Holistic therapies are growing in popularity more and more every day in the UK, as society starts to explore different ways of improving and managing health related conditions.
In this article, we’ll explore the top ten most popular holistic therapies.
1. Naturopathy
According to one of the UK’s leading natural-health training providers CNM (College of Naturopathic medicine), a naturopath is a health practitioner who applies naturopathy, a form of natural therapy.
For example, when working with a naturopath – you can expect to receive a broad combination of knowledge explaining approved natural healing practices as well as the basics including nutritional and exercise knowledge.
Often, a naturopath may be a last resort in the search for achieving health goals with chronic conditions. This practitioner can work holistically, achieving a mind, body and spirit connection with the individual.
2. Yoga
Yoga has gained huge momentum in the UK, with most towns and cities across the country offering private or studio classes. There are so many different types of yoga that you can try including: hot yoga, hatha yoga, yin, restorative, vinyasa, kundalini yoga and vinyasa flows.
While some holistic therapies may have certain barriers such as cost and accessibility, yoga differs due to its ability to be practiced anywhere. Hundreds of free yoga classes can be accessed online through platforms such as YouTube.
Many yoga teachers offer at home classes over a streaming site.
3. Chiropractic
Chiropractic is an alternative medicine treatment where a health practitioner uses gentle physical manipulation to aid the relief of bone, muscle and joint problems (NHS, 2020). The best way to connect with a chiropractor in the UK is to ask your GP or contact your local integrated care board.
Most people who avail of this treatment do so with private sessions. If contacting a chiropractor, yourself, check the lawful registration with the General Chiropractic Council (GCC).
4. Reiki Healing
Reiki healing is a type of Japanese energy healing which promotes physical and emotional healing. The UK Reiki Federation (formally approved by Complementary and Natural Healthcare Council) is a website working to bring this holistic therapy into mainstream society.
Their goal is to bring about ‘a general understanding of what Reiki is, how it can help and how the training can be best accessed’.
5. Aromatherapy
Aromatherapy involves treatment of the mind and body using essential oils derived from plants. UK based aromatherapists work to help treat stress levels, mood and metabolism of their clients.
Extracted plant oils are believed to have an effect on the hypothalamus. This part of the brain influences our hormonal systems, therefore instigating changes in the body.
6. Functional Health
Functional health clinics are emerging across the UK as a popular holistic therapy treatment. This therapy involves specialised consultancy which combine functional medicine, nutrition, bodywork and movement.
These clinics tend to be run by qualified health and performance specialists who understand how modern medicine (such as lab blood tests) can be combined with holistic factors (such as nutritional and sleep analysis).
7. Massage Therapy and Reflexology
As described by the Royal Marsden NHS Trust, massage therapy and reflexology can help you with pain, breathlessness, anxiety, muscle stiffness and fatigue.
Massage therapists combine gentle movements to dissolve symptoms in the muscular body while reflexologists often work hand in hand using gentle pressures on the feet and sometimes the hands. These therapies are free of charge for NHS patients, with therapists often available at hospitals during weekdays.
8. Ayurvedic Medicine
This is one of the world’s oldest medical systems, originated from India. It entered UK public awareness first in the 1980s, progressing to establish itself as The Association of Ayurvedic Professionals UK in 2018 in response to a need from growing ayurveda practitioners.
The hope for the future is to bring the science of ayurveda into the general UK community, to help general practice doctors to not just eliminate symptoms of various chronic disorders, but also get to the root cause in a sustainable way.
9. Meditation
Meditation is a practice of quieting the mind, which helps to develop intentional focus, clarity and dissolve stress. Many meditation retreats and workshops happen across the UK weekly with meditation centres opening up across the board.
Online apps are also very popular, for people who want to meditate at home and on the move. Meditation is a wonderful tool for any age group to begin to assist them in personal goals.
10. Hypnotherapy
Hypnotherapy is a form of psychotherapy which can assist you to alter your subconscious beliefs and build new habits, patterns and thoughts within behaviour. This can be useful for many things including to manage or eliminate addictions, treat eating disorders, and help with pain.
Hypnotherapy is not generally available on the NHS so it can be useful to seek these accredited hypnotherapists privately or through a GP.
There are many holistic therapies to explore. This guide is only an insight into a broad spectrum of holistic therapy within the UK. Most importantly, choose a holistic therapy that works for you.
Thumbnail Credit: Kireyonok Yuliya
This article is published by our independent team of health and wellness pundits that publish original and informative content to empower readers to take charge of their health and embark on a physically, mentally, and emotionally balanced lifestyle.
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