Types of Holistic Therapies
- Meditation. Meditation is a mindfulness technique that involves relaxing the body and mind. ...
- Yoga. Yoga is another popular mindfulness activity. The technique uses breathing modulations, body postures and meditation to heal a person’s physical, mental and spiritual health.
- Acupuncture. Acupuncture is the practice of inserting needles into specific points in the body to alleviate pain or treat various health conditions.
- Exercise. Physical activities such as running, playing sports and weightlifting can assist individuals in reducing stress, increasing self-confidence and improving mood.
- Art Therapy. Art therapy employs painting, drawing and modeling to encourage self-expression. Through art therapy, people can help manage behaviors, assuage emotional conflict, increase self-awareness and develop social skills.
- Nutrition Therapy. Maintaining a healthy diet can help people overcome addiction. Eating healthy and staying hydrated can invigorate the mind and body and may expedite recovery.
- Aromatherapy. Aromatherapy uses aromatic essences naturally extracted from plants to promote a healthier body, mind and spirit.
- Prayer. Religion and spirituality can strengthen addiction recovery. Through prayer, people can gain a greater sense of awareness and connection to a higher power.
Is holistic medicine an effective treatment?
Research has found that holistic therapies can enhance addiction recovery when combined with traditional substance use disorder treatments and self-help groups. These complementary therapies can provide additional tools to support people in recovery.
What are the dangers of holistic medicine?
More to Consider
- Don’t use homeopathy to replace proven conventional care or postpone seeing a health care provider about a medical problem.
- If you are considering using a homeopathic product, bring it with you when you visit your health care provider. ...
- Follow the recommended conventional immunization schedules for children and adults. ...
How does holistic medicine help overall health?
- Alternative medical systems. Many of these are comprehensive healing practices established thousands of years ago. ...
- Mind-body interventions. From yoga and meditation to the support groups for prayer and cancer. ...
- Biologically based therapies. ...
- Manipulative and body-based methods. ...
- Energy therapies. ...
What are some examples of holistic medicine?
- Acupuncture
- Ayurveda
- Homeopathy
- Naturopathy
- Chinese or Oriental medicine
What are the different types of holistic healing?
Alternative medicine, complementary therapies, holistic practices, natural healthcare, integrative medicine--these are a few of the terms used nowadays to describe a wide array of healing practices that fall outside purely pharmaceutical or surgical treatments. Some examples are massage, meditation, and acupuncture.
What is the most popular holistic therapy?
Reflexology and body massage are most popular complementary therapies survey finds. A survey conducted by Professional Association the FHT, has found that reflexology and body massage are the two most popular complementary therapies demanded by clients, with aromatherapy coming in third.
What are alternative medicine treatments?
Alternative medicine is a term that describes medical treatments that are used instead of traditional (mainstream) therapies. Some people also refer to it as “integrative,” or “complementary” medicine. More than half of adults in the United States say they use some form of alternative medicine.
What holistic treatments are covered by insurance?
What is alternative health care and when is it covered? Alternative health insurance generally involves Acupuncture, Massage Therapy, Chiropractic, Yoga, and Hypnotherapy as well as other practices.
What is an example of holistic?
An example of holistic is health care that focuses on the health of the entire body and mind and not just parts of the body. Emphasizing the importance of the whole and the interdependence of its parts.
What is an example of holistic health?
Holistic approaches include but are not limited to: acupuncture, acupressure, biofeedback, massage therapy, chiropractic physicians, manual therapy, naturopathic physicians, meditation, guided imagery, yoga, therapeutic touch, reiki and other energy therapies, and ayurveda.
What are holistic doctors called?
naturopathic doctorA naturopathic doctor, or doctor of naturopathic medicine (ND), is trained in naturopathic medicine. This system of medicine combines Western science, natural therapies, and holistic approaches to treat health conditions. Natural therapies may be used as both primary and complementary treatments.
What is the difference between holistic and functional medicine?
