Alternative Therapy
Alternative therapy consists of many differing ways of
viewing health and illness. Each therapy type has developed a system of health care
associated with their practice and discipline. Alternative therapy aims at
helping each individual as a whole, treating the body, mind and illness at the same time, this
in turn fortifies each person to live a happy, healthy and meaningful life.
Some suggestions for treatment of alternative therapies help reduce stress, calm the body and mind. These have proven beyond a doubt to be helpful to many suffering from illness and disease. Incorporating one or more of these techniques is up for you to decide. Examine each one individually, think of how your body will appreciate each one and then add that one or two therapies to your heath care program.
To find the best suited therapist in your area ask those on your medical team, workers in your local health food store, associated therapist recommendations, or friends and family. Picking one out of the book is ok, finding the best one for your treatment plan may come from a well informed recommendation. Definitions of these and recommendations to some our favorite types can be found below.
Some suggestions for treatment of alternative therapies help reduce stress, calm the body and mind. These have proven beyond a doubt to be helpful to many suffering from illness and disease. Incorporating one or more of these techniques is up for you to decide. Examine each one individually, think of how your body will appreciate each one and then add that one or two therapies to your heath care program.
To find the best suited therapist in your area ask those on your medical team, workers in your local health food store, associated therapist recommendations, or friends and family. Picking one out of the book is ok, finding the best one for your treatment plan may come from a well informed recommendation. Definitions of these and recommendations to some our favorite types can be found below.
Acupressure - This is a cross of Acupuncture and deep tissue massage. This is a part of traditional Chinese medicine and an ancient practice of applying hand and finger pressure to specific points on the body in order to control the flow of chi, energy. This used to help alleviate tension, pain and other discomforting symptoms. This also prevents harmful toxins from building and spreading throughout the body.
Acupuncture - This is at the top of our recommendation list. Afraid of needles? We were too, then we learned a good Acupuncturist has a variety of ways to do the same thing. They can use cupping, acupressure, shiatsu massage, Jin Shin Jyutsu, Jin Shin Do, Moxabustion, as well as others. All of which help the flow of chi (energy) throughout the body. This also can be described as releasing or moving your blood through the body that may be stopped up somewhere behind injury, internal stress, or locked muscles. By tapping a fine pin (or needle) into the area it helps release that pressure or blockage from the inside out.
Aromatherapy - Is only second to the two above. This can be done right in your own home. This is the use of essential oils (pure herbal extracts) either released into the air, added to a warm bath or used with a carrier oil directly on the skin. Not only do essential oils help please the sensory factors but can have pharmaceutical properties as well. Oils have been known to help calm a busy mind, relax muscles, soothe skin and relieve pain.
Biofeedback Training - Here is a means of enhancing mental awareness of body changes. It helps to regulate the body's vital functions and fortify overall health. Electronic biofeedback instruments supply information about the body not usually available to the conscious, heart rate, muscle tension, blood circulation, brainwave activity and other body functions become visual and help enable the person to control their reaction to various stimuli or situations. With this process it can help refocus the mind away from negative destructive influences and thinking with it's affects on the body and turns them into positive reaction and feedback thereby the individual gaining strength. This allows and individuals stress to be better maintained and aids with IBS symptoms, migraines, difficulties in breathing, depression, anxiety, insomnia and attention disorders.
Chiropractic - A chiropractor with a natural approach is a treasure. Chiropractic work keeps the spine with its attached nerves connected to the stomach in proper alignment. This many times has eased pressure and pain associated to IBS as well as pain associated to other locations in the body. Keeping a chiropractic visit in your treatment plan may not seem needed, but is always appreciated when you get it.
CranioSacral/Myofascial Release - These two can have a light touch but a most powerful impact to your body. Both of which are a gentle form of bodywork to release the restricted areas located in the underlying layers of the body. While massage focus' on muscle, this targets the layers around and above muscle and under the skin also known as fascia. The therapist applies stretching techniques that puts small amounts of pressure on the fascia. Experts have shown by sustaining pressure over a period of time the fascia softens and relieves pain. It can effectively treat chronic pain, dysfunctions affecting the head, jaw, spine and back.
