You’re tired. Maybe you aren’t sleeping well, or you find yourself walking around with an extreme case of the “blahs.”
When the old way isn’t working, doing the same things over and over is the definition of insanity. As it pertains to your healthcare, it’s vital that you look into new and different ways to improve your mind, body, and spirit.
There are some common alternative medicine therapies you can look into that’ll make you feel brand new. Here are some of the different types of alternative medicine that you’ll want to add to your life.
1. Meditation and Mindfulness
Meditation is medicine and is a form of alternative medicine you can enjoy one breath at a time. It’s one of the first steps that people look into when they’d like to jump into the natural medicine way of life.
Stress is rampant at alarming levels, to the point that more than 70% of people say that in the past year they’ve dealt with stress that overwhelming. Meditation is one of the best ways to deal with stress head-on. It calms down your fight or flight reflexes and lets you approach the world on your terms.
Mindfulness refers to the practice of being aware. If you’re sitting in your office, be there, and not in the future worried about your bills or your upcoming vacation. If you’re eating your lunch, taste the food and enjoy it, rather than flipping through your phone and stuffing your face.
Meditation and mindfulness go hand in hand because they’re all part of the same practice.
So how do you meditate?
There are several meditation practices, and they all involve breathing deeply in and out and remaining mindful of your breath and all of the sensations that come with the present moment. Building a meditative practice not just helps with your stress, it also helps with your digestion, immune system, clear thoughts, and so much more.
Researchers at Harvard have actually proven that mindfulness and meditation can change your brain for the long-term. It has neuroprotective benefits that can take your overall health to the next level.
2. Holistic Health Doctors
There’s nothing wrong with going to your regular physician, but it’s important that you look into holistic doctors as well. While western medicine focuses on treating symptoms with medication, holistic health focuses on treating root causes.
For instance, rather than just focusing on what to do after you get the flu, a sinus infection, high blood pressure, or other common issues, holistic doctors build a strong mind and body so that you can prevent these issues altogether.
These doctors will put you on a regimen of healthy foods that strengthen your immune system so that your body has a fighting chance. Once you deal with an illness, they’ll come up with naturopathic remedies as opposed to harsh chemicals that can damage your body’s organs and make you dependent on the medicine.
3. Acupuncture and Acupressure
There are several natural healthcare professionals that offer treatments like acupuncture and acupressure. These are ancient Asian forms of natural medicine that give people health in their mind, body, and spirit.
The overall basis of this treatment involves opening up the circulation of energy in your body. Your body is split up into these energy levels, all of which have a role in preserving different areas of your health.
To open up these energy levels, the professional sticks several needles in your body during acupuncture treatments. Acupressure gets the same result by placing several suction cups over your body to open the energy centers.
These treatments will help you out with everything from depression and stress to the common cold.
4. Various Types of Massage Therapy
Massage is another form of care that opens up your body’s energy centers. Human touch is vital, and getting a professional massage can work out your stress levels and areas of tension like nothing else.
Professionals that specialize in massage will help you deal with pain and discomfort, and you’ll also find yourself able to breathe deeper and improve your blood circulation. Getting a massage once a month can be like medicine to your body and will lighten your spirit.
5. Developing a Yoga Practice
Sweating it out on the yoga mat can help you more than you know. It focuses on holding bodily positions that activate your muscles and require you to maintain balance.
Doing yoga will increase your flexibility and will improve your blood flow. Many people practice hot yoga to help sweat out toxins that are stored in your body. When you practice yoga every day you’ll have a lighter spirit, a brighter disposition, improved physical health, and clearer thoughts.
You can also do yoga while an aromatherapy diffuser runs. Adding some peppermint oil to your environment while sweating it out with yoga will open up your lungs and help you breathe deeper. This helps with mindfulness, blood and air circulation, and a sense of calm.
The next time you ask yourself, “What is alternative medicine?”, the suggestions above can help you make things a lot clearer.
Use These Types of Alternative Medicine to the Fullest
If you’re not feeling like your normal self and want to get a boost, the tips above will help you give your health a kick in the pants. Learning about the many different types of alternative medicine is a lifelong pursuit because the possibilities are endless.
When you follow the tips above you’ll start to see a boost in energy, improved focus, and better overall health.
The points above will help you take your health and fitness to new heights. Come back the next time you want to take in more content that will improve your wellness inside and out for years to come!