Are you sick and tired of feeling sick and tired? Whether it’s back pain, neck pain or a serious lack of sleep, we all have our own problems! But instead of popping the pills and relying on the painkillers, have you ever considered alternative treatments to aid your ailments? If not, you could be seriously missing out.
Perhaps some of these therapies could be useful to some of you – at least it may get you thinking about investigating alternative routes for wellness:
1. Meditation
We’ll start with meditation as this is something that everyone can benefit from. It’s a great stress reliever. If you work in a fast paced job and find yourself constantly dashing from here to there, trying to keep on top of your inbox, then it can be hard to ever truly ‘switch off’.
Have you ever considered meditation? Studies have proven that meditation can reduce stress and also aid anxiety. If you haven’t given it a go, then it’s definitely worth practicing! Head to YouTube for some great guided meditation videos that are perfect for beginners. Alternatively, there are various different centres you can visit where you can practice meditation for beginners. If you’re fairly new to this, these can really help get you past that introduction stage. Simply have a quick Google to find your local class or Buddhist centre which often offer intro sessions, specific sessions for stress, and family meditation groups too. There are lots of great options!
Think of your mind as a puppy dog – it needs training, otherwise, it will run riot! Meditation is a great brain trainer and can help you to organise your thoughts and, most importantly, relax!
2. Aromatherapy
According to Sleep.org, 95% of people use some sort of electronic device at least a few nights a week in bed. That’s pretty crazy! It’s no wonder so many of us struggle with our sleep. If you find yourself suffering from insomnia, then aromatherapy might just help to solve your sleepless nights. The scents actually trigger powerful neurotransmitters that stimulate the correct parts of the brain to relax. Scents such as bergamot, ylang ylang and lavender are particularly effective: mix a few drops of oil with water to create a homemade spray you can spritz onto your pillows. Combine this with meditation, your body should feel calmed and you should find falling to sleep easier than ever!
3. Acupuncture
According to an ancient theory, we have meridian lines that run all over our body. It is believed that when a person falls ill, these lines become blocked. Acupuncture needles enable the lines to clear and allow for energy to flow freely through the body. Many people find that acupuncture can be particularly helpful for back and neck pain. If you suffer from sciatica, this is where the nerve that runs from the back of the pelvis to the feet is compressed. Acupuncture can help to improve this and control the pain. It can also help with arthritis too, so it’s definitely a route worth investigating!
4. Balneotherapy
Also known as hydrotherapy, balneotherapy is based on the idea that water can aid a range of conditions including swelling, anxiety and arthritis. Healing with water can be extremely beneficial, helping to relieve stiff muscles and stimulate blood flow. It can decrease both swelling and inflammation by increasing your circulation. If you are able to bathe in spring waters, these waters contain beneficial minerals such as sodium, potassium, magnesium and calcium. You can also recreate this at home by adding salts to your bath water!
5. Osteopathy
Osteopathy involves the manipulations and massage of the skeleton and musculature. The stretching of the muscles can work wonders for relieving muscle tension, enhancing blood supply to tissues and helping the overall healing process. Research has shown that osteopathy can improve lower back pain, as well as reducing migraines and headaches.
Have you tried any alternative therapies yet?
