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'Holistic Therapy: A Non-Drug Treatment'

March 2021

(In this article Word- drug is used for Pharma medicine.)

A treatment of disease without taking any pharma drug, refers as non-drug treatment and when one takes prescribed drugs, it is a drug treatment. Essentially, whenever we have fever, headache or pain in the body, we take medication to get immediate relief without knowing about its side effects. As per the researchers, there are different types of side effects that occur, when an individual takes a prescribed drug. These side effects may vary based upon an individual's age, weight, gender ethnicity and general health.

Does it indicate, that we should avoid drugs? To a certain extent 'yes'. Researchers have found non-drug treatments help to cure diseases without any significant side effects. There are various non-drug treatments used even by medical specialists to cure illnesses. Some of the non-drug treatments are discussed below-

Massage Therapy

It is a therapy that provides body relaxation, revives and heals the body. It helps to manage health condition or wellness. There are different types of massage therapies such as Ayurveda massage, deep tissue massage, sports massage, neuromuscular massage etc.

Massage therapists apply various techniques in the massage like kneading and taping to give relief from sufferings. Based on the research studies, massage therapy can be used for various types of pain, osteoarthritis of the knee, headache, sprains et.al.

Yoga Therapy

The word 'YOGA' is derived from Sanskrit word 'YUJ' which means to join or unite. It originated in ancient India. This therapy is considered an effective technique for physical and mental fitness. Also, it is one of the spiritual practices for self-actualization.

One can improve physical and mental ailment by yoga therapy. Now a days, this therapy is most popular Worldwide. Medical science has confirmed that yoga therapy shows a positive effect on the brain, central nervous system and immune system.

Acupuncture Therapy

This therapy is derived from ancient Chinese medicine. In this therapy thin needles are inserted in the body for preventive purpose. According to American Society of Anesthesiologists, it may be considered in the treatment for nonspecific, noninflammatory low back pain only in conjunction with conventional therapy.

The National Institute for Health and Care Excellence (NICE) only recommends that this therapy can be applied for the treatment of chronic headache and migraine. It is often used to treat bones and muscle pain like neck pain, joint pain, dental pain et.al.

Music Therapy

It is an evidence-based clinical technique that helps to manage stress and improve person's quality of life. According to the medical dictionary- Music therapy is a technique of complementary medicine that uses music prescribed in a skilled manner by trained therapists. Programs are designed to help patients overcome physical, emotional, intellectual and social challenges.

It is used in many settings that includes schools, rehabilitation centres, hospitals, community centres and even at homes or offices. Music generates positive vibes, that is why in some of the offices they play a soothing music so that employee stress can be relived and enhance productivity. It is a tool to self-modulate mood.

Meditation Therapy

This therapy has been used widely all over the World. It is a mental exercise in which one focuses on breath or sound in order to increase awareness of the present. It also enhances personality and brings about spiritual growth. Scientifically it has proven many health benefits. There are different techniques for meditation such as :

- Concentrative Meditation- In this technique, you are to sit or lie comfortably and concentrate on your breath.

- Mindful Meditation- In this state of meditation, sit comfortably and observe surroundings without any judgement or thinking.

- Transcendental Meditation- In this type of meditation, sit comfortably and close your eyes and try to empty the mind that means without thoughts.

All of these techniques need practice to get benefit of the same. This therapy helps to relieve nervous system problems, depression, stroke, epilepsy, asthma et.al.

Hypno-Therapy

The word 'Hypnosis' is derived from the Greek word hypnos or sleep. James Braid and James Esdaile discovered it and used it to successfully anesthetize patients for surgeries. As per Wikipedia, it is a type of complementary medicine in which hypnosis is used to create a state of focused attention. It helps to increase suggestibility during which positive suggestions and guided imagery are used to help individuals, deal with a variety of concerns and issues.

This technique induces deep levels of relaxation in a trance state. Hypnosis can teach people how to master their own states of awareness. It is one of the tools for problem solving that enables a person to experience permanent and positive change. This technique helps to relieve and reduce stress and taps into subconscious.

Cognitive Behavioural Therapy

This technique is a goal-oriented psychotherapy and a practical approach to problem solving. It helps to change patterns of thinking or behaviour. One can change attitude and behaviour by focusing on thoughts, beliefs and also control emotions. It is very useful for people who suffer from hallucinations and delusion.

Closing Remarks

According to a scientific study, published by a Canadian team in the journal Annals of Internal Medicine, it was stated that some non-drug treatments work effectively for aggression, agitation, dementia etc. Also, these techniques can be used for cancer treatment as supportive care.

These techniques are very expensive as you need professionals to deliver the non-drug treatment. Some of the techniques consume more time, which makes them a costly affair. At the same time, the main advantage of non-drug treatment is lack of side effects and it also brings down the usage of drugs.

CAUTION

Any therapy, opted by patients should be carried out by and under the supervision of certified trained therapist. Also, patient should consult with the medical doctor before opting for the same.