When was the last time you looked into a trendy new self-care treatment? Advances in science and technology have lowered prices while introducing new modalities into holistic health practitioner’s offices. You might be amazed at how good you feel.
When you decide it’s time for a treat that enhances your well-being, what are your options? Here are eight unconventional but awesome ways to feel healthy.
1. IV Therapy
Did you know that you can eat a healthy diet and still develop deficiencies in certain nutrients? While it’s rare, some people have absorption issues that prevent them from getting the maximum benefit from their foods, even the supplements they take to correct the problem. For example, people with pernicious anemia lack intrinsic factor in their intestines that prevent them from absorbing vitamin B-12, leading to low energy and decreased red blood cell count.
IV therapy bypasses the digestive process, delivering nutrients directly to your bloodstream where they can get to work improving your health. It can help you recover from a cold or flu — or last night’s overindulgence at happy hour. Pregnant mamas might find it beneficial in reducing morning sickness or replacing lost nutrients if nausea keeps them from consuming sufficient calories.
2. Cupping Therapy
What is cupping therapy? You’ll find this treatment modality offered by select massage therapists. It involves using cups made of bamboo, glass, earthenware, or silicone to create suction, providing a deep tissue massage.
Although this treatment may seem new and trendy, it has ancient origins in Egyptian, Chinese, and Middle Eastern cultures. Practitioners use fire and sometimes a herb mixture to warm the cups before placing them on your skin. As they cool, they create suction. You’ll typically leave these in place for approximately three minutes. Silicon cups allow practitioners to move the vessels around your skin, similar to a traditional massage.
3. Acupuncture
Acupuncture is another holistic health treatment with ancient roots. People have practiced it for thousands of years, and some health insurance companies cover this modality today. Check with your carrier — you could get treatment at a discount.
According to ancient Chinese medicine practitioners, this modality stimulates the flow of chi or vital energy. When it becomes stuck, it causes various health woes. Western scientists believe the process works by manipulating nerve fibers. The needles are small and fine — you probably won’t feel the insertion. A typical session lasts about 30 minutes, with your first procedure taking longer for the initial assessment.
4. Shamanic Drumming
Who hasn’t indulged in the sheer stress-busting pleasure of playing air drums on their steering wheel during rush hour? The union of music and movement becomes even more powerful when adding ancient instruments. Shamanic drumming uses sound for healing, synchronizing your body with the beat and simulating the peace you felt in your mother’s womb as you listened to her heartbeat.
During a shamanic drum session, you’ll work with a guide or shaman who will create a dialogue between the sounds they produce and your body’s reactions. They may improvise rhythms and chants to strengthen your connection with the spirit world and let the good vibes heal you.
5. Grounding
Can a barefoot walk in nature heal you? Proponents of grounding or earthing say yes. This process is the least expensive unconventional but an awesome way to feel healthy this summer season — it’s free. All you need is a soft patch of the planet and your bare feet.
Grounding works by bringing you in connection with the earth’s positive ions. Mounting scientific evidence indicates that this modality is an effective therapy for numerous mental and physical ailments.
6. Sound Therapy
Can the right frequencies heal your DNA? According to some alternative health practitioners, the answer is yes. They employ solfeggio frequencies and binaural beats to harmonize your body’s molecules.
According to theory, the process works because everything in nature has a frequency. It’s created by the constant motion of elections around the various nuclei of each molecule in your body. Getting your cells to vibrate in unison reportedly eases chronic pain and improves mental health.
7. Aerial Yoga
If you’re tired of the same sun salutations day after day, why not take your yoga practice airborne? Aerial yoga offers new challenges to your muscles. Additionally, it can benefit folks with certain spinal conditions like degenerative disk disease by creating space between your vertebrae and letting you practice inversions.
Aerial yoga involves using specialty straps suspended from the ceiling. Your guide moves you through various poses or asanas like a typical class. However, you’ll probably discover the hanging twist helps you increase your range of motion.
8. Reiki
You’ll find Reiki therapy offered at select massage locations. However, you might be startled if you sign up for a session without knowing what it entails. Your practitioner might not touch your body at all and they’ll use a gentle touch if they do.
Reiki works through practitioners channeling universal energy through their hands to your body. Patients take only the energy they need. A typical session involves 12 to 15 different hand positions, with your provider lingering in each spot long enough to transfer energy.
Unconventional But Awesome Ways to Feel Healthy
Is it time for a bit of self-care? Why not opt for a treatment designed to do more than improve your appearance. Pick something that will benefit your health and well-being.
Why not try one of these unconventional but awesome ways to feel healthy? You’ll feel refreshed and renewed — and you may not have to spend much if any, cash.
