Alternative medicine is becoming more popular than ever as people turn away from pharmaceutical treatments that often have unwanted side effects and towards more natural traditional options that offer a more holistic approach. There are many types of alternative medicine designed to treat a variety of ailments and conditions, and here, we look at some of the most commonly found methods. Reiki Reiki is a traditional form of Japanese medicine and describes a natural healing system which was founded in the early part of the 20th century, and which has evolved into an accepted way of healing the body. Reiki is based on the principle that we are surrounded by an energy which maintains and nourishes every living thing. When the energy is able to flow without impediments, we experience harmony and balance inside and around ourselves which creates a sense of wellbeing. Someone receiving reiki simply lies on a couch or chair and fully relaxes while the holistic health practitioner places their hands near or on their body, treating the whole person rather than any specific part of the body. While some clients experience no sensation at all during their treatment, others report feeling calm and relaxed, and some feel tingling or heat. This safe treatment can provide comfort and emotional support at difficult times and is suitable for patients of all ages. Yoga Yoga is a kind of therapy which utilises breathing exercises and meditation in combination with body positions to improve both physical and mental health. This holistic treatment encourages the spirit, mind and body to become fully integrated and is a long established solution for anxiety and depression as well as schizophrenia and PTSD. Not only can yoga help the mind, it can help to address a number of physical problems too including heart conditions, back pain, hypertension, MS and asthma. Those who use yoga as a form of alternative medicine find that they are less stressed, experience better well-being and have more efficient functioning of their bodily systems. Acupuncture Acupuncture is a well known holistic technique that has its origins in Traditional Chinese Medicine. In this form of treatment, the practitioner will insert thin needles into certain points of the body to stimulate the system. It can be used in the treatment of a broad spectrum of symptoms and diseases and is surprisingly pain-free. It is useful as a therapy for pain, muscle spasms, migraine, osteoarthritis, allergies, depression and digestive problems as well as for many other conditions. As long as the therapist is properly trained, acupuncture is very safe and can be used alongside other, more conventional treatments. Ayurveda Ayurveda is an ancient holistic form of healing which originates from India. Based on a belief that wellness and good health depend on the balance between spirit, body, and mind, the primary goal of this complementary therapy is not to fight any disease but to promote health, however, treatments can focus on a particular health condition. There are many things which are said to upset […]
The Many Beneficial Types of Ayurveda Massage
In Ayurvedic Medicine, a natural medical practice from India, Ayurveda Massage is used extensively for various health purposes. There are a number of different types of massage within this. Each type of massage provides a benefit to a different aspect of the body. The purpose is to support the balance and harmony of the functions of the body and the three Doshas, which make up the constitution of a person. The purpose of massage is to help the body to remove toxins from the system. It also helps to relieve stress and bring the body back into balance. There are some main components that will be found in every form type of beneficial Ayurveda Massage. There is usually always the use of an herbal oil compound. This compound is designed to help in promoting the removal of toxins and help to bring the Doshas back into balance. Types of Massage Found Within Ayurveda Abhyanga – This is a full body massage, it can be self-done or it can be done by a second party. The process is basically the same. Warm oil is prepared. The type oil is dependent on the Dosha of the person receiving the massage. These oils are filled with herbs and are designed to help bring the body back into balance. This type of massage helps to improve circulation and lubrication, it can help to strengthen and tone not just muscles but the joints as well. This type of massage is also used in the purification processes to release toxins, which may have become deeply seated within the tissue of the body. It also helps the skin by providing both nutrients and moisture; it helps to relieve stress, which in turn helps to keep the emotions balanced, the mind calm and helps to promote alertness as well as focus. Massage also can help to increase the energy of the body by promoting better energy flow; this helps to keep people going during the hectic day schedule and provides them with a sound restful sleep at night. The Process This massage can be done daily. The self-massage is easy to do but does take a time and a few materials. You will need massage oil, a bottle to use to squeeze and heat the oil. A bowl or container of warm water, a towel, some paper towels and a room where the temperature is comfortable are also required. The oil can be obtained through an Ayurveda practitioner or can be purchased online through a number of fine shops if a practitioner is not available for your area. Once you have gathered all the materials take some of the massage oil and place it in the bottle. Once this is done, place the squeeze bottle into the bowl or container of water. You can use very warm or hot water depending on how you like the temperature. Wait until it reaches a comfortable temperature and begin application. It is very important to work down the body and use […]
