There are many different areas of holistic integrative therapy practice areas. Many Western medicine doctors now recommend that their patients use holistic integrative therapies and medicines in conjunction with traditional treatments and therapies. There are even instances where health practitioners that are trained in Western medicine have found holistic therapies and treatments to be more effective than what they have been taught to prescribe.
The following are some of the more popular of the holistic integrative therapies but keep in mind that there are many different ones that are not mentioned here. As well, many holistic integrative therapies are used in conjunction with other kinds of therapies to promote optimal healing and overall improvements in health.
Acupuncture
Acupuncture originated in China. The use of sharpened stones and bones were used for acupuncture treatment starting as early as 6,000 BCE. Documents referencing the system of meridians were sealed in the tomb Ma-Wang-Dui tomb in 198 BCE.
Acupuncture is based on the theory that energy flows along 12 main meridian channels within the human body that represent the major organs and functions of the body and that this energy can be channelized to create balance and health. Acupuncturists insert very fine needles into specific spots on the body to treat various physical, mental, and emotional conditions, in addition to using other tools and herbal supplements.
Chiropractic
D. D. Palmer was the first person to practice the art of chiropractic professionally. In the 1890s, he said that he had received chiropractic from “the other world” and he and his son went on to expand it as a profession in the early 20th century.
Chiropractic therapies focus on the relationship between the body’s physical structure with an emphasis on the spine, and its functioning. The goal of chiropractic adjustments is to increase the range and quality of motion in the area that is being treated to aid and allow it to help the body heal itself and restore its health. Chiropractic adjustments and other manual therapies involve the use of the doctor’s hands or a device, to apply a controlled, rapid force to a joint. These adjustments tend to focus on the spine.
Massage Therapy
There are many different types and styles of massage therapy methods (also called modalities) practiced in the United States today that have originated from all over the world. A very broad definition of massage therapy is that it is the manual manipulation of soft body tissues such as muscles, tendons and ligaments, etc., to enhance a person’s health and well-being.
Massage therapies offer many benefits that include but are not limited to reducing stress, reducing anxiety, relaxing muscles, rehabilitating injuries, reducing pain and improving mobility.
Anxiety Therapy
There are many different anxiety disorders and many potential causes of them. As a result, there are many, many different forms of anxiety therapies that include anywhere from different styles of talk therapy, to ones that involve hands on, physical treatments, to ones that are treated primarily with medications. Some anxiety problems are treated with brain stimulation therapies. Self-help forms of anxiety therapies often include, diet, nutrition, exercise, meditation, mindfulness practices, relaxation techniques and herbal supplements.
There are many, many different valuable holistic integrative therapies that can be used to improve your mind, body, and overall health, that are not mentioned here. Finding the right one or right combination of therapies for you, is an invaluable investment in your health. Start feeling better and getting healthier, today.