Alternative Treatments, Regimens & Medicine

I'm participating in WEGO Health's National Health Blog Post Month this November, although not posting on all suggested topics. Check out my other posts this month. 

Write about alternative treatments / regimens / medicine. What do you support? What is crazy?

I haven't used a lot of "alternative" treatments or medicines, but I do believe they can be worth it. A few of the things I've always wanted to try are: acupuncture, meditation, and maybe reiki (sounds a bit out there, but intriguing).

The things I have tried or use regularly are:

Source Naturals Wellness Formula - herbal defense pills for when I'm feeling a bit weak or like a cold is coming on. These wellness pills contain lots of good things said to boost your immunity, like: Vitamin C, Vitamin A, echinacea, zinc, garlic, ginger root, elderberry fruit extract, etc. Whether it's all mental or not, I feel like these help a bit and occasionally seem to help reroute an oncoming cold.

When I was younger, I would definitely default to Sudafed cold meds if I wasn't feeling well, but now it's more a matter of pumping in a healthy dose of vitamins, water and rest. And if all else fails, then perhaps some Advil to decrease pain.

Yoga - While this may not seem like "alternative" treatment, I often think of yoga as a very natural way to destress, detoxify (hello twisting triangle/warrior III) and focus inward.

Tea - Traditional Medicinals or Yogi Teas offer tea options for colds, a sore throat, detox, helping sleep deprivation, etc. On top of the special benefits of some of the herbs in these teas, most of us can benefit from being a little more hydrated.

Arnica - a topical cream or pellets for sore muscles/bruises. This was first recommended to me by a massage and physical therapist in college when I suffered a bad lacrosse injury two weeks before our regional championships. Rubbing arnica all around my knee, massaging and a good brace allowed me to heal enough to play a week later. I still use it for occasions when I get injured or feel a little more sore than just "oh that was a tough workout" sore. Arnica can be found at a natural foods store or in the natural/organic health and beauty section of many grocery stores. There is also a "pellet" version that comes in small blue tubes at my grocery store. I have used both versions. 

Massage - While I wish I would get massages more often, I think they are really important for those who hold stress in physically, but also for those doing strenuous exercise. For me, the opportunity to relax for an entire 60 minutes + the deep massaging of achy, tight muscles is worth every penny (when I do in fact plop down the Benjamins for one). I'm planning to treat myself to a massage in December once fall term is over... Merry Christmas to me!

What I really like about alternative medicine / regimens / treatment is that they often require you to make a more thoughtful decision about your own health over letting someone else make these decisions for you. Alternative regimens involves us asking what our body needs and wants and going from there. 

As always, before trying something new, do your research and make sure it's right for you before taking the plunge. And of course, check with a doc you trust. 

Holidays!

We had an early Thanksgiving brunch on Sunday at my grandparents'. Sabrina (my brother Kyle's wife) and I perused magazines dreaming of living in some gorgeously decorated homes and ginger molasses cookies.  About 10 minutes later I passed out on the floor in a little food coma.

Spreading the cheer in our bathroom via a few sparkly $.99 sprigs from the craft store...

Did I tell you that I'm already listening to Christmas music? So sue me. Love the Michael Buble Pandora station.

Cheers to a short work week! Does anyone else have a favorite alternative health regimen?