A Look At Benefits of Swedish Massage
If you’ve ever treated yourself to a massage at a Spa during a special getaway, you probably enjoyed the benefits of Swedish Massage. This is the most popular type of massage offered by holistic health practitioners. Swedish massage involves deep pressure and a variety of intensive massage techniques such as kneading, tapping and stroking. Many people use Swedish massage as a way to promote relaxation, which is why many people experience their first massage while on vacation. You probably remember how wonderful your body felt during the massage and how rejuvenated you felt afterwards. Swedish massage is a wonderful way to pamper yourself, but it is also an important and effective type of therapy for many people. Men and women of all ages and physical conditions seek out the benefits of Swedish massage. People rely on Swedish massage therapy to support good health and to manage a variety of health conditions. Swedish massage is used for pain management, to improve circulation and to help individuals recover from injury. It is even used as a form of therapy for anxiety and depression. How Swedish Massage Benefits the Body Swedish massage benefits the body because of the specific techniques it involves. The movements and firm pressure involved in Swedish massage affect all systems in the body, including soft tissues such as muscles and ligaments and also nerves and even glands. Holistic health practitioners aren’t just giving you a great muscle rub when you go for a Swedish massage. They apply pressure to your muscles in movements that are in tune with the natural flow of blood back to your heart. Your body’s lymph system is responsible for moving fluids that contain nutrients and wastes throughout your body. Lymph fluid is circulated during voluntary muscle movement. Swedish massage promotes healthy functioning of your lymph system by directly stimulating and relaxing your muscles. If you’re suffering from muscular strain, Swedish massage can help your body’s lymph system flush metabolic wastes such as lactic acid and uric acid from your muscles. This shortens recovery time and helps you feel better faster. The lymph system is also an important part of your body’s immune system, as white blood cells are produced and transported through the lymphatic system. Your lymph system is the means by which dead germs are collected in the lymph nodes and removed from the body. Swedish massage helps you stay healthy by supporting your immune system. Swedish massage is also used as therapy for those suffering from osteoarthritis and other painful and debilitating joint conditions. Swedish massage helps increase flexibility, enhances tissue elasticity and reduces pain. Many individuals benefit from a greater range of joint motion and movement thanks to Swedish massage therapy. In almost all cases, Swedish massage is considered a safe way to improve osteoarthritis conditions in the knees, hips and other areas of the body. These are three examples of the specific ways Swedish massage can help your body heal itself, but they are by no means the only benefits of […]
Looking At Shiatsu Massage
Shiatsu is a Japanese healing therapy based on the Chinese meridian system. It involves the application of specific massage techniques to precise points throughout the body. Also referred to as acupressure, it may be used independently to promote general health and well-being or as a supplement to Western medical care. If you’ve been suffering with persistent poor health, chronic illness, or you’d simply like to maintain your good health, Like acupuncture and other healing therapies that are based on the meridian system, Shiatsu massage aims to restore or balance the flow of vital energy throughout the body. In Japanese, this vital energy is known as Ki. Similar to its Chinese counterpart Qi, Ki moves throughout the body along specific channels known as meridians. When Ki stops flowing freely and correctly throughout these pathways, discomforting mental and physical symptoms result. Shiatsu is used to help the body heal itself by enhancing or balancing your natural energy flow. Shiatsu Techniques and Applications Shiatsu is a versatile healing art that may involve a variety of massage techniques and pressure points along the meridians. A Shiatsu practitioner carefully assesses an individual’s condition and then applies techniques specifically designed for that person. Common