Holistic in its approach to treat each patient as a whole, functional medicine seeks the underlying causes rather than treating the symptoms. A functional medicine doctor forms a close partnership with each patient, working hand in hand to find a healthy balance and heal the body.
What are the 5 major types of complementary and alternative medicine?
One of the most widely used classification structures, developed by NCCAM (2000), divides CAM modalities into five categories:Alternative medical systems,Mind-body interventions,Biologically based treatments,Manipulative and body-based methods, and.Energy therapies.
Is homeopathic medicine covered by insurance?
Homeopathy is only covered by 11 percent of major insurers. Expect to pay for most homeopathic remedies out of pocket.
Is naturopath covered by insurance?
Yes. Naturopathic medicine is reimbursed through your extended health insurance. The amount of coverage varies depending on your plan but it is generally in the region of $200 - $500 per year. For most people this is plenty for high quality primary care, natural medicine and wellness from a Naturopathic doctor.
Does Medicare cover alternative medicine?
Many Medicare Advantage beneficiaries are eligible for holistic, complementary, or osteopathic medicine. The specific benefits you can receive depend on your plan. Alternative therapies such as acupuncture, chiropractic care, and massage are becoming more popular among Americans.
What Is Holistic Therapy?
Holistic therapy, also sometimes referred to as holistic psychotherapy or body-centered psychotherapy, is an integrative type of therapy that incorporates both traditional and non-traditional treatments to help the individual as a whole.
Types of Holistic Therapy
Holistic psychotherapy is an umbrella term that can encompass a number of different types of treatments. Professionals who offer this type of treatment may refer to themselves as holistic therapists, but they may also refer to their practice as:
Techniques
Holistic therapy utilizes a range of techniques to help individuals understand their symptoms. In addition, such strategies are designed to foster a greater sense of self-awareness to better understand the connections between their body, mind, and relationships and how these elements play a role in mental health.
What Holistic Therapy Can Help With
Holistic therapy may be helpful in the treatment of a number of different psychological conditions. Some of these include:
Benefits of Holistic Therapy
The wellness practices that are frequently utilized in holistic therapy are often used more generally to help people deal with tension and stress and to promote overall well-being.
Effectiveness
Because of the wide variety of techniques and approaches utilized in holistic therapy, it can be difficult to evaluate its efficacy. However, it often incorporates other empirically validated therapies such as CBT and brief dynamic psychotherapy.
Things to Consider
As with other types of therapy, it is essential to be willing to work with your therapist to deal with the emotional and mental conflicts you are facing. Holistic approaches require participation and are often very hands-on.
What is holistic therapy?
Holistic therapy is a non-invasive treatment, which acts as an alternative to western medicine. This method of ‘hands-on healing’ has been effectively used for centuries. Its name derives from the Greek term ‘holos’, which means ‘whole’. Rather than just addressing immediate symptoms, a holistic therapist will look for the underlying cause ...
What is massage therapy?
Massage therapy. Massage uses touch and manipulation to balance and heal the whole body. There are lots of types of massage treatments available which target different areas of the body in different ways, using specific techniques and pressures.
How does aromatherapy work?
Holistic aromatherapy uses essential oils to promote wellness. Rather than just choosing oils that have a pleasant scent, the idea is to match up these aromas with their optimal application. So, for example, lavender is thought to promote relaxation and lemongrass to soothe the mind. Essential oils have many different uses. In the spa, oils are often used as part of a massage. When choosing an essential oil for your own use, or when visiting a spa, it is important to take into account your specific circumstances. For example, some oils should be avoided if you are pregnant, have high blood pressure or are breastfeeding. Always let your spa therapist know beforehand, so they can choose the right aromatherapy oils for you.
What is Reiki massage?
Reiki is a traditional Japanese holistic technique used for reducing stress, promoting relaxation and encouraging natural healing. While the treatment involves touching the client’s body, it is not a massage. You stay dressed during the treatment and the therapist places their hands gently and lightly on the body in a certain sequence.
What is reflexology for feet?
