What are holistic therapies and what do they do?

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Holistic therapies are an alternative approach to health that considers the whole person, including their physical, mental, emotional and spiritual well-being, instead of just focusing on their symptoms. There are many benefits to holistic therapies, and here are five of the most notable.

1. Stress reduction: Holistic therapies, such as massage, acupuncture, and yoga, can help reduce stress and promote relaxation. This is because these therapies work to balance the body and mind, calming the nervous system and reducing tension in the muscles.
2. Pain management: Holistic therapies can also be used to manage pain and improve physical function. For example, acupuncture and chiropractic can help relieve pain caused by conditions like back pain, headaches, and arthritis. Massage therapy can also help to alleviate pain and discomfort, as well as improve circulation.
3. Improved mental health: Holistic therapies can have a positive impact on mental health, including reducing anxiety and depression. For example, mindfulness meditation can help to calm the mind and increase self-awareness, while cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT) can help people to change negative thought patterns and improve their mental health.
4. Boosted immunity: Holistic therapies can also help to boost the immune system, making the body more resilient against illness and disease. For example, acupuncture can stimulate the immune system by increasing the production of white blood cells, while massage therapy can improve circulation, which helps to transport nutrients and oxygen to the cells.
5. Increased energy: Holistic therapies can also help to increase energy levels and improve overall physical and mental well-being. This can be achieved through techniques such as acupuncture, which can balance the flow of energy in the body, and yoga, which can help to stretch and strengthen the muscles, leading to increased energy levels.

What are the top 5 holistic practices?

So now that you know all the benefits, let’s walk through the top 5 holistic practices you’ve probably heard of.

The 5 most common holistic practices are:

1. Yoga: A physical, mental and spiritual practice that originated in ancient India, and involves postures, breathing techniques, and meditation. It aims to improve physical and mental well-being, and promote spiritual growth.
2. Meditation: A practice that involves focusing the mind, and can be done in many different ways, including mindfulness meditation, transcendental meditation, and guided meditation. It is used to reduce stress, improve mental clarity, and enhance overall well-being.
3. Acupuncture: A traditional Chinese medicine practice that involves the insertion of thin needles into specific points on the body to balance the flow of energy (Qi) and promote healing. It is used to treat a wide range of conditions, including pain, stress, and anxiety.
4. Massage therapy: A form of manual therapy that involves the manipulation of soft tissues to promote relaxation, reduce pain, and improve circulation. There are many different types of massage, including Swedish massage, deep tissue massage, and sports massage.
5. Aromatherapy: A holistic practice that uses essential oils extracted from plants to promote physical and emotional well-being. Aromatherapy can be used for a variety of purposes, including reducing stress, improving sleep, and enhancing mood.

These practices have been used for thousands of years and continue to be popular today as a complementary or alternative approach to conventional medicine. They can be used to help improve physical, mental and emotional well-being, and promote a sense of balance and harmony in the body and mind.

What are the lessor known, more impactful holistic practices?

While the top 5 holistic practices (yoga, meditation, acupuncture, massage therapy, and aromatherapy) are well-known, there are many other holistic therapies that are lesser known but still have a positive impact on health and well-being.

Here are a few examples:

1. Reiki: A form of energy healing that involves the transfer of energy from the practitioner to the recipient through light touch or near touch. It is used to balance the body’s energy and promote healing. You can learn all about Reiki here and become Certified in Reiki Energy Healing online or in-person.
2. Herbal medicine: The use of plants or plant extracts to treat a wide range of health conditions. Herbal medicine has been used for thousands of years and is considered a form of holistic therapy because it treats the whole person, not just their symptoms.
3. Craniosacral therapy: A gentle form of manual therapy that involves the use of light touch to stimulate the craniosacral system (the bones and fluid in the skull, spine, and pelvis). It is used to promote relaxation, reduce stress, and relieve pain.
4. Naturopathy: A holistic practice that emphasizes the use of natural remedies and the body’s own healing abilities. Naturopathy focuses on treating the root cause of a health problem, rather than just its symptoms, and includes practices such as herbal medicine, nutrition, and homeopathy.
5. Sound therapy: A form of holistic therapy that uses sound and music to promote physical, emotional, and mental well-being. Sound therapy can involve singing, drumming, or listening to certain types of music, and is thought to have a positive impact on mood, sleep, and stress levels.

These are just a few examples of the many lesser-known holistic therapies that can have a positive impact on health and well-being. While they may not be as widely recognized as the top 5, they are still valuable complementary or alternative approaches to conventional medicine and can help to promote a sense of balance and harmony in the body and mind.

Why holistic therapies?

Holistic therapies offer many benefits for overall health and well-being, and are a valuable complementary or alternative approach to conventional medicine. They can be used to help reduce stress and pain, improve mental health, boost immunity, and increase energy levels.