Health Therapies
We want to make sure that you have access to alternative health therapies which can help boost your overall health and allow you to feel more energised every day.
Food Nutrition
Health & Beauty
Life Coaching
Safe Health Methods
We live in a time where everyone is working towards something and constantly stressing themselves. We at Alternative health want to bring you closer to learning different ways which can help you stay stronger from within.
Yoga
One of the best ways to bring flexibility back into a life where you can relax moving with your body and release yesterday’s stress and bringing energy today.
Meditation
Meditation is one of the few ways which will help you relax and bring you back to the days allowing you to have better health when it comes to physical and mental state.
Macrobiotics
We want to make sure that you have all the essential macrobiotics which can get you started with a healthy gut by consuming healthy bacteria from natural foods.
We can understand that changing your lifestyle can be tough, but a small change of eating healthy or meditating can get you one step close to a healthy body and mind.
Natural Self-Healing
The body has its own ways of self-healing and does not require our help. All we need to do is make sure to eat healthy and provide the body with its nutrients from natural sources.
Acupuncture
One way to ensure that you have access to some of the best experts who can put pressure in a certain area to bring the right changes in you life.
Aromatherapy
The smell can influence your thoughts and can have an effect on your mood. We have suggestions for the best aromatherapy which can allow you to have a stress free mind.
Reflexology
We have access to a few massages which can help your blood flowing and can get you to get rid of chronic pains.
"They have some of the best ways which have helped me have a healthier approach to mind, body and soul. I highly recommend them if you live a stressful life."
Eleanor D. Clark
Herbal Medicine
We have access to herbal medicine which can help give you give a bit of boost to your immune system to help ensure that you have access to better health.
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What do you eat on Macrobiotics diet?
Macrobiotics is a strict diet plan that has no space for a lethargic lifestyle. It involves a diet plan, exercise as well as changes in your behavior. Though there has been no research in Macrobiotics, many people who follow it report improved health and fitness. The basis is simple: Consume natural and organic food and this has to be followed strictly without deviating. Some people adopt the diet due to various ailments while others do it as a life choice and to promote good health. There is no place for chemicals as well as artificial food.
What foods can include:
The diet is strict and requires dedication. It emphasizes the consumption of organic food and the prohibition of any foods that are either artificial or may contain chemicals. This is a wide range that can involve a lot of foods and exclude a lot. The included food are bulgur wheat, Buckwheat, Brown rice, Wild rice, Pumpkin, onion, radishes, carrot, pickles, beans, and soy products. The vegetables should make one-third of your daily intake and it is best to get the vegetables from the local market instead of getting it from outside.
What to avoid:
There are however limitations on certain organic food which can be consumed either occasionally or once in a week. The acidic substances are a no-go. Seeds, nuts, cucumber are to be eaten a few times a week while as Fish, Seafood, Dairy, eggs, and poultry are to be consumed very rarely. There are however some products that are to be avoided altogether, these include Alcoholic beverages, processed food, Certain vegetable, caffeine products, Vanilla, Pork, hot and spicy, tropical fruits, and seasonings. The foods have to be consumed in a limited manner and only to satisfy your hunger.
How to consume:
There are instructions on how to do that. The food should be prepared nicely and with any chemicals. You should consider steaming or sautéing in preparation. It shouldn’t be consumed in a hurry as most of the food will get in your mouth without being chewed. The food should be chewed many times until it is liquefied. Certain kinds of drinks are allowed like the such as dandelion root tea, brown rice tea, and cereal grain coffee. The schedule has to be followed in letter and spirit if one wants to reap results.
Popular opinion:
There are varying thoughts on this. Some people consider it to be working but others say that it is very restrictive and it also lacks Protein, Iron, Magnesium, and other important vitamins and minerals necessary for the body. It can also have a different result on different individuals.
Conclusion:
Many of the people follow Macrobiotics for better health, but some find it hard to follow. It has to be adhered to as it is. There can be no adjustments. However, you can’t make any judgment unless you try it out yourself. Not just for a day but let’s say for a period that extends more than a month
What is Aromatherapy and how can it help?
