Are you looking to achieve a greater quality of life? Well, you’re not alone. Studies show that with the rapidly changing healthcare system, more people are seeking preventative healthcare programmes or holistic health and medicine.
There is a lot of buzz these days about holistic healing. Many people find that these holistic healing practices such as yoga and chiropractic care actually work! If you are thinking about practising holistic healing activities, learn what the popular practices are and which one is right for you. Below are definitions for 10 popular holistic healing practices.
You will probably be surprised to know that these practices are offered by more than 80,000 doctors throughout the United States and their numbers have tripled around the world. You can probably find many holistic healing practices right in your own country. Search and you will find holistic doctors and practices near you.
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Acupuncture
Acupuncture was developed in China over 6,000 years ago. It is based on the theory of qui or what is commonly called the chi life force. Acupuncture helps the body’s ability to correct and balance itself. Chi is channelled by continuous flow throughout the body into a network of meridians. Hair-thin disposable needles are inserted into specific points along the meridian to stimulate or disperse the flow of energy to correct and balance it.
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Aromatherapy
Aromatherapy is an ancient healing art. Aromatherapy focuses on the principles of massage, diet, and psychological factors of illness. Essential oils derived from herbs, flowers, and fruits are either inhaled, or applied to the skin. Different oils, either solo or in combination, address specific disorders like organ dysfunctions and skin problems.
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Reflexology
Reflexology is the theory of applying pressure to specific points found on the hands, feet, and outer ears. Reflexology is a science and an art, which, when performed correctly, can dramatically help healing from within. Specific relaxing touch is used to relieve headaches, joint pain, allergic reactions, stomach problems, and colon issues. A pressure map that looks like the body is used to diagnose and resolve the problems that you have.
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Chiropractic care
Chiropractic care is practised by spinal specialists trained in adjusting and manipulating the spinal column. Chiropractic care is about attaining a whole body balance between the spine, organs, and skin. A spinal specialist can diagnose and treat your symptoms of back pain, disc problems, sports or dance injuries, and car accidents. Chiropractic care also focuses on exercise, nutrition, and natural therapies.
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T’ai Chi
T’ai Chi is the Chinese Taoist form of martial art. T’ai Chi is a practice that involves coordinated breathing with slow, graceful movements. T’ai Chi can be beneficial for meditative and health purposes, and can be practised by people of all ages. With increased speed, the movements of T’ai Chi can be used as a weapon of self-defence. The coordinated breathing relaxes the body and decreases the shallowness of breath, while calming the mind and body. T’ai Chi can help regulate your heartbeat, digestion, neurology, and glandular functions.
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Pilates
Pilates is a body conditioning programme developed by Joseph Pilates [1880-1967]. Pilates can improve your muscle control and flexibility, coordination, strength, and muscle-tone. Pilates is the art of coordinating the mind and body to make you more aware of your body and emotions. Pilates helps you improve your alignment and breathing as well as efficiency and movement. Pilates is a series of coordinated movements similar to yoga, but a bit more advanced in focussing on the muscles.
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Reiki
The word Reiki actually means universal life force. Reiki is the art of maintaining spiritual focus and mental clarity, and is based on the theory of activating and balancing your life force energy. Light hand placement over the body helps channel energy to the major organs and glands, and aligns the chakras [energy centres]. Reiki can help you rid your body and mind of stress and pain.
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Feng Shui
Feng Shui is the Chinese art/science of the relationships between humans and the surrounding environment. Feng shui was developed over 4,000 years ago and is now commonly known as the art of placement. Feng shui is based on the idea that electromagnetic currents flow all around us and when the placement of buildings and furniture is correct, there is a harmony of the forces. Feng shui can maximise your health and wealth by providing you with an environment where you have improved sleep, increased productivity, and feel more energised. Interior and exterior adjustments to your home are advised by the feng shui expert.
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Therapeutic touch
Therapeutic touch, in the past, was only practised by a few hundred doctors in the United States. Recently, the popularity of therapeutic touch has grown in leaps and bounds. Therapeutic touch focuses on rebalancing and refreshing your body’s energy fields. No-touch techniques used over the body alleviate pain and stress. Now, therapeutic touch is taught in over 80 universities and practised by 20,000-30,000 professionals. Therapeutic touch can help facilitate the body’s natural process of self healing.
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Yoga
Yoga is the art of aligning the mind and body in one union. Concentrated rhythmic breathing and a series of poses create energy and align your posture. Yoga is also beneficial for meditative uses to control mental consciousness. Yoga helps you achieve a state of focus and clarity while strengthening, toning your body and helping you lose weight.
So whichever practice you choose, know that there are alternative healing practices available to improve your wellbeing. You can incorporate holistic health care in your daily life and start your journey to a healthier, happier you.