Being healthier is one of the top resolutions on peoples' lists each year. Health is had in a lot of ways but the main routes that people focus on are diet and exercise.
While these two are no doubt, extremely important, there are some alternative ways to enjoy a healthier body, mind and life. This year, make it one of your resolutions to test out some of these alternative health treatments and experience all of their glorious benefits.
Aromatherapy
Aromatherapy is the use of plant oils in order to promote healing. These beautifully smelling extracts can come from seeds, blossoms, roots or leaves and can be applied to the skin, inhaled or in some cases, ingested.
It's used for a variety of reasons from treating pain and inflammation to reducing stress, depression and anxiety.
Many spas will offer aromatherapy in combination with massage and you can also experience it in saunas that mix different scents with the steam.
You can also experience aromatherapy at home on your own terms with diffusers and oils. There are plenty of creative ways out there for you to incorporate oils into your day-to-day routine.
Himalayan Salt Lamp
Have you ever seen the pink Himalayan sea salt in the grocery store? A Himalayan salt lamp looks kind of like that, but in a larger, more solid, lamp-like version (if you can imagine that!)
These things are popping up all over the place lately as their health benefits like improved skin, ease of asthma and mental disorder relief are astounding.
They work by reducing harmful ions in the air while producing soothing light.
The list of benefits for the Himalayan salt lamp is long, and the only thing you have to do is plug it in.
Reflexology
If you can handle having your feet touched, this one is worth a try. The technique works by applying pressure to certain areas of the feet, hands and ears.
Apparently, these pressure points are directly correlated to different body organs. You can either go and see a reflexologist or give the treatment to yourself.
Studies have found that reflexology has been used all over the world for anxiety, diabetes, asthma, kidney function and cancer.
Coloring/Art
This whole adult coloring craze is popular for a reason.
It's just one of the aspects of art therapy that helps people to relax and relieve anxiety. Through this kind of therapy, you can learn about your own thoughts, explore your feelings, increase self-esteem and reconcile problems that are on your mind.
Any kind of creative art will do, from crafts and coloring to taking photographs and writing.
Acupressure
This therapy also involves putting pressure on specific areas of the body but this one is related specifically to “meridians.” Apparently, these meridians are energy channels that run throughout the body and are able to become unbalanced or blocked.
With applied pressure, these energy channels can be unblocked in order to improve health and wellness.
It is said that this therapy helps to reduce nausea and decrease anxiety.
Reiki
Speaking of body energy, Reiki is a form of healing that focuses on “life force energy.”
The theory behind this treatment is that stress and sickness are indicators of a low life force energy while health and happiness indicate that life force energy is high.
During a Reiki session, the practitioner transfers their own life energy into the patient by lightly touching their body with their hands (it can be done without touching too!)
These treatments are meant to improve wellbeing, promote speedy healing and relaxation and reduce pain.
Acupuncture
Similar to acupressure, acupuncture works to redirect the energy in the body's natural channels. When these channels are blocked, people can experience physical or emotional pain.
However, in this treatment, the practitioner will use thin needles placed in areas all around the body to create an electric current said to align the energy flows.
This alternative therapy is commonly practiced all over the world and is said to relieve chronic pain and depression.
Ayurvedic Medicine
It's a practice that has been around for thousands of years and actually originated in India.
Actually, it's a bit of an umbrella term for a variety of treatments that include massage, diets, and herb use.
The treatments work to balance the mind, spirit and body while producing a overall sense of wellbeing.
