{"id":6712,"date":"2019-08-20T11:33:17","date_gmt":"2019-08-20T15:33:17","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/www.naturalwellness.com\/nwupdate\/?p=6712"},"modified":"2024-02-05T11:42:04","modified_gmt":"2024-02-05T16:42:04","slug":"relieving-stress-and-pain-with-complementary-and-alternative-medicine","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/www.naturalwellness.com\/nwupdate\/relieving-stress-and-pain-with-complementary-and-alternative-medicine\/","title":{"rendered":"Relieving Stress and Pain with Complementary and Alternative Medicine"},"content":{"rendered":"

What\u2019s the difference between complementary and alternative medicine?<\/h3>\n

While both complementary and alternative medicine tend to be used interchangeably when referring to non-traditional medical treatment, there is a difference between the two.<\/p>\n

    \n
  1. Complementary medicine<\/strong><\/a> is when you do special treatment along with a more conventional therapy to help a certain condition.<\/li>\n
  2. Alternative medicine<\/strong><\/a> is when you only use the non-traditional treatment in place of conventional treatment. (5<\/a>)<\/li>\n<\/ol>\n

    Having said that, it\u2019s quite rare for a patient to only use alternative medicine when being treated for most ailments. Usually, an alternative medical practitioner works in accordance with the patient\u2019s primary doctor to help find the best treatment.<\/p>\n

    This article will explain the different types of complementary and alternative medicines and inform you of their various benefits.<\/p>\n

    Types of Complementary and Alternative Medicine for Pain Relief<\/h2>\n

    What follows are various types of complementary and alternative medicine.<\/p>\n

    Acupressure<\/strong><\/h3>\n

    Acupressure is like acupuncture but without the needles. In this form of treatment, specialists will use their hands, elbows, or feet to apply pressure to the body\u2019s meridians. It is believed that by applying pressure to the meridians, the body is relieved of pressure and blockage, allowing for energy to flow and to feel better. Chemo patients have found that acupressure helps relieve them of the nausea from treatment. (1<\/a>)<\/p>\n

    Acupuncture<\/h3>\n

    \"Acupuncture<\/p>\n

    Some people find that applying needles to various parts of the body helps relieve stress and pain in those areas. (1<\/a>)<\/p>\n

    Aromatherapy<\/h3>\n

    This is when people use essential oils to fill their environment with aromas to help elicit a specific mood. Sometimes this is from inhaling the oils, other times the oils are diffused into the air. Various aromas help in different ways. Some will help you focus (such as rosemary or peppermint) when preparing for a test or a major presentation, while others may help you relax (such as lavender or clary sage) and fall asleep faster. (1<\/a>)<\/p>\n

    Chiropractic and Osteopathic Manipulation<\/h3>\n

    These types of treatments can help relieve back or neck pain. This is when you go to a chiropractor or specialist to help stretch out your body or loosen your joints.<\/p>\n

    One of the most popular procedures is spinal manipulation (otherwise known as an adjustment), where pressure is applied to the spinal cord to help those suffering from mobility issues. It is known to loosen up the muscles and make it easier for patients to move. (5<\/a>)<\/p>\n

    Homeopathy<\/h3>\n

    This concept is similar to vaccinations where you treat \u201clike with like.\u201d That is, where you treat a condition with something similar to the condition.<\/p>\n

    Homeopaths take natural ingredients that would cause a reaction in the body and heavily dilute them. Once the patient takes the diluted substance, it is expected to cause enough of a reaction that the body would fight it in order to help the body heal. (1<\/a>)<\/p>\n

    Massage<\/h3>\n

    There are so many benefits of therapeutic massage<\/a>, including reducing stress, alleviating chronic pain, improving range of motion, enhancing your immune system, easing depression and lessening anxiety, as well as lowering blood pressure.<\/p>\n

    Movement Based Treatment<\/h3>\n

    \"Qigong<\/p>\n

    Some people find various mind-body movement techniques help them heal. These exercises can help cope with stress or pain throughout the body.<\/p>\n

    3 examples include: (5<\/a>)<\/p>\n

      \n
    1. Tai Chi<\/strong> \u2013 This involves a series of slow, flowing exercises in a combination of movement, meditation, and rhythmic breathing to help improve the flow of vital energy through the body to promote healing from a variety of health conditions. Many people use it to help improve both mental and physical health. It also helps improve posture, balance, flexibility, and strength. (4<\/a>)<\/li>\n
    2. Yoga<\/strong> \u2013 Stretching your body may help relieve your body of stress and improve mental health.<\/li>\n
    3. Qigong<\/strong> \u2013 Similar to tai chi, this ancient Chinese method of exercise combines meditation, controlled breathing and movement to help relax and improve mental energy. (2<\/a>)<\/li>\n<\/ol>\n

      Reflexology<\/h3>\n

      Reflexology involves placing pressure in specific parts of the patient\u2019s hands, feet, or ears to help them heal in other parts of the body. It is believed that by pressing on certain pressure points, it will have a positive effect on someone\u2019s overall health.<\/p>\n

      One example is pressing on the arch of your foot is expected to improve bladder function. It is possible to perform reflexology on yourself or to go to a reflexologist for treatment. (1<\/a>)<\/p>\n

      Reiki<\/h3>\n

      \"Reiki<\/p>\n

      Reiki is described by one person who is passing positive energy onto another person either by lightly touching them or from a slight distance off of the body. It\u2019s intended to help relax, speed healing, reduce pain, and improve general well-being. (1)<\/p>\n

      Natural Products<\/h3>\n

      Natural products and supplements are considered to be the most popular forms of complementary and alternative medicine.<\/p>\n

      Some examples include: (1<\/a>)<\/p>\n