung detoxPlyometricsPranayamaPregnancy workoutsSilence5:2 dietActive meditationAlternate-day fastingAnger managementBarre workoutBathingBox breathingBurpeesCalisthenicsCampingCardioChemical peelCyclingDancingDiaphragmatic breathingDigital detoxDopamine detoxDry JanuaryDynamic stretchingEar seedsEcotherapyEFT tappingEMOM workoutsFartlekFasted cardioFoam rollingFunctional trainingGolfGratitudeHabit stackingHip flexor stretchesHome detoxHydrotherapyInversion therapyJournalingKegel exercisesLaughterMassage gunMassage therapyMicroneedlingMold detoxMusic therapyMyofascial releaseNordic walkingPink noisePlankPolyphasic sleepPositive self-talkPositivityPosture exercisesPower napProgressive muscle relaxationProprioception trainingPsoas exercisesPursed lip breathingResistance band trainingRuckingSound bathStanding deskVipassana meditationVision boardWeighted blanketZone 2 cardio1,200-calorie diet3-day cardiac dietArmpit detoxAvocado face maskCalorie deficitCarb cyclingCounting macrosDetox bathDetox foot bathDIY anti-itch creamDIY antifungal creamDIY dry scalp treatmentDIY joint ointmentDIY rash creamDIY sunburn sootherDrinking hot waterElemental dietElimination dietEpsom saltFace rollingFace yogaFood combiningGAPS dietGrain-free dietHoney face washHydrationIIFYMIntuitive eatingLow residue dietLow-carb dietLow-sodium dietMacrobiotic dietMeal sequencingMilitary dietMindful eatingOatmeal bathOrnish dietPortion controlReverse dietingVolumetrics dietZone diet
With a practitioner59 therapies
Worth it when the basics aren’t enough, or when you need equipment, like a hyperbaric chamber, or skilled hands.
Hyperbaric oxygen therapyRed light therapyInfrared saunaAcupunctureChiropractic careMassage therapyCryotherapyLymphatic drainage massageFunctional medicineNeurofeedbackProlotherapyAromatherapy massageExercise with oxygen therapyTraditional Chinese medicineDry needlingKinesiology tapeAcupressureCognitive behavioral therapyEnergy healingGreen light therapyHomeopathyShiatsu massageMoxibustionReflexologyGua shaNeurokinetic therapyDeep tissue massageSalt therapyCupping therapyEgoscue methodAyurvedaCold plungeOsteopathic manipulative therapySensory deprivation tankActive release techniqueAnger managementChemical peelClass IV laser therapyCraniosacral therapyDialectical behavior therapyEar seedsEMDR therapyExposure therapyGraston techniqueHydrotherapyMicrodermabrasionMicroneedlingMyofascial releasePsychodynamic therapyRolfingVipassana meditationCrossFitElemental dietHeavy metal detoxMold detoxMusic therapySound bathSpin classYoga
Want a plan built around you?
Explore careThe Health Institute pairs you with a practitioner by video, reads your labs against functional ranges and builds a plan that adapts, from home.
Rated with the Dr. Axe Score
Dr. Axe rates each therapy from 1 to 10 on four weighted factors, such as the strength of the evidence, safety and how useful it is in practice, and shows every factor. It’s an editorial assessment.
Whole-system medicineFunctional medicine9.3/10Functional medicine is, in my view, what medicine is supposed to be.
Read the full article
Heat, cold & lightRed light therapy8.4/10Red light therapy is one of the most promising non-invasive therapies available, with an excellent safety profile and a well-established cellular mechanism.
Read the full articleHow to…
Dr. Axe’s step-by-step guides for the goals readers ask about most.
Sleep & stressNatural stress relieversSleep & stressNatural sleep aidsPain & recoveryNatural muscle relaxersWomen's healthHow to balance hormones naturallyLongevityHow to improve cellular healthEnergyWays to support your mitochondriaBrain & moodHow to boost dopamine naturallyEnergyHealthy morning routine
Every therapy, A to Z
Pick a letter, filter by goal or type, or search the list. Other names are listed too.
