{"id":19597,"date":"2019-07-25T10:40:47","date_gmt":"2019-07-25T09:40:47","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/stonebridge-blog.positive-dedicated.net\/?p=19597"},"modified":"2020-11-26T17:47:46","modified_gmt":"2020-11-26T17:47:46","slug":"the-most-popular-holistic-therapies","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/www.stonebridge.uk.com\/blog\/healthcare\/the-most-popular-holistic-therapies\/","title":{"rendered":"What Are The Most Popular Holistic Therapies?"},"content":{"rendered":"

Some people believe that it\u2019s lifesaving. Others argue it\u2019s a load of nonsense. <\/em>
\nHolistic therapy \u2013 sometimes referred to as \u2018complementary therapy\u2019 or \u2018alternative medicine\u2019 \u2013 is a controversial topic. But, no matter what people think about it, its popularity is indisputable.<\/p>\n

According to the Nursing Times<\/a>, in 2008, approximately 6 million people received some form of holistic therapy in the UK, creating a total spend of \u00a34.5 billion<\/a> on treatments.<\/p>\n

By 2017, it was estimated that over 60% of the world\u2019s population used some form of traditional or alternative medicine<\/a> and the popularity of these therapies is still on the rise.<\/p>\n

But what has caused this popularity and what are the most popular therapies? And what does holistic therapy involve anyway?<\/p>\n

What is holistic therapy?<\/h2>\n

\u2018Holistic\u2019 originates from the Greek root \u2018holos\u2019, which translates as \u2018whole\u2019. Therefore, \u2018holistic therapy\u2019 is an umbrella term for any healthcare therapies and practices that treat the entire body and the whole person, rather than curing ailments in isolation as modern medicine does.<\/p>\n

This is because holistic therapists view the human body as one, harmonious system and therefore believe that optimal health can only be achieved if the mind, body and spirit are balanced. This harmony is achieved via natural, non-medical or surgical methods, and treatments are often remedial or involve herbal medicine.<\/p>\n

Because of this, holistic therapy is set apart from conventional medicine, hence the term \u2018alternative medicine\u2019. Unlike mainstream medical care that cures illness as and when they occur, holistic therapy aims to prevent ill health from occurring in the first place, by promoting wellbeing as the key to health and wellness.<\/p>\n

\"3<\/p>\n

Why is it popular?<\/h2>\n

Western holistic therapy practices took off in the 1960s in response to anxiety about medicine\u2019s focus on drug-related treatment and its failure to view patients as people, rather than bits of bodies to be prodded and examined.<\/p>\n

People wanted a more natural and human-focused approach to healthcare, which is exactly what holistic therapy provides.<\/p>\n

These sentiments are still felt today. And with lengthy waiting lists for traditional medical treatments and NHS cuts creating concern about the future of mainstream healthcare, people are turning to holistic therapy as an alternative.<\/p>\n

Some choose holistic therapy to manage long-term health conditions alongside the use of conventional medicine (complementary therapy), whilst for others, it\u2019s their sole method of treatment (alternative medicine).<\/p>\n

However used, holistic therapies can ease and support a range of health issues and help patients to maintain their health and enhance their wellbeing throughout their lives.<\/p>\n

It can also be tailored to each individual\u2019s needs and requirements, unlike medicine\u2019s \u2018one size fits all\u2019 approach, allowing patients to take control of their healthcare. It\u2019s no wonder then that holistic therapy is so popular.<\/p>\n

\"Ginger,<\/p>\n

What are the most popular holistic therapies?<\/h2>\n

From herbal remedies to vitamin supplements, acupuncture to massage, there are hundreds of types of complementary and alternative therapy to choose from.<\/p>\n

However, there are some that rise above the rest. A study<\/a> conducted by the Federation of Holistic Therapists (FHT) last year found that the most popular holistic therapy is reflexology, followed by body massage in 2nd<\/sup> place and aromatherapy in third.<\/p>\n

But what do these 3 therapies involve and why are they so popular?<\/p>\n

Reflexology<\/h3>\n

Based on the principle that areas of the body are connected to reflex points or zones in our feet, head and hands, the ancient Chinese practice of reflexology aims to restore health and boost wellbeing by balancing bodily energy and promoting healing.<\/p>\n

This is achieved through the manipulation of pressure points on the body via massage and micromovement techniques.<\/p>\n

\"Close<\/p>\n

How does it work?<\/h4>\n

Reflexology is based on the Zone Theory, which states that the body has 10 vertical and 3 horizontal zones containing millions of nerve endings that influence certain parts of the body.<\/p>\n

For example, it\u2019s believed that reflex points in the right foot influence organs on the right side of the body, such as the liver. Reflexologists massage these points to ease symptoms and heal parts of the body within that corresponding zone.<\/p>\n

Reflexology is also known for its stress-relieving benefits, which occur due to messages that are sent to the central nervous system, via the peripheral nerves, to relax when reflex points are pressed.<\/p>\n

The treatment also improves blood flow and oxygenation around the body, which is crucial for optimum organ function and overall health.<\/p>\n

\"DiagramWhat can it help with?<\/h4>\n

Like most holistic therapies, reflexology can help to reduce tension, ease anxiety and aid relaxation; however, there are specific things that reflexology can target, depending on the patient and reflex zones focused on:<\/p>\n