According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, 6 in 10 adults in America have a chronic disease. When an individual is diagnosed, it leaves them with the task of choosing an effective treatment option.
While some people are comfortable with following mainstream forms of medicine and therapy, others are not. Some individuals prefer a holistic approach to their healing and often choose an all-natural regimen instead.
If you are considering alternative medicine as a treatment option, this guide will help you decide if it’s right for you.
What Is Alternative Medicine?
Alternative medicine is a phrase that describes medical treatment that’s not traditional or mainstream. Instead of taking prescription medication or undergoing the usual therapy suggested by doctors, some people choose a holistic approach to manage their long-term health problems.
Alternative Medicine Treatment Options
There are many holistic treatments that fall under the umbrella of alternative medicine. The objective of natural therapy is to heal physical and mental issues, which is one of the primary alternative medicine benefits. Healing methods such as massage, yoga, meditation, tai chi, reiki, qigong, and biofeedback are also considered alternative therapy options.
However, the most common forms of holistic techniques are ancient remedies that have been around for centuries, including:
Naturopathy
Naturopathic medicine consists of a combination of traditional treatments and herbal medicine. The practice encourages individuals to consume herbs and dietary supplements, while also undergoing treatments like acupuncture. Naturopathy has been known to relieve migraines, asthma, diabetes, and chronic illnesses.
Acupuncture
Acupuncture is a traditional Chinese technique that uses needles to trigger certain parts of the body. An acupuncturist sticks small needles throughout the skin in hopes of stimulating your body’s natural healing process. This form of treatment is generally used to treat conditions like back pain, anxiety, nausea, insomnia, and more.
Ayurvedic Medicine
Ayurveda is a healing method that originated in India and has been around for thousands of years. It uses herbs, metals, and specialized diets to help treat health issues for patients.
Chiropractic Medicine
Chiropractic medicine focuses primarily on the spine to help align it with other parts of your body. The objective of this type of therapy is to relieve pain, enhance body function, and allow the body to heal itself naturally. Chiropractic care has been known to treat back pain, headaches, and other disorders.
Reflexology
Reflexology is an alternative medicine treatment that uses pressure points on the feet, hands, and ears. The reflex points are believed to be connected to organs within the body and by pressing on the triggers, it helps to correct malfunctioning body parts. Reflexology is used to treat cardiovascular issues, sinusitis, PMS, headaches, and other ailments.
Diet and Herbs
A huge part of effective alternative medicine is diet and herbs. Eating a diet that consists of fruit, vegetables, grains, meat, and complex carbs helps to enrich the body. Nutritional deficiency is the cause of many health problems today, which leads to chronic diseases.
A healthy diet and herbal medication help to improve nutritional well-being. People who practice holistic medicine generally consume dietary supplements, herbal medicine, and healthy food intake.
Alternative Medicine for Cancer and Other Chronic Diseases
Contrary to popular belief, alternative medicine isn’t only used to treat mild conditions. It’s also effective in managing chronic illnesses like cancer and lyme disease. The primary goal of using holistic treatments for severe diseases is to give your body the nutrients and natural remedies that it needs to repair itself.
The purpose is to not only manage the pain caused by the illness, but to cure the root cause of the problem. It also aims to detoxify the body and improve the immune system.
Many people assume that they have to dive head-first into a holistic lifestyle if they choose natural types of treatments. However, that’s not true. If you’re not comfortable with only practicing alternative methods, here are some other options:
Concurrently
This option is for those who want to continue conventional treatment, but also want to use alternative medicine. Many people like this option because the holistic therapy helps to replenish the body while undergoing mainstream treatment. For instance, if a person is getting radiation, alternative medicine can help soothe side effects and keep the body strong.
After Conventional Treatment
Some individuals decide to have holistic therapy after conventional treatment. This option helps to revive the body’s natural defenses and repair damage that mainstream therapy might have caused.
Primary Treatment Option
Lots of individuals choose alternative medicine as their first and only treatment option. With all of the health benefits that come from holistic therapy, it’s not a bad choice. Giving your body exactly what it needs to fight off disease is the best way to manage long-term health problems.
Is Alternative Medicine Right for You?
When it comes to repairing your health, it’s always wise to take your time and make the right decision. Although alternative medicine seems like a scary option, you can never go wrong with giving your body the all-natural healing that it needs.
The worst thing you could do is decide on a treatment that does more harm than good. Unfortunately, many of the mainstream methods do just that.
If you want more information about alternative treatment, contact us today. Our team of professionals are here to educate you and walk you through the process. Sunridge Medical is dedicated to providing results and helping patients feel rejuvenated. Let us improve your quality of life!
