Research conducted by Dr. Dean Ornish, MD, revealed that a holistic approach with natural health remedies to health helped reverse heart disease, de-clogging arteries and increasing blood flow. Ornish prescribed a group of prostate cancer patients a healthy lifestyle program (including moderate aerobic exercise, yoga or meditation, a weekly support group session, and a low-fat vegan diet). After a year, not only were markers indicating the presence of prostate cancer decreased, but the genes that promote heart disease, prostate cancer, breast cancer, colon cancer, and diabetes were “turned off.”

The research reveals promising health benefits by incorporating alternative practices into a treatment and prevention plan, in addition to regular doctor visits and traditional medicine. Here are some popular practices you may consider adding to your own health regimen to help boost immunity, reduce stress and fight disease.

Acupuncture

The ancient Chinese practice of inserting very thin needles into your skin at certain points on your body to influence energy flow (or “chi”) is being used to help relieve dozens of ailments.

“The benefits of acupuncture in a hectic lifestyle are endless,” says Dr. Gabrielle Francis, naturopathic doctor, chiropractor, licensed acupuncturist and certified massage therapist. “I’ve used the technique to treat clients recovering from addiction, reducing cravings, lessening withdrawal symptoms, combating anxiety and depression, bolstering creativity, improving sleep, relieving pain, eliminating constipation, alleviating headaches, stopping smoking, and beating jet lag, fatigue, and insomnia.”

Herbal Remedies

Plants are often recognized for their healing and therapeutic properties, and are a strong focus in homeopathic medicine.

Elderberry is from the natural health remedies used to prevent the flu, boost the immune system and treat sinus pain, back and leg pain (sciatica), nerve pain (neuralgia), and chronic fatigue syndrome (CFS). A study published in the Journal of International Medical Research confirmed that a small amount of elderberry extract relieved flu symptoms, on average, four days quicker than other types of medication.


Other herbs with links to health benefits include:

• Turmeric, promoting anti-inflammatory responses similar to pharmaceutical drugs.
• Ginger” href=”https://amzn.to/2HSpGvd” target=”_blank” rel=”noopener noreferrer”>Ginger, which reduces nausea.
• Rosemary, which can help combat seasonal allergies including nasal congestion.

It’s important to note that certain herbal medicines are not always FDA tested or approved, so please consult a medical doctor before using.

Yoga

The mind body connection is a strong focus for alternative therapies, and yoga and meditation are at the forefront.


Researchers from the Psychiatry Department of Islamic Azad University in Iran found that a two-month yoga regimen significantly reduced anxiety levels. The researchers explain that “yoga can be considered as a complementary therapy or an alternative method for medical therapy in the treatment of anxiety disorders.”

Another study conducted by the Division of Yoga & Life Sciences at the Swami Vivekananda Yoga Research Foundation in India revealed that practicing yoga is more effective than physical therapy at reducing pain, anxiety and depression, and improving spinal mobility.

Holistic Nutrition

Food not only provides the body with energy to function, but it supplies the nutrients required to build and regenerate body tissue, bone, muscle, fat and blood. And over the past decade there has been a growing interest in focusing on nutrition as a pathway to prevent disease, detoxify the body, and help ease negative symptoms caused by traditional medical treatments.

A great example of this is the growing popularity of fermented foods. “One of the simplest ways to decrease inflammation and harmful pathogens is by taking probiotic supplements and eating probiotic food – such as traditionally prepared sauerkraut,” says Angelis.

Massage Therapy

Massage therapy is more than just a spa day visit for some pampering. A study conducted by the William Harvey Research Institute in London and the Immunology Research Centre in Belgrade, Serbia found that the therapeutic effect of massage can boost the immune system and can be practiced alongside standard drug-based medical treatment.

Research published in the Journal of Alternative and Complementary Medicine agreed that those who undergo massage therapy experience changes in their body’s immune and endocrine responses, including a decrease in levels of the stress hormone cortisol and increase in lymphocytes, or cells that help the immune system defend the body from harmful substances. Massage therapy can also help lower blood pressure, not only during medical treatment, but up to 72 hours afterwards.

Reiki

The Reiki practice is a hands-on approach similar to massage, but with a softer touch. According to the International Association of Reiki Professionals, the practice is a type of spiritual healing, or energy work, where practitioners apply a light touch or take a hands-off approach, holding their hands slightly above the body. The channeling of energy can result in stress reduction and relaxation, which helps create a healing environment in the body. It has become a popular tool in complementing traditional medical treatment.

Research conducted by Hartford Hospital in Connecticut indicated that Reiki improved patient sleep by 86 percent, reduced pain by 78 percent, reduced nausea by 80 percent, and reduced anxiety during pregnancy by 94 percent.

Taking a more well-rounded approach to your overall health and wellness can bring significant benefits. If you’re interested in adding any of these homeopathic practices to your wellness routine, check with your primary care physician and review your employee benefits. You may find that your health benefits include coverage for some of these non-traditional treatments.