Exploring Alternative Relaxation Techniques
Sometimes, we just need to relax. Today, there are a million ways to relax, and choosing one can often cause more stress!
Everyone is different. What works for one person may not always work for the next. Yet, it’s worth trying out a few different stress management and relaxation techniques until you find your “thing.”
Today, there are so many different forms of alternative relaxation methods. Society continues to push toward a focus on well-being - especially since we have discovered that optimal health and well-being resonate through all aspects of our lives. It leads to a fulfilling and long life. Who doesn’t want that?
Perhaps you’ve been curious - maybe even for a few years. We all heard about the “cupping” phenomenon from the 2016 Olympics. All of a sudden, everyone was doing it. The Olympic athletes started the hype and we were all curious about it.
And if you haven’t found your ultimate relaxation go-to, we have some suggestions. You may have heard of some of them, and some may be brand new! Make sure to consult with your doctor before you try any of these treatments for the first time.
Now, without further adieu, let’s dive in! What relaxation techniques are you missing?
If You Like Massage, Try Cupping
Cupping has been around since the time of Hippocrates. The Greeks and Egyptians used this type of therapy for imbalances, diseases, and pain - similar to what we use it for today.
However, today’s cupping therapy didn’t quite enter the mainstream until the 2016 Olympics. Media broadcasts explored the common viewer question, “what are those marks on the athletes’ backs?”
Thus, cupping became the new alternative therapy trend. And for a good reason.
How does it work?
The cup is placed on the affected area. A rubber pump is used to create a vacuum within the cup. Your skin rises and your blood vessels dilate, increasing blood flow to the area. Occasionally, the therapist may move the cup around, creating a massage-like effect. This helps to reduce tension in the tissue and promotes healing.
Physiotherapists or massage therapist sometimes offer cupping as part of their treatment. Google local clinics in your area or contact your doctor for a recommendation.
If You Like Meditation, Try Acupuncture
Acupuncture requires a waiting game. You sit for a fairly decent amount of time with needles stuck in your skin.
If you like meditation, take your practice to the next level. Meditate and receive acupuncture for the ultimate stress management and relaxation benefits.
Acupuncture, like cupping, has been around for a long time. The Chinese have been using it for centuries.
It’s used for pain relief, digestive issues, anxiety, depression, cancer, headaches, stress, and more. The list is endless.
How does it work?
Science hasn’t been able to narrow down exactly how acupuncture works. In theory, the idea is that acupuncture stimulates your natural pain and healing processes. Yet, this whole process remains a bit of mystery. However, many individuals have boasted about its benefits.
Try it and see if it works for you! Make sure whoever you book your appointment with is a qualified and registered acupuncturist.
If You Like Talk Therapy, Try Energy Therapy
Connection with other people is a powerful part of our mental health and well-being. Humans need it. We crave it and long for it. If you’re a social butterfly and find connecting with others to have relaxing, therapeutic effects, energy therapy may work best for you to detox and relax.
Energy therapy focuses on the energy around the body. In a way, even acupuncture is an energy-style therapy. Since we don’t quite know how acupuncture works, we could say that it is harnessing the healing energy around us. Generally, energy therapies can include touch or sound styled techniques.
How does it work?
While some may assume energy therapy is completely unfounded, it really comes down to what you believe. Your belief system and state of mind count for a lot - think of meditation and how many studies have proven it works despite not quite knowing how.
Plus, energy therapy covers a broad range of techniques. MRI could potentially be considered a form of energy therapy. The difference between MRI technology and chakra stones is that one is proven through scientific research. We know how one works.
The ‘how it works’ is a hard question to answer - mostly because energy therapy is an umbrella term for so many other therapy types, including:
- Music Therapy: Music is used to help one relax and de-stress.
- Reiki: This is a form of touch therapy where the therapist channels energy to help heal and relax their client or patient. Some people perform Reiki healing on themselves too!
- Chakra Balancing: Chakra balancing involves balancing and cleansing your seven energy centers. Sometimes, stones are used to help with this.
- Spiritual Healing Therapy: This can involve a therapist, such as in the form of a psychic, or a religious authority.
- Touch Therapy: There are various forms of touch therapy. Reiki is a form where the therapist actually makes contact with you. However, there are other healing touch therapy methods where no actual touch is applied. Instead, they move their hands over and above you, channelling both internal and external energies.
We suggest trying the ones that sound the most appealing. Keep an open mind! You never know what could help you find your zen.
If You’re Into Nutrition, Try Herbal Remedies
Herbal therapy has taken off. 80% of people worldwide use herbal medicines.
Many of these remedies also have roots that dive deep into the past. Plus, there has been a wide range of studies done for individual remedies and medicines.
Essentially, a plant or part of a plant is used for therapeutic purposes. Certain kinds can help you relax and chill out, like increasingly popular CBD treatments.
But, how does it work? And how do you get started?
If your goal is to relax, look into essential oils or teas. These are great herbal methods to start out with, especially if you are new to it. Try relaxation herbs, such as lavender, chamomile, lemon, Hawthorne, and passionflower.
Read this next: Everyday Essentials: How to Use Essential Oils in Your Daily Life
How it works, again, depends on the herb or plant you’re using. If you do your research on it and dive into the studies, you can often find out how an herb works, whether or not it works, and why people use it.
The best way to find out is to try it out. Does it relax you? Do you feel less stressed? How does it make you feel? Look inward and reflect. Pause for a moment, and take in the smell and sensations. Check out your local natural herbal remedy or homeopathy store. Or browse online - you can find an array of herbs and products through Google and Amazon.
Concluding Thoughts…
Balance is possible for everyone and anyone. Find your alternative stress management and relaxation technique!
Stray away from the norm and try something new - maybe it is exactly what you’ve been needing.
Related Article: The Secret, Soul-Affirming Benefits of Walking
