Contrary to conventional medicines, alternative therapies do not undergo rigorous scientific scrutiny, and can often be very costly.
Alternative and complementary therapies include nutritional, physiological and mind-body techniques as a great way to relax and boost overall well being.
Many individuals locate practitioners through their doctor, MS nurse or local Healthy Living Centre or Neuro Therapy Network centres; others arrange treatment directly.
Ayurveda
Ayurveda is one of the oldest healing systems in existence and it takes an integrative approach to physical, mental and emotional wellbeing. Originating in India over 5,000 years ago, Ayurveda includes practices such as eating healthily, proper exercise routines, meditation techniques and massage as part of its holistic healthcare model.
Practitioners will tailor a treatment plan specifically tailored to your body, taking into account its strengths and weaknesses as well as primary and secondary doshas, to restore balance in mind and body. This may involve herbal medicines like licorice root or red clover; diet changes that include cutting out caffeine-containing products from diet; as well as purification programs known as panchakarma that involve blood purification, oil massages, enemas and herbs.
The Ayurvedic Diet emphasizes eating plenty of fresh fruits and vegetables as well as whole grains and legumes, in accordance with seasonal eating cycles, getting plenty of sleep, waking early to coincide with solar cycles, as well as limiting meat consumption to organic or free range products if consumed at all.
Yoga, breathing exercises, massages and herbal treatments all work to reduce stress and anxiety, improve digestion and circulation, elevate mood and provide a sense of wellbeing. Ayurvedic therapies have also proven helpful for treating rheumatoid arthritis and chronic fatigue; though not as much research has been conducted into them compared with Western medicines they can still serve as an effective complement.
Yoga
Yoga has grown from its ancient origins into a global phenomenon, generating billions of dollars every year. Yoga boasts a growing body of research demonstrating its effectiveness across multiple areas such as reducing stress, improving balance and strength training, decreasing depression levels, relieving anxiety and pain relief and boosting immunity – as well as being an ancient spiritual discipline which encourages introspection and exploration of oneself.
Physically, yoga helps increase flexibility, strengthen muscles and joints, decrease pain and boost mood. It may assist those suffering from fibromyalgia or chronic fatigue syndrome as well as those living with arthritis; its use may reduce their need for medication in cases of rheumatoid arthritis; it may reduce migraine frequency while simultaneously decreasing multiple sclerosis symptoms and inflammatory bowel disease symptoms; it can even improve sleeping patterns!
Studies demonstrating the efficacy of yoga for mental health disorders continue to expand, showing its success at relieving stress levels and improving mood for those suffering mild-moderate depression, as well as those dealing with posttraumatic stress disorder and anxiety disorders. Yoga also increases levels of gamma-aminobutyric acid (Gaba), a substance which slows brain activity while helping individuals relax.
Yoga is a holistic discipline designed to meet human needs in an integrated manner, offering a path towards inner peace and wisdom. The eight limbs include pranayama (breathing), asana (physical postures), pratyahara (concentrating on senses), and dhyana (meditation). Yoga may help treat conditions like back pain and arthritis; however it should always be discussed with your healthcare provider prior to initiating any new treatment regimens or supplements.
Meditation
Meditation has been proven to reduce stress levels for those who practice it, as well as improve sleep, lower high blood pressure and increase cardiovascular and respiratory functions. However, meditation should never take the place of medical advice provided by healthcare providers.
Your type of meditation depends on your personal needs and spiritual or non-spiritual beliefs, with various styles such as music, breathing exercises, visualization, mantras or even Qigong or Tai Chi being available as options for practice.
Meditation can bring up many different feelings, from anger and sadness to frustration and more. The key to successful meditation is acknowledging these emotions without judgment and then shifting your attention back onto breathing and the present moment. You may find it helpful to think of these thoughts as simply part of the experience, such as passing breezes or bird songs.
Studies have demonstrated the effect of long-term meditation on your brain structure, increasing tissue density while altering how neurons connect between themselves. Meditation also improves emotional regulation capabilities.
One study using MRI technology demonstrated that people who meditated had increased activity in areas of their brain that regulate pain while those who did not meditate had decreased activity in these regions. Another research paper suggested that meditation can alleviate suffering for terminal illness patients through reduced pain levels.
Discovering different forms of meditation will enable you to understand their benefits and how best to practice them. Information can be found online and in books; your primary care provider or mental health professional can also assist in finding programs or instructors near you.
Hypnosis
Hypnosis is a relaxing and focused technique used to improve sleep and ease chronic pain while simultaneously decreasing anxiety and depression. Some even use it to lose weight or stop smoking; just make sure you speak to your physician first if this approach may work for you!
Hypnotherapy, the combination of hypnosis with psychotherapy, has proven itself effective for treating various psychological disorders. The hypnotic state allows some patients to explore painful thoughts and emotions more freely than they would in traditional psychotherapy sessions; as well as alter perceptions and sensations such as pain perception.
Hypnosis can help people modify behavior or improve mood, and may be combined with cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT). A therapist might use hypnosis to encourage visualizing relaxation techniques during hypnosis; furthermore, its presence may enhance CBT effectiveness by strengthening connections between conscious and unconscious minds.
Contrary to what may be depicted on stage or screen, hypnosis isn’t mind control and won’t force anyone against their will to do anything they don’t want to. Instead, during a hypnosis session you should still remain quite alert; you will still hear and follow any suggestions made by your therapist; however it is your choice whether or not follow them. Also note that it should never be used with someone suffering psychotic symptoms or hallucinations; furthermore hypnosis shouldn’t be used with any disorder requiring medical or surgical treatments, such as severe psychiatric issues or severe psychological disorders like schizophrenia.
Reiki
Reiki is a Japanese technique in which practitioners believe universal energy can promote healing. They channel this energy via their hands onto recipients. Reiki can be considered mind-body therapy; studies and anecdotal reports have found it may reduce pain and anxiety while offering other benefits as well. Furthermore, Reiki is safe and gentle enough for use with all ages–children to the elderly alike can all be benefit from receiving this type of treatment; however it should never replace medical procedures like surgery or physical therapy.
One study with pediatric patients scheduled to undergo oral surgery randomly assigned them either preoperative Reiki or sham Reiki; those receiving real Reiki demonstrated significant reductions in postoperative pain intensity, analgesic requirements, incidence of side effects and family satisfaction after surgery. Researchers believe this phenomenon to be due to Reiki’s ability to stimulate the parasympathetic nervous system – the one associated with relaxation and well-being.
Another study of adults undergoing herniated disk surgery showed that Reiki reduces pain and increases comfort, possibly by stimulating production of opiate-like chemicals in the brain that block pain signals, according to researchers at the University of Arizona.
Researchers conducted a comprehensive analysis of seven studies and concluded that Reiki was superior to placebo at relieving symptoms of clinical stress and depression, with its effectiveness increased with frequency and length of sessions.
For optimal results, consult with a practitioner regarding how frequently to schedule sessions. Four is generally suggested; listen to what feels right to you! Regular Reiki sessions provide greater health benefits – just like exercising!
