Have you ever considered exploring the field of alternative medicine? Do you want to learn more about how to improve your health? If you answered yes, then you should read this. In this piece, we’ll discuss what alternative medicine is, the different kinds of it, and how you might benefit from it.
What is alternative medicine?
Alternative medicine is a broad term that can refer to any type of treatment that isn’t generally considered mainstream medicine. It can include things like traditional Chinese medicine, homeopathy, and naturopathy. There are a number of different alternative medicine practices that have been shown to be effective in treating certain illnesses, and there is a growing body of evidence to support their use.
What are the benefits?
There are a number of reasons why people may turn to alternative medicine for treatment. Some people may find that conventional medicine does not work well for them or does not address their specific needs. Others may find that conventional treatments are expensive or difficult to access.
Acupuncture
The act of stimulating certain places on the body is what is meant by the name “acupuncture,” despite the fact that reading about this technique of traditional Chinese medicine may immediately bring sharp needles to your mind.
The use of needles and/or electric stimulation in acupuncture, a form of alternative medicine that is extremely popular, has been of assistance to millions of people in the United States. Acupuncture is even practiced by licensed medical professionals, who cite its “increased success in treating problems that often resist Western medicine, such as female sexual dysfunction.”
We have known for some time that acupuncture can have beneficial effects on premenstrual syndrome (PMS), sleeplessness, and other forms of chronic pain, such as osteoarthritis and neck pain, digestive problems, sleep disorders, depression, infertility, and more.
Acupressure
Acupressure is a form of alternative medicine that works by stimulating acupuncture points without the use of needles. When practicing acupuncture, practitioners apply pressure to certain sites along the “meridians” of the body using their hands, elbows, or feet.
According to the concept that supports acupressure, meridians are pathways that distribute life energy (also referred to as qi or ch’i) all over the body. According to this line of reasoning, the disease can arise when one of these meridians is obstructed or when it is out of balance.
It has been documented that acupressure can reduce feelings of anxiety in patients who are about to have surgery and reduce feelings of nausea in patients who are currently undergoing chemotherapy. Acupressure is also helpful for people who suffer from motion sickness and nausea associated with pregnancy.
Another study conducted in the same year indicated that administering acupressure to dialysis patients three times a week for a period of one month was effective in reducing their levels of anxiety, despair, and tension.
Aromatherapy
In order to facilitate healing, aromatherapy makes use of essential oils, which are highly concentrated extracts derived from the roots, leaves, seeds, or blooms of plants. At the very least, this method has been around for the past five thousand years.
Using a diffuser or massaging diluted oils onto the skin are also alternatives. Other facilities are provided to assist patients to relax and feel at ease.
Aromatherapy is used to alleviate anxiety, depression, pain, nausea, and insomnia. Lavender aromatherapy helps heart patients sleep better and reduces anxiety.
Inhaling smells may reduce tension. A 2013 study indicated that pregnant women who inhaled mint and lavender oils felt calmer after 5 minutes.
NB: When utilizing aromatherapy, be mindful of others nearby. Pregnant women, children, and pets should avoid several essential oils. Avoid prolonged skin contact and poor ventilation.
Reflexology
The application of pressure to certain points on the hands, feet, or ears is what reflexology is all about. According to this concept, these spots correspond to various organs and systems located throughout the body. Pressing them supposedly benefits these organs and a person’s health.
Applying pressure to the foot’s arch allegedly improves bladder function. Reflexology is something a person can do on himself or seek the assistance of a reflexologist.
This therapy is used worldwide to treat anxiety, cancer, diabetes, kidney function, and asthma.
If you try reflexology, see a qualified practitioner. Reflexology can be painful and result in bruising if it is not administered correctly.
Takeaways from this?
There are many benefits to alternative medicine, including the treatment of anxiety, depression, chronic pain, and insomnia. However, it is important to consult with a qualified practitioner before beginning any treatment.