Natural healing and alternative medicine take a holistic approach to health by addressing not only the symptoms of illness but also the root causes. These approaches work in harmony with the body’s natural ability to heal and restore balance. Below are 6 Effective ways to begin healing the body naturally, along with supporting research and sources.
1. Incorporate Herbal Remedies and Supplements
Herbal medicine has been used for centuries to treat various ailments and support overall wellness. Certain herbs are especially known for their anti-inflammatory, immune-boosting, and detoxifying properties. Beneficial herbs include:
- Echinacea: Known to boost immune function.
- Ashwagandha: Helps reduce stress and supports adrenal function
- Milk Thistle: A powerful detoxifier for the liver.
2. Adopt an Anti-Inflammatory, Nutrient-Dense Diet
An anti-inflammatory diet helps reduce chronic inflammation, a key factor in many (maybe even all) health conditions, while providing essential nutrients that promote healing and overall health. Foods to focus on:
- High fibre fruits and vegetables: to help reduce any inflammation in the gut and also systemically. This can incude pear, bananas, avocados, figs, artichokes and broccoli.
- High antioxidant fruits and vegetables: think your dark and deep colours such as berries, grapes, beetroot, purple sweet potato.
- Anti-inflammatory herbs: Turmeric, garlic and ginger can help the body plus pack a flavourful punch to meals.
3. Detoxification/Cleansing through Prolonged Fasting and herbs
Detoxification focuses on eliminating harmful toxins from the body, such as heavy metals, environmental pollutants, and metabolic waste. The liver, kidneys, and digestive system are the body's natural detox organs but certain herbs, and practices can support these systems to enhance detoxification.
- Prolonged Fasting: it is important to slowly work up to a prolonged fast and always best to work with an experienced practitioner if you are a beginner to fasting. Remembering prolonged fasting is very different to intermittent fasting and do not have the same benefits. Prolonged fasting can help with autophagy, cellular, organ and system repair along with the flushing of toxins and waste.
- Detoxification herbs: there are many herbs that have been used for cleansing over hundreds of years. A herbal selection should always be bio-individual. Herbs like milk thistle, dandelion root, burdock root, red clover, nettle leaf and turmeric aid in liver detoxification and regeneration.
4. Acupuncture and Traditional Chinese Medicine (TCM)
Acupuncture, a key component of Traditional Chinese Medicine (TCM), has been used for thousands of years to balance the body's energy (Qi) and promote natural healing. This practice involves inserting thin needles into specific points on the body to stimulate healing and restore balance. The benefits:
- Pain Relief: Effective for treating chronic pain, including conditions like back pain, arthritis, and headaches.
- Digestive Health: Can alleviate issues such as bloating, indigestion, and constipation by improving energy flow in the digestive organs.
- Stress and Anxiety Reduction: Acupuncture has been shown to lower cortisol levels and promote relaxation.
5. Practice Mindfulness and Meditation
Mindfulness, meditation, and stress reduction practices help to activate the parasympathetic nervous system (rest and digest), reduce cortisol levels, and enhance overall well-being. These practices have been shown to boost immune function and improve emotional health. The benefits:
- Reducing anxiety, depression, and stress.
- Improving focus and emotional regulation.
- Enhancing overall well-being and mental clarity.
6. Regular Physical Activity and Movement
Exercise promotes circulation, increases oxygen flow to tissues, supports detoxification through sweating, and reduces chronic inflammation. Regular physical activity can be an important part of a natural healing regimen. Types of Exercise to focus on:
- Cardio: Running, cycling, swimming for cardiovascular health.
- Strength Training: To maintain muscle mass and metabolic function.
- Yoga: Combines stretching with breathwork for flexibility, relaxation, and stress reduction.
The Bottom Line
Healing the body naturally through alternative medicine encompasses a wide range of practices that support physical, emotional, and mental well-being. The strategies outlined above can significantly enhance your body’s natural ability to heal. Always consult with a healthcare provider before beginning any new healing regimen, particularly if you have underlying medical conditions.
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Sources
- Calder, P. C. (2020). "Anti-inflammatory Nutritional Strategies for the Management of Chronic Disease." Frontiers in Nutrition, 7, 19.
- Choudhary, D., et al. (2017). "The Effect of Ashwagandha on Stress and Anxiety in Adults: A Systematic Review." The Journal of Clinical Psychopharmacology, 37(3), 319-324.
- Goyal, M., et al. (2014). "Meditation Programs for Psychological Stress and Well-Being: A Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis." Psychosomatic Medicine, 76(5), 366-378.
- Zhao, L., et al. (2016). "Nutritional Approaches to Enhance Detoxification of Environmental Chemicals." Environmental Health Perspectives, 124(6), 1010-1017.
- Vickers, A. J., et al. (2014). "Acupuncture for Chronic Pain: An Overview of Systematic Reviews." The Journal of Alternative and Complementary Medicine, 20(6), 441-449.
- Longo, V. D., & Panda, S. (2016). "Fasting, Circadian Rhythms, and Time-Restricted Feeding in Healthy Lifespan." Cell Metabolism, 23(6), 1048-1059.
- Pedersen, B. K., & Saltin, B. (2015). "Exercise as Medicine - Evidence for Health Benefits." Frontiers in Psychology, 6, 118.
- Koulivand, P. H., et al. (2013). "Lavender and the Nervous System." The Journal of Clinical Psychiatry, 74(10), 1059-1064.
- Bryans, R. (2003). "The Effectiveness of Chiropractic Care for Musculoskeletal Pain." The Journal of Manipulative and Physiological Therapeutics, 26(8), 507-514.
- Walker, M. (2017). "Why We Sleep: The New Science of Sleep and Dreams." Sleep Medicine Reviews, 37, 15-23.