Listen to your body when managing stress.
Your body is an expression of your thoughts. The body is constantly a living expression of your mind. It can communicate emotions with facial expressions or posture, and it can also manifest more complex psychological issues. These issues may influence our life experience and lead to injuries and sickness.
By noticing your body and being mindful, you can promote holistic health, manage stress, and improve your diet. Even a brief pause, such as a moment of looking away from your work, walking between meetings or waiting at the checkout, can have a significant impact on both your mind and body. It allows you to see the bigger picture and think more clearly. It can boost feel good hormones which counteract the accumulation of stress hormones.
This is an example of how you can take a moment to listen to your body.
Grounded yourself in your body.
Place your hands on top of your head. You can choose to place your hands in the best places for you, like front and back or top and bottom where your neck meets your skull. You can also hold your head on both sides. Follow your instincts.
Hold your head and observe the effect on your thoughts. Touch can connect the mind with the body in an instant. As your body senses are awakened, you may feel that your skin is more alive. The contact may help you forget about your busy to-do lists and instead feel more present.
Touch has been shown to reduce the physiological effects associated with stress and anxiety. This includes lowering stress hormones such as cortisol and lowering blood pressure. It also improves immune system function. Nurturing touch releases oxytocin – the cuddle and love hormonal substance that can calm your body and mind.
Explore some other options to support yourself. You can use them to support yourself at any time. They can be used to relieve stress, provide comfort or to simply relax and connect with yourself at the end. You can try them all out to see which ones you prefer.
Self-supporting holds
- Rub your upper arms.
EFFECT: Raises oxytocin levels. Helps you sense your personal boundaries. Hugging yourself is another alternative. You can hug yourself or wrap your arms around the upper part of your body.
- Hold your hands, one or both, over your heart for a few seconds.
EFFECT: Self-nurture and mothers. While speaking, putting your hand on your chest can also show sincerity. This can have a positive impact on how other people respond to you.
- Rub your lower back, then place your knees in the position that feels most comfortable.
EFFECT: Gives you a sense of grounding, energizes the legs and gives you a “get up, go” feeling.
- Put your hands together in a praying pose. You can either place your hands on your chest, or leave a space between your hands and your chest.
EFFECT: You can also say a small prayer to yourself while holding.
- Consider holding your favorite position at the end and compare how you feel to when you first started.
This is an excerpt from Chapter 1 of The Mindful Body (Rockpool Publishing, 2018, Noa Belling), which provides practical strategies for building emotional strengths and managing stress by body mindfulness. noabelling.com
The article Self-Supportive Tones to Calm Your Brain appeared first on Alternative Medicine Magazine.
Frequently Asked Questions
What Is Alternative Medicine?
This approach to healing focuses on prevention and not treatment. It encourages consumers to become educated and active in improving their well-being.
Alternative medicine refers to any system of diagnosis and treatment that does not employ allopathic (conventional) medical practices.
What does holistic really mean?
Holistic means whole-based. It means looking at the whole picture rather than just part of it. It is difficult to do this because we tend to see things as individual parts.
We tend to think in terms of black and white. But actually, there is an infinite variety of shades of grey.
So, when working on a project, try to see everything from different angles. It is important to see it from all angles.
Take the time to look at it as a whole. Is there a way for its elements to interact?
And if you find a problem, ask yourself why this particular element is causing trouble. Make sure to take into account the impact of every change you make.
What are the Alternative Medical Systems?
Ayurveda is a system of alternative medicine that includes acupuncture, Ayurveda homeopathy, energy-healing, and aromatherapy.
To stimulate the flow and energy of qi (energy), Acupuncture uses fine needles that are inserted into specific points in the body.
Ayurvedic Medicine, an ancient system of health-care, focuses on the balance of the three elements: fire, air, and water. It includes diet, exercise as well as herbal remedies, massage and meditation.
Homeopathic Medicine is derived from the Greek words homoios meaning similar and pathos meaning disease. Homeopaths believe that every disease has natural causes. However, symptoms are not the only thing that can be caused. They treat people by prescribing minute doses of substances that cause similar symptoms to those experienced when the person is ill.
Energy Healing is also known as Reiki, EFT, Rolfing, Therapeutic Touch, and many others. This therapy draws on the belief that we are each connected to a universal life force called Ki. This Ki flows freely through us and makes us feel good. To restore harmony and balance between our spiritual, physical, and emotional selves, energy healers use touch and intention.
