5 One-Stop-Shopping Options for Natural Therapy
With pollen season in full swing, you may find yourself searching online for “natural remedies for hay fever”. Before you know it, you’ve spent a bundle on a bunch of products and booked a salt therapy room at a spa.
Or maybe you’re wondering about running away to meditate on a mountain in Tibet.
When you’re exploring natural approaches to feeling better, the options can be overwhelming. But you don’t need to run away (unless you’ve always wanted to see Tibet.) The right fit depends on what ails you – and your personal style.
Understanding the Different Types of Natural Therapies
Natural therapies are often called Complementary and Alternative Medicine (CAM). This is a term for practices outside conventional Western medicine. Here are the basic categories to help you focus your search for the one that resonates with you.
Ready for to dive into the world of natural therapies? Read on. No, you won’t end up in Tibet.
Different Types of Natural Therapy
- Whole Medical Systems – Auricular Medicine, Ayurveda, Homeopathy, Naturopathy, Traditional Chinese Medicine
- Body-Based Methods – Chiropractic, Massage Therapy, Osteopathic Manipulation, Reflexology, Tai Chi, Yoga
- Biologically-Based Therapies – herbs, supplements (vitamins, minerals, probiotics), therapeutic diets
- Energy Medicine – Healing Touch®, Qi Gong, Reiki, Therapeutic Touch
- Mind-Body Therapies – Breathwork , Biofeedback, Meditation, Guided Imagery, Hypnosis, Prayer
5 Whole Medical Systems
Here are 5 holistic systems in the Whole Medical System category (in alphabetical order). These practices address root causes, not just symptoms. They can help with everything from seasonal allergies to anxiety. And they’re increasingly used worldwide as drug-free holistic healthcare options.
Auricular Medicine
Your ear is a map of the body
The ear is a microsystem that reflects the entire body. Treating points on the ear affect other parts of the body and promotes healing.
Auricular therapy is used for both acute and chronic ailments. It’s especially effective for pain, PTSD and addictions like smoking. It differs from traditional Chinese ear acupuncture and is a specialty all its own.
Ayurveda
An ancient system originating in India
Ayurveda focuses on balance and harmony in the body, mind and spirit through internal cleansing, diet, herbs, massage, mediation, yoga and lifestyle. It emphasizes prevention and vitality.
Ashwaganda (often called Indian ginseng) is an important herb. Ayurveda is a formal medical system and widely practiced In India. In Canada ayurvedic products are regulated by Health Canada.
Homeopathy
Gentle, safe, drug-free, non-toxic
Homeopathy is a unique, holistic system of natural medicine. It looks at the whole person, their mental, emotional and physical state, to find a homeopathic medicine that gently stimulates healing and restores health.
Homeopathic medicines are made from natural sources according to a unique dilution process. They’re safe for all ages, economical, non-toxic and free from side effects. They’re not herbs, supplements or drugs. They’re in their own category.
Homeopathy is effective for managing acute ailments and chronic conditions without drugs or supplements. Historically, homeopathy was highly effective in epidemics like the Spanish flu.
People around the world rely on homeopathy. In Canada homeopathic medicines are regulated by Health Canada. In Ontario, Homeopathy is a regulated health profession.
Naturopathic Medicine
Good health, naturally
Naturopathy is a broad system of holistic health care that draws on multiple modalities.
Naturopathic doctors can order blood tests, diagnose and treat with herbs, supplements, clinical nutrition, hydrotherapy, lifestyle counselling, homeopathy or acupuncture.
Naturopathy is regulated in British Columbia, Alberta and Ontario. In Ontario naturopaths are primary-care providers.
Traditional Chinese Medicine (TCM)
An ancient system originating in China that restores the body’s energy flow (Qi)
TCM includes acupuncture, Chinese herbs, cupping, moxibustion, Tui Na massage, dietary therapy and movement practices like Tai Chi and Qi Gong.
TCM has a unique approach to health and disease. Health is a state of harmony and balance within mind, body and spirit. Illness is caused by imbalances in Qi (the vital life force).
Acupuncture is one of the pillars of TCM. It’s effective alone or when used with conventional therapies. In Canada other health professionals (chiropractors, dentists, doctors, massage therapists, naturopaths, physiotherapists) can use acupuncture within their scope of practice in most provinces.
TCM is a regulated health profession in British Columbia and Ontario. Alberta, Quebec and Newfoundland and Labrador regulate acupuncturists only.
Final Thoughts
Choosing where to begin in natural medicine doesn’t have to feel overwhelming. These 5 systems offer solid, whole-body approaches that many people trust and use around the world.
Whether you’re managing seasonal allergies or deeper chronic issues, there’s likely a natural path that fits your style, values, and needs.
See you in Tibet!
Next time: A look at body-based methods