281 entries
A
13 entries- Active meditationAlso called Moving meditation
- Active release techniqueAlso called ART
- AcupressureAlso called Pressure point therapy
- Alternate-day fastingAlso called ADF · Every-other-day fasting
- Armpit detoxAlso called Armpit mask
- AromatherapyAlso called Essential oil therapy
- AyurvedaAlso called Ayurvedic medicine
- ART → see Active release technique
- ADF → see Alternate-day fasting
B
23 entries- 4-7-8 breathingAlso called Relaxing breath
- Barre workoutAlso called Barre
- BathingAlso called Hot bath · Tub bath
- Body recompositionAlso called Body recomp
- Body scan meditationAlso called Body scan
- Bodyweight exercisesAlso called Bodyweight training
- Bone broth fastAlso called Bone broth cleanse
- Box breathingAlso called Square breathing · Four-square breathing
- Brain detoxAlso called Brain cleanse
- Brain exercisesAlso called Brain games · Brain training · Cognitive training
- BreathworkAlso called Breathing techniques
- Brown noiseAlso called Brownian noise · Red noise
- BurpeesAlso called Squat thrusts
- Burst trainingAlso called HIIT · High-intensity interval training · Interval trainingBurst training ideas at homeThe afterburn effect (EPOC)One-minute interval workouts
C
26 entries- Carb cyclingAlso called Carbohydrate cycling · Carb cycling diet
- CardioAlso called Aerobic exercise · Cardiovascular exercise
- Chelation therapySafety noteAlso called Chelation · EDTA chelationDone under medical supervision; a doctor may use it for heavy-metal toxicity.
- Chiropractic careAlso called Chiropractic adjustment · Spinal manipulation · Spinal adjustmentIs back cracking bad for you?
- Circadian rhythmAlso called Body clock · Sleep-wake cycle
- Class IV laser therapyAlso called High-intensity laser therapy · HILT
- Coffee detoxAlso called Caffeine detox
- Cognitive behavioral therapyAlso called CBT · Cognitive behavioural therapy
- Cold plungeAlso called Cold water immersion · Ice bath
- Cold water swimmingAlso called Winter swimming
- Colon cleanseAlso called Colon detox · Bowel cleanse
- Counting macrosAlso called Macro counting · Macro tracking
- Craniosacral therapyAlso called CST · Cranial sacral therapy
- CrossFitAlso called High-intensity functional training
- CryotherapyAlso called Whole-body cryotherapy
- Cupping therapyAlso called Cupping · Hijama
- CyclingAlso called Biking · Bicycling · Bike riding
- CBT → see Cognitive behavioral therapy
- CBT-I → see Cognitive behavioral therapy
- CST → see Craniosacral therapy
D
26 entries- 5:2 dietAlso called 5:2 fasting · The Fast Diet
- DancingAlso called Dance
- Daniel fastAlso called Daniel diet
- Detox bathAlso called Detox soak
- Detox drinksAlso called Detox water
- Detox foot bathAlso called Foot detox · Detox foot soak
- Dialectical behavior therapyAlso called DBT · Dialectical behaviour therapy
- Diaphragmatic breathingAlso called Belly breathing · Abdominal breathing
- Dopamine detoxAlso called Dopamine fasting
- Dry brushingAlso called Skin brushing
- Dry fastingSafety noteAlso called Absolute fastingNot for anyone pregnant, diabetic or on medication without a doctor’s guidance.
- Dry JanuaryAlso called Alcohol-free January
- Dry needlingAlso called Trigger point dry needling · Intramuscular stimulation
- DBT → see Dialectical behavior therapy
E
15 entries- Ear candlingSafety noteAlso called Ear coning · Thermo-auricular therapyThe FDA warns against ear candling: it can burn the ear and block the canal.