When it comes to therapies, they have different effects on our bodies. This is because our body reacts differently to various things. The success of therapy is also dependent on the way your body reacts to it. The effects can differ from person to person where it can be swift as well as slow. Furthermore, many therapies are developed to target specific muscles and help them restore. This not only promotes overall health but also helps the body to relax and reduces pain in the area.
What is Aromatherapy?
In simple words, Aromatherapy is the therapy that makes use of special oils to treat various ailments of the body. This can also include aromatic applications. Oils have been used to massage the body for thousands of years and even doctors recommend massaging if one is going through any kind of pain. This helps the body to relax, reduce stress, and remove the strain on the muscle. The oils from the plant extracts and are completely natural. It is used to promote the health of the mind, body, and spirit. However, it also depends on the therapist as his role is also prominent.
How does it work?
The special oils used in Aromatherapy are plant extracts that have an established scientific history of helping the body relax. It is usually done through inhalation or application. In inhalation, it will involve diffuser containers, spray, or oil droplets, that are inhaled in a steam bath. They provide various benefits like respiratory disinfection, decongestant, and psychological benefits. When the molecules reach through the nose and mouth, they are passed on to other body parts and when they reach the brain, they produce soothing effects by balancing hormones, heart rate, blood pressure, breathing, memory, and stress.
Application:
The therapist has to see whether the person’s skin is allergic or sensitive to it. Allergy to an external substance is normal. For this, the oil is applied to a small patch of the skin, and let it there. If the allergies don’t show up, it is safe to use. The oil is applied to the skin, but with a carrier oil like almond oil or olive oil. massage oils, and bath and skincare products are available which can be absorbed by the skin, but it is better to massage the area where the oil is to be applied. Some areas which are richer in sweat gland and hair follicles can absorb the oil more effectively.
Benefits:
It doesn’t provide treatments for diseases but you can use it to treat with various conditions like Anxiety, body ache, Alopecia, Nausea, Fatigue, Muscular aches, and circulatory problems.
Conclusion:
The special oils can be well absorbed around palms and head as the sweat glands and hair follicles are more open. Furthermore, you don’t need a therapist for the massage, if you knew someone who can do the massage, all you need to be careful is the concentration of the oil with the carrier oil and once you get the ratio, you are good to go.
What Is Reflexology And How Does It Work?
Reflexology is a type of massage which involves applying pressure on different parts of hands and feet to help with simple movements. This is a theory based on the fact that each body is connected to a certain organ system. There are many practices and techniques which can allow you to have the right impact. There are many reflexologists who can provide you with some of the best health benefits.
How does reflexology work?
There are a few different theories as to how reflexology work and we are going to be discussing all of the theories.
In traditional Chinese medicine
Reflexology is based on ancient Chinese belief which is based on Qi or vital energy. The Qi is something which flows between person to person. When a person feels the stress, the Qi helps blocks the energy. This is caused by the imbalance in the body, which can lead to illness. The main of the reflexology is to make sure they can map out the points in the feet, which can allow them to determine the space to apply pressure. There are many who believe that touch can send the energy flowing and can allow it to pass through person to person and can require a lot of healing from within.
Other theories
There are many theories which have been found that connects to the skin and internal organs. They are found in the body, which can allow you to have the right nervous energy and get adjusted outside the factors. The reflexologist can help calm the central nervous system, which can help promote relaxation and other benefits. There are many believers who can help you create the right treatment and help you take up subjective experience. The brain generally reacts to physical pain and can help create the pain to respond to emotional or mental distress.
There are potential benefits
Reflexology is generally linked to many potential benefits and can have a positive effect from reduced stress and anxiety, reduced pains, lift moods, improves general well being, boost immunity, fights cancer, get over colds and bacterial infections, correct hormonal imbalance and boost fertility.