Homeopathy/Herbal Medicine - Including traditional Chinese and Ayurvedic medicine, are all types of medicine integrated from other cultures. Cultures around the world have been known to have a unique touch because they treat the body as a whole, not just individual parts or ailments. Adding a new type of medicine or treatment option may give you the relief you need. Ask around who people in your area recommend, ask people in natural food stores or herbal listings. Having a personal reference is usually helpful to get you headed to the right person that can be of assistance.
Massage - Runs parallel to Acupuncture. From feather touch to deep tissue, massage ranges like mountains to the ocean. Not all techniques work the same for everyone. Chances are though if you have never had a massage or don't get one regularly, you need one. At once thought as 'dirty' has turned into a necessity for those with health issues. Tense muscles hold stress, get rid of the tension throughout the body and your physical stress will release. This also allows the body to heal correctly and function smoothly. **Photo credit by Breathe Body Works of St John's
Physical training can be of great assistance for stress reduction. Also getting a gym membership, 20 minutes in a steam room or sauna, swimming, walking, running or biking can all be great tension relievers. Proven fact that adrenaline will remain in your system for 20 minutes. When we deal with stresses in life and add our current health situation in the mix our adrenal glands wear down leaving us with the inability to deal properly with stress which in turn causes more stress. If we are able to set aside at least 20 - 30 minutes in our day to be calm to collect our thoughts and relax our tension our overall health improves.
Pilates/Yoga - Pilates focus is on conditioning the body through exercise and movement to complete and balance the individual body. By stretching and strengthening while fully engaging the mind you are able to focus and keep body alignment and balance. This takes concentration and can help release tension from physical and mental stresses. Yoga in its truest form is a method of body-mind integration used to achieve spiritual enlightenment. Liberally done it is internal focus and stretching to gain strength from within. This in turn can offer means of gaining and maintaining physical, emotional and mental health and well-being.
Qigong/Tai Chi - Are two different forms of movement but achieve similar results. Qigong is the most popular method of disease prevention in China. It is an ancient system of movement, breathing techniques, self-massage, and meditation. Known to improve health, increase vitality, can reduce pain, anxiety and depression. Tai Chi originated in China and is performed in the fresh morning air. Its movement is designed to strengthen the organs and muscles, improve circulation and posture, relax both body and mind known by many as 'poetry in motion'.
Reflexology - In reflexology the pressure points in your hands, feet and ears are targeted. All nerve endings are located in your hands and feet of which provide larger reflex points. This is not a foot and hand massage, here the therapist applies noninvasive but penetrating pressure to specific nerve endings. Reflexology has been found to be most effective in stimulating and balancing the energy flow to specific organs, glands and other systems of the body that correspond to these reflex points.
Acupuncture - This is at the top of our recommendation list. Afraid of needles? We were too, then we learned a good Acupuncturist has a variety of ways to do the same thing. They can use cupping, acupressure, shiatsu massage, Jin Shin Jyutsu, Jin Shin Do, Moxabustion, as well as others. All of which help the flow of chi (energy) throughout the body. This also can be described as releasing or moving your blood through the body that may be stopped up somewhere behind injury, internal stress, or locked muscles. By tapping a fine pin (or needle) into the area it helps release that pressure or blockage from the inside out.
Aromatherapy - Is only second to the two above. This can be done right in your own home. This is the use of essential oils (pure herbal extracts) either released into the air, added to a warm bath or used with a carrier oil directly on the skin. Not only do essential oils help please the sensory factors but can have pharmaceutical properties as well. Oils have been known to help calm a busy mind, relax muscles, soothe skin and relieve pain.