Reflexology focuses on certain pressure points or ‘reflex zones’ to improve circulation , achieve relaxation and even promote natural pain relief. Many people think reflexology is just about the feet, but reflex zones can also be found on the hands and ears. The idea is that these zones correspond to organs in the body, so applying pressure externally produces positive effects internally.
Can you use essential oils in a spa?
In the spa, oils are often used as part of a massage. When choosing an essential oil for your own use, or when visiting a spa, it is important to take into account your specific circumstances. For example, some oils should be avoided if you are pregnant, have high blood pressure or are breastfeeding.
What is holistic treatment?
Holistic treatment programs use natural methods to focus on all aspects of a person’s health. Your physical and mental health are linked. Holistic therapies focus on finding the source problems that led to your addictions, rather than just treating the symptoms.
What is the best treatment for detox?
Acupuncture is an alternative medicine practice from China that involves placing thin needles at various points in the body to stimulate healing. This may be especially useful during detoxification, as it can soften withdrawal symptoms and decrease cravings brought on by detox.
Why is yoga considered a therapy?
Yoga is a popular therapy because it combines mindfulness with physical activity. Yoga uses breathing techniques, body postures, and meditation to improve your health. It can relieve stress and anxiety and helps patients practice coping mechanisms.
How does art therapy help?
Art therapy helps confront emotional conflict, practice behavior management, increase awareness, gain social skills, and can even reduce anxiety and boost self-esteem.
What is neurofeedback treatment?
Neurofeedback is a non-invasive treatment that enables a computer to read your brainwaves through electroencephalography (EEG). These signals can help you understand areas of irregularity or distress. The treatment can help ease symptoms of addiction, trauma, and mental health.
How does massage therapy help with recovery?
Many people experience high levels of stress and pain due to physical symptoms of recovery. Massage therapy can help relieve pain and stress.
What does music therapy do?
Music therapy can reduce muscle tension and anxiety. It helps encourage openness in personal relationships. For some people who have trouble expressing themselves, music can act as a translator.
The origins of holistic therapy and its growing popularity today
Holistic therapy may be a buzzword in the mental health space today, but it has existed for centuries.
Reiki
Reiki, a Japanese form of energy healing, involves a person lying peacefully on a table or mat. Sumpf says a practitioner may place their hands gently on or above the client’s body to free energy that can get stuck during periods of prolonged stress or trauma.
Sound healing
Sumpf says sound baths are a type of sound healing that uses singing bowls. These bowls create vibrations that may change brain waves for improved health. She says they can help balance the chakra systems, which are energy centers associated with specific organs.
Breathwork
Breathwork, as the name implies, regulates the nervous system through breathing. Breathwork could help with trauma treatment, though Sumpf cautions it can trigger some people.
Meditation and yoga
Meditation places a larger emphasis on remaining present in the moment. Sumpf says it can help manage stress, improve mental clarity, and increase self-awareness.
Acupuncture and massage
During acupuncture, a licensed practitioner will trigger specific points in the body by inserting needles. A 2018 analysis says it can help with pain, including headaches.
Tai chi, grounding, and cranial sacral therapy
Tai chi, or meditation in motion, is a low impact form of martial arts that originated in ancient China. A 2018 study indicates it might help with stress.
How does holistic treatment work?
But, if there is an underlying cause such as stress, poor nutrition, or lack of physical exercise; the illness may recur. Holistic treatment methods on the other hand, are administered differently. While normal diagnosis is based on any conventional tests, further considerations are made based on the nutritional, mental, emotional, spiritual and environmental conditions of the patient. This helps to pick up hidden cause of illness so that wholesome treatment can be administered.
How does holistic medicine help?
However, in holistic medicine, the patient is required to be involved in managing their health. To do this, the patient learns about the things and practices that may be causing illness in order to avoid them. This health education can help the patient to achieve sustainable good health.
Why is holistic medicine considered a holistic approach?
Because holistic medicine considers the body as a whole, and seeks to achieve overall health, it avoids treatments with known dangerous side effects. Instead, it uses alternatives which are known to work without posing new health risks to the patient.