The research
There are many studies which have allowed people to understand the connection with reflexology. There are many which prove that reflexology can be beneficial for a few medical conditions. There are many people who have seen the right complementary therapy which will help one reduce symptoms allowing one to have improved quality of life.
Pain: Reflexology is found to be effective in about 45% of people who have undergone cancer treatment.
Anxiety: There are many researchers who have experienced a lot of effects as it is about 30-minute foot treatment which can be treated to get breast or lung cancer.
Tips To Stay Mentally And Emotionally Healthy
Mental and emotional health is one of the essential parts of overall health and wellbeing. Managing emotions can be tough but is one of the important skills which can help you keep the balance. There are many ways which can help you manage the emotional health and can allow you to face challenges and stress. It is an essential way to help take care of mental health which can be beneficial for physical health.
Take care of your physical health
One of the best ways to ensure that you are on the right path to mental wellbeing is by eating healthy. It is important that you are getting adequate rest and exercise. Look for food which is mood-regulating to help your brain to get enough rest for your body health, allowing you to have healthy daily practices like sleep, stress and feeling cranky.
Get fresh air and exposure to sunlight
There are many studies which show that there is a constant exposure to sunlight which can help increase the production of serotonin. Serotonin is the chemical which allows your body to regulate the temperature and the mood to help take care of your mental and emotional well being.
Take care of yourself
It is important that people take their time when it comes to contributing to their mental health and wellbeing. This is one of the most important time where you attend to your own emotional needs. This is the time where you can pamper yourself and also learn a few aspects of mindfulness and relax. It is important that you are being mindful of your present and choose to respond and focus on one thing at a time.
Spend time with people you love
This is also one of the best ways to spend your time with the people you get along with. There is a sense of being of valued and appreciated. There are many healthy relationships with your friends, families and colleagues and neighbours, which can help increase your sense of emotional wellbeing to give a sense of connectedness. You can also enjoy your time and make plans which is often used in technology to help connect with them.
Get a hobby
Participating in activities that you love helps you enjoy and stay engaged. Try to pick up new skills and concentrate on making everything feel good about learning something new. It helps one increase your confidence and allow people to face a new situation. This is also one of the best ways to manage stress. A hobby can easily take your mind of something and can make them look into something they enjoy doing and find their confidence.
Few Science-Based Meditation Benefits
The popularity of meditation is increasing as there are many people who have experienced a habitual process of training one’s mind to help focus on the thoughts. There is a lot of awareness among people and their surroundings which has helped people reduce stress as well as develop the right concentration. Meditation has multiple benefits from having a positive mood and outlook to have increased pain tolerance. Here are a few science-based meditation benefits that you should know.
Reduced stress
Stress is one of the most common reasons people try meditation. There are many studies which prove the benefits of meditation as it helps you calm down mentally and physically, which can decrease the levels of stress hormones. Meditation also allows you to release inflammation-promoting chemicals and cytokines. The effects of meditation can be seen even when you sleep as it promoted your body to relax.
Controls anxiety
There are many studies which connect stress to anxiety. It is seen that with regular meditation exercises which is proven to be effective in anxiety disorders which includes phobias, social anxiety, paranoid thoughts, obsessive-compulsive behaviours and panic attacks. There are many studies which prove that regular meditation can help one have lower anxiety levels and can affect a person for the long term.
Promotes emotional health
There are many forms of meditation which can lead to self-image improvement and positive outlook on life. A controlled study has found that the electrical activity between the brain can be enhanced where one practices mindfulness. There are certain forms of meditation which is known to help improve depression and can allow one to have an overall positive outlook on life for long term benefits.
Enhances self-awareness
There are many meditation practices which allows one to have developed a stronger understanding of yourself and can help you to grow yourself into the best self. There are many self-inquiry meditations that aim at helping you develop a greater understanding of yourself. There are many thoughts which can be harmful and can allow you to gain greater awareness of thoughts and habits. There are self inquired related styles which can help one to know themselves better and can also allow one to have a starting point which can have a positive effect.
