What is Complementary and Alternative Medicine?
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Complementary and alternative medicine refers to medical practices that are not part of traditional medical care. These practices are called complementary when they are used with standard medical care. They are referred to as alternative when used in place of conventional medical care.
Some practices that fall under the umbrella of complementary and alternative medicine. Three of these are massage therapy, chiropractic, and acupuncture. They may be used independently or in conjunction with traditional medical care. The team at Activa Clinics suggests that these forms of holistic medicines can complement a whole-body approach to health and wellbeing.
Massage
Massage therapy is used to manage health conditions or to improve wellness. Therapists rub and knead the soft tissue of the body, including muscles, tendons, and ligaments.
This therapy has been known for many years as a pain relief technique. It is also reported to boost immunity.
There are several different types of massage. The most commonly used in the Western world is Swedish or classical. Sports, deep tissue, and Thai practices are just a few of the many other types.
Swedish or Classical
A Swedish massage is recommended for people with lots of muscle tension. It is also suitable for those who are new to this form of therapy. This type may be combined with the use of essential oils to promote increased relaxation.
Sports
Choose a sports massage to help improve your flexibility and sports performance. Sports style also promotes the recuperation of muscle injuries due to repetitive use and helps prevent future injuries.
Deep Tissue
Deep tissue massage uses more substantial pressure than a Swedish. If you are not overly sensitive to slight pain, this can be a good option for relieving chronic soreness, tight muscles, and anxiety.
Thai
Thai massage incorporates stretching, as well. You can participate more actively than in other types. You also do not need to take off your clothes.
Thai massage is used to reduce stress and boost energy. This type of therapy can help relieve headaches, stimulate circulation, and improve range of motion.
Chiropractic
Chiropractic care is well known as a way to reduce neck and back pain. However, that is not the only part of the body that chiropractors treat. Chiropractors are trained to understand how the musculoskeletal system works and how it affects the nervous system.
Chiropractors do not prescribe medication. Instead, they often recommend the following treatments for specific ailments:
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Soft-tissue therapy, such as massage, to relax tight muscles
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Adjustments, which realign joints and increase mobility
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Joint bracing or taping to support sprains as they heal
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Exercises and stretches to restore and maintain range of motion
Chiropractic care focuses on prevention. The goal is to improve your health in the long run. Your chiropractor may ask you to pay attention to your posture or consider changing other habits that affect your health.
Acupuncture
Acupuncture is a technique that originated in Chinese medicine. It is used mostly for pain relief and can help with a variety of conditions.
The Chinese believe acupuncture balances the flow of energy or life force. Western practitioners typically see acupuncture points as places to stimulate nerves, muscles, and connective tissue. Some believe that this stimulation improves the body's response to pain.
Acupuncture has been used to treat pain from the following ailments:
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Arthritis
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Headaches, including migraines and tension headaches
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Lower back pain
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Menstrual cramps
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Nausea and vomiting from chemotherapy or surgery
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Neck pain
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Tooth pain
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Respiratory problems like allergic rhinitis
Conclusion
Massage, chiropractic, and acupuncture are all types of complementary and alternative medicine. They can provide relief from many different kinds of pain and improve your quality of life. Why not incorporate one or more of these into your healthcare program.
