5 Ancient Therapies to Help with Your Modern Life
Despite the arrival of modern treatments, some of the ancient healing techniques remain popular in treating a wide range of physical and mental conditions. What’s more, they are proven very effective in addressing ailments that are often aggravated by the stresses brought by our modern life.
Acupuncture
How does pricking lots of tiny needles in your skin promote good health? Well, numerous studies have shown that this 2,000 year-old therapy has a lot to offer, when it comes to health. Acupuncture needles are thin but they are powerful, particularly in pain relief. It is also believed to help in smoking cessation and weight loss, and in anxiety, chronic stress, fatigue and even depression. Whilst the way in which acupuncture works is still unclear, research suggests that the needling process and other techniques used in this therapy produce a variety of effects to the body and brain. One theory is that the nerve fibres transmit signals to the spinal cord and brain, activating the body’s central nervous system, which leads to the release of hormones that lower pain and improve well-being. Acupuncture also reduces cholesterol and triglyceride levels, and regulates blood sugar levels, according to the University of Maryland Medical Centre.
Tai Chi
This gentle, low-impact exercise has plenty of benefits to human health and is very much ideal for people with mobility issues as well as older adults. Tai Chi combines martial art and moving meditation, with focus on attention, breathing and mindful movement. This exercise is thought to unlock the ‘Qi’ –the energy force that flows through the body, and encourage proper flow. Studies show that when used along with traditional treatments, Tai Chi can help improve the quality of life of people with breast cancer and reduce pain of patients with severe osteoarthritis. It is also thought to promote heart health and lower the risk of hypertension, maintain bone density, and much more. Tai Chi may also be an effective health management tool for people living with diabetes, headaches, fibromyalgia, and rheumatoid arthritis.
Reiki
Reiki is a Japanese relaxation technique that works similarly to acupuncture in a sense that you are releasing and moving energy. Proponents of Reiki therapy believe that the power of touch has the ability to heal different physical ailments and relieve stress. According to the International Centre for Reiki Healing, this ancient practise treats the whole person including body, emotions, mind and spirit, creating many beneficial effects that include relaxation and feelings of peace, security and wellbeing. Other studies reveal that it may also help ease anxiety, stress, and pain, improve symptoms of fatigue and depression, and boost well-being.
Reflexology
Reflexology can be a low-cost, effective and natural approach to combating the effects of stress on your heart and overall health, according to a 2004 study by Duke University Medical Centre researchers. They found that reflexology can cancel out the effects of stress and help the body reach a place of deep relaxation where it can balance the body systems. Report from the National Cancer Institute and the National Institutes of Health indicate that it may also help people deal with pain, anxiety and depression.
Meditation
One of the most powerful ancient healing techniques used today is meditation. This practise, in which one trains his or her mind to cultivate awareness, has been linked to a wide range of health benefits, from lower risk of heart disease to better mental health. Research shows meditation can boost happiness, fight chronic stress, reduce anxiety and symptoms of depression, and improve productivity, cognitive function, and memory – things that we all need to live a healthy and well-balanced life.
These therapies have withstood the test of time. Today, they are being utilised by people of all ages in protecting themselves from many diseases, and staying happy, strong and resilient amidst the day-to-day challenges of the modern life.
Source of this article:
http://www.psychologytoday.
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/
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