Increasing attention span
There is focused attention meditation which is like weight lifting to help gain attention. It is also one of the best to help increase the strengths which can endure a lot of attention. There are many effects which have been noticed in an eight-week mindfulness meditation course which helps improves participants. There are also other similar studies which work on mindful meditation to help stay focused on the task for longer.
Chiropractic Truth or myth
In nutshell, Chiropractic is the field that is related to the treatment and diagnosis of neuromuscular disorders. Their approach to the problem differs a lot from modern medicine where there are various complex matters at hand before they could assess your problem. They receive training in manual techniques to adjust your spine and eliminate the problems that you may be facing due to the misalignment of the problem. Their help is sought when you are suffering from neuromusculoskeletal problems which can include a lot of pain. They don’t prescribe drugs or surgery but use manual adjustments to assess your problem.
What is Chiropractic?
The one difference between an orthopaedic and Chiropractor is the way they approach a problem. A doctor may prescribe an X-ray, prescribe drugs, or even perform surgery, but a Chiropractor uses the physical technique to adjust the spine that may be causing the problem. They are specially designed to address the problem. However, if you have a serious problem, then you should get an X-ray, but if it is related to unwarranted pain that doesn’t allow you to rest, Chiropractor is the practitioner that has the non-drug method of solving your problem.
That depends whether you are getting it done from an inexperienced one or a Chiropractor. Professionals are trained in manual adjustments and have exact knowledge about human anatomy. Since when they perform the adjustment, they exactly know how it is impacting the body, how much pressure to apply, and how to do it. They are safer and much reliable as the training not just involves physical but also knowledge about the human body.
Drugs are better, Chiropractor is not:
The amount of adulteration there is in the market, you can assume whether drugs are safe or not? Even though the drug you are getting from the pharmacy is a safe one, there is also your body that can react differently to it. Chiropractic provides a way to have a non-drug approach to the problem, and as it doesn’t involve any drugs, there are no side-effects whatsoever. If your practitioner is an experienced one, you need not worry.
Addiction:
Unlike modern medicines, Chiropractic care is not addictive. You can get it done and never come back. There are no urges or dependency on it as it is not a product, but a service that you might need if you are in pain.
Do it yourself:
You should be careful with that. Chiropractic professionals are well trained in adjusting the spine, but if your try to do that, you wouldn’t be. Also, don’t take the bumps and injuries your children go through for granted as they can have a strong impact on their lives.
Conclusion:
Chiropractic care is a different approach to our problems. They are trained to adjust the various problems that might be occurring due to neuromusculoskeletal problems. Popularly held belief is that it can become costly, but in reality, the coverage is ensured by almost every insurance company.
Benefits of Massage
Massage has been part of human civilizations since the beginning of time. Many ancient societies have used it to not just relax the body but also at the same time treat various ailments like depression and pain. They believed it had therapeutic properties. This involves manipulating the muscles and soft tissues of a person to improve their well-being or health. This can include holding, pressing, applying pressure, fascia, or tendons on the muscles. There are various types of techniques to do so which are also used to concentrate on a specific set of muscles in the body.
Reduced muscle tension:
The human body is a complex machine and like a machine, we have to take care of it. Whether it is the food or the exercise, it needs to be in proper order. Muscle strain can be problematic. Massage helps the body to relax, reduces the strain on the muscles allowing it to open the pores to absorb more oxygen. This in turn makes the skin as well as the muscle stronger and relaxing.
Reducing stress:
Given the amount of stress we have to go through in our lives, Massage can be a life-changer. It allows the body to relax by reducing its capacity to release the stress hormones. A good session of massage can help you relax and concentrate on the things that need to be done. Furthermore, there are various kinds of massages that are specifically developed to target a special issue or a muscle. The massage therapist can assist you better in this issue.
Soft tissue injuries:
The benefits of anything can’t be reaped in an instant, but you have to wait until it starts working. If you are taking massages regularly, it will make your body not just relaxing but also help it to recover the soft tissues that have been injured. Massage promotes overall health and this makes the body stronger against all external dangers. It also boosts the immune system, and if you maintain a balanced diet, it will always work to your advantage.
