4 Alternative Medicine Tips That Might Help You

Updated on April 30, 2022

While conventional allopathic medicine is one of the most beneficial developments of modern times, there are times when you might need to supplement it with additional help. Alternative medicines and therapies can help with pain reduction and treating various health problems, and they often have fewer side effects. 

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Alternative medicine encompasses everything from diet changes to implementing a robust exercise schedule. However, there are also specific alternative therapies you can try. 

If you’re wondering which alternative medicine therapies are right for your needs, you’re in the right place. Here are 4 alternative medicine tips that can help you boost your health. 

Try Acupressure for Pain Relief

Acupressure is an alternative medicine technique developed in India and popularized in China. It is similar to acupuncture – however, acupuncture makes use of needles, while acupressure simply uses pressure. 

In this practice, pressure is applied to your meridians – the specific points that are believed to carry life energy through your body. It is believed that if a meridian is blocked or out of balance, you will fall ill.  The pressure applied is meant to rebalance these blocked meridians. 

While there are debates about the existence of these meridians, there is some evidence that acupressure can actually help with pain relief. Researchers have found that this alternative medicine technique can help relieve lower back pain, headaches, and even labor pain. So, while you may not believe in the theory of blocked meridians, there’s evidence that acupressure has its benefits. 

That said, you should always ensure that you visit a licensed acupressure practitioner to make the most of the experience. 

Try CBD for Better Sleep

CBD is a chemical found in the hemp and marijuana plant. While some people have concerns about legality, the 2018 Farm Bill makes products that have under 0.3% THC legal. 

CBD is available in various forms, including oils and topical ointments. However, among the most popular are CBD gummies, which combine CBD oil with the sweet flavor of gummy candy. They’re easy to take, and, unlike conventional medicines, there is no bitter aftertaste. 

This chemical has a host of benefits, including effective pain relief. However, among its most effective benefits is its ability to help promote a healthy sleep cycle. In one study, over 60% of people who reported sleep issues slept better after taking just 25mg of CBD per day. Other benefits include the calming qualities that help combat stress and assistance in regulating and focusing memory and attention. 

Try Aromatherapy for Anxiety and Depression

Aromatherapy is the use of essential oils to promote healing. It’s an ancient practice of various civilizations, including the Greeks, Romans, and Indians. 

Oils are generally inhaled through the use of a diffuser. In some cases, topical application as a massage oil is recommended – however, when doing so, it’s essential to first dilute the essential oil with a carrier oil. You should never apply undiluted essential oils directly to the skin. 

It’s easy to dismiss aromatherapy as doing nothing more than making a room smell good, however, there is scientific evidence that points to its benefits. Some research indicates that aromatherapy can help with anxiety, depression, and insomnia. Popular oils for this include lavender, jasmine, and rose. 

Other benefits of aromatherapy include pain relief and nausea alleviation. That said, keep in mind that essential oils should be used carefully, especially around children, pets, and pregnant women. Ensure that your room is properly ventilated before use and, as mentioned above, never apply directly to your skin. 

Try Chiropractic Medicine for Back Pain

Chiropractors are a pretty common option when looking for pain relief, but most people don’t realize they’re actually considered alternative medicine therapists. There are debates within the conventional medical community as to how acceptable this practice is, and it’s generally regarded as a complementary practice that should be followed alongside traditional medicine. 

The idea behind this practice is the manipulation of your spine via controlled force to treat joint and muscle pain. While its use as a full-body therapy remains contested, some studies indicate that it can help treat neck and back pain. However, like with acupressure, it’s essential to find a certified and skilled chiropractor to treat you – the wrong practitioner can end up doing more harm than good. 

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Alternative medicine is often a thorny issue and should generally not be relied upon as a full replacement for traditional medicine. However, if you’re looking for complementary therapies that offer pain relief and help with issues like sleep deprivation and anxiety, they can be very helpful.

The Editorial Team at Healthcare Business Today is made up of skilled healthcare writers and experts, led by our managing editor, Daniel Casciato, who has over 25 years of experience in healthcare writing. Since 1998, we have produced compelling and informative content for numerous publications, establishing ourselves as a trusted resource for health and wellness information. We offer readers access to fresh health, medicine, science, and technology developments and the latest in patient news, emphasizing how these developments affect our lives.