Aromatherapy uses essential oil extracted from plants for therapeutic purposes. Aromatherapists believe certain scents can influence mood and behavior. Lavender is one of the most used essential oils in aromatherapy.
Is holistic health care the same as alternative medicine?
Holistic Health Care distinguishes itself from Alternative Medicine because Holistic Health Care focuses on the whole person instead of just treating symptoms.
Holistic Health Care considers all aspects of a person’s life including their mental, physical and emotional health, as well as occupational, cultural, social, and familial factors.
Alternative Medicine does not address these issues. It focuses solely on the body, mind, emotions, etc.
Statistics
- In the 17% in which they disagreed, a third reader agreed with one of the initial readers to set a rating. (en.wikipedia.org)
- In 83% of the cases, the readers agreed. (en.wikipedia.org)
- A 15-year systematic review published in 2022 on the global acceptance and use of CAM among medical specialists found the overall acceptance of CAM at 52% and the overall use at 45%. (en.wikipedia.org)
- According to a 2005 book by a US [116]Institute of Medicine panel, the number of RCTs focused on CAM has risen dramatically. (en.wikipedia.org)
- These studies found that 38.4% concluded positive or possibly positive effects for CAM (12.4%), 4.8% concluded no effect, 0.7% concluded harmful effects, and 56.6% concluded insufficient evidence. (en.wikipedia.org)
External Links
liebertpub.com
- Games for Health Journal by Mary Ann Liebert, Inc., publishers
- The Journal of Alternative and Complementary Medicine.
doi.org
nccih.nih.gov
- Statistics on Complementary & Integrative Health Approaches
- What’s in a Name for Complementary, Alternative or Integrative Health?
pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov
- PubMed: The rise of complementary and other medicine: A sociological perspective
- Holistic medicine – PubMed
How To
What Are The Advances And Shortcomings Of Holistic Medicine?
Holistic medicine is a form of holistic medicine that emphasizes the importance mind, body, spirit and environment in the healing process. It was created by Dr. Edward Bach (1886-1936), whose first book, The Doctor’s Book of Mind Cure (1924), describes the process. Simple techniques like meditation, visualization, hypnosis, and visualization were used by him. This therapy helped patients suffering from stress, anxiety and depression as well as pain, insomnia, and other ailments. Additionally, patients can use this therapy to help them cope with their problems. It also improves their quality of living.
Although holistic therapies have been around for a while, the lack of scientific evidence has made them less popular. Some studies have shown that holistic therapies can reduce the symptoms of chronic conditions like asthma, diabetes, arthritis, headaches, heart disease, hypertension and migraines, as well as other diseases such as cancer, heart disease, hypertension, stroke, bone fractures, and obesity.
These are the highlights and pitfalls of holistic medicine:
- Insufficient scientific evidence. There are very few well-designed randomized controlled trials (RCTs), that evaluate holistic therapies’ benefits. Positive results are found in the majority of observational studies.
- Traditional medicine has a higher cost. Alternative medicines are often cheaper than conventional ones, especially if the patient follows an organic diet.
- Patients do NOT feel pressured or compelled to follow prescribed protocols.
- Many doctors recommend complementary therapies without prescribing them.
- Holistic therapies are often used in combination with conventional medicine. For example acupuncture is commonly combined with medication and surgery.
- Alternative therapies are believed to be more effective than conventional medicine.
- Alternative drugs are considered more natural and less harmful than traditional drugs.
- Many patients seek out complementary therapies to help them adapt their lifestyles. They want to feel healthy and enjoy life.
- Patients who practice holistic therapies are healthier.
- The popularity of holistic therapies is growing among seniors.
- More research needs to be conducted on complementary treatments.
- Studies show that most people prefer to try alternative treatments before going to a doctor.
- Doctors need to understand that not all patients will benefit from alternative treatments.
- Holistic treatments should be part of our culture and education system.
- Holistic treatments might not be for everyone.
- We must learn how to teach patients about different therapies so that they can make informed decisions.
- Holistic treatments aren’t only for hippies.
- Certain diseases are not cured by holistic therapies.
- Holistic treatments can sometimes be dangerous.
- Holistic therapies can be beneficial for certain conditions.
- Holistic treatments are effective.
- Holistic treatments are based in ancient knowledge.
- Holistic therapies are simple to learn.
- It is difficult to learn holistic treatments.