Mental alertness:
One of the main benefits of a good massage is that it reduces your stress and when the weight on your mind is lifted, you can concentrate on other things. Your mind is much more alert and sharp as it has no stress on it. This increases and promotes mental health which will be reflected in your day to day activities.
Skin tone:
With age, our skin becomes dull due to the pollution and the food we eat, but if you are taking regular massages, it has the capacity of enhancing your skin. It opens the pores of the skin, allowing more oxygen which not just helps you with the skin tone but also protects the skin against UV radiation.
Conclusion:
Regular massages can be really helpful in various ways such as in pain reduction, removing strain on the muscle as well as boosting the immune system. If you follow it with exercise and a balanced diet, nothing is better than that.
All you need to know about Traditional Chinese medicine
Traditional Chinese medicine originated in China thousands of years ago. It is not known exactly when it originated, but it progressed throughout time and originated. Commonly known as TCM, it involves using Herbs, diet, acupuncture, cupping and qigong to treat various health problems. It is widely practiced in China but in the last few decades, it has made quite a jump in the US health facilities. Though in its infancy in the US as well as other countries. It sure has its share of people. One thing that sets it apart from other medical spheres is that it makes use of natural sources to treat various diseases.
Health benefits:
Traditional Chinese Medicine is known for its health benefits. Though the scientific community hasn’t dedicated much of their time researching TCM, it is used to treat various ailments of the body which include Parkinson’s disease, Anxiety, Arthritis, Back pain, Depression, Menopause, and fertility. It has wide uses stretching to a lot of issues of the human body. The diagnosis varies in TCM and is a lot different than modern medicine.
The principle:
Traditional Chinese medicine has a central idea that promotes the cohesion of the body. According to it, all the organs and tissues of the body support each other and they must do so. The person’s organs must be in balance for the body to perform. This is done through the harmonizing yin and yang; energies that affect life in general. It makes use of natural substances to help the body heal itself. The medicine is not dependent on the particularity but can be on the totality. Even though TCM is widely practiced in China, it is yet to be mainstreamed in other countries, but as things are heading, it is only about time.
How does it work?
If you visit a TCM practitioner, they will take your health history, doing a tongue assessment, pulse assessment, and a physical exam. This is done to see if there are any imbalances in the body. Even though the exam concludes that there are imbalances in the body, that doesn’t necessarily mean that you have a problem. This is related to the energy and if the practitioner believes that your energy is being blocked, the medicine will be prescribed according to that. However, you are to take traditional medicine only.
There are various kinds of treatments and Herbs prescribed in TCM. These include Acupuncture, Acupressure, Cupping therapy, diet and nutrition, and Moxibustion. Many herbs like Ginkgo biloba, Cinamon, Ginger, Ginseng, or Gotu Kola are commonly used in TCM. Patients can sometimes find some of the herbs difficult to find due to some regulations.
Conclusion:
The effective treatment also depends on the practitioner you are visiting. If they are well aware of the paradigms of the treatment and science, you can be assured that TCM is not just effective but at the same time it has very few side effects and if you keep it in the limit, you will reap benefits.
Acupuncture Benefits
Acupuncture works on the main principle that is believing that our bodies can heal themselves, which they have. It promotes self-healing by stimulating some points in the body that it identifies. This is done through the insertion of needles, sterile though, in the skin. It can take weeks to see the results as Acupuncture is a process and it happens slowly. It depends on the pain, but you should be able to see the results in 2-4 weeks. However, you need to be sure about the professional ability of practitioners that are executing Acupuncture.
Reduced stress:
Given the type of work or the world we live in, our lives are full of stress. Physical symptom stress can be very painful. It can affect our minds and if they are occupied by the stress all the time, this will not just reflect in the workplace but in everything we do. Almost all of us struggle through stress one way or the other. Acupuncture can be beneficial in reducing stress and allowing the body to relax.
