3 Holistic Health Modalities for Healing & Rehabilitation

Today, there are a number of people seeking holistic health treatments, either as an alternative or supplement to conventional medicine. Unlike conventional medicine, which typically targets a particular part of the body for a particular ailment, holistic medicine focuses on the health of the entire person including the body, the mind, and the emotions.

In addition, holistic medicine places special emphasis on the relationship between the healer and patient. Three holistic health modalities that are widespread in today are acupuncture, massage therapy, and chiropractic care. This article provides a basic overview of each and discusses the potential each has for faster healing and rehabilitation.

Acupuncture 

Practiced in China and other East Asian countries for centuries, acupuncture involves the insertion of needles into certain parts of the body to promote the healthy flow of energy in the body. The practice of acupuncture is rooted in the idea there is a natural energy called chi that flows around the body in pathways called meridians.

Many physical and even mental ailments are believed to the result of something blocking or unbalancing the flow of chi, and the goal of the acupuncturist restore the natural circulation of chi to their pathways in the meridians. Needles are used to do this as well as heat, pressure and laser light.

In the West, acupuncture is used for a variety of purposes. For instance, it has provided relief from nausea and vomiting following chemotherapy treatment as well as relieved from dental pain following surgical procedures. Acupuncture has also been used to stimulate nerves, muscles and connective tissue and is considered a general therapeutic treatment for a variety of ailments including headaches, menstrual cramps and lower back pains.

Massage Therapy 

Like acupuncture, massage therapy is form of holistic medicine that has been practice for centuries. It involves the pressing, rubbing, and vibrating of various parts of the body, particularly the muscles and soft tissues. Some people receive a massage for general relaxation and stress control, while others do so to relieve symptoms of a specific condition such as a sports injury.

Massage therapy has been effective for treating a number of conditions such as lower back pain, neck pain, other kinds of physical pain, even anxiety and depression. Why massage therapy relieves pain and other symptoms for so many people is not entirely known, but one theory is that the stimulation provided by a massage blocks pain signals that are sent to the brain.

Chiropractic Care

Modern chiropractic medicine dates back to 1895, when a grocer named Daniel David Palmer performed his first adjustment. The treatment consists of the alignment of parts of the skeleton system, most commonly the spine, in order to promote normal nervous system functioning. A typical visit to a chiropractor consists of a diagnostic imaging to see what area of the body might benefit from treatment and then one or more sudden and controlled manual adjustments.

Chiropractic is care universally recognized for treating lower back pain and is also effective for treating neck pain and headaches. It can also be helpful for treating muscle spasms and leg pain. The procedure usually involves multiple visits over the course of several months in order fully treat the condition.

Holistic health treatment, or holistic medicine, is not only holistic in terms of the way they treat the individual. Such treatment is also holistic in the way they are often used in conjunction with each other, as using more than one of them can increase effectiveness. However, before starting one or more of the holistic medicine treatments, a person should consult with the professionals in the holistic medicine fields to ensure that the care is right for them.

Embrace Massage Therapy with a New Intention

Science has shown that professionally-conducted massage therapy works wonders in more ways than one. The health and wellness benefits of massage can go much deeper than helping to release muscle tension, aches, and pains.

So during your next visit to your massage therapist, perhaps you should embrace the massage with a certain intention. Whether to relax and relieve stress or promote healing in ailing parts of the body, a brief discussion with your massage therapist can pinpoint the perfect type of massage (along with the proper mindset) to help make you a better human being. Below are a few intentions to consider.

Enhances Flexibility

Sports injuries are far more common today than ever before. But in addition to injuries resulting from athletic pursuits, many individuals encounter minor injuries (pulled muscles, sprained anxles, etc.) from leading a sedentary lifestyle. In short, not keeping joints, ligaments, and muscles in motion can make one's system rigid and highly in-flexible.

In addition to embracing a slightly more active lifestyle that incorporates movement, flexibility can be greatly enhanced through massage therapy. With a good deep tissue massage for injury relief or prevention, your muscles, joints, tendons, and connective tissue become more fluid, hydrated, and less susceptible to injury.

Evaporates Stress & Anxiety

Countless research studies have proven that massage therapy significantly reduces both blood pressure and thus heart rate. In turn, this helps encourages the release of feel good endorphins throughout the body, such as serotonin and dopamine.

If you're constantly feeling stressed and anxious, a good wholesome massage may be in order. Almost any type of massage can help encourage feelings of calmness and relaxation (with the exception of deep, deep tissue massages which are often directed toward healing and rehabilitation. Opt for a long 60 or 90 minute massage, and let the stress evaporate.

