6 Alternatives to Western Medicine That Actually Work

The modern Western medical world is full of doctors, cutting edge hospitals and complex

machines that can provide amazing insight into your health.

But that doesn’t mean Western medicine is the only solution.

As technology continues to expand our medical treatment options, some people are shying

away from chemicals and prescriptions in favor of more natural methods.

There are a number of ways to improve ailments or prevent them without having to digest

unnatural medications or expose yourself to procedures that could do just as much harm

as good.

This is particularly true for people that want to take preventative health measures and those

that are looking for stress relief.

If you want to improve your health or speed up recovery consider these natural treatments

from the Far East.

“There are a number of ways to improve

ailments or prevent them without having

to digest unnatural medications or expose

yourself to procedures that could do just

as much harm as good.”

Qigong, Yoga and Tai Chi

Some cultures integrate physical exercise into all around health, which is now a common

practice in the U.S.

In the last decade Westerners have begun to adopt low-impact exercises from the Eastern

world that are just as soothing as they are physical.

Three of the most popular exercises are qigong, tai chi and yoga.

Tai chi is an ancient form of non-competitive martial arts that is not aggressive or high impact.

It’s actually been dubbed “meditation in motion” because tai chi exercise blends a series of slow,

flowing movements with deep breathing.

Tai chi can provide a number of health benefits including pain reduction, lower stress levels,

improved flexibility, increased stamina and improved heart health.

Tai chi and qigong are closely related.

Qigong combines various physical postures (moving and stationary) with focused breathing

and mindful intent.

The practice is used to heal and for health maintenance by increasing or directing Qi (energy)

around the body.

There are practitioners who provide medical qigong training that can be used as a complementary

therapy for a variety of ailments.

Qigong has been found to improve functioning in the immune, cardiovascular, circulatory,

respiratory, digestive and lymphatic systems.

It can also be combined with other therapies like massage and acupuncture.

Chinese Massage Therapy

You’re probably already familiar with the common forms of massage, such as Swedish

and deep tissue massage.

Traditional Chinese massage therapy is slightly different than what you may have

experienced in the past.

There are three types of Chinese massage: Tui na, Zhi Ya and reflexology.

Tui Na – This type of massage uses rhythmic stretching and pushing motions to improve

the healing process. rolling and tapping.

Zhi Ya – Unlike some forms of massage, Zhi Ya is used to treat a damaged area of the body.

It’s a type of Chinese massage that utilizes pinching and pressing acupoints.

By focusing on a small point therapists are able to relieve muscle pain and stress over

a larger area.

Reflexology – Reflexology is believed to have originated in China about 5,000 years ago.

It’s a form of foot massage that can improve ailments all over the body.

The therapist will use their thumb to apply pressure to different sections of the feet based

on your health needs.

Acupuncture

Sticking needles in your body may be reminiscent of getting vaccines, but acupuncture

doesn’t involve injections.

Acupuncture has been so effective at managing pain doctors, hospitals and insurance

companies in the U.S. now recognize acupuncture as a complimentary therapy.

Licensed acupuncturists use very thin sterile needles to stimulate points on the body in

order to balance vital energy flow (Qi).

The points are based on the meridians, pathways within the body that direct the flow

of energy.

The stimulation of the needles is believed to increase blood flow and trigger the body’s

natural painkillers.

It’s very important to only use an acupuncturist that’s licensed in your state.

Acupuncture is typically very low risk, however that’s only when the practitioner knows

what they’re doing.

Acupressure

Like acupuncture, acupressure works by targeting specific points on the body.

These points are called acupoints.

Acupressure, also known as shiatsu, stimulates an acupoint by pressing on it firmly

with a thumb or finger and using a circular or up-and-down motion.

The motion for several minutes before the practitioner moves on to the next acupoint.

Acupressure can be used to relieve stress, sore muscles or chronic pain.

Please Note: If you have a medical condition, are pregnant or taking other medication,

6 Alternatives to Western Medicine That Actually Work