Holistic medicine - 5 main branches

Holistic medicine - 5 main branches

You've probably heard of holistic medicine before. A friend of yours is sure to have experienced alternative treatment. You've probably also tried to benefit from complementary therapy. Maybe you know some holistic treatments. But I am convinced that you do not know all branches of holistic medicine. According to web references, there are over 30 main types of holistic medicine. In this article we introduce you to the 5 most important holistic therapies.

acupuncture. Acupuncture is a traditional Chinese medicine that has been practiced for thousands of years. Needles are inserted into the human body in more than 350 locations (usually wrists, ankles, feet, back, and abdomen). The procedure takes approximately 20 minutes while the patient rests, and then the needles are removed. Practitioners manipulate and twist the needles using special techniques, stimulating energy flow and promoting healing and pain relief.

Aromatherapy. Aromatherapy is the therapeutic use primarily of essential oils and secondarily of other aromatic natural substances such as vegetable (base) oils and scented products such as candles and soaps in order to additionally heal various illnesses and to vitalize the body, mind and soul. Aromatherapy is an ancient therapeutic method. There is historical evidence that in all major ancient cultures (Egypt, Greece, Persia, Romans) physicians worked with herbs, aromatic plants and floral waters for the purpose of invigorating, healing, stimulating and relaxing to contribute to better health and well-being.

homeopathy. Homeopathy is a relatively new holistic medicine based on the idea that a natural substance that can cause symptoms of illness in a healthy person can have a therapeutic effect in a sick person suffering from the same symptoms. The term homeopathy is derived from a Greek compound word meaning similar suffering and was introduced by the German physician Samuel Hahnemann. Nevertheless, the homeopathic approach to health was first described by Hippocrates 2,500 years ago. Homeopathic treatment is safe for patients as long as the following 2 rules are followed: 1. Remedies should be administered in infinitesimally small doses so that unwanted side effects cannot be dangerous. 2. Remedies should be specific to each patient as disease is specific to the individual.

meditation. There are many different, even conflicting, definitions of meditation. The most common description is: “Meditation is a state of mere being without interference from the body or mind.” Free from thoughts, feelings and actions, the meditator has the ability to focus on the present moment of calm, understanding the nature of the human mind and supporting awareness of every single aspect of life. Free from any distraction of the mind, the meditator emphasizes mental activity and achieves personal development. There are many types of meditation according to their focus and many of them are related to Eastern religions.

Reflexology. Foot reflexology is a therapeutic method of healing and pain relief by applying pressure to specific reflex zones in the hands and feet. Thousands of nerves terminate in these areas and connect to glands, parts and organs of the human body. Therefore, by applying pressure to the reflex areas, reflexologists caused the human body to correct itself, prevent disease, and generally strengthen itself to achieve holistic health.