According to the National Cancer Institute, alternative medicine is any type of healing therapy employed in place of the usual approach to healing. Many people have an interest in natural healing alternatives because instead of using drugs so commonly used in conventional medicine, natural healing alternatives use strategies that encourage the body to heal itself. These therapies also focus on disease prevention, which some people feel is the best cure. If you're interested in natural healing alternatives, learn more about them so you can choose the one best for you.
Chiropractic
Chiropractic is used to make adjustments to the spine. Practitioners of chiropractic believe that subluxations, or misalignments, of the spine cause pain and health problems. Manipulation of the spine is accomplished when the chiropractor puts his hands on various points in the spinal column and gently applies pressure to these points. Lower back pain, neck pain and head pain are commonly treated with chiropractic adjustments, but other conditions such as chronic fatique syndrome, fibromyalgia, insomnia and asthma are also treated with chiropractic.
Hypnosis
Hypnosis is a natural healing alternative that involves tapping into the mind and putting a person in a trance-like state for the purpose of altering the way a person acts. It allows the power of suggestion to relax the body and mind, and can bring down stress and blood pressure levels. Hypnotherapists use hypnosis to improve health, assist with smoking cessation and weight loss, and treat insomnia. According to the National Center for Complementary and Alternative Medicine, a trial it funded revealed anxiety and pain were lessened when women hypnotized themselves while they went through a core needle breast biopsy procedure.
Massage
Massage involves the use of hands, arms and/or feet to work the body's muscles and soft tissue. This natural healing alternative can lessen states of anxiety, blood pressure, depression and pain. Massage therapy is also helpful in the treatment of conditions such as chronic fatigue syndrome, temporo-mandibular joint syndrome and emphysema. Detoxification of the body can also be helped with massage therapy. Give your massage therapist a detailed account of the condition of your health before having massage to ensure there are no contraindications.
Herbalism
Herbalism is a natural healing alternative that employs the use of botanicals to promote good health. Herbs can be used for many health conditions. St. John's wort, for instance, is used for depression. Echinacea is used to enhance immunity and fight colds. Garlic is used to lower cholesterol and high blood pressure. Talk to your doctor before using herbs as a natural healing alternative to ensure they are safe for you take.
References
- National Cancer Institute: alternative medicine
- "Linda Page's Healthy Healing, All New Eleventh Edition", Linda Page, 2001
Member Comments