Things You Should Know About Natural Health Remedies
Natural health remedies sounds like a hip new practice of medicine, perhaps performed by a throw back from the 60’s—remedies that might involve burning incense and channeling an alternate life source. Honestly some research will reveal that some remedies out there require such practices, but many are based on philosophies handed down through history.
Other remedies are break offs of forms that were developed when medicine started. To start with, a definition or understanding of what natural health is would be helpful. Natural health is also known as alternative health. This is any practice that does not fit into the category of mainstream healthcare. Some examples would include:
• Herbal medicine
• Naturopathy
• Osteopathy
• Chiropractic
• Ancient Chinese Therapies
• Holistic healing
Each of these base their philosophies on different aspects of the body. They focus on one section or area and believe that healing of that area will bring full wellness to the body and soul.
How Does One Make Sense Of It All?
To gain a better sense of natural remedies, one should get a better understanding of what the different forms are and what they encompass. You can do this with a little literary research and a battery of questions aimed at a professional in that field. Having good communication with your personal physician and your alternative therapist will make for a positive experience. To list all the types of alternative medicine choices would take a book but to give a better understanding, here are a few that you may encounter:
• Herbal medicine – This form of alternative medicine practices using herbs and plant products to heal ailments and to maintain physical and mental wellness. Plants and herbs are used in cooking, supplement form, teas, or as a topical ointment. It is always a good idea to inform your herbalist of what you may take for prescriptions so that you do not encounter a reaction. For example, someone who is taking a prescription for high blood pressure may start taking an herbal supplement that claims to do the same (garlic for example), the wrong dosage could lead to dangerously low blood pressure.
• Naturopathy – The practice that activates the body’s natural self-healing capabilities and treats the whole person rather than a specific disorder. Most practitioners’ goals are to accomplish a state of complete physical, mental, and social well-being, and not just the absence of disease. Some diseases or ailments that have been known to be cured are: digestive disorders, musculoskeletal problems, skin conditions, infections, migraines, female and male reproductive issues, allergies, stress, and sleep difficulties. A patient should have a complete physical from a naturopathic practitioner and research their background like they would a regular medical physician.
• Chiropractic – Many people understand this practice as a practitioner that heals those who may have suffered from back injuries. Why this is true, they offer more in the way of healing. The musculoskeletal system is the main focus and healing that would then, in turn, create healing throughout the body. People visit chiropractors for a variety of disorders, such as headaches, leg pains, or even pains in their torso. Having their body realigned makes them feel less stress which makes them feel better.
• Holistic Healing – This is still a hands-on approach to wellness but it does not start with a system in the body. This alternative medical therapy heals the mind and the soul, which will then help heal the body. This approach will take complete belief because you must channel into the part of the brain that is not skewed by everyday influences. Tapping into this powerful energy source will allow your body to help heal itself and maintain wellness. An example of this therapy would be Reiki. A Reiki master can promote healing in the body by the power of touch. They may lay their hands on a patient’s body and touch on certain points and their positive energy is then transformed to the areas of pain.
Just like with anything in life, having a better understanding of a newer concept will answer questions and doubts, which will allow your mind to grasp and accept new healing concepts. An open mind will be the gateway to endless possibilities to wellness of the body, the mind, and the soul.
