Working Toward Wellness: Your Complete Guide to Various Types of Alternative Therapy

There are many types of alternative therapies out there for whatever you may need it for. At some point, we all wish to be healthy whether it’s mentally, physically or even spiritually. Most people aren’t aware of the many different types of therapies that can help you get through whatever ailment you may have or whatever you may be going through mentally. This company can be a guide for you to research all types of alternative therapies so that you can make the best choice for your needs. Here is your complete guide to various types of alternative therapy.

• Acupuncture

• Aromatherapy

• Ayurvedic Medicine

• Bowen Technique

• Homoeopathy

• Hypnotherapy

• Massage

• Meditation

• Reiki

• Traditional Chinese Medicine

• Western Herbal Medicine

• Yoga

ACUPUNCTURE

Acupuncture is used to stimulate the muscles and nerves. They stick very fine needles into various parts of your body which are called acupuncture points, so it isn’t painful in the least bit. Many believe that various health problems present itself due to your energy being blocked. They also refer to ‘energy’ as ‘Qi’ pronounced ‘chee.’  The acupunctures goal is to unblock those channels and restore the natural flow of your energy. Many people see an acupuncturist to rid themselves of chronic pain, headaches and some even use it for anxiety and depression. There are many beneficial reasons for someone to try acupuncture. If you’re interested in your well-being, insomnia or just for relaxation, this may be an alternative treatment to try.

AROMATHERAPY

Aromatherapy is very common today and has very positive effects on one’s well-being. It’s used as a stress reducer; it can boost your mood and energy. It calms you and your mental focus is better. Essential oils are used in aromatherapy and are used to heal. These oils are extracted from plants and help people to sleep better, relax and it can relieve pain. The oils can be used in many ways. For example, you can rub peppermint oil across your forehead or on your temples to relieve a migraine headache. The good thing about aromatherapy is; you can practice their methods in the privacy of your own home. You can find what oils work for you and your ailment and massage them onto various parts of your body.  You can incorporate many of these oils to your daily routine by adding them to your bath, lotions and most can be massaged into your body, especially where you feel pain. There are so many different oils out there that can-do various things. If you have certain ailments, research some of the essential oils on the market to see what they can do for you. Make sure to dilute them with a carrier oil like coconut oil if and when needed so they don’t irritate your skin.

AYURVEDIC MEDICINE

Over 3,000 years ago India developed what is considered one of the world’s oldest holistic healing techniques. Those who make Ayurveda a routine, believe that space, fire, water, air and earth which are all elements found in the universe; are what the human body is made of. Ayurveda uses medicine that is made from mineral and plants to get the body back in balance. These medicines get rid of toxins that are in the body by massaging herbal oils into it. For a healthy balanced body and mind, try Ayurveda.

BOWEN TECHNIQUE

The Bowen technique is a contact therapy. This alternative therapy was developed by Thomas Bowen, who was a practitioner that used a hands-on method by applying gentle pressure using the thumbs and fingers on specific parts of the body. This method is known to stimulate the tissues and muscles. It’s relaxing and very subtle, and no manipulation is used while performing this type of therapy. This therapy encourages the body to release any kind of tension and stress that you may be experiencing.

HOMEOPATHY

Homeopathy is another alternative therapy where certain natural substances are extremely diluted to treat different conditions. The more diluted the substance is, the more effective it is with no side effects. People who practice homeopathy believe that the body can heal itself, and homeopathy just triggers and stimulates the immune system. Homeopathy is known to successfully help with asthma, PMS, menopause, acne, warts, anxiety, depression and chronic pain. A lot of homeopathic medicine is made from leaves, flowers and the roots of plants as well as different minerals.

HYPNOTHERAPY

Hypnotherapy is another form of alternative medicine. It is considered guided hypnosis where you are in a state of concentration and focus while under a trance. Hypnotherapy has been used to treat so many different ailments and bad habits such as; smoking, substance abuse, phobias, eating, anxiety and PTSD among other things. It can be used to change certain behaviors and thoughts that you are not comfortable with and wish to stop. This is done by making you aware of your inner thoughts. Hypnosis is not for everyone, so you must make sure you are comfortable with your therapist and the process that comes along with it.

MASSAGE

Massage is an alternative therapy using touch by rubbing, pressing and controlling one’s muscles and ligaments. Many people have received messages at luxury spas and upscale clubs, but today it’s more than just a luxury. It’s offered just about anywhere now. You can get them in doctors offices, hospitals even some places of employment offer massages to their employees. While there are many different types of massages, the goal and result are to reduce stress, muscle tension and pain. Massage therapy is helpful for relieving fibromyalgia, stress, headaches, sports injuries and much more.

MEDITATION

Meditation is becoming increasingly popular as more people discover what meditation can do for their well-being. Meditation is guiding your mind to concentrate and redirect your thought pattern. Many people use it for self-awareness purposes and to reduce stress and quiet your mind. Meditating also promotes emotional health and can improve your sleep by allowing your body to put you in a state of calmness, peacefulness and rest. It can also decrease your blood pressure by relaxing the nerves that control the heart’s functions. You can meditate anywhere and anytime without having to use special equipment. Set aside some time every day when you can get to a place where there are peace and quiet. Your mental health will thank you.

REIKI

Reiki is considered a Japanese technique. During Reiki, hands are placed on various parts of the body with the belief that we expel energy and energy is all around us, and when our energy is low, we become ill. While it supports the physical body, it also promotes having a positive mind so that you have a better outlook on life. It helps to relieve tension, pain, you sleep better, and it helps with emotional cleansing. Everyone can use Reiki as it’s safe for anyone, even if you have different ailments and medical conditions.

TRADITIONAL CHINESE MEDICINE

Traditional Chinese Medicine (TCM) has been around for 2000 years. Traditional Chinese Medicine helps to restore your body’s energy levels. Acupuncture is used for this type of therapy as it is used to treat and reduce inflammation, it can improve your flexibility and your muscle strength, it aids in cognitive health, it can improve your sleep and there aren’t any side effects. Chinese herbs are used in the form of powders, pastes, tablets or lotions. If you choose this route as an alternative therapy, make sure to consult with your doctor, as herbs can certainly act just as powerful as pharmaceutical drugs, so, therefore, you need to be very careful when using these as some of these herbs can be toxic when used in high doses and may even cause allergic reactions in some people.

WESTERN HERBAL MEDICINE

Western Herbal Medicine creates its medicine using plants to treat various illnesses. Most of the plants and herbs come from Native America and Europe. However, herbs and plants from different parts of the world are used as well. The practitioner that uses these methods will usually take a holistic approach to heal and it’s usually more affordable than traditional medicine and easier to get as opposed to prescription medications. Many of the Western Herbal Medicines can help your immune system and it can stabilize your metabolism and your hormones. If you are into holistic healing and you aren’t in a position to obtain prescription medications, Western Herbal Medicine may be something to consider.

YOGA

Yoga is one of the most popular alternative therapies around. Yoga is a spiritual and physical routine that helps you with self-awareness, breathing, meditation as well as your posture. There are so many different types of yoga. There is yoga for beginner’s and there are more difficult phases of yoga that may cause injury if not done correctly. Yoga can help you with core strengthening, increase your flexibility and give you an overall sense of wellness. It’s an amazing form of exercise and it can be done anywhere. I would encourage you to take a class or two with an instructor so they can show you the proper way to do the poses to keep from hurting yourself.

While all alternative therapies are not for everyone, there are some that may be suitable for whatever your needs are. Once researched, you may find something that you can work with that will be helpful to your well-being.