Up to 80% of the world’s population uses holistic medicine.
How is it different from conventional medicine? It addresses the whole person—the mind, body, and spirit—instead of just treating the symptoms.
If anything, it allows you to take control of your health through self-care and lifestyle changes.
Interested in learning more? Want to know what some of the most common types of holistic medicine are?
If so, you’re at the right place. We’ll be going over a few different types of treatments below. Keep reading to learn more!
1. Acupuncture
Acupuncture is a form of traditional Chinese medicine that involves inserting tiny needles into specific areas of the body aka ‘trigger points’; this is believed to stimulate the body’s natural healing abilities. Not only that, but it also helps to balance the body’s flow of energy or life force known as ‘qi.’
For example, it can help those with migraines, knee pain, low back pain, osteoarthritis, or neck pain; it may also treat nausea, hypertension, sciatica, allergic rhinitis, and some gastric conditions.
While it’s generally well tolerated, some people may experience mild side effects, such as bleeding or bruising where the needle punctures the skin.
2. Myofascial Cupping
Myofascial cupping, also known as cupping therapy, uses negative pressure to release tension in the body. A type of soft tissue treatment, it uses a combination of negative pressure and massage strokes to lift and stretch the underlying tissues in the neck, back, shoulders, abdomen, legs, or arms.
Not only will this encourage blood flow, but it can also help with pain. For instance, it may ease the symptoms of back pain, neck pain, carpal tunnel syndrome, and arthritis.
It’s important to note, however, that it can cause side effects such as skin discoloration, bleeding, and burns. It may also worsen certain skin conditions, such as psoriasis or eczema.
3. Aromatherapy
Aromatherapy is a holistic healing treatment that uses essential oils to promote health and wellbeing. There are three ways that you can use them—you can inhale them using a humidifier or diffuser, apply them onto your skin (they must be diluted with a carrier oil), or take them orally.
While it won’t cure diseases or illnesses per se, it can help reduce symptoms such as nausea, pain, anxiety, fatigue, and headaches.
Some of the most commonly used essential oils include jasmine, peppermint, lavender, chamomile, bergamot, tea tree, and eucalyptus.
Tip: Essential oils are highly flammable, so be sure to keep them away from open flames.
Different Types of Holistic Medicine
There are many types of holistic medicine that can be used as an adjunct to conventional medicine. Keep in mind, however, they do have potential risks—so be sure to do your research when you’re looking for the best holistic treatment.
Interested in more health-related content? Then make sure to visit the rest of our health and fitness section!
Danny White is a freelance writer who offers to ghostwrite, copywriting, and blogging services. He works closely with B2C and B2B businesses providing digital marketing content that gains social media attention and increases their search engine visibility.
