Do your mind, body, and spirit need some TLC? Holistic healing therapies – also known as holistic medicine or complementary and alternative medicine (CAM) – provide an all-natural approach to health and wellness.

We’ve got 10 reasons why you should try holistic healing therapies today.

1. Holistic healing therapies encourage self-healing

Holistic therapies (also known as complementary therapies) understand that the body is always seeking balance and healing. It looks for the root cause of dis-ease and supports your body’s healing ability with lifestyle changes.

When your body and mind are in a state of balance, your parasympathetic nervous system is engaged, creating the ideal environment for healing.

2. Holistic therapies have a long history of use

Holistic healing therapies may seem trendy and new, but they have a deeply rooted history and tradition.

Holistic therapies like traditional Ayurvedic and Chinese medicine go back thousands of years. Hippocrates (the father of modern medicine) used natural and holistic medicine.

Unfortunately, it fell from popularity due to breakthroughs in conventional medicine. That said, it’s making a resurgence as more people see the value of holistic therapy.

3. Holistic healing therapies treat the whole person

Holistic healing therapies treat each person as a whole (instead of seeing each system as separate). It takes note of your physical, emotional, mental, and spiritual health. These are inextricably linked, each one affecting the other.

Practitioners dig deeper to see what areas of your lifestyle may be causing dis-ease. For example, chronic pain may result from stress from a traumatic experience.

4. You play an integral role in holistic healing therapies

Holistic health differs from conventional healthcare in many ways. One of these differences is that you play an active role in your healing journey with the therapist’s guidance – it’s not about relying on one practitioner or a particular medication to heal you.

Holistic therapies empower you to take your physical, mental, and emotional health into your hands.

5. Holistic therapies cover a wide range of practices

Holistic healing therapies rely on diet, exercise, stress management, and other lifestyle changes to promote health and wellness.

They also encompass various forms of complementary and alternative medicine (CAM), including:

• Nutritional therapy
• Massage therapy
• Naturopathy
• Herbal medicine
• Ayurvedic medicine
• Acupuncture
• Osteopathy
• Chiropractic care
• Aromatherapy
• Crystal healing
• Reiki healing
• Alexander technique
• Emotional Freedom Technique
• Reflexology
• Cranial sacral therapy
• Hypnotherapy
• Breathwork

6. Holistic healing therapies are safe and non-invasive

Many people turn to holistic therapies because they are looking for a gentle, non-invasive approach to healing.

Holistic medicine is less likely to have side effects compared to conventional therapies. That said, remedies and herbs may have mild side effects in some people. Always tell your therapist if you’re taking prescription medication.

7. Holistic therapies prioritise prevention

Preventing health problems before they develop is a big part of holistic care.

Looking after your mental and physical health instead of waiting for a problem to arise saves you time, money, and suffering in the long run. It may also reduce the risk of burnout, which is so common in today’s stressful world.

8. Holistic therapies can complement conventional treatments

Holistic therapies are not a replacement for conventional medical treatments. But the safe and supportive nature of these therapies means they work well with conventional care.

Supporting your mind and body with holistic care may even increase the effectiveness of medical treatments. For example, acupuncture may reduce the side effects of cancer treatment. Holistic massage therapies may enhance circulation in diabetics.

9. Holistic therapies treat various conditions and symptoms

Holistic therapies can’t cure specific conditions but may relieve various symptoms by supporting homeostasis.

Most people seek holistic therapies to help with chronic pain, fatigue, migraines, anxiety, depression, insomnia, acne, high blood pressure, chronic stress, hormonal imbalances, and more.

10. Holistic therapists follow a code of ethics

It’s important your holistic practitioner is registered with a professional regulating body. This means they follow a code of ethics and are properly qualified.

An example of such a body in the UK is the Complementary and Natural Healthcare Council (CNHC). They are an Accredited Register by the Professional Standards Authority for Health and Social Care.

Final thoughts

Holistic therapies are used for self-care, stress-reduction, and preventative healthcare. They bring a sense of balance to your life, helping you feel happier and more energetic.

Start your holistic therapy journey today by checking out our Treatwiser Therapy Directory. Alternatively you can read more about how to live a more holistic lifestyle.