- It can be hard to learn holistic therapies.
- Holistic treatments can be expensive.
- Holistic treatments can be quite expensive.
- Holistic treatments can be less expensive than conventional medicines.
- Holistic treatments are more expensive than conventional medicine.
****
A Brief History of Holistic Medicine
Holistic medicine focuses on the whole person and not just their symptoms. It encompasses all aspects of the person, such as their mental, physical, spiritual, occupational, cultural, and social influences. Prevention is more important than treatment and it focuses on preventing disease through diet, exercise and relaxation.
Bastyr University, Seattle was the first school to offer holistic medicine. It was founded in 1972. Holistic medicine was born after Dr. Andrew Weil published “Spontaneous Healing” 1996. Dr. David Williams (AHMA) and Dr. Michael Murray created the American Holistic Medical Association. There are hundreds of holistic medicine programs worldwide today, including Bastyr University (Columbia College of Physicians & Surgeons), Maharishi Ayurveda Institute and Pacific School of Oriental Medicine. Traditional Chinese Medicine is also available.
Holistic medicine was named by the World Health Organization as one of the five most important trends in healthcare. This trend seeks to integrate conventional healthcare with complementary therapies, such as homeopathy, acupuncture and massage therapy. This integration will provide safe, effective and patient-centered care with minimal side effects.
Holistic medicine is based on the interconnectedness and harmony of the body, mind, spirit. When any of these three parts are out of balance, illness occurs. For example:
Anxiety and stress can make you anxious, causing you to feel tense or out of balance. Cortisol is a hormone that causes inflammation in your body. You feel weak, tired, and sick as a result.
You feel negative emotions such as anger, fear, grief and sadness when your emotions are high. These feelings can lead to stress in the brain. If untreated, these stress hormones can trigger adrenaline and cortisol production. Adrenaline is a stimulant of your heart beat, blood pressure, as well as breathing rate. Cortisol impacts your immune system as well as your digestive tract and nervous system. Both hormones can cause fatigue, muscle tension and headaches, as well as anxiety, depression, anxiety, dizziness, insomnia, sleeplessness, headaches, dizziness and other health problems.
If your spirit is low, it can cause you to lose faith in yourself and your ability to see the good in others. It is possible to lack self-esteem or confidence. This can lead you to poor eating habits and unhealthy relationships. It can also cause low energy. A healthy spirit makes you happy, joyful, peaceful and optimistic.
There are differences between alternative and traditional medicine.
Allopathic medicine is based upon the scientific method. Doctors use laboratory tests, x-rays, MRIs, CAT scans, and other technologies to diagnose patients. They may also prescribe medications or surgery if necessary. Allopathic doctors believe that they have a complete understanding of the human body and can treat any illnesses. Alternative medicine is based on herbs, vitamins and minerals, diet, exercise as well as emotional support and spiritual healing. There is no one standard definition for alternative medicine. It is sometimes called natural medicine, integrative medical, or complementary medicine. Others refer to it as traditional medicine, naturopathic medicine, and CAM.
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This blog is a source of general information and discussion on health and related topics. Information and materials on this blog, on the website, or in any of the connected materials are not intended to replace or used as a substitute for the advice of a medical professional, diagnosis, or treatment. This blog does not represent the application of any nursing, medical or other health professional advice or diagnosis. We are unable to diagnose health conditions, offer second opinions or provide specific treatment recommendations via this blog or on our website.
If you or another person is suffering from a medical issue and you are concerned, consult your doctor or seek out other medical professional treatment as soon as possible. Do not disregard medical advice from a professional or delay seeking it due to information you seen on the blog or website or in any of the linked materials. If you’re experiencing an emergency medical situation, dial 911 or seek emergency medical assistance on the closest phone immediately.
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By: Dick Benson
Title: Self-Supportive Touch to Calm Your Mind
Sourced From: alternativemedicine.com/anxiety/self-supportive-touch-to-calm-your-mind/
Published Date: Sun, 28 May 2023 06:00:07 +0000
Frequently Asked Questions
What Is Alternative Medicine?
This approach to healing focuses on prevention and not treatment. It encourages consumers to become educated and active in improving their well-being.
Alternative medicine refers to any system of diagnosis and treatment that does not employ allopathic (conventional) medical practices.
What does holistic really mean?
Holistic means whole-based. It means looking at the whole picture rather than just part of it. It is difficult to do this because we tend to see things as individual parts.
We tend to think in terms of black and white. But actually, there is an infinite variety of shades of grey.
So, when working on a project, try to see everything from different angles. It is important to see it from all angles.
Take the time to look at it as a whole. Is there a way for its elements to interact?
And if you find a problem, ask yourself why this particular element is causing trouble. Make sure to take into account the impact of every change you make.
What are the Alternative Medical Systems?
Ayurveda is a system of alternative medicine that includes acupuncture, Ayurveda homeopathy, energy-healing, and aromatherapy.
To stimulate the flow and energy of qi (energy), Acupuncture uses fine needles that are inserted into specific points in the body.
Ayurvedic Medicine, an ancient system of health-care, focuses on the balance of the three elements: fire, air, and water. It includes diet, exercise as well as herbal remedies, massage and meditation.
Homeopathic Medicine is derived from the Greek words homoios meaning similar and pathos meaning disease. Homeopaths believe that every disease has natural causes. However, symptoms are not the only thing that can be caused. They treat people by prescribing minute doses of substances that cause similar symptoms to those experienced when the person is ill.
Energy Healing is also known as Reiki, EFT, Rolfing, Therapeutic Touch, and many others. This therapy draws on the belief that we are each connected to a universal life force called Ki. This Ki flows freely through us and makes us feel good. To restore harmony and balance between our spiritual, physical, and emotional selves, energy healers use touch and intention.
Aromatherapy uses essential oil extracted from plants for therapeutic purposes. Aromatherapists believe certain scents can influence mood and behavior. Lavender is one of the most used essential oils in aromatherapy.
Is holistic health care the same as alternative medicine?
Holistic Health Care distinguishes itself from Alternative Medicine because Holistic Health Care focuses on the whole person instead of just treating symptoms.
Holistic Health Care considers all aspects of a person’s life including their mental, physical and emotional health, as well as occupational, cultural, social, and familial factors.
Alternative Medicine does not address these issues. It focuses solely on the body, mind, emotions, etc.
Statistics
- In the 17% in which they disagreed, a third reader agreed with one of the initial readers to set a rating. (en.wikipedia.org)
- In 83% of the cases, the readers agreed. (en.wikipedia.org)
- A 15-year systematic review published in 2022 on the global acceptance and use of CAM among medical specialists found the overall acceptance of CAM at 52% and the overall use at 45%. (en.wikipedia.org)
- According to a 2005 book by a US [116]Institute of Medicine panel, the number of RCTs focused on CAM has risen dramatically. (en.wikipedia.org)
- These studies found that 38.4% concluded positive or possibly positive effects for CAM (12.4%), 4.8% concluded no effect, 0.7% concluded harmful effects, and 56.6% concluded insufficient evidence. (en.wikipedia.org)
External Links
liebertpub.com
- Games for Health Journal by Mary Ann Liebert, Inc., publishers
- The Journal of Alternative and Complementary Medicine.
doi.org
nccih.nih.gov
- Statistics on Complementary & Integrative Health Approaches
- What’s in a Name for Complementary, Alternative or Integrative Health?
pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov
- PubMed: The rise of complementary and other medicine: A sociological perspective
- Holistic medicine – PubMed
How To
What Are The Advances And Shortcomings Of Holistic Medicine?
Holistic medicine is a form of holistic medicine that emphasizes the importance mind, body, spirit and environment in the healing process. It was created by Dr. Edward Bach (1886-1936), whose first book, The Doctor’s Book of Mind Cure (1924), describes the process. Simple techniques like meditation, visualization, hypnosis, and visualization were used by him. This therapy helped patients suffering from stress, anxiety and depression as well as pain, insomnia, and other ailments. Additionally, patients can use this therapy to help them cope with their problems. It also improves their quality of living.
Although holistic therapies have been around for a while, the lack of scientific evidence has made them less popular. Some studies have shown that holistic therapies can reduce the symptoms of chronic conditions like asthma, diabetes, arthritis, headaches, heart disease, hypertension and migraines, as well as other diseases such as cancer, heart disease, hypertension, stroke, bone fractures, and obesity.
These are the highlights and pitfalls of holistic medicine:
- Insufficient scientific evidence. There are very few well-designed randomized controlled trials (RCTs), that evaluate holistic therapies’ benefits. Positive results are found in the majority of observational studies.
