Most of us will have experienced (or regularly experience) stress and anxiety at some point in our lives. We live in a society that encourages an always-on-the-go mentality that can encourage us to often feel stressed, burnt out, and/or anxious. Sometimes, even the thought of visiting a doctor can cause anxiety; which is why it is important to visit a healthcare professional who makes you feel safe and comfortable like this Dentist In Pulaski.
While it’s important to talk to your doctor about ongoing issues with stress and anxiety, especially if it affects your day-to-day life, there are a number of ways you can incorporate alternative health modalities into your routine to help you manage your stress and anxiety – beyond the “self-care” of a bubble bath!
Table of Contents
What is Considered an Alternative Health Modality?
As defined by the National Centre for Complementary and Integrative Health (2021) Alternative health modalities are health approaches (typically non-mainstream ones) that are used instead of traditional medicine or healthcare. When these alternative health modalities are used in combination with traditional medicine they are considered complementary health modalities.
Complementary health modalities include things like psychotherapy, massage, acupuncture, naturopathic care, meditation, yoga, osteopathy, etc. When using or considering an alternative health modality to treat a health concern, it’s always best to consult with your doctor and when possible, use alternative modalities in conjunction with your regular medical care to ensure you’re getting the evidence-based healthcare that you need.
Reiki
Reiki has its roots in Japanese and Chinese traditional medicine. It is an energy healing modality that believes in the transferring of “universal energy” through the palms of the practitioner into the patient to promote healing – both emotionally and physically.
This type of healing has become more and more popular over the last few decades and has been incorporated frequently as a complementary therapy in cancer treatment. Reiki can promote a sense of calm and relaxation in the patient, promote a more positive sense of wellbeing, and has been shown to provide a decrease in feelings of stress, especially when combined with massage therapy.
If you regularly experience stress and anxiety, consider trying Reiki, or visit an integrative health clinic such as DCOMPRESS DOWNTOWN and experience the benefits of combining Reiki and massage treatments to decrease stress and improve your overall sense of calm and wellbeing.
Acupuncture
Acupuncture is an alternative health modality that has gained a lot of support and is backed by research to help with a variety of healthcare concerns – from muscle pain to migraines. If you are experiencing stress or anxiety that you’re finding difficult to manage, consider trying acupuncture.
Research has shown significant positive outcomes for the use of acupuncture in a variety of anxiety and anxiety-related conditions. It’s a safe, non-invasive, and cost-effective treatment option that is offered in most places by a combination of physiotherapists, chiropractors, naturopathic doctors, and acupuncturists.
If you are looking for a new way or would like to add a complementary modality to your existing anxiety and stress management routine, consider booking a consultation with licensed acupuncture professional.
Massage
Massage has been promoted for its relaxation and pain management benefits for a long time but few people think to incorporate it as regular anxiety or stress management therapy. However, research into massages effects on stress and anxiety are extremely positive meaning you should consider booking those regular appointments to help you better manage your stress!
A study by Mayo Clinic showed that an hour-long massage can reduce cortisol (the stress hormone) by as much as 30% in a single visit. Additionally, in another study, it was shown that those that received regular weekly massage reported their anxiety symptoms reduced by 50% (they cut their anxiety symptoms in half!). This research in addition to the research previously mentioned touting the positive effects of reiki and massage shows the importance of alternative modalities in the management of stress and anxiety-related conditions.
It’s no surprise that massage has shown such benefits – it reduces muscle tension, helps treat and manage pain, and releases endorphins, all of which contribute to our overall feelings of wellbeing. So if you struggle with stress and/or anxiety, consider scheduling regular massage therapy appointments and see the impact that complementary health modalities can really have on your health and wellbeing!
Conclusion
While alternative health modalities should always be done by a licensed practitioner and in conjunction with the treatment and support of your doctor, the benefits of these modalities can’t be ignored.
These treatments are non-invasive, safe, and often cost-effective ways to help you better manage your experience with stress and anxiety. Adding these modalities to your routine is a true act of self-care!
Also Read: 7 Simple Ways to Relieve Stress and Anxiety