Biofeedback Training - Here is a means of enhancing mental awareness of body changes. It helps to regulate the body's vital functions and fortify overall health. Electronic biofeedback instruments supply information about the body not usually available to the conscious, heart rate, muscle tension, blood circulation, brainwave activity and other body functions become visual and help enable the person to control their reaction to various stimuli or situations. With this process it can help refocus the mind away from negative destructive influences and thinking with it's affects on the body and turns them into positive reaction and feedback thereby the individual gaining strength. This allows and individuals stress to be better maintained and aids with IBS symptoms, migraines, difficulties in breathing, depression, anxiety, insomnia and attention disorders.
Chiropractic - A chiropractor with a natural approach is a treasure. Chiropractic work keeps the spine with its attached nerves connected to the stomach in proper alignment. This many times has eased pressure and pain associated to IBS as well as pain associated to other locations in the body. Keeping a chiropractic visit in your treatment plan may not seem needed, but is always appreciated when you get it.
CranioSacral/Myofascial Release - These two can have a light touch but a most powerful impact to your body. Both of which are a gentle form of bodywork to release the restricted areas located in the underlying layers of the body. While massage focus' on muscle, this targets the layers around and above muscle and under the skin also known as fascia. The therapist applies stretching techniques that puts small amounts of pressure on the fascia. Experts have shown by sustaining pressure over a period of time the fascia softens and relieves pain. It can effectively treat chronic pain, dysfunctions affecting the head, jaw, spine and back.
Homeopathy/Herbal Medicine - Including traditional Chinese and Ayurvedic medicine, are all types of medicine integrated from other cultures. Cultures around the world have been known to have a unique touch because they treat the body as a whole, not just individual parts or ailments. Adding a new type of medicine or treatment option may give you the relief you need. Ask around who people in your area recommend, ask people in natural food stores or herbal listings. Having a personal reference is usually helpful to get you headed to the right person that can be of assistance.
Massage - Runs parallel to Acupuncture. From feather touch to deep tissue, massage ranges like mountains to the ocean. Not all techniques work the same for everyone. Chances are though if you have never had a massage or don't get one regularly, you need one. At once thought as 'dirty' has turned into a necessity for those with health issues. Tense muscles hold stress, get rid of the tension throughout the body and your physical stress will release. This also allows the body to heal correctly and function smoothly. **Photo credit by Breathe Body Works of St John's
Physical training can be of great assistance for stress reduction. Also getting a gym membership, 20 minutes in a steam room or sauna, swimming, walking, running or biking can all be great tension relievers. Proven fact that adrenaline will remain in your system for 20 minutes. When we deal with stresses in life and add our current health situation in the mix our adrenal glands wear down leaving us with the inability to deal properly with stress which in turn causes more stress. If we are able to set aside at least 20 - 30 minutes in our day to be calm to collect our thoughts and relax our tension our overall health improves.
Pilates/Yoga - Pilates focus is on conditioning the body through exercise and movement to complete and balance the individual body. By stretching and strengthening while fully engaging the mind you are able to focus and keep body alignment and balance. This takes concentration and can help release tension from physical and mental stresses. Yoga in its truest form is a method of body-mind integration used to achieve spiritual enlightenment. Liberally done it is internal focus and stretching to gain strength from within. This in turn can offer means of gaining and maintaining physical, emotional and mental health and well-being.
Qigong/Tai Chi - Are two different forms of movement but achieve similar results. Qigong is the most popular method of disease prevention in China. It is an ancient system of movement, breathing techniques, self-massage, and meditation. Known to improve health, increase vitality, can reduce pain, anxiety and depression. Tai Chi originated in China and is performed in the fresh morning air. Its movement is designed to strengthen the organs and muscles, improve circulation and posture, relax both body and mind known by many as 'poetry in motion'.
Reflexology - In reflexology the pressure points in your hands, feet and ears are targeted. All nerve endings are located in your hands and feet of which provide larger reflex points. This is not a foot and hand massage, here the therapist applies noninvasive but penetrating pressure to specific nerve endings. Reflexology has been found to be most effective in stimulating and balancing the energy flow to specific organs, glands and other systems of the body that correspond to these reflex points.