- Traditional medicine has a higher cost. Alternative medicines are often cheaper than conventional ones, especially if the patient follows an organic diet.
- Patients do NOT feel pressured or compelled to follow prescribed protocols.
- Many doctors recommend complementary therapies without prescribing them.
- Holistic therapies are often used in combination with conventional medicine. For example acupuncture is commonly combined with medication and surgery.
- Alternative therapies are believed to be more effective than conventional medicine.
- Alternative drugs are considered more natural and less harmful than traditional drugs.
- Many patients seek out complementary therapies to help them adapt their lifestyles. They want to feel healthy and enjoy life.
- Patients who practice holistic therapies are healthier.
- The popularity of holistic therapies is growing among seniors.
- More research needs to be conducted on complementary treatments.
- Studies show that most people prefer to try alternative treatments before going to a doctor.
- Doctors need to understand that not all patients will benefit from alternative treatments.
- Holistic treatments should be part of our culture and education system.
- Holistic treatments might not be for everyone.
- We must learn how to teach patients about different therapies so that they can make informed decisions.
- Holistic treatments aren’t only for hippies.
- Certain diseases are not cured by holistic therapies.
- Holistic treatments can sometimes be dangerous.
- Holistic therapies can be beneficial for certain conditions.
- Holistic treatments are effective.
- Holistic treatments are based in ancient knowledge.
- Holistic therapies are simple to learn.
- It is difficult to learn holistic treatments.
- It can be hard to learn holistic therapies.
- Holistic treatments can be expensive.
- Holistic treatments can be quite expensive.
- Holistic treatments can be less expensive than conventional medicines.
- Holistic treatments are more expensive than conventional medicine.
****
A Brief History of Holistic Medicine
Holistic medicine focuses on the whole person and not just their symptoms. It encompasses all aspects of the person, such as their mental, physical, spiritual, occupational, cultural, and social influences. Prevention is more important than treatment and it focuses on preventing disease through diet, exercise and relaxation.
Bastyr University, Seattle was the first school to offer holistic medicine. It was founded in 1972. Holistic medicine was born after Dr. Andrew Weil published “Spontaneous Healing” 1996. Dr. David Williams (AHMA) and Dr. Michael Murray created the American Holistic Medical Association. There are hundreds of holistic medicine programs worldwide today, including Bastyr University (Columbia College of Physicians & Surgeons), Maharishi Ayurveda Institute and Pacific School of Oriental Medicine. Traditional Chinese Medicine is also available.
Holistic medicine was named by the World Health Organization as one of the five most important trends in healthcare. This trend seeks to integrate conventional healthcare with complementary therapies, such as homeopathy, acupuncture and massage therapy. This integration will provide safe, effective and patient-centered care with minimal side effects.
Holistic medicine is based on the interconnectedness and harmony of the body, mind, spirit. When any of these three parts are out of balance, illness occurs. For example:
Anxiety and stress can make you anxious, causing you to feel tense or out of balance. Cortisol is a hormone that causes inflammation in your body. You feel weak, tired, and sick as a result.
You feel negative emotions such as anger, fear, grief and sadness when your emotions are high. These feelings can lead to stress in the brain. If untreated, these stress hormones can trigger adrenaline and cortisol production. Adrenaline is a stimulant of your heart beat, blood pressure, as well as breathing rate. Cortisol impacts your immune system as well as your digestive tract and nervous system. Both hormones can cause fatigue, muscle tension and headaches, as well as anxiety, depression, anxiety, dizziness, insomnia, sleeplessness, headaches, dizziness and other health problems.
If your spirit is low, it can cause you to lose faith in yourself and your ability to see the good in others. It is possible to lack self-esteem or confidence. This can lead you to poor eating habits and unhealthy relationships. It can also cause low energy. A healthy spirit makes you happy, joyful, peaceful and optimistic.
There are differences between alternative and traditional medicine.
Allopathic medicine is based upon the scientific method. Doctors use laboratory tests, x-rays, MRIs, CAT scans, and other technologies to diagnose patients. They may also prescribe medications or surgery if necessary. Allopathic doctors believe that they have a complete understanding of the human body and can treat any illnesses. Alternative medicine is based on herbs, vitamins and minerals, diet, exercise as well as emotional support and spiritual healing. There is no one standard definition for alternative medicine. It is sometimes called natural medicine, integrative medical, or complementary medicine. Others refer to it as traditional medicine, naturopathic medicine, and CAM.
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