Are there safe alternative therapies for corns?

Yes: Try one of the many otc treatments available at most drugstores. Also see answers to multiple other corn questions posted this morning.

Remove the pressure: Discomfort comes from pressure. You can lessen pressure by gently trimming the corn---first soaking the corn and using something to remove the top(pumice stone). You can also use over the counter corn pads that contain salycylic acid. You can also relieve pressure by altering foot wear, usually best done by a podiatrist.