Holistic healing methods have been around for thousands of years. Though they are still debated in some medical circles, the effectiveness of various holistic modalities has proven true enough over time that people are still utilizing the knowledge passed down through generations.
Given that holistic healing focuses on the health and wellness of the body as a whole, this realm of healing aims to revitalize, respect, and enrich the connectivity throughout the entire body. Finding balance and homeostasis is key.
The U.S. government has even taken an interest in these healing modalities. Research centers dedicated to the study of holistic healing methods have also been established.
The National Institute of Health’s National Center for Complementary and Integrative Health focuses its efforts on studying the effectiveness of an array of holistic healing modalities and how they can best benefit patients and enrich lives, paired alongside traditional Western medical practices.
Here is a simple graph showing how interest in holistic healing therapies has grown exponentially over only a decade’s time.
Let’s take a few moments now to scratch the surface of a few of the most popular holistic practices. Read on, and take the risk of learning something new today.
Reiki
Reiki is a holistic healing modality originating in the Japanese culture. The word “reiki”, roughly translated, means universal life energy, and energy is at the center of this practice.
Reiki therapy got its start in the medical community through the efforts of Dr Mikao Usui, a Japanese theologist. Dr. Mikao promoted healing through the transfer of what he deemed “universal life energy”.
Reiki treatments have the potential to offer recipients boosted relaxation, a boost for the immune system, reduced muscle tension in the body, and boosted vitality.
During a treatment, the practitioner will either place their hands on or just above the client’s body. They will move their hands throughout the process channeling energy in and throughout the body to promote physical and spiritual healing.
Floating
Floating wasn’t the best option in Stephen King’s IT, but it’s an excellent holistic healing modality for those who struggle with poor sleep quality, chronic pain, depression, and anxiety here in the world above the sewers. Individuals who have experienced floating therapy have reported relief in all of the aforementioned areas.
The practice of floating aims to provide individuals with a near-perfect environment for meditation. Through the deprivation of most of the body’s senses, your mind has a free path to enlightenment.
During a float, you will be suspended in a saline-infused water-filled tank that will allow you the feeling of weightlessness. It will also be quiet and dark inside the float tank, so you will have no distractions or intrusions as you work to align your inner thoughts.
Floating sessions typically last one to two hours, but newcomers to the holistic healing practice should first choose a shorter session to become accustomed to the tank. Some people have trouble with the absolute dark, silence, and weightlessness and need a little more time to acclimate to the treatment.
Acupuncture
Acupuncture is a holistic healing modality that focuses on balancing one’s Qi or chi. The purpose of the treatment is to unblock any hindrances in your body’s natural flow of energy.
During an acupuncture session, the practitioner will insert thin, sterile, stainless steel needles into very specific points on your body to treat whatever issue might be ailing you the most at that time. The needles don’t hurt, however, some people report tingling or a slight burning sensation at the time of insertion.
Acupuncture can offer relief from the effects of hormonal fluctuations, allergies, pain, depression, and even anxiety. Some people even believe it helps boost the effectiveness of in vitro fertilization treatments.
Once your provider has placed all the needles they need to place, they will leave you alone in the room for around 45 minutes to meditate and relax. When the practitioner returns, they will remove the needles, and the process is complete.
Crystal Healing
Just as your body is full of stored energy, so are the trees, flowers, and rocks that are all around you. Crystal healing is an ancient technique, dating back more than 6,000 years.
When ancient Sumerians of Mesopotamia and ancient Egyptians first began to recognize the power of various crystals, they began to adorn themselves with the stones.
Lapis lazuli, carnelian, and turquoise were among the most popular of the ancient decor, as they are all stones known to ward off negative energy.
During a holistic crystal healing treatment session, the healer may utilize a range of different stones, depending on what’s ailing you. For instance, lepidolite is an excellent stone for calming anxiety, rose quartz is helpful for matters of the heart, and jade can help to provide mental clarity.
Where stones are placed will likely align with a certain area of your body’s energy chakras; the forehead, the throat, the chest, the stomach, and so forth.
Final Summation
As we mentioned earlier, this is only a tiny scratch on the surface of the many different holistic healing modalities there are to explore. Reiki, acupuncture, floating, and crystal healing are just a few of the possibilities.
You may also want to explore the ins and outs of other alternative healing methods such as Yoga, Tai Chi, sound bathing, massage, meditation/breathwork, or even Qigong.
