Taking Health Into One's Own Hands

We've got alternative music, alternative lifestyle, and now, alternative medicine.

OK, so this is not a completely new concept. Some of it is even based on ancient wisdom: Engaging in yoga, opting for herbal remedies, even drinking tea can help maintain a happier, healthier you. And with insanely high healthcare premiums, prescription medications that include side effects like nausea, diarrhea, rabies, and the bubonic plague, and overpriced, pop-music pumped gyms, alternative health is starting to gain momentum.

Whether you're trying to shed a few pounds, quit smoking-despite the rumors, quitters can prosper-or simply looking to eliminate the landfill that has built up in your body, making Rocky Flats look like a wildlife refuge, alternative medicinal practices can help.

Say goodbye to Nicorette Gum, diet pills, and Xanax-OK, maybe not Xanax-and say hello to a hipper way to get healthy.

Belly Dancing

With bathing suit season right around the corner, you may be looking to lose the extra baggage. No, I'm not referring to that loser boyfriend who thinks "work" is looking for the remote control hidden somewhere in the couch. I'm talking about body fat, love handles, the extra "cushion for the pushin'"-I think you get the picture.

But if spending one more minute on a treadmill while listening to "Gonna Make You Sweat" makes you want to commit various acts of violence, don't worry, there's hope.

Besides earning you major cool points, belly dancing can provide for a great workout. Combining light strength training and cardio, belly dancing works the core/abdominal muscles, all while performing a sexy dance routine. So grab your coin belts, finger cymbals, and a friend for the most exotic workout routine around.

Move over, Shakira, there's a new set of hips in town.

Check out Monday night American Tribal Belly Dancing fundamentals classes at Dance Fusion International Studio Monday nights at 7p.m.

Dance Fusion International Studio 1109 S. Pearl St. Denver, CO www.tribaltique.com

Chinese Tea

Get your drink on…with tea. No, not Long Island iced tea, but the bountiful, herbal concoction the Chinese have been drinking for centuries.

At Seven Cups, Denver's only traditional Chinese teahouse, visitors can experience the calming, soothing effects a cup of tea has to offer.

Because tea is high in antioxidants, drinking it can actually rid your body of the free radicals that cause damage to it. Sipping on some herbal goodness is believed to boost the body's immune system, lower blood pressure, and protect against heart disease. So for those of us without health insurance, it may be a good idea to start getting down on some tea right now.

If getting hammered with Drunky McBarfly just doesn't sound like your "cup of tea" anymore, consider the alternative.

Seven Cups 1882 S. Pearl St. Denver, CO www.sevencupsdenver.com

Yoga

I know, I know, yoga has become so bourgeois. But before you dismiss that yoga mat, keep in mind that this ancient Indian practice has many health benefits that are not only favorable to the body, but the mind and soul as well.

Practicing yoga on a regular basis boosts energy, enhances concentration, and improves memory, all of which will come in handy right around finals week. But if you can't bring yourself to visit the usual yoga hotspots (sorry, CorePower Yoga), try venturing into the underground realm of the Gypsy House Café. This will guarantee you won't run into the likes of Buffy Venti Mocha Trendster as you're getting your Downward Dog on.

Let now be the time to get in touch with your inner Hindu. Namaste.

Gypsy House Cafe 1279 Marion St. Denver, CO 303-830-1112

Aromatherapy

Everything from wicked mood swings to those ritualistic Sunday morning hangovers can quickly become a distant memory with some aromatherapy lovin'.

At Apothecary Tinctura, a place as cool as it sounds, there are herbs, and lotions, and oils (oh my!) for just about every ailment under the sun. Inhaling aromas is shown to trigger a variety of chemical releases in the brain, creating a sense of calmness and relaxation.

Suffering from math anxiety? Taking a whiff of juniper will have you flying through advanced calculus, or at least feeling a lot more at ease about it. Is your alter ego, Bitch-Face, unleashing its fury at small children and puppies again? Then let a little Ylang Ylang slow your roll.

Remember-sniffing glue is out. Sniffing lavender is in.

Apothecary Tinctura 2900 E. 6th Ave. Denver, CO www.apothecarytinctura.com

Hypnosis

Anyone who has ever tried to quit smoking or dump the donuts knows how incredibly difficult breaking a habit can be. Especially when life's unforeseeable predicaments-bad breakups, a flat tire, a paper cut-rear their hideous heads. It's moments like these that make gorging on fried cheese lard while auditioning to be the next Marlboro Man sound like a fantastic idea. So when drastic times call for some serious noggin renovation, let hypnosis be your guide.

Hypnotherapy can help identify what triggers an episode of addictive behavior. By taking a trip down memory lane, you can pinpoint the moment when overeating or smoking became an emotional release, and then begin to disassociate with that pattern.

Relax, take a deep breath (once you kick the nicotine addiction you'll be able to do this more easily), and when I count to ten, open your eyes and start living healthy.

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