A holistic therapist offers alternative, or complementary, therapy to an individual who might be suffering from a variety of conditions, linked to both the mind or the body. These therapists have an approach that is less mechanical, more grounded in the understanding that an illness can be viewed from a macroscopic perspective, as well as a micro perspective. This approach is important in the treatment of many conditions, including some that are treatable only with the use of modern medicines. This type of therapist works with a variety of modalities, including massage, diet, meditation, nutrition, hypnosis, and acupuncture.
A holistic therapist treats the whole person, including the psychological and emotional aspects of a person’s being. This type of mental health practitioner recognizes the interrelationship among the physical, mental, emotional, and spiritual realms. When these relationships are understood and balanced, the practitioner has the ability to treat the person’s whole self, for the complete wellness of the person and his or her life. This approach is considered by many to be the most effective and efficient way to address mental health needs. The primary focus of holistic therapy is to achieve balance and harmony within all areas of the client’s life.
Yoga has been used by the holistic therapist since the early times, when it was used to alleviate stress and improve physical health. In India, yoga was regarded as a way of achieving spiritual enlightenment. Today, yoga is still used in the East to address a variety of medical issues, including pain and stress, as well as issues relating to the mind and emotions. For example, the purpose of yoga for the chronic back condition is not to relieve the patient but to address the source of the pain: stress. Through guided imagery, yoga can assist in reducing chronic muscle tension and spasms.
Most of the time, when people visit the health club, they are seeking relief from one particular ailment or the other. However, more individuals are experiencing problems with the general health, and holistic therapies can provide a unique solution to chronic pain. These alternative medicines are often prescribed to those who do not respond to modern medicine. These alternative therapies include massage, acupressure, best chiropractor care, nutritional supplements, homeopathy, and acupuncture. All these deliver results similar to those achieved with standard treatments, but without the harmful side effects of prescription medications.
While chiropractors perform spinal manipulation and physical examinations, holistic therapists use non-surgical techniques in addition to spinal manipulations. Among them are biofeedback, massage therapy, and acupuncture. Biofeedback aids the holistic therapist in identifying the cause of a patient’s ailments. In this manner, the holistic therapist can teach the patient how to control his or her bodily functions to combat stress and anxiety. Massage therapy and acupuncture are examples of soothing therapies that facilitate pain reduction.
Aromatherapy is also a popular technique used by holistic therapists. This holistic therapy involves the use of essential oils to induce relaxation. Examples of these oils include eucalyptus, rose, peppermint, ginseng, and clove. Other holistic therapies such as yoga involve postures (yoga is considered to be an ayurvedic discipline), breathing exercises (also known as pranayama or pratyahara), meditation, dietary change, and relaxation techniques. These holistic therapies are said to have beneficial effects on the physical, mental, and emotional state of an individual.
Reflexology, on the other hand, is another alternative therapy that has gained much popularity. This holistic therapist treatment is considered to be a traditional Chinese medicine. In reflexology, the reflex points are stimulated using certain hand movements (though there are no specific reflex points where the massages take place). For example, if someone wants to increase the circulation in his extremities or for arthritis relief, he can combine reflexology and acupuncture.
However, in comparison to reflexology and aromatherapy, the uses of massage therapies are far more mild. Many people have experienced the calming effects of aromatherapy first-hand when they apply a few drops to a painful or sore muscle part. But if you feel that your therapist does not respect your preferences or beliefs when it comes to alternative medicine, you should leave the session immediately. As a matter of fact, you should find your own massage therapist that respects your individuality and your freedom to make your own decisions about your health.