These types of pains are common in today’s world. This is due to various issues that we tend to integrate ourselves into. Back pain or the Neck problem can happen due to various problems such as excessive cell phone use, wrong sleeping posture, or heavy backpacks. Age can also be a factor. Acupuncture provides a natural way to get away with all this pain.
Headaches:
They can be painful and even if you take the medicine, it doesn’t go away in an instant. Given that the medicine can take some time for the pain killers to kick in, the headache is really painful but Acupuncture can help you removing the pain and acting as a painkiller. However, you can witness euphoria and relaxation as a side effect, but it is quite common. It has been used to treat stress-related problems as well as headaches for so many centuries by traditional healers and practitioners.
Eye Strain:
This is one area that you should always take seriously. If you have an irritation in the eyes, it shouldn’t be taken for granted. Eye strain can be the cause of various issues in the body such as Neck pain. Acupuncture is also used to treat various ailments of the eye for e.g myopia (short-sightedness), hypermetropia (long-sightedness), cataract, glaucoma, presbyopia, astigmatism, amblyopia (lazy eye), diplopia, color blindness, and night blindness.
The immune system, digestion, and mental clarity:
Acupuncture boosts your immune system, helps improve digestion, and keeps you away from stressful thinking. This helps promote physical as well as mental health. It is also used to treat insomnia and can be useful in reducing the craving for tobacco or cigarettes.
Conclusion:
Acupuncture is very productive only if your practitioner is good with it. As the process is delicate and complex, your practitioner must know how to do it right lest the whole thing becomes complicated for you.
5 Popular Herbal Medicines
Herbs have a natural way of dealing with many human conditions. Even though there are many such herbs where potential is yet to be discovered, the ones we know of right now are used as a dietary supplement. This can be for various reasons such as their flavor, or therapeutic properties. Sold in capsules, powders, teas, extracts, and fresh or dried plants, they are used to improve, promote, and maintain your health. They not just provide a soothing effect on the body but also are very useful in killing the germs that are responsible for various diseases.
Echinacea:
This herb has been used in Native American communities for centuries. It is a flowering plant used to treat various ailments like wounds, burns, toothaches, sore throat, and upset stomach. The effects are fast and it is very effective. Almost all of the plants can be used medically and many people establish that the roots of the plant are the most effective on the body. It also depends on your body as to how it reacts to the herb. There can be little side effects if one is not careful with the usage of the herb.
Ginseng:
Ginseng is used in traditional Chinese medicine. It is either dried up or brewed into tea. The benefits include inflammation and boost immunity, brain function, and energy levels. However, the use of Ginseng should be to a minimum, and “excess of everything is bad” applies here too. There is a lot of difference between the American Ginseng and the Chinese one where the former is relaxing and the latter is stimulating.
Ginkgo biloba:
It is a herbal medicine used in traditional Chinese medicine. It has been used in the country for thousands of years. Though Ginkgo is brewed into tea, it is also made into tinctures and comes in Leaf extracts also. It is used to treat dementia, mental difficulties, and sexual dysfunction. It is a common occurrence for the people to eat the raw fruit but the seeds are mildly toxic and should only be taken in small amounts.
Elderberry:
As the name itself tells, Elderberry is an ancient herbal medicine that has been part of the traditional healing. It comes from Sambicus Negra plant and is used to treat headaches, nerve pain, toothaches, colds, viral infections, and constipation. It is also helpful with common cold or flu. It can be taken in tea or Syrups.
John’s Wort:
It is used commonly used to treat depression but in ancient Greek, it was also used to alleviate insomnia, depression, and various kidney and lung diseases. It comes from the flowering plant Hypericum perforatum where the flowers are used to make extracts, tea, and capsules. It is advisable to have the suggestion of your medical practitioner about the dosage and in case you are going through any other treatment.
Conclusion:
Herbs have been part of human science for centuries. They not only are natural but also some of them are very fast impacting. There can be instructions about the dosage of a particular herb and to be on the safer side, it is best to follow.