Recovering from illness, injury, or emotional trauma can be hard work. This work is complicated by the fact that few of us feel as though we have the spare time to deal with these challenges. Even so, optimal healing requires attention and care if we want to get back to “normal” as soon as possible.
It’s critical that we first listen to the advice of our doctor, therapist, or any other health care professionals participating in our recovery. During your next appointment, get their opinion on any of these seven natural healing techniques. Many are affordable or free to do at home for a greater sense of wellbeing.
- Acupressure
As part of Traditional Chinese Medicine, many trust acupressure to alleviate discomfort. During acupressure, we apply pressure to points on the body which correspond to the area where we’re experiencing negative symptoms. Those who subscribe to beliefs involving the flow of energy find healing this way, but the practice can be effective for muscle relaxation on just about anyone.
- Yoga
Active people experiencing a setback thanks to injury can get a lot out of mindful movement practices like yoga. Physical yoga practices are also helpful for sitting with and releasing difficult emotions. As we link breath and movement, we learn to find stillness as we accept - and maybe even appreciate - what our body is capable of that day.
- Massage
Illness and stress create a lot of tension. If we’re already in some kind of pain, the tension makes it worse. This is where a massage therapist can be of huge benefit. Not only is therapeutic massage incredibly relaxing, but it can improve circulation and encourage lymphatic drainage. This may add up to faster healing.
- Reiki
Those who want to complement conventional medicine with spiritual practice can book a few Reiki sessions. Reiki is a Japanese healing modality that involves the shifting of energy from therapist to client. One of the main goals of a Reiki session is to imbue the affected person’s body with positive energy.
- Singing Bowls/Sound Therapy
As a healing tool, singing bowls have been shown to decrease tension is people of all ages. However, they may be especially helpful for people over the age of 40 managing physical pain. Using a singing bowl before a guided visualization can also lead to a drop in blood pressure and heart rate. Some people interested in chakra-based treatment use bowls in a range of sizes to address the different vortices in the body.
- Meditation
Why meditate? Well, it not only encourages relaxation and mental clarity - it might reduce pain. One study saw a group practicing mindfulness meditation for 30 minutes daily, reducing pain after a week. Researchers think this is because meditation can essentially take over portions of the brain which register discomfort.
- Diet
Depending on your particular condition, diet can be an excellent way to fast track your healing. Generally speaking, it’s best to avoid processed foods or those containing refined grains. You may additionally support healing with foods that are high in antioxidants and have anti-inflammatory properties.
How often do you get sick, and what do you do to speed up healing time? Share your wellness tips below.