Relieves Tension and Headaches

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Studies have shown that over 3 million people in the U.S. report dealing with migraine headaches. This is mostly due to individuals experiencing enormous amounts of stress coupled with poor sleep and rest.

Regular massage therapy can significantly help promote much needed relaxation (and stress-relief), and thus evaporating the potential onset of a migraine or tension headache. Tell you massage therapist that in addition to focusing on a general relaxation massage (or Swedish massage), you'd like to place some attention on the cranial area, such as the temples.

Improves Post-Surgery Healing & Rehabilitation

The post-surgery rehabilitation process is a critical phase after any surgery, whether knee surgery or breast augmentation surgery. It is during the post-op rehabilitation and recovery stages when your body needs to be stimulated in the right manner.

Research has made evident that patients after surgery who receive regular massage treatments can heal their bodies quicker. This has been particularly noted among athletes who undergo reconstructive surgery of the limbs, as well as women who are healing from breast augmentation surgery. In essence, massage therapy helps to promote increased blood flood and circulation in parts of the body that need it most, and thus accelerates the recovery process.

Ecourages Easier Breathing

One of the most clear signs of anxiety and stress in an individual is constricted breathing. Short and shallow breathing makes it nearly impossible to fully relax and unwind. For this reason, massage therapy can provide the ideal solution to achieve a complete relaxed state to make breathing easier and more fluid.

On physical level, constricted breathing is often caused by tight muscles in the rib cage as well as the abdomen. Precision massage treatment can help release these problematic tight spots, all while helping your body relax. Specific health benefits can help alleviate a number of respiratory issues, including asthma, bronchitis, sinus problems, and allergies.

Regular and professional massage therapy can be a complete game-changer in how you lead your life. Massage not only help us on physical level, but can also offer mental and emotional health benefits. If you can afford to invest in regular massage treatments, do it. It's one of the best forms of healthcare that your body will love.

This article was contribute on behalf of the Bloomington, IL massage therapists at N8 Touch Massage. Offering a wide range of massage therapies to the people of Bloomington, IL, N8 Touch Massage is haven for holistic healing and relaxation through the art of massage. To learn more about N8 Touch Massage of Bloomington, IL, you can visit the website or check them out on Google+.

Seeking a Massage Therapist? Ask These 3 Questions to Find the Best

This article was contributed on behalf of the professional massage therapists of N8 Touch Massage of Bloomington, IL.

Are you looking to get a massage and looking to connect with a professional massage therapist? Is this your first time getting a massage and you're unsure of where to start? Before you jump on the massage table, research and shop around for a reputable massage therapist. 

Once you've narrowed your search down and make an appointment, be sure to ask questions to ensure you will receive the best services possible. When meeting with a potential therapist for a consultation, prepare three questions that may give insight into helping choose the best massage therapist. Talk to the therapist about your overall health and purpose for seeking such therapy. This can help with determining the best approach to achieve desired results.

What type of massage do you specialize in?

There are over 200 types of massage that a therapist may or may not be familiar with. Some massage therapists may use one or several massage techniques simultaneously. One may specialize in deep tissue massage, while another works with athletes and gives sport massage.

 If you're seeking therapy that's gentle on the tissue, there's a massage to relieve that stress. Ask up front to determine what type of massage will help alleviate and target the problem muscle area.

Where did you get your massage training or schooling?

Not all massage therapists are the same and the same goes for schools specializing in massage therapy. Many schools approach the discipline differently using alternative, traditional, hands-on and practical approaches.

A massage therapist fresh out of school will have approximately 500 hours of training. Depending on the state, the requirements may vary. Universities and community colleges are a good foundation to begin course work taking two years to complete. Therapists should be licensed by through the National Massage Board. If they hold a license in the state in which they practice, they don't have to necessarily be nationally licensed.

How long have you been a massage therapist?

Having hundreds of hours of academic training under your belt is good, but having workplace experience is the real training. While there are many talented veterans who have made a name for themselves, there are also many talented beginners. On average, five solid years of experience is a good enough time frame to master the art of massage therapy. Ask your therapist about their track record and find out if they have crossed trained other specialties such as reflexology and aromatherapy.

These questions are the starting point for having an ongoing relationship that can help with muscle problems. Not only will continuous therapy help with healing the muscles it also helps with blood circulation, arthritis and back problems.

Once you've decided on the therapist you want to hire, they will first come up with a therapy plan based on your root problems and adjectives, as well as the massage services they have to offer. Determining factors such as severity of the pain and the length of the session can determine how long it will take to get the desired effects.