Natural Health Remedies – Alternative Therapies for Healing

Scientific research and pharmaceutical breakthroughs are evolving every day; but is this really the only choice people have for help when it comes to health? Natural health remedies and therapies definitely have a place in this complex world of east meets west or traditional science meets nature and spirit. Body, mind and spirit are treated at the same time in alternative medical care. Some remedies are extremely old dating back centuries. Others are just now coming into the mainstream and are used with traditional medicine in complementary and alternative care. None of these remedies are meant to replace the work done with physicians. This page is intended to give the reader a quick overview of each specific natural health remedy and how they may help with certain health issues. If any of the remedies look like they could be helpful to any health condition; do a lot of research to find a practitioner near you and ask a lot of questions. It is good to ask for references and require that they have proper qualifications. For even more information about terms and therapies; visit the Reference Guide. Products and services might be suggested by these practitioners so check out different websites or ask a practitioner in your area what is good for your type of issue. Before any new method of treatment is started; be sure to inform your doctor.

Acupuncture – The Chinese have used acupuncture for thousands of years. The energy or life force called chi gives us the health we desire. Energy flows through pathways or meridians in the body and if a disease comes up; there is some form of blocked energy. Needles are inserted into these meridians to unblock the energy and healing can begin. A variety of health conditions can be treated this way including gastrointestinal disorders, respiratory disorders, bone and joint problems, addictions, emotional problems and more. The needles are fine and flexible and do not resemble the feeling of an injection. It is a sterile and safe procedure.

Applied Kinesiology – this modality was developed by George Goodheart, Jr. in 1964. He is a chiropractor and it is stated that there is a relationship between the organs and the body structure. Muscle testing and posture and walking observations determine health problems and how a treatment may be helpful. Usually this is practiced after someone has received a degree or certification in another field and this is later applied.

Aromatherapy – This is the inhalation and application of essential oils of plants that relax, invigorate, balance, rejuvenate and restore the body. Pure essential oils are best and come from flowers, bark, seeds, leaves, resin, extractions and roots. The scientific properties of the oils assist with the healing of mind and body. It is considered ancient dating back to the Egyptians era, and yet is very popular today. Blends can be made and added to carrier oils or water to suit the person that has a health issue. The results can be very individual as everyone has a different response to the oils. Some oils are great for me and not for others. There are so many things that can be done with oils and they smell great.

Ayurveda – Literally translated it means “the knowledge of life” and is an alternative holistic medicine in India. Here, the body, mind and spirit are totally connected. If the spirit is separated from the body then an imbalance occurs and this is the first step to disease showing up in the body. This is a way of communicating disharmony; and to become harmonious with the self and environment promotes healing. Each person has a constitution such as Vata, Pitta, and Kapha. 5 sense therapies use color, music, taste, touch and more to promote healing.

Biofeedback – Biofeedback helps people improve health by understanding what the body is trying to tell them through signals and then working with those signals to consciously make a change. It can be an alternative to drugs for reducing pain from migraines, muscle spasms and more. Patients take an active part in their own health by listening to these triggers and then calming and quieting the body to feel better.

Chiropractic – This modality focuses on the relationship between the spine and the nervous system. Doctors will adjust the spine to alleviate problems and misalignments of the vertebrae. There is no surgery or drugs used; but they may also use visualization, breath work, herbs, vitamins and craniosacral therapy. The chiropractor is a physician and goes through years of training. It is now becoming very mainstream and many conventional doctors recommend seeing a chiropractor for certain conditions. Many chiropractors specialize in areas such as sports or neurological disorders.

Craniosacral – This remedy focuses on tension reduction in the membranes enhancing the function of the craniosacral system. This is a fluid that surrounds the circulatory system and spinal cord. It is common to use this to treat TMJ, ear infections, strokes, headaches and more. It is a very subtle manipulation of the bones of the face, head, spine and skull. It is a delicate procedure and used by chiropractors or acupuncturists.

Energy Healing – Energy healing is a broad term. This is a smoothing out and manipulation of the body that restores and balances the flow of energy in the body. It can include laying on of hands, Reiki and others. This is a one on one modality emphasizing spiritual and emotional health as well. Several remedies can be combined with this such as flower essence, acupressure, aromatherapy and more.

