The year 2020 undoubtedly left everyone feeling more anxious about their health and wellness. Despite being quarantined in their homes, many people subscribed to alternative methods to help keep their health in tip-top shape. If you’re looking for alternative therapies to potentially boost your health this new year, read on to discover what you’ve been missing.
Complementary and Alternative Medicine
The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) defines complementary and alternative medicine (CAM) as medicine, therapy, or treatment that is either added to or used instead of standard medical treatments. There are a wide variety of CAM methods available, but some of the most popular ones are:
- CBD Therapy
CBD a popular emerging health supplement. Cannabidiol (CBD) is a cannabinoid, one of the chemical compounds found in cannabis plants like hemp and marijuana. But, unlike tetrahydrocannabinol (THC), CBD is not psychotropic, meaning people who use this chemical compound don’t experience the ‘high’ often associated with marijuana.
Part of CBD’s recent growth in popularity is due to its purported pain relief properties. Due to the alleged relief it provides for both chronic and acute pain, particularly pain caused by inflammation, CBD has become an appealing supplement for those looking to reduce their symptoms without the side effects that come with traditional pain medication.
CBD is also thought to possibly alleviate cancer-related symptoms, reduce acne, and improve heart health and even mental health. Many users have anecdotally reported positive effects when using CBD to reduce anxiety and depression. Another appeal of CBD is that it is non-addictive, unlike some pharmaceutical treatments used for anxiety and depression that can cause side effects and, in some cases, be addictive.
As of now, researchers are still trying to definitively prove the medical benefits of CBD, and the FDA has yet to approve CBD as a medication, excepting Epidiolex, which is a CBD medication used to treat epilepsy. So, if you’re considering trying this alternative treatment for yourself, consult your doctor first and do your research. Online resources like learningcbdoil.com can help you learn everything you need to know about CBD.
- Acupuncture
Acupuncture is a thousand-year-old Chinese medicinal technique that involves puncturing your skin with very thin needles at different points on your body. During the procedure, an acupuncturist sticks the needles on strategic points on your body to help stimulate the natural healing process of your body.
Although the process sounds a bit terrifying, acupuncture is known to help treat chronic pain in the back, neck, knees, and head. It also helps alleviate migraines, hypertension, anxiety and depression, and even allergies.
Many consider acupuncture to be risk-free—assuming you see a certified practitioner—and it has no known side effects, making it a great alternative health option you can try out this year.
- Yoga
Yoga is one of the most popular wellness practices around the world. Yoga is a physical and mental exercise that involves breathing, stretching and strength-building positions, and meditation.
In terms of physical benefits, engaging in yoga helps increase your body’s flexibility, strength, mobility, and balance. If you’re someone who sits at a desk for hours every day, doing yoga can help counter adverse effects from the bad posture that is encouraged by sitting for such long periods of time.
Yoga may also help reduce symptoms of anxiety and depression as well. The combination of meditation and physical movements in yoga help alleviate stress and improve sleep quality. Doing yoga also increases your body’s serotonin production.
Takeaway
There are more alternative options to boost your health. Whether you’re targeting your physical, mental, or emotional health, there are many alternative therapies available nowadays that may help you. However, before subscribing to any alternative treatments, make sure to consult with your doctor to see which ones are right for you. By making your kitchen more energy-efficient, you can save not only money but also the environment. This might be one of the good alternatives health options as the health benefits of being environmentally friendly are endless.
