From yoga studios on Beale Street to riverfront meditation groups, Memphians are taking an interest in holistic wellness. Panchakarma, an Ayurvedic detox process with ancient roots that promises relief without side effects of medications, has gained prominence for its ability to reduce anxiety.
Holistic care differs from traditional medicine in that it addresses how all parts of the body interact, then treats conditions at their source.
Diet and Nutrition
Holistic nutritionists specialize in diet and lifestyle counseling to help their clients improve their health. They advise clients on healthy eating habits, exercise plans, stress management techniques and stress relief methods as well as offering dietary supplements that reduce inflammation and detoxify the body. Dietitians and holistic health practitioners work in collaboration with traditional medical doctors to design treatment plans tailored specifically to each client’s needs. They specialize in treating digestive issues, autoimmune diseases, chronic fatigue and more using functional medicine techniques that take into account how different parts of the body interact – helping them identify root causes of diseases quickly so that effective remedies can be provided more directly.
Acupuncture
Acupuncture is a traditional Chinese form of medicine in which needles are inserted into specific points on the skin to heal illness and alleviate pain. Acupuncture forms an integral component of functional medicine, which looks at each person holistically to determine how each system relies on others in their bodies to function optimally.
Acupuncturists believe that imbalances prevent the body’s natural healing processes from activating by blocking vital energy known as “qi” (pronounced “chee”). Re-establishing its free flow may reactivate it and move to where it needs to go in your body – factors such as stress, environmentalism, lifestyle behaviors or genetics all can exacerbate an imbalanced flow of qi and lead to health issues in other parts of your life.
Once acupuncture needles are inserted into your skin, they send signals through nerves to the brain and spinal cord that alter how your body perceives pain. This causes the brain to stop sending painful messages and instead release feel-good chemicals which boost mood and support emotional health – making acupuncture a fantastic treatment option for chronic pain, depression and anxiety.
Most people who undergo acupuncture treatments do not report experiencing any discomfort or pain during treatment. Patients lay on a padded table while a practitioner uses alcohol to clean areas where needles will be inserted before their practitioner sticks the thin needles into those spots with thin needles – some people feel a small pinch as the needles go in; most do not notice anything different at all.
Once an acupuncturist has applied needles, they must remain in place for between 30-60 minutes before being removed by patients. Patients are advised not to over-exercise or engage in sexual activity immediately prior to and following each session.
Acupuncturists specialize in treating an array of conditions, from headaches and digestive disorders to respiratory illnesses and more. When visiting an acupuncturist for treatment it’s important to discuss your symptoms and the underlying reasons so they can provide an individualized plan of care; sometimes this might mean sessions once every week for several months but ultimately it depends on the case in question.
Yoga
Yoga is a traditional system for fostering physical, mental, emotional and spiritual wellbeing. It incorporates poses, breathing exercises, meditation and relaxation into its practices to achieve this end. When practiced collectively it can also foster a community of support while increasing balance, strength and flexibility while helping lower blood pressure, increase energy and decrease weight – among many other advantages.
Many people mistake yoga for simply another form of exercise, but its true purpose goes far beyond physical fitness. Yoga originated 5,000 years ago in India as a spiritual discipline to promote spiritual enlightenment and mental discipline through breathing exercises and poses. Today it is used widely as a means to reduce stress while improving physical fitness.
Hatha, vinyasa and kundalini yoga are three of the most widely practiced styles, each providing distinct advantages to participants. Hatha yoga aims at striking a balance between strength and flexibility; suitable for beginners; may include sitting or lying positions; while vinyasa offers fast-paced movements coupled with breath. Kundalini draws upon “life force energy”, known as prana or chi, by incorporating poses, breathing exercises, chanting meditation into its practices.
Studies demonstrate the power of yoga for managing stress, improving mood, and encouraging healthy behaviors like eating better, exercising more frequently, sleeping soundly, and losing weight. Before embarking on any new yoga regiment it’s wise to consult your physician as they may recommend classes or instructors who suit you or suggest modifications that make practice safe for you as well as help create a personalized yoga plan tailored specifically to you.
