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Alternative Medicine Becomes Increasingly Mainstream

Although the technology of health care is always evolving, in the twenty-first century many people are turning toward ancient methods of maintaining health: holistic healing, aromatherapy, herbal cures, and alternative medicine. Yoga, a mind and body exercise practiced by those seeking higher consciousness, has been used for thousands of years. Ancient Chinese herbalists served many generations of emperors, charged with keeping their master's bowels healthy.

Types of Alternative Medicine & Healing

Many different types of alternative medicine can help achieve mainstream results.

• Alternative Exercise. For many career women and men, hitting the gym just isn't doing it anymore. They are turning to exercises that emphasize deep breathing, stress relief, and health from the inside out, like yoga and Pilates. These forms of exercise build strength and flexibility while cultivating the practice of meditation and improved discipline.
• Stress Reduction. Techniques like visualization and meditation have been proven to help people achieve their goals and manage stress. To keep stress from negatively affecting health, proponents of natural remedies suggest basic stress-reducing techniques, like walking and deep breathing.
• Macrobiotics. Meaning 'long life,' macrobiotics instructs that food and food quality affect your health, happiness, and longevity. Foods balanced in yin and yang energies like whole grains, legumes, vegetables, fruit, and seaweed are the mainstay of macrobiotics.
• Herbal Supplements. Milk thistle, for example, can cleanse a liver taxed by a long weekend. Gingko biloba can rejuvenate the mind and memory. Ginseng is purported to aid male function. Whatever your health concern, there is an herbal supplement targeted to help it.
• Spa and Aromatherapy. Of the five senses, smell has the most power to evoke memories and associations. Aromatherapy has become popular for many solutions: orange or mint to energize and clear the mind; chamomile and lavender to calm the thoughts and help sleep. Soaps, candles, and car fresheners are now available in a variety of scents to help keep you stay focused and calm.
• Energy work. One of the most controversial and 'New Age' types of alternative medicine, energy work is targeted at cleansing a person's aura and ensuring a good flow of energy through the body. Although many skeptics turn their noses up at reiki and aura cleansing, research has proven that positive thinking and prayer often speed healing from injury or disease; suggesting that personal beliefs may have a lot to do with personal healing.
• Acupuncture and acupressure. Using an ancient Chinese technique, acupuncturists insert tiny hair-like needles into target pressure points and realign energy flow in the body. Although the idea makes many people uncomfortable, acupuncture can cure nearly everything from joint pain to nausea.
• Essential oils. Skincare companies have recently embraced the essential oil, which embodies the most healing or replenishing effects of plants, herbs, and fruits. The introduction of essential oils into skincare has resulted in products that help prevent wrinkles and boost cell turnover.

There are as many fascinating aspects of alternative medicine as there are careers available. You might consider a certificate as a holistic health practitioner, if working in the alternative health industry interests you. Consider enrolling in a vocational or technical school that offers programs in massage therapy, acupuncture, or any of the other alternative health areas.