Feldenkrais – this remedy is named after Dr. Moshe Feldenkrais, and he developed a breathing and body alignment process. This therapy uses over 1000 exercised to help the body and brain work better together. This can be a one on one session where slow and gentle movements alter negative patterns in the neuromuscular system. People with physical handicaps seem to benefit from this non invasive therapeutic remedy.

Feng Shui – This is the Chinese art of placement. It involves balance and harmony in the home or office which promotes healing and integration of the body, mind, spirit. The goal is to have the chi or energy flow in a balanced manner to promote health, happiness, wealth and harmony. Intuition and communication are very effective tools when practicing Feng Shui.

Guided Imagery – Guided imagery uses symbols to train the mind. This technique relieves stress, anxiety and is often used in pain management. It is similar to visualization, but the client speaks during the session.

Herbal Medicine – This is plant medicine or phytopharmaceutical. Native Americans and Chinese used plants to cure many diseases. These came from the seeds, stems, roots, bark, mushrooms and more. Actually, almost every culture known to man has used herbs in healing. It has become very popular today and herbs can be found everywhere including discount stores. To be an herbalist is a self defined profession. There is no required state certification. Programs are available for study throughout the internet.

Holistic Medicine – This is a generic term where all forms of natural medicine apply. People are treated using safe methods and this is the care of the whole person, body, mind, spirit, emotions, and more. Holistic practitioners use many modalities and therapies in their work. This ranges from Reiki, yoga, massage, herbs etc.

Homeopathy – A German physician, Samuel Hahnemann practiced homeopathy to treat cholera. Basically, this is the activity of chemical and biological substances that are highly diluted. Memory water is sometime referred to this as well. There is such a minute active particle of a substance, but homeopathic practitioners believe that is all that is needed to cure disease. Somehow these remedies react with the body on an electromagnetic way. Homeopaths treat all forms of disease from acute to minor, and the chemicals can be blended to create something that is quite unique for a person as well.

Hydrotherapy – Hydrotherapy uses water for healing. The warmth, buoyancy and turbulence aids in recovery from surgery or pain. People with sports related injuries greatly benefit from hydrotherapy. It is used by physical therapists and naturopaths. Using a whirlpool or hot tub are several ways to use the heat of the water for health.

Hypnotherapy – This is a modality developed by Franz Mesmer; thus the term “mersmerized”. It is focused relaxation where the subconscious mind is open to all types of suggestions. This is very beneficial for smokers, people with phobias, depression, weight loss, relief of pain and more. It can be used in conjunction with acupuncture, and massage therapy.

Massage – Therapeutic massage dates back to 3000 B.C. in China. This is a method of manipulation if the soft tissues. It can release tension and be very relaxing. A holistic approach to massage can treat the whole mind, body, emotional and spiritual sides of a person. There are at least 7 forms of massage and they all have different goals. Everything from detoxification, pain relief, stress relief, weight loss, improved muscle tone, breathe, immune system improvement and more can be achieved through massage.

Naturopathy – A naturopathic physician or ND goes to school for 4 years. They have the same sciences as an MD but they also study holistic and non toxic therapies, and their goal is prevention of disease for optimal health and wellness. Naturopathy is very old and uses the healing power of nature instead of drugs. This might mean homeopathy, hydrotherapy, counseling, acupuncture and more.

Reflexology – In reflexology; pressure is applied to certain points in the hands and feet. This is based on the Chinese medicine using acupressure and the specific points on the feet coordinate to organs and tissues of the body. As these points are stimulated healing can occur in that specific part of the body. It is non invasive and used with other types of body work.

Reiki – Reiki in Japanese means universal life energy. Reiki is a hands on energy healing. Practitioners serve as open channels through the hands that activate the body’s ability to heal. Reiki goes to wherever it is needed to promote harmony and balance. It can be used to relieve pain, cleanse the body of toxins and create a general state of well being.

Sound Healing – Toning, chanting and using various vibrations have been known to stimulate healing. Music also boosts the immune system, lowers blood pressure, reduces pain and promotes endurance. Each cell resonates and has a pulse, pattern and cycle. It can also be used with acupuncture to stimulate the chi of the body. It is even used in nursing homes and hospitals to agitated patients.

Yoga – A gentle exercise system and way to strengthen and tone the body and calm the spirit. It is traditionally practiced in Asia and is combined with meditation and diet. It is thought to lower blood pressure and have the chi be more balanced and flow in the body.

Next Healthy Lifestyle

Find The Key to better health...

Save with NEW specials