What Is Holistic Medicine?
Holistic medicine looks at the whole person, including analysis of physical, nutritional, environmental, emotional, social, spiritual and lifestyle values.
HOLISTIC MEDICINE INCLUDES:
Alternative Medicine:
* includes non-invasive, non-pharmaceutical techniques such as medical herbalism, acupuncture, Homeopathy, reiki, and many others. Alternative medicine can also refer to any experimental drug or non-drug technique that is not currently accepted by “conventional” medical practitioners.
Complementary Medicine:
* refers to non-invasive, non-pharmaceutical techniques used as a complement to “conventional” medical treatments such as drugs and surgery.
The National Center for Complementary and Alternative Medicine (NCCAM) identifies the following complementary medicine treatments:
- Whole medical systems
- Mind-body medicine
- Biologically based practices
- Manipulative and body-based practices
- Energy medicine
Read more about National Center for Complementary and Alternative Medicine (NCCAM) @ the NCCAM website. Keep in mind that the distinctions between therapies aren’t always clear-cut, and some systems use techniques from more than one category.
Click on the following link to learn more: Complementary and Alternative Medicine
Natural Healing:
Refers to the use of non-invasive and non-pharmaceuticals techniques to help heal the patient. When most people use the term Natural Healing, they are usually referring to physical healing techniques only. Natural Healing is a system of medicine within the field of alternative medicine. It is the art and science of relieving ill health in harmony with the laws of nature.
Read more @ What are the Alternatives? and @ Alternative Pain Therapies.
The following website will provide you complete details about Holistic Medicine: What is Holistic Medicine?
WHAT IS ACUPUNCTURE?
Acupuncture is a method of encouraging the body to promote natural healing and to improve functioning. This is done by inserting needles and applying heat or electrical stimulation at very precise acupuncture points.
I have tried acupuncture to help my chronic pain. Acupuncture needling is different from hypodermic needles. Acupuncture needles are very thin and solid and are made from stainless steel. The point is smooth not hollow with cutting edges like a hypodermic needle. I personally felt no pain at all when acupuncture needles were inserted and once the acupuncture needles were in place.
The website below is an excellent source for acupuncture details.
Discuss this option with your doctor. Most health insurance carriers pay for a specific number of acupuncture sessions.
mypainweb “Doctor Finder” can help you find a qualified acupuncturist in your area.
WHAT IS MAGNETIC THERAPY?
Magnetic therapy has been around a long time. The following website is an informative source to learn about it: Magnets for pain. Though I found no benefit to using magnetic therapy it is certainly worth your time and serious consideration.
A FEW MORE:
- Massage Therapy
- Sea Electrolytes (alkaline type minerals that remove the cause for the pain and contraction of the muscles)
- Tens Units (electrical pulse applied outside the skin)
- Hyperbaric Chambers (oxygen healing to promote healing)
- Ayurvedic Medicine (take the Ayurveda Type Quiz)
REMEMBER….
Holistic techniques share a varied range of success in dealing with chronic pain. Modest pain relief on a limited basis is a step in the right direction. Even small gains will help you build momentum and confidence allowing you to take more control of your own painweb while helping to improve your quality of life.
