to passive control groups in alleviating pain , 256-258 anxiety , 259 and tension , 259 reducing fatigue , 257 producing feelings of comfort , 259 and improving wellbeing 259 and enhancing quality of life . 257
Reflexology appears to derive its effectiveness from the level of care and attention provided during the treatment process . 257 The practitioner ’ s skilled touch and focused attention can create a deeply relaxing environment , allowing patients to feel more at ease and open to the therapeutic experience .
Shiatsu
Shiatsu is a form of Japanese bodywork 260 , 261 that uses gentle manipulations , stretches and pressure using fingers , 262 thumbs , 261 , 262 palms of the hands , 261 elbows , 262 knees , 262 and feet . 262 Shiatsu operates through the body ’ s meridian system , which consists of the energetic channels that correspond to
260 , 262 the locations of acupuncture points . Shiatsu aims to balance , restore , and maintain the body ’ s energy balance . 262 Shiatsu can be valuable for reintegrating and harmonising the body , mind , and spirit . 260 It activates the natural healing power of the body to alleviate symptoms by pressing Shiatsu points on the whole body . 261 Some of the numerous beneficial effects of shiatsu in improving the health of a patient are seen in musculoskeletal problems , 262 , 263 fibromyalgia , 264 neck and back pain , 261 261 , 262 , 265
lower back pain , pain , 264 , 266 dysmenorrhoea , 262 mental
health and wellbeing , 266 262 , 265
anxiety , depression , 262 , 267 tension , 263 stress , 263 agitation , 268 gastrointestinal conditions , 266 262 , 263 , 266
fatigue , weakness , 262 262 , 264 , 269
problems with sleep , overall health , 261 and quality of life . 261 Shiatsu is found to be overall relaxing . 270
Yoga
Yoga is a traditional practice that originated in India over 4000 years ago . 271 Yoga is considered to be the science of holistic living . There are several branches of yoga , with Hatha ( or forceful ) yoga , Raja ( Royal or classical ) yoga , and Mantra yoga perhaps the best known and most commonly practised forms . 271 There are various practices involved in the tradition of Yoga , including disciplined lifestyle ( Yama and Niyama ), 272 cleansing procedures ( Kriya ), 271 , 272 physical postures ( Asana ), 271 , 272 specific hand gestures ( mudras ), 271 breath regulation ( Pranayama ), 271 , 272 concentration ( Dharana ), 271 , 272 and meditation ( Dhyana ). 271 , 272 Yoga is characterised by its accessibility and affordability , necessitating minimal equipment and professional guidance . 271 Yoga can also be modified and adapted to the specific needs of the patient . 273 Research has shown that yoga promotes strong longterm commitment and yields significant benefits , such as the maintenance of good health 274 and reduced evening cortisol , 275 waking cortisol , 275 ambulatory systolic blood pressure , 275 blood pressure , 273
resting heart rate , 275 heart rate variability , 275 oxidative stress , 271 fasting blood glucose , 273 , 275 triglