Monday, May 21, 2012

Alternative Healing Therapies

The human body is a miraculous thing. It can survive serious injuries and recover from great illnesses. In the "old" days, people relied on "Alternative Healing Therapies", known to them as home remedies to heal illnesses. Today, as a culture, we have come to rely so heavily on modern medicine that we often forget how capable are our bodies are of healing all on their own with, a little help from nature.

Lately, people are becoming aware of the damage pharmaceutical overuse can have. Because of this, more people are turning to alternative healing therapies. In nearly every home there seems to be a small pharmacy worth of alternative remedies.

What Are Alternative Healing Therapies?

Alternative Healing Therapies, also called complementary healing therapies, are types of health treatment outside the realm of modern medicine. These range from basic massage to acupuncture and aromatherapy. While the methods used in alternative healing vary greatly, they all follow one basic principle. All types of alternative healing therapies seek to assist the body in healing itself in the least invasive and damaging ways possible.

There are many types of Alternative Therapies. You can easily become certified in some of them such as; massage, aromatherapy, meditation, and acupressure. Others, like acupuncture and holistic dentistry require professional training for which you earn a degree. Most types of alternative healing therapies are improved by use of one or more of the others. This is why you often see massage therapists who also practice acupressure and aromatherapy.


Alternative Healing Therapies are Safe and Natural

Since Alternative Therapies rely mostly on natural methods and ingredients, there is very little risk of side effects or damage to the body. However, as with any outside influences on the body, users of alternative healing therapies should proceed with caution when introducing any new elements into their body.

This means being aware of any potential risks or side effects associated with the herb or product they are using as well as any allergies or sensitivities that they may have. Use herbs, oils, supplements, and other outside influences sparingly. Even the best things can be harmful when used in excess.

Meditation, Massage, and Guided Imagery

It may seem odd to think of something like meditation or massage as a type of therapy. To a culture so dependent on modern medicine the idea of meditation as a form of therapy may seem odd. However, both meditation and guided imagery have been proven time and again to assist the body in healing itself. This is due to the fact that the body is more capable of healing when it is relaxed. The same is true of a positive mindset. Whether it is a broken bone or a serious illness, the human body will always heal faster and more completely if it is happy, well rested, and relaxed.

Herbalism and Natural Therapy

Throughout history, we have used plants to help our bodies heal. This is called herbalism and it is one of the most widely used. Modern medicine was born out of herbalism and many medicines are still created using the properties of plants. Because of this, herbalism is one of the forms of alternative healing therapy that requires the most research and caution. It should be used sparingly and alongside other less invasive forms.

A Better Way To Heal

In the end, most types of Alternative therapies are still safer and less invasive than modern medicine. The human body is an amazing thing, capable of great healing. Sometimes, all it needs is a little help. Often times, alternative therapies can provide just the right amount of help without the dangerous risks and side effects so often found in modern medicine.