If you’re feeling like you’re stuck in a rut with the same old coping techniques no longer having much effect, you’ve probably considered holistic therapies.
While some skeptics don’t believe in their efficacy, there are plenty of people that swear by these types of therapies to be truly lifesaving.
Sometimes also known as ‘complementary therapy’ or ‘alternative medicine’, holistic therapy is all about treating someone as a whole, rather than a specific ailment.
In 2008, the Nursing Times reported that the UK alone spent around £4.5billion on holistic therapies, so there must be something that’s having a positive effect.
But which holistic therapies are the most popular?
If you’ve not already researched these alternative therapies, then here are the top choices to start with. Find your favorite and book in with heavenandearthmassage.co.uk for some much-needed TLC.
Table of Contents
Reflexology
Reflexology focuses on three areas of the body: The feet, head, and hands. In Chinese massage practice, these areas of the body are known as reflex points or zones. The aim of focusing on these three zones is to restore energy, promote healing, and boost your overall wellbeing. It’s done through massage and micromovement techniques around certain pressure points within the body.
This therapy is deemed to be particularly good for those suffering from back pain, headaches, menopausal symptoms, or even respiratory issues.
Body Massage
Of course, body massage is hugely popular, and you may not have known this treatment is classed as a holistic therapy. Massage helps with relaxation and healing across the whole body.
There are plenty of different types of body massage, with some focusing on a specific area like the head, legs, or feet. Others opt for a full-body massage as a pampering treat.
Massage is ideal for moving blood and oxygen around the body and helping you produce endorphins. It can also help to remove waste products and toxins. All of this ultimately keeps your immune system sharp and your body happy and healthy.
Body massage can be used as self-care, or to reduce high blood pressure, inflammation, and anxiety. It’s also known to improve muscle flexibility and promote health after a muscular injury.
Aromatherapy
Aromatherapy uses essential oils to try and heal the body and mind.
Different essential oils are said to have different effects, and your therapist will choose which to use depending on what you’re hoping to achieve with the treatment. Alternatively, if you have a particular favorite, you can share this with the therapist to use during treatment.
Sandalwood, for example, is ideal for anyone feeling like they need a little help with focusing. While lavender is great for relieving stress and anxiety.
Sometimes, oils are combined to provide a multitude of benefits all in the same massage. Lavender and peppermint, for example, are a good combination for relieving headaches and migraines when applied to the skin. Other aromatherapy treatments will use a diffuser so that the oils can be absorbed into the skin and inhaled.
These three treatments sound like the perfect weekend, right? Make sure to drink plenty of water and give yourself time to decompress after any massage treatment.