Navigating your way through all the natural health choices can be confusing. I think a lot of people never get started because it seems so overwhelming
But it doesn't have to be that way if you think you'd like to add more natural therapies and treatments to your self care routine. Here are the three most common barriers that prevent people from getting the health and healing that they are looking for when using complementary / alternative medicine.
1. Trying to go it on your own.
Lots of people do a little bit of research on the Internet, or they see an add or article in the paper and decide to try "the magic pill". When they aren't really sure about the integrity or pureness of the product, they can get a less than desired result.
Your best choice and option is to research a practitioner, not a product. Find a practitioner in your area that has a good reputation. Two good places to start? A health food store, or a friend. Now that holistic therapies are gaining popularity in the mainstream, there are growing numbers of community networks that make all sorts of information available. Credentialed and qualified practitioner are usually well recommended by their colleagues. I have a network of other practitioners that I refer my clients, family, and friends to. Not all people will benefit from the same treatment or modality. Don't try to go it on your own. Even if it is just herbs and diet changes, find an herbalist and holistic nutritional specialist. They can offer their expertise and the support that you'll need to implement changes.
2. Lack of consistency.
When you use holistic therapies you need to be consistent. You must remember that you are not using a western medicine approach, take a pill see an immediate result. Natural and holistic remedies work with the rhythms of your body's innate healing system. Sometimes the body goes through a period of balancing, cleansing, and readjustment. This can only happen if you follow the prescribed routine. You can't expect to visit a Healing Touch practitioner one time and eliminate a 5 year old problem. Be consistent with the treatment and you will see results. Your practitioner should be able to set short term, immediate goals as well as discuss a long term plan..
3. Stopping treatment and expecting continued success.
In Ayurveda most prescribed treatments involve using food as medicine. One treatment requires the client to drink ginger tea every morning. Some other treatments bring balance back to the body and mind with a sesame oil foot massage every night before bed. For most, the treatment is effective and produces the results that they were looking for and then they stop doing it. That's like not brushing your teeth and expecting the previous results to last., Or trying to save up fitness. In order to see continued results and prevention you must continue the treatment.
Keeping these three barriers in mind it is easy to achieve natural and vibrant health and even reverse disease and illness. Complementary and alternative therapies can work for you if you are willing to use them properly.