Shiatsu massage techniques involve applying pressure with the fingers, thumbs and palms of the hands, tapping, massaging or squeezing. Sometimes points along the meridian are simply held, and at other times, stretching or rotations may be necessary. The flow of energy within the body is affected through Shiatsu sessions over time, so different techniques may be used over the course of treatments. Shiatsu practitioners help clients of all ages, in all physical conditions prevent illnesses and maintain their health. It can also cure many physical and mental disorders and diseases. Shiatsu as a Preventative If your medical history or lifestyle predisposes you to certain injuries or illnesses, Shiatsu can help prevent their manifestation. Clients seek treatment to prevent the onset of high blood pressure, osteoporosis, digestive disorders and even cancer. Shiatsu may also be used as a way to avoid surgery by preventing a known condition from worsening. Individuals who know heart disease runs in their family may use Shiatsu as part of their overall plan for managing the risk of developing heart and circulatory conditions. Specific massage techniques can be applied throughout the body to promote healthy circulation as well as heart muscle function and health. Shiatsu is so effective as a disease preventative because it treats individuals on multiple levels. By seeking Shiatsu treatment, you will receive physical, but also mental benefits that can help prevent the onset of illnesses and diseases that affect all parts of the body. Shiatsu relieves stress and anxiety and increases energy levels. This in turn enables and motivates individuals to exercise and care for their bodies with a healthy diet and lifestyle, which further benefits their health. Shiatsu can prevent the onset of diseases such as colon or breast cancer, organ failures, arthritis, and even skin diseases. It can also help prevent depression and […]
Yoga as Alternative Medicine
Alternative medicine, a term used to describe any form of healing that does not utilize conventional medical practices or use of synthetic drugs and medications, includes acupuncture, herbal medicine, naturopathy, meditation, hypnosis, diet-based therapies, homeopathy, and yoga.. There are several different forms of alternative medicine innovated during ancient times and still being practiced in the modern world. In fact, some of them are considered more effective than conventional medicines. Depending on the type of alternative medicine that you use, the methodologies also vary. Most of these practices incorporate folk knowledge into their healing methods. Some modern medical practitioners warn about using alternative medicine approach to treating various diseases though since most of these practices are not accepted in the medical community. Hence, the question of safety and effectiveness are put in the spotlight. However, there are several patients who would attest to the ability of alternative medicine to bring about healing, regardless of the disease or condition. Yoga as Alternative Medicine Yoga is an integral system that combines physical exercises with meditation and breathing to produce holistic wellness. Its practice dates back during the ancient Hindu times until it evolved into a more established alternative medicinal philosophy in the West. There are several variations to the approach used in yoga practice, which has led it to become categorized as a fitness tool aside from healing. Yoga is considered as an alternative form of medicine due to its unconventional approach to healing. Instead of using prescription drugs to cure diseases, it combines postures and meditation to bring balance into the body, mind, and spirit. According to yoga experts, this helps in correcting imbalances within the body that causes the disease. Therefore, yoga’s method of restoration instead of actual healing as an alternative or supplemental therapy for various diseases. Yogic Perspective on Diseases The idea of diseases in the yogic point of view is that it is caused by insufficiency or blockage in the life force, whether in a part of the body or the whole. As a result, the functions are affected and an individual loses its immunity, which eventually leads to development of various diseases. Even in medical science, lack of immunity is often pointed as the leading cause of diseases. It disables the body from fighting infection or other disease-causing bacteria and viruses. The emphasis on taking a holistic approach then makes yoga a suitable answer for all these health problems. Meaning, you do not only perform yoga exercises and meditation but you also have to vary your lifestyle. Make sure you have proper dietary habits and get enough sleep to maintain your immunity level. Another crucial factor that is considered is the health of your spine. Ancient yogis believe that spinal misalignment could result to a wide range of diseases. Yoga for Restoration A specific branch in yoga practice known as restorative yoga is one of those specifically recognized for disease treatment. An individual is required to perform various poses that promote proper alignment that enable […]