Why is holistic medicine important?
Because holistic medicine considers the body as a whole, and seeks to achieve overall health, it avoids treatments with known dangerous side effects. Instead, it uses alternatives which are known to work without posing new health risks to the patient. This way, the patient does not end up suffering from a new health condition as a result of treatment for the initial condition.
Principles of Holistic Medicine
The holistic approach also agrees that a person is the most in charge of their health and welfare. And that unconditional love and support are some of the best healers. Here are the other principles of holistic medicine:
Types of Holistic Treatments
Holistic medicine practitioners use different types of techniques. To help patients learn how to take responsibility for their wellness and good health. These are examples of techniques based on a practitioner’s experience:
Finding a holistic practitioner
A holistic practitioner is also composed of other medical doctors. The practice may include naturopathic doctors or chiropractors. You can check out the American Holistic Medical Association website if you need to find a holistic practitioner. Here are some things to keep in mind for choosing a holistic practitioner:
What are the benefits of holistic healing?
These provide holistic support for the natural healing systems of the body, which help overcome and resist an array of both mental and physical health problems, including anxiety, stress and depression.
How to reduce anxiety symptoms?
Eliminating alcohol and caffeine, decreasing your intake of refined carbohydrates, sugary food products, and foods with chemicals and additives has shown to improve anxiety symptoms. Vitamin B, magnesium, and calcium all contribute to the proper functioning and health of the central nervous system.
What is cognitive behavioral therapy?
Cognitive behavioral therapy ( CBT ) is one of the therapies we use in tandem with holistic treatment for anxiety. Research shows this kind of counseling to be successful in the treatment of social anxiety, panic disorder, generalized anxiety disorder, and phobias, as well as several other conditions. CBT addresses the negative patterns and ...
What are the distant organs that help with anxiety?
Even distant organs such as the thyroid gland, immune system, brain, adrenal gland, liver, and gut interact, and in vital ways, function successfully as one. We can help you bring your body back to balance in safe, comfortable ways. Traditional anxiety help is not the only choice, you have other options.
Who is Diane from Alternative to Meds?
Diane is an avid supporter and researcher of natural mental health strategies. Diane received her medical writing and science communication certification through Stanford University and has published over 3 million words on the topics of holistic health, addiction, recovery, and alternative medicine. She has proudly worked with the Alternative to Meds Center since its inception and is grateful for the opportunity to help the founding members develop this world-class center that has helped so many thousands regain natural mental health.
Can holistic medicine help with anxiety?
For people who struggle with symptoms of anxiety and have not found relief with traditional medicine, holistic treatment for anxiety may change your life. We can help you understand the choices for natural treatment for anxiety. We can also help you with many other life challenges, including depression, stress, and substance abuse.
What is holistic treatment?
A holistic approach to treatment includes substance use disorder.
What is holistic approach to depression?
As a result, people are turning to a holistic approach to anxiety and depression treatment. This approach includes vitamins for depression and anxiety treatment .
What vitamins are good for anxiety?
Magnesium. Zinc. So, if you are looking for a holistic approach to anxiety, adding a multi-vitamin is beneficial. However, each brand of vitamins is different. For this reason, it’s best to ask your doctor about vitamins for depression and anxiety.
How to help with anxiety and depression?
Traditional treatment of anxiety and depression typically includes the use of pharmacotherapy. Drugs such as Xanax and Klonopin are often used in treatment.
What is the best treatment for anxiety?
A holistic approach to anxiety and depression treatment may include yoga, acupuncture, and other natural therapies.
How to deal with depression and anxiety?
Another holistic approach to anxiety and depression is just going outside. Take a walk through a park or hike through nature. Step away from the stressors in life and get lost in nature. Being in nature is also proven to ease anxiety and depression.
Does meditation help with withdrawal?
The brain produces a “natural high” when you meditate. This effect is similar to the “high” from drugs and alcohol. The best part is meditation doesn’t produce withdrawal symptoms.
