Alternative therapies and their health benefits

Complementary therapies can accompany allopathic medicine and can be used in association with it, for prevention or treatment. Many patients or those with the potential to become ill turn to complementary remedies, primarily as a way to prevent possible drug treatments. In other cases, the belief that nothing is lost in trying a natural solution is the factor that determines a person with a chronic pathology to turn to alternative therapies.

So, if you are interested in their health benefits, the lines below will be helpful.

Movement therapy

It is part of life from before birth and is an extremely important factor in the harmonious development of any human being. In addition, movement can become a healthy means of socialization, especially when we get involved in activities carried out in an organized setting.

In such a context we can talk about sports, and one of the complex and complete forms is swimming. Practicable from the age of a few months, it is a hobby whose BENEFITS can support long-term health:

• Improves balance and coordination of the whole body;
• Supports the development of the respiratory and circulatory systems;
• Supports psychomotor development through complex physical exercises;
• Increases self-confidence by becoming familiar with the aquatic environment;
• It both relaxes and tones the body;
• Stimulates digestion and influences rest – the child sleeps better after swimming lesson;
• Supports the growth of social skills.

In the case of other activities movement therapy, it is also worth considering pediatric kinetoprophylaxis, which stimulates – in water or in a dry environment – the development of the little ones. Respecting the principle that it is wiser to prevent than to treat, this practice aims to prevent illness through two simple methods: massage and gymnastics. Thus, the effects of physical exercises selected according to needs translate into harmonization of the entire body, something desirable for everyone, especially for children.

Salt therapy

Another complementary solution that does not involve the actual administration of products, but has visibly beneficial effects on the human body's immunization, is that based on saline aerosols. Known since ancient times, the cure for salt therapy represents, for some patients of ENT offices, the healthy habit without which respiratory conditions could not be kept under control.

In natural environments – the heart of a salt mountain, the sea air – or in artificial salt pans, inhaling saline aerosols is a remedy that benefits you:

• Inhibition of microbial cultures – salt acts as a disinfectant medium;
• Clearing the airways of any impurities;
• Detoxification of the entire respiratory tract – including the lungs;  
• Remedying and even curing respiratory conditions;
• A much more peaceful sleep after salt therapy sessions.  

Salt therapy is also useful for children, both as an adjuvant in the treatment of certain conditions and as prophylaxis, supporting the immune system and the development of a performing respiratory system. However, it has several contraindications: eye irritation or conjunctivitis, severe nosebleeds (epistaxis), heart problems, hypertension, hyperthyroidism, renal failure, chemotherapy treatment.

It is, therefore, extremely important that the treating physician or family doctor gives his or her approval for following this type of therapy, to prevent possible unwanted complications.  

Phytotherapy

The term comes from two Greek words – phyton (plant) and therapy (healing) – and refers to the practice of using plants or plant extracts to treat diseases and maintain psychophysical well-being. In other words, the remedies come from nature, which is a salutary feature in the case of intolerance to pharmaceutical compounds. There are plants with anti-inflammatory effects (propolis, plantain), antiviral (eucalyptus, echinacea), antioxidant (ginkgo biloba, milk thistle), laxative (buckthorn, licorice), even hormonal regulators (lemongrass, sage).

Doctors recommend, however, performing specific tests even before administering phytotherapeutic solutions, due to the possibility of allergies, often unknown to patients.

APITHERAPY

It is a type of alternative therapy that uses products that come directly from honey bees. Used to treat diseases and their symptoms, as well as pain caused by acute and chronic injuries, apitherapy is the point of health remediation in the case of conditions such as:

• Arthritis;
• Multiple sclerosis;
• Infections – both internal (respiratory, for example) and external (wounds, sores).

In addition to the beneficial effects on the human body's immunity, it is important to know that, similar to phytotherapy, it is vital that the patient knows their allergic potential before administering apitherapeutic remedies.  

Therefore, it is wise to make sure that, before undergoing any therapy, the specialist who knows your medical history has an up-to-date set of tests. Based on these, it is best to base your prophylaxis or alternative treatment – this way you will be safe from possible complications and will be able to enjoy the desired natural benefits.