Do you buck the system in terms of traditional medical practice? Are you more interested in holistic and natural approaches? If so, this article is for you. Some people shy away from ingesting foreign substances (medications) even if they’re proven to help heal certain medical conditions. These are often the same people who opt out of vaccinations for themselves and their children. If you prefer natural remedies for everyday problems, keep reading. Here are 7 of the most popular natural healing alternatives.
1. Acupuncture
A popular ancient Chinese practice, acupuncture involves using very thin needles to penetrate the skin and tissue at specific points in the body. This is believed to alleviate pain. This practice is said to help with a wide range of ailments including:
- Low back pain
- Menstrual cramps
- Osteoporosis
- Headaches
- Dental pain
- Nausea and vomiting (associated with chemotherapy)
But pain isn’t the only thing that acupuncture can help with. Some people use it to treat mental and emotional conditions including anxiety, stress, and depression. Acupuncture is especially helpful for those individuals opposed to trying pain or depression medications that have a high risk of dependency.
2. Aromatherapy
The popularity of essential oils for healing has risen greatly in the last decade. You may have gone for a massage where the masseuse used lavender, chamomile, rosemary, or sage essential oils to help you relax and improve your experience. Each scent offers its own healing properties. Your sense of smell is one of your strongest senses. Aromatherapy offers calming and healing effects for both the mind and body. Here are some of the most popular fragrances used.
- Lavender and chamomile – calming/relaxing
- Rosemary – energizing
- Rose and ylang-ylang – uplifting
- Eucalyptus – decongestant
- Peppermint – digestive issues
You can ingest essential oils, rub them on your skin, or simply inhale the scent to experience their benefits. Essential oil diffusers are perfect for filling your office or living space with calming or energizing scents that help you focus and feel more calm or alert, depending on your need.
3. Chiropractic Care
Chiropractic care surrounds the belief that the body functions best when the musculoskeletal system is properly aligned. Chiropractors focus on diagnosing and treating ailments through proper spinal alignment. While many people seek this type of treatment when they’re injured, a chiropractor can offer preventative care as well. Common areas of the body treated include the neck, shoulders, low back, knees, and shoulders. Athletes often use chiropractors as part of the physical therapy process. This alternative approach to medicine is also said to reduce headaches (including migraines), treat seasonal allergies, and even ear infections in children.
4. Reiki
Reiki, also known as energy healing based on the idea that the therapist can channel positive energy into the patient helping to restore both physical and emotional well-being. The technique used is known as palm healing or hands-on healing. Through touch, the therapist transfers universal energy into the patient. The concept is similar to that of acupuncture or acupressure (the use of pressure points for healing) in that it helps improve the flow of energy throughout the body. Individuals who believe in these types of healing practices trust reiki to alleviate with physical and emotional conditions including:
- Chronic pain
- Anxiety
- Insomnia
- Depression
- Emotional stress
The more relaxed and open you are to the idea of reiki for healing, the most positive your experience and results will be.
5. CBD and Medical Marijuana
The many healing benefits of both CBD and THC are becoming more obvious with each passing day. That’s why 34 of the 50 states in the U.S. have legalized marijuana for medicinal use. Another 13 states allow recreational use of the drug. The belief that marijuana is a gateway drug to other more serious narcotics has been disproven, however it’s still classified as a stage I narcotic, making it illegal on the federal level. Marijuana contains over 100 cannabinoids which are responsible for its healing benefits. Of those 100, THC and CBD are the most effective and widely recognized. While THC is the ingredient in weed that gives users a “high”, CBD contains only traces of THC (less than .03%). Whichever route you take in terms of using marijuana for medicinal reasons, you’ll find relief from a long list of ailments. Here are just a few of the most common ones:
- Chronic pain
- Anxiety/depression
- Insomnia
- Chemotherapy side-effects
- Epilepsy
- Multiple Sclerosis
- IBS (irritable bowel syndrome)
If you live in a state where marijuana is legal, you’ll need a prescription from a certified doctor to purchase and use it for medicinal purposes. There are marijuana dispensaries across the country and online that provide a variety of strains to meet your specific needs.
6. Hypnosis
This isn’t the kind of hypnosis you see at a magic show that makes people do crazy things. Hypnotherapy is actually a very effective alternative to traditional medicine when it comes to treating a wide range of conditions. Hypnotherapists help patients enter a state of complete relaxation where they can tap into their subconscious mind. This allows them to focus completely and isolate the source of their issue. Here, they work to alter and change their beliefs about something. This message then careers through into their conscious mind and behavior. Hypnosis traditionally use a method known as frame control and here’s how it works.
- Preframe – this is where the hypnotist sets the scene and helps a patient hyper focus on their issue
- Reframe – the hypnotist helps change or shift the person’s perspective of their current circumstance
- Deframe – making the person’s original viewpoint irrelevant
7. Naturopathy
Healing doesn’t get much more natural than naturopathy, given its name. The practice focuses on healing through nature and adopting lifestyle changes. Some people will also take dietary supplements and herbs in addition to adopting a healthier lifestyle. This includes a well-balanced diet, adequate exercise, and reduced stress. Naturopathy can also incorporate other practices on this list like acupuncture and aromatherapy. While no scientific studies have proven that this approach to healing creates significant changes in a person’s body, it’s more about adopting a healthy lifestyle and mindset. When you feel good about your choices, it often translates to the rest of your life.
To sum up
Welcoming some natural healing methods into your life can be very beneficial and freeing. If you have a serious medical condition that requires prescription medicine, consult with your doctor before making any changes to your treatment plan. You don’t need to eliminate all other treatments from you life, but adopting healthier, more natural alternatives, can be a great supplemental approach.
Article Submitted By Community Writer
