Natural therapies are on the rise as viable treatment methods, alongside conventional western medicine practices. For those who are looking for a break from drug medication and would like to experience treatment methods that are patient-centred and enforce lifestyle changes, natural therapy may be an option worth considering.
What are natural therapies?
Natural therapies embody a large range of disciplines, which all aim to treat their patients’ physical and emotional health without traditional medical drugs and procedures. Through alternative treatment methods such as chiropractic care, acupuncture and nutrition management, natural therapies may help treat health complications successfully.
What are the different types of natural therapies?
As mentioned previously, there are many different disciplines of natural therapies – all of which aim to treat different health problems. They include (but are not limited to):
- Chiropractic Care
Chiropractic care involves spinal manipulation, and is performed by qualified chiropractors through hands-on application. Similar to massaging, chiropractors use their hands to apply a controlled force to an affected area, usually a joint in the spine. Chiropractic care may help with correcting poor posture and improve the functions of the nervous and musculoskeletal systems in the spine.
- Acupuncture
Acupuncture is a form of body-based natural therapy. It involves the insertion of fine and sterile needles into the skin, to probe points in the body for improved blood circulation. According to its histories in traditional Chinese Medicine, acupuncture unblocks qi (energy) within the body and allows it to strengthen vital focus, as well as reduce emotional and physical health pains.
- Chinese Herbal Medicine
Chinese herbs are an integral part of traditional Chinese medicine. Much like other natural therapies using herbs, the intake or application of Chinese herbs may help treat diseases and promote health. It is believed that such herbs may unblock energy meridians, bring a balance to a patients’ internal yin and yang, and restore healthy organ function.
- Diet/Nutrition Management
When it comes to nutrition management, the most common type within natural therapies is naturopathic nutrition. This involves a thorough management of what a patient eats, and how their dietary habits may affect their overall health. Depending on a patients’ health concerns and individual circumstances, professional nutritionists will devise a diet plan with a balance of fats, proteins, carbohydrates, vitamins, minerals, antioxidants and other nutrients. Nutrition management may treat both the root causes of diseases, as well as their symptoms, hence promoting a holistic image of health.
- Massage Therapy
There are many different types of massages but they all help to treat strained muscles, and may help with relaxing tissue manually, as well as generally relaxing the body. Massage therapy may help with treating back pain, stress, muscle tension and nausea.
How are natural therapies different?
Natural therapies are different to traditional western medicines because they do not rely on medical drugs for treatment. As a result, there are rarely any side effects that come with natural therapies – besides the chances of ineffective treatments. Natural therapies are also much more patient-centred, as natural therapists will spend time documenting their patients’ individual health concerns before beginning a treatment plan.
For more information on natural therapies, it is best to visit a clinic yourself and consult with professionals about how treatments may be able to help your health concerns.