This week on Full Frame: How are alternative therapies transforming the well-being of people around the world?

Magic tricks, music, puppies, and horses. No, we’re not planning a five-year old’s dream birthday party.  Instead, we’re talking about some of the most unorthodox, yet highly effective, alternative therapy treatments improving the lives of people around the world, whether they’re recovering from a traumatic physical injury or dealing with long-term mental illness or disabilities.

According to the Mayo Clinic, over 40 percent of adults have reported using alternative medicine in additional to traditional treatment.  Alternative medicine and therapy include a variety of treatments –from herbal remedies to therapy dogs. For some, alternative therapy treatment are the last hope, when traditional treatment fails. In this week’s episode, Full Frame turns its lens on the healing powers of magic, animals, and the arts.

Using Sleight of Hand to Heal

David Copperfield, one of the world’s most famous entertainers, has made his name performing some of the most daring illusions—making the Statue of Liberty disappear, walking through the Great Wall of China, and even flying through a packed theatre audience.   He has been named the most commercially successful magician in history, due in large part to the success of his large-scale stage shows and television specials, which have grossed over $4 billion—more than any solo entertainer in history.

While challenging our understanding of the impossible, Copperfield has also challenged the status quo through the work of his foundation, Project Magic. Over 30 years ago, Copperfield recognized a similarity between his magic tricks and the kinds of exercises used in physical therapy.  His magic tricks had helped him develop his coordination, communication, concentration, and dexterity—all similar goals of physical therapy.  He went on to develop Project Magic, an innovative therapeutic technique through which volunteer magicians teach both therapists and patients magic tricks as a form of physical therapy that not only improve the patient’s physical health, but also helps them to re-develop their self-confidence.

Copperfield invites Full Frame’s host, Mike Walters, to his home in Las Vegas to talk about his career as a performer and the success of Project Magic, and even attempts to teach Mike a trick or two.

Follow David Copperfield @D_Copperfield

Saved by the Music

Many are probably well aware of the soothing effect that music can have on a person’s mood or stress level.  However, what may come as a surprise are the impressive results of music therapy programs in treating everything from pre-mature infants suffering from unstable vital signs to adults coping with schizophrenia. Research shows that music not only influences a person’s wellbeing, but also their brain function.

Alexandra Field is a music therapist and the Artists Program Lead at Children’s Hospital Los Angeles, where she heads up a program that uses art and music to provide psychological support for young patients.  Vijay Gupta, a violinist for the acclaimed Los Angeles Philharmonic, works to bring classical music to marginalized member of society—the mentally ill, imprisoned, and homeless—through his Street Symphony.  Both guests drop by the Full Frame set this week to talk about the physical and spiritual healing powers of music. And Vijay has a surprise that you don’t want to miss!

Follow Vijay Gupta @guptaviolin

Into the Wild

Perhaps the “cat lady” next door is simply ahead of the curve in understanding the extraordinary benefits of the human-animal connection?  This week, Full Frame contributor Sandra Hughes sets out to understand how human interactions with cats, horses, birds, and many other animals can result in substantial improvements in physical and emotional well-being. At Shadow Hills Riding Club, Hughes learns how horseback riding can help children with autism improve muscle tone, coordination, and communication, while at Serenity Park Sanctuary, Hughes meets parrots that are helping many veterans turn their lives around and improve their mental well-being.

Two healthcare experts also stop by the studio to share their insights on animal-assisted therapy.  Dr. Christine Forest, a psychiatrist, uses her therapy dog, River, in sessions with her patients.  She has had remarkable results with her patients, which she largely attributes to River’s intuitive and calming nature.  Dr. Amber Andersen, medical director and owner of Redondo Veterinary Medical Center, shares experiences of her patients – house pets and exotic animals alike – that have profoundly enriched the health of their owners. Not only do we learn more about human-animal bonds, but we also have a chance to witness the “dog-whispering” skills of our host, Mike Walters.

Follow Dr. Christine Forest @ChristineForest 

Follow Dr. Amber Andersen @AnimalDrAmber

More Than a One Trick Pony

Finally, Full Frame takes a trip to the stables of Rocky Ridge, Maryland, and to the home of Metro, the “painting racehorse.”  Ron Krajewski and his wife adopted Metro, a retired racehorse, and soon discovered that the horse had a terminal condition. Krajewski, an artist himself, decided to teach his ailing horse his favorite past time—painting.  Not only did the discovery of Metro’s artistic talent bring the horse and owner closer together, but it also gave Metro the opportunity to save his own life and help to save the lives of other horses diagnosed with chronic and fatal illnesses.

Follow Ron Krajewski @RonKrajewski