Self Healing Techniques For Relaxation, Massage and Aromatherapy

1. Relaxation

Relaxation is a practice that helps manage anxiety and stress. Techniques include meditation, breathing exercises and visualization.

It can help improve your quality of life and reduce symptoms such as pain, headaches and high blood pressure. Complementary and integrative health specialists can teach you these techniques, or you can try self-help methods. They may also improve your ability to cope with daily stressors.

5. Acupuncture

Acupuncture has a number of benefits. It can help relieve pain, anxiety, nausea and other symptoms. It can also improve sleep, increase energy and aid digestion.

When performed by a qualified practitioner, acupuncture has very few risks. Only sterile needles should be used and they are disposed of after each treatment. Many insurance plans cover acupuncture. Talk with your doctor before you try this treatment.

6. Massage

Massage involves stroking, kneading and manipulating your skin, muscles and tendons. It can relieve pain and anxiety, boost mood, increase energy levels, reduce stress hormones and improve immune function.

Therapeutic massage may also lower cortisol levels, balance serotonin and dopamine, and help reduce anxiety and depression. It can improve the immune system and promotes a more healthy sleep. The benefits of a massage last long after the session ends.

9. Aromatherapy

Aromatherapy uses essential oils or concentrated aromatic extracts to improve your mood or health. You can inhale the oils, massage them into your skin or use them in a bath.

Before you try aromatherapy, talk to your doctor. Some essential oils contain compounds that interact with certain medications. For example, if you have high blood pressure, you should avoid rosemary oil. And people with estrogen-dependent breast or ovarian cancer should avoid fennel, aniseed and sage oil because these have estrogen-like properties.