I think more and more people are turning to alternative medicine and treatments.
I personally prefer to use alternative treatments, unless I break a bone or have to have an operation or something like that.
I don't like to take prescrition medicine, the thought of getting addicted to tablets frightens me and the side effects can often be worse than the original symptoms, but I do realise that prescription medicine and treatment from the doctor and hospitals is benefical for certain needs, so I'm not knocking it. I myself have just been suffering with back pains and had to go to the doctors for pain killers as it was the only thing to numb the pain.
I'm just writing about other techniques as an alternative. These alternative treatments can also be beneficial and can be used on a daily or weekly basis to help aid recovery, combat stress, heal, lift your spirits or relax you.
Homeopathy.
A lot of people don't think this works, they tend to say it's not the medicine your taking but the thought of taking it that's making you better, but who's to say that the power of the mind isn't a wonderful thing and that homeopathy enhances it, as long as the end result is better health from a natural product what's the problem ?
Homeopathy has been used for a wide range of illnesses, it has been used from 1755 onwards to today. It is very popular and used in countries such as Pakistan, Bangladesh, Nepal and Sri Lanka.
It is greatly used in India where it is recognised as a separate branch of medicine. It is catching on in England too.
You can buy homeopathic medicines in most chemists and health shops, there are even homeopathic consultants at certain hospitals. There are private clinic's you can go to see a professional homeopath. You can buy books to read up on the subject, but it is always best to see a qualified homeopath before treating yourself to make sure you have the right diagnosis.
Homeopathic medicine treats lots of symptoms and can help with all kinds of ailments, it's a good alternative to drugs, a natural medicine which surprisingly works well.
Acupuncture.
I have never tried this treatment but have seen it done on T.V and read about it. This is a chinese therapy involving needles being put into the skin at certain points of the body. These points are called the meridians, they are energy channels around the body which are supposed to be related to the internal organs. There are 14 meridians which represent the organs of the body, heart, lungs, kidneys ect.
There are two forces of energy. The Yin and the Yang, if these energy forces are unbalanced then we suffer illness or stress and other ailments.
Acupunture helps to balance these energy forces. It can be used to treat back pain, stress, digestive disorders, help you to stop smoking or other addictions, rheumatism and insomnia.
Yoga.
This is an exercise which stems from India. It's slow stretching exercise combined with breathing techniques to help relax and tone the body as well as relax the mind and give you a feeling of well being. Yoga is a way of life for many people who swear by the health benefits of practising this art.
It is said to help relieve tension and stress, aid in the treatment of stiff joints as well as helping to combat depression. I like to practise yoga every day as it clears the mind and calms you down after a manic day.
Chiropractic.
Chiropractic is a used to relieve pain and correct problems in joints and muscles, this is widely used for the spine, but a lot of chiropractors are seen for problems with the neck sometimes due to injury after whiplash in a car accident.
It is also good for headaches, pulled muscles, or sprains. Sometimes ice or heat can be used in this alternative treatment. A chiropractor will use their hands to treat the different complaints so it's very important to see a fully qualified chiropractor if you are thinking of getting this treatment.
Reiki.
Reiki is a therapy which comes from japan, it is a technique of healing by tapping into the universal life energy. It is a self discovery therapy and there are different effects you can experience from reiki. It creates deep relaxation, removes toxins from the body, energy blockages are said to be removed so that the life energy can flow more freely in your body and it helps you to receive the reiki energy.
Reiki can now be studied at college and is practised by a reiki master. You can also advance to the level of grand master in reiki.
It also uses the techniques of massage, meditation, crystals and aromatheraphy.
It is a very complex theraphy with lots of things to learn if you are studying but the benefits of treatment are said to make you feel relaxed with a more energetic outlook on life, less stressful feelings and a feeling of being intune with your body and life.
It is also good for circulation, fatigue, headaches, the immune system, digestive disorders, aches and pains of the back and lots of other ailments.
Hypnotheraphy.
A lot of people will have probably seen a hypnotist on T.V or maybe on a stage show. These are giving the hypnotherapist a bad name, it really should not be used for fun and can sometimes go wrong.
For an alternative healing therapy it can however have great benefits. A hypnotic state is a conciousness that lies somewhere between sleep and awake, when a person is in such a state they are open to suggestion and the therapist can then ask questions or suggest ways that the patient can resolve the problems they are dealing with.
This technique has been used for lots of things. Things like helping to give up smoking, a fear of flying, phobias and anxieties. A trained hypnotherapist must always be consulted if your going to use this treatment.
Spiritual Healing.
This is the technique of faith healing, a lot of people scoff at this alternative therapy but if it works to help you along in life then why not.
There have been so many faith healers over the centuries that it has to make you wonder does it work? From people like Grigori Rasputin, Franz Mesmer to Jesus, all have been a related to faith healing.
Many religions have faith healing practises of one form or other.
The Shamen, White witches, Witch doctors all use faith healing through various spells, potions, charms and chants.
It is something which has been around since time itself. Although we cannot explain how or why the faith healers cure ailments it all boils down to faith.
Meditation.
This alternative therapy helps you to focus on your goals and aims in life, it will help you to stay calm and relieve stress as well as helping you to find your inner peace and tranquility.
Meditation is also used by lots of religions. Buddhism , Christianity, Hinduism, Wicca and Sufism all use meditation by way of prayer, visulisation or exercise.
Meditation can be learned by anyone, find a few minutes every day or at the end of the day for yourself to wind down and relax.
Sit with your legs crossed on the floor with your hands either in your lap or lightly resting on your knees. Breathe in and out normally, but you will find that the more relaxed you get the deeper your breathing will become.
It is best to focus on an object whilst meditating, something easy on the eye like a flower or a candle. Take your time to learn the technique as you may be restless at first but with practise you will get the hang of it, try to clear the mind of all those nagging thoughts and relax.
You will eventually begin to feel re-energised after the meditation sessions, you'll be more relaxed and ready to cope with the hustle and bustle of life.
Meditation is a great way of getting your life back on track helping us to focus and cope with day to day living.
Well, I hope this has helped you in some way.