For thousands of years, people have been relying on nature to help heal their wounds, cure their ills, and better their health, and that still holds true today. Big medicine is not the only way to go, and more and more people are turning to Mother Nature and holistic approaches to help them feel their best.

Of course, good health starts with eating nutritious foods. A balanced diet consists of six major nutrients: proteins, carbohydrates, fats, minerals, vitamins, and water. If your diet is lacking in one or more of these, the body is more susceptible to disease and malnutrition. Your doctor can give you more information about the diet that is best for you.

Both naturopathic medicine and Herbalism are based on the healing power of nature. Naturopathic medicine focuses on the individual’s overall lifestyle and a healthy, nutritious diet. Herbalism is the practice of using plants and herbs to medicate certain maladies. Even many of today’s pharmaceuticals and supplements are based in nature.

To practice naturopathy, physicians must complete a four-year graduate program including both traditional medical courses as well as those specific to naturopathy. It is important to seek advice from your physician before starting any type of new health regimen.

Many alternative healing methods involve finding a healthy balance among your mind, body, and spirit. Meditation, yoga, Traditional Chinese Medicine (TCM), and Ayurveda, an eastern Indian medical practice, have all been practiced for thousands of years and aim to achieve this balance.

Meditation has been helpful for pain management and for alleviating anxiety and insomnia. It has also been shown to aid in heart disease prevention and for helping with depression.

Yoga is the practice of breathing, meditation, and exercise to bring the body to its fullest potential. Yoga has many health benefits, including improved circulation and strengthening core muscles.

Ayurvedic physicians question the patient about his or her diet and lifestyle. They also examine various parts of the patient’s body, including the tongue, nails, lips, eyes, and skin. Treatment may involve dietary recommendations, detoxification methods, herbal medicines, yoga, meditation, and massage. Before seeking this kind of therapy, be sure you are working with a reputable and knowledgeable physician. More and more spas and fitness facilities are offering Ayurvedic practices, in addition to offering yoga and meditation.

TCM incorporates various healing treatments according to individual needs in order to restore the Chi, or vital energy, to the body. Methods include herbal medicines, nutrition, exercise and/or massage, acupressure, and acupuncture. Acupuncture involves sticking small needles into certain areas of the patient’s body in order to restore their Chi. Upon insertion of the needles, it is believed that the body releases certain chemicals that produce calming effects or stimulate the body’s healing process. Acupuncture has been effective in treating nausea, menstrual cramps, fibromyalgia, osteoarthritis, migraines, and in stroke rehabilitation. Acupuncture has been deemed safe when performed by a licensed acupuncturist.

TCM has helped provide relief for such conditions as allergies, Alzheimer’s disease, depression, chronic pain, diabetes, Parkinson’s disease, and insomnia. Before seeking TCM, be sure to consult your physician.

Helping the body to heal itself is another common thread in alternative medicine. Biofeedback involves the patient learning to control certain bodily functions, such as temperature, heart rate, and blood pressure, with his or her mind. The patient learns to use relaxation techniques and guided imagery to attain their desired results. Biofeedback has been helpful for those suffering from headaches, stress, high blood pressure, and some chronic pain conditions.

Hypnosis is used to ease painful situations, such as recovering from surgery, childbirth, and to help lessen the pain of cancer treatment. It has been found to successfully treat a wide variety of conditions, including combating drug addictions, smoking, anxiety, and obesity.

Homeopathy involves the theory that “like cures like,” similar to using a diluted form of the flu virus to fight the flu. Homeopathy incorporates using natural remedies in small, diluted doses to stimulate the body to heal itself. Used for over 200 years, it has been successful in helping alleviate illnesses such as arthritis, asthma, anxiety, and insomnia. It is safe to use for pregnant women and children.

Myofascial Release involves deep massage and other techniques that release the pressure and pain contained at the site within the fascia (the connective tissue that holds all of your internal organs, muscles, bones, nerves, tendons, etc., in place.) When we experience an injury such as whiplash, a bone break, or habitual actions that put stress on our bodies, the fascia becomes damaged and results in pain and restricted movement. Myofascial Release therapists work with clients one-on-one to improve their posture, teach proper movement techniques, and work on stretching and flexibility.

Chiropractic follows the belief that all parts of the body are affected by the health and well-being of the spinal cord and the nerves. By administering to and caring for this region of the body, chiropractors have been able to help people with problems including muscle tension, asthma, arthritis, heart problems, and allergies.

Kinesiology was developed over 40 years ago by a chiropractor. The theory is that the strength of the muscles, organs, and glands surrounding the afflicted area reflect the health of that area. Kinesiology is used to detect and treat joint and muscle problems, organ problems, and even food allergies.

Sources for this story included: www.homeopathy-soh.org/about-homeopathy/, library.thinkquest.org/24206/chiropractic.html, and www.webmd.com/pain-management/guide/pain-management-overview-facts.