- Ear seedsAlso called Auricular acupressure · Ear acupressure
- EFT tappingAlso called Emotional freedom technique · Tapping therapy
- Egoscue methodAlso called Egoscue
- EMDR therapyAlso called EMDR · Eye movement desensitization and reprocessing
- EMOM workoutsAlso called Every minute on the minute
- Energy healingAlso called Energy medicine
- Epsom saltAlso called Magnesium sulfate
- ExerciseAlso called Physical activity · Working outBest exercise for longevityDo fitness trackers help?Working out in the coldWorking out in the heat safelyBest time of day to exerciseRisks of a sedentary lifestyle
- Exercise with oxygen therapyAlso called EWOT
- EDTA → see Chelation therapy
- EWOT → see Exercise with oxygen therapy
F
10 entries- Face rollingAlso called Jade rolling · Face roller
- Face yogaAlso called Facial exercises · Facial yoga
- FartlekAlso called Speed play
- Fasted cardioAlso called Fasted exercise · Fasted training
- Flexibility trainingAlso called Flexibility exercises
- Foam rollingAlso called Self-myofascial release · Foam roller exercises
- Food combiningAlso called Trophology
- Functional trainingAlso called Functional fitness · Functional exercises
G
11 entries- GAPS dietAlso called Gut and Psychology Syndrome diet
- Graston techniqueAlso called IASTM · Instrument-assisted soft tissue mobilization
H
28 entries- Heavy metal detoxAlso called Heavy metal cleanse
- Home detoxAlso called Household detox
- HomeopathyAlso called Homoeopathy · Homeopathic medicine
- HydrotherapyAlso called Water therapy
- Hyperbaric oxygen therapyAlso called HBOT · Hyperbaric therapy
- HIIT → see Burst training
- HILT → see Class IV laser therapy
- HBOT → see Hyperbaric oxygen therapy
I
7 entries- IIFYMAlso called If it fits your macros · Flexible dieting
- Infrared saunaAlso called IR sauna
- Isometric exercisesAlso called Isometrics · Static strength training
- IASTM → see Graston technique
- IF → see Intermittent fasting
- IWT → see Japanese walking
J
5 entries- Japanese walkingAlso called Interval walking training · IWT · Japanese interval walking
- Juice cleanseAlso called Juice fast · Juicing diet
- Jump ropeAlso called Jumping rope · Skipping rope
- Jumping jacksAlso called Star jumps
K
5 entries- Kegel exercisesAlso called Pelvic floor exercises · Kegels · Pelvic floor muscle training
- Kettlebell workoutsAlso called Kettlebell training
- Kinesiology tapeAlso called K-tape · Kinesiology taping · Elastic therapeutic tape
- Knee strengthening exercisesAlso called Knee exercises
L
13 entries- LaughterAlso called Laughter therapy
- Liver cleanseAlso called Liver detox
- Low residue dietAlso called Low-fiber diet
- Low-sodium dietAlso called Low-salt diet
- Lung detoxAlso called Lung cleanse
- Lymphatic drainage massageAlso called Manual lymphatic drainage · MLD · Lymphatic massage
M
16 entries- Macrobiotic dietAlso called Macrobiotics
- Massage gunAlso called Percussion massager · Percussive therapy
- Massage therapyAlso called Massage
- Meal sequencingAlso called Food sequencing · Food order
- MicroneedlingAlso called Collagen induction therapy
- Military dietAlso called 3-day military diet
- Mindfulness meditationAlso called Mindfulness
- Mold detoxAlso called Mold cleanse
- MoxibustionAlso called Moxa therapy
- Myofascial releaseAlso called MFR · Myofascial release therapy
- MLD → see Lymphatic drainage massage
- MBSR → see Mindfulness meditation
- MFR → see Myofascial release
N
11 entries- Neti potSafety noteAlso called Nasal irrigation · Jala neti · Sinus rinseUse only distilled, sterile or boiled-then-cooled water, never straight from the tap.
