“Alternative medicine,” or holistic medicine, refers to therapies that fall outside the bounds of conventional medical research. Though there is a huge variety of alternative medical practices, they all share in common the tendency to avoid using artificial drugs and chemicals in treatments.
The choice of which type of holistic medicine is most appropriate depends largely on the patient’s beliefs and the ailment suffered. Though alternative practices often only receive a grudging acknowledgment from the “mainstream” medical community, some methods can be quite effective when paired with more traditional, evidence-based treatments. Below are a few examples of common types of holistic medicine.
Acupuncture
Acupuncture is a key tenet of Chinese medicine and involves the insertion of thin needles into the skin. It is most widely used to relieve pain, but many believe is also useful for relieving migraines and nausea, as well as improving sleep.
Reiki
Reiki originated in Japan. Its practitioners believe in the healing power of a “universal energy” called Qi. While there is no empirical evidence that qi is beneficial, or even that it exists at all, the practice of Reiki can have a positive effect on overall well-being via the placebo effect.
Meditation
The practice of meditation requires the participant’s focused attention on a particular thought or activity, usually their breathing. Historians have found the earliest mentions of the practice in India, though many cultures have some variation of meditation. The focused attention of meditation is said to increase a sense of peace and well-being while decreasing stress and anxiety.
Holistic Medicine at Morningside Recovery
While we don’t offer holistic-only treatment plans, Morningside Recovery sees the value in aspects of holistic medicine. As such, we provide holistic therapy as a complement to our rehab programs. To learn more about how these therapies can help you beat your addiction, give us a call at 855-631-2135.