The Only Site for Natural Health: A Preferred Lifestyle (cont'd)!

Natural Health A Preferred Lifestyle (cont'd)

by Edward D Parry

Going vegetarian is another way of opting for a naturally healthy lifestyle. This is a little drastic for most so even the most loyal natural health practitioner will opt for the occasional detoxification process. This is where a controlled fast of some kind will play its part. Some fasts maintain that water becomes the body’s main staple with no foods being consumed within a time period. Other equally effective fasts require a selective food diet like fruits or proteins.

Another prominent feature of this particular approach to medicine is its holistic remedies. All-natural solutions like Ayurveda oils for curing allergies, aromatherapy for overcoming insomnia and drinking specific teas to rid the body of toxins are some of the most common ways of practicing natural health medicine. These are the easiest to practice for the novice natural health practitioner and can sometimes be observed even in the lifestyles of those not subscribing to this particular way of life.

Eating specific herbs are also said to be beneficial for health. Traditional Chinese medicine, in particular, believes that herbs relieve symptoms and help expedite healing in the most natural way. Some herbs taken on a regular basis are said to boost the body’s immune system. Ginseng is a good example of a traditional tree root that has become a universally accepted health supplement.

One more aggressive and less practiced holistic remedy is acupuncture. Believed to be able to rid the body of toxins and unwanted chi (also known as energies), acupuncture should only be done by an expert and experienced acupuncturist. This act involves the insertion of very fine needles into strategic points on the body to channel the energies to the right places, thus relieving pain in affected parts. While once only associated with traditional Chinese medicine, it is now an accepted complementary medicine.

Healing the body is just one part of practicing natural health medicine effectively. Most physical diseases and discomforts are believed to originate in the subconscious. This will require a cleansing and healing of the mind as well.

Natural health medicine heals the mind through a string of meditative sessions, where one is required to be still and “listen and communicate” with the body. While the benefits of meditation still needs to be quantified scientifically, it is universally accepted as one of the complementary approaches to physical and emotional healing.