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According to the NIH, over 38% of Americans use alternative medicines and therapies to encourage their bodies to heal without mainstream drugs. Over the years, alternative medical practices have been accepted by the masses and are gaining traction worldwide. Besides therapeutic yoga, have you ever used other alternative therapies, and if yes, how would you rank their performance? Below is a list of some therapies veering away from westernized medical practices and procedures.

Regenerative therapy

Regenerative medicine focuses on developing and using new treatments to naturally stimulate healing in the body's own tissues and organs. Regenerative practitioners believe that under the right conditions and with appropriately guided therapy, the human body has the ability to repair itself. This therapy system does more than disease or pain management.

Instead, it involves innovative ways to support and discover how the body can restore itself.

In other words, regenerative therapy focuses on the root cause of a health problem rather than the condition itself. Doing this helps to cut back on time wasted in merely treating only signs and symptoms. You can read more on regenerative therapy via this website: https://mysourceofhealth.com/.

Acupuncture

Acupuncture originated from traditional Chinese medicine as a way to relieve pain by stimulating nerves. The characteristic procedure of acupuncture is the insertion of fine needles into specific points on the human body. The general belief behind acupuncture is that the human body is created with peculiar spots which produce pain-relieving enzymes.

By activating these points, the body unlocks its own energy channels to reinstate a natural flow of the Qi. In Chinese tradition, the Qi is the life force or the energy of every living being.

Through further medical research into this ancient therapy, it's been proven that acupuncture performed by an experienced practitioner can relieve the following:

Premenstrual Syndrome
Chronic or tension headaches
Osteoarthritis

Moreover, in 2016, a medical analysis involving 2,349 participants discovered that truly, acupuncture releases an immediate flow of endorphins. These are the body's natural pain-relieving chemicals released by the nervous system to eliminate pain. Whereas medication such as Paracetamol would block chemical messages that the brain interprets as pain, acupuncture attacks it at the source.

Aromatherapy

This alternative medicinal therapy dwells mainly on seeds and herbal extracts. The essential oils derived from these plants contain safe compounds to relieve pain, improve relaxation, sleep better, etc. For example, inhalation of a blend of chamomile and lavender oil extracts is known to induce sleep while relaxing the muscles. These essential oils are not only inhaled; they can be massaged into the skin or infused into bathwater.

The downside to aromatherapy is the likelihood of an allergic reaction to any of these plant-based essential oils. Therefore, if you have allergy issues, it will help to disclose that to the aromatherapist before your session begins. This therapy type is used in more clinical settings to treat inflammation, infection, nausea and relieve anxiety (especially for persons with heart disease). Other beneficial plant extracts with excellent aromatherapy purposes are as follows:

Peppermint: To aid food digestion and boost energy.
Bergamot: To treat skin conditions such as eczema and for stress reduction.
Sandalwood: Notable for calming nerves and improving brain focus.

Acupressure

The difference between acupuncture and acupressure is the absence of needles in the latter. Acupressure involves the use of measured external force on meridian points of the body. This could be done with the specialist's hands, elbows, or feet; in essence, anything that can apply some pressure on specific points is allowed. This therapy continues to thrive based on the belief that people get sick because of blockages or imbalance in their meridian channels. Therefore, the body's healing mechanism is activated by 'opening up' blocked meridians.

In 2013, researchers working on a group of teenagers who have insomnia decided to put this therapy to the test. After two weeks of daily acupressure, they noticed a tremendous improvement in their participants' sleeping patterns. Furthermore, during labor, women in the throes of childbirth admitted to some pain relief in the lower back after pressure was applied. It also works as a quick relief for persons with anxiety issues.

Ayurvedic therapy

This traditional Indian therapy has existed for several centuries. In the last decade, however, it has appealed to the larger public seeking alternate treatment forms. Ayurveda involves a mix of techniques with the intention of re-establishing a balance between mind, body, and spirit. With herbs, specialized diets, and massage, Ayurveda involves a holistic approach to resolve a wide range of health conditions. This pseudoscientific medicinal therapy can be found on the shelves of several mainstream drugstores. Moreover, the global market value is predicted to exceed $9 billion by the close of 2022.

Did you know that a wide range of herbs and plant-based spices make up the core of Ayurveda medicines? The list is long and continues to grow. For instance, Turmeric is more than an exotic food spice; this golden yellow-colored root is notable for treating inflammation and varied skin conditions. For those who deliberately refuse to use western medicine to clear blocked sinuses, the Ayurveda neti pot is an excellent substitute.

Have you ever wondered why yoga is an essential part of Ayurveda treatments and therapies? That's because yoga complements the main objective of Ayurveda – creating balance in the body, mind, and soul.

Chiropractic therapy

In the medical community, chiropractic work is recognized and accepted as a reliable complementary and alternative therapy, although in some circles, physicians prefer to classify it more as complementary. Chiropractic sessions involve the skilled maneuvering of musculoskeletal systems to treat pains in the joints, back, limbs, etc. The common procedure many people tend to know about chiropractic work is the spinal adjustment.

Although this is true, several other uses are intended to improve mobility and relax muscles while easing associated pain and discomfort. The key feature in this therapy system is the use of controlled force employed by the chiropractor. When done well, people attest to immediate relief from bodily pains.

The next time you resort to health treatments, it’d be worthwhile to consider some of these alternative therapies. Before you do, though, seek clearance from your physician to be on the safer side.