- NeurofeedbackAlso called EEG biofeedback · Neurotherapy · NFB
- Neurokinetic therapyAlso called NKT
- Nordic walkingAlso called Pole walking
- NFB → see Neurofeedback
- NKT → see Neurokinetic therapy
O
5 entries- Oatmeal bathAlso called Colloidal oatmeal bath
- Oil pullingAlso called Kavala · Gandusha
- OMAD dietAlso called One meal a day
- Ornish dietAlso called Ornish program
- Osteopathic manipulative therapyAlso called OMT · Osteopathic manipulative treatment · Osteopathic manual medicine · OMM
- OMT → see Osteopathic manipulative therapy
- OMM → see Osteopathic manipulative therapy
P
18 entries- PlankAlso called Plank exercise
- PlyometricsAlso called Plyometric exercises · Jump training · Plyos
- Portion controlAlso called Portion sizes
- PositivityAlso called Positive thinking
- PoulticeAlso called Cataplasm
- Power napAlso called Napping
- PranayamaAlso called Yogic breathing
- Pregnancy workoutsAlso called Prenatal exercise · Exercise during pregnancy
- Progressive muscle relaxationAlso called PMR · Jacobson's relaxation technique
- ProlotherapyAlso called Regenerative injection therapy · Proliferation therapy
- Proprioception trainingAlso called Balance training
- Psychodynamic therapyAlso called Psychodynamic psychotherapy · Insight-oriented therapy
- PMR → see Progressive muscle relaxation
Q
1 entries- QigongAlso called Chi kung · Qi gong
R
8 entries- ReboundingAlso called Trampoline workout · Mini-trampoline exercise
- Red light therapyAlso called Photobiomodulation · Low-level light therapy · RLT
- ReflexologyAlso called Zone therapy
- RolfingAlso called Structural integration
- RuckingAlso called Weighted walking · Ruck marching
- RLT → see Red light therapy
S
21 entries- Salt therapyAlso called Halotherapy
- Salt water flushSafety noteAlso called Saltwater cleanseSkip it if you have high blood pressure or heart or kidney disease.
- Sensory deprivation tankAlso called Float tank · Flotation therapy · Isolation tank
- Shiatsu massageAlso called Shiatsu
- Sitz bathAlso called Hip bath
- Sound bathAlso called Sound healing · Sound therapy
- Spin classAlso called Indoor cycling
- Standing deskAlso called Standing workstation · Sit-stand desk
- Strength trainingAlso called Resistance training · Weight training · Weightlifting13-minute workout protocolProgressive overload explainedStrength training for longevity
- Sun lampAlso called SAD lamp · Light therapy lamp · Light box
- SunlightAlso called Sun exposure · Sunbathing
T
4 entries- TabataAlso called Tabata training · Tabata protocol
- Time-restricted eatingAlso called TRE · Time-restricted feeding
- Traditional Chinese medicineAlso called TCM · Chinese medicine
- TRE → see Time-restricted eating
- TCM → see Traditional Chinese medicine
V
4 entries- Vibration plateAlso called Whole-body vibration · WBV · Vibration therapy
- Vipassana meditationAlso called Insight meditation · Vipassana
- Volumetrics dietAlso called Volumetrics
W
8 entries- Warrior dietAlso called 20:4 fasting
- Water fastingSafety noteAlso called Water fastFasts longer than a few days need medical supervision.
- WOD → see CrossFit
- WBV → see Vibration plate
Y
1 entriesZ
2 entries- Zone 2 cardioAlso called Zone 2 training
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About the therapies library
How to find what helps and what to expect. Medically reviewed articles carry a review badge and date. How we review.
Dr. Uma Naidoo
Dr. Daniel Amen
Dr. Alejandro Junger
Dr. Leigh Erin Connealy
Dr. Taz BhatiaHow do I find a therapy?
Type it into the search at the top of this page. Search matches the name, other names (HBOT, PBM, tapping), goals like back pain or sleep, and small misspellings. You can also pick a goal, open a type of therapy or browse the A to Z.
Which therapies can I do at home?
Most of them. 202 of the 227 therapies here can be done at home, from walking, strength training and breathwork to sleep habits, sunlight, fasting and dry brushing. Each entry in the A to Z says whether it’s at home, with a practitioner, or either.
What is hyperbaric oxygen therapy?
Breathing pure oxygen in a pressurized chamber, which lets more oxygen dissolve into your blood and reach tissues. It’s done in a clinic. Read the hyperbaric oxygen therapy article.
How do I choose where to start?
Start with the foundations: sleep, sunlight, daily movement, breath and whole food. If you want to know what to work on first, upload your bloodwork or start from a symptom. For a step-by-step plan, the protocols combine therapies with food, herbs and supplements.
What is the Dr. Axe Score on a therapy?
A 1-to-10 editorial rating on the newest therapy articles, such as red light therapy and functional medicine. It weighs factors like the strength of the evidence, safety and how useful the therapy is in practice, and each article shows every factor.
Are these therapies safe for everyone?
Most are gentle, and some aren’t right for everyone. Fasting, cold and heat therapies and clinic therapies each have people who should skip them or get cleared first, and every article covers who that is. Keep taking your prescriptions as prescribed, and check with your doctor if you’re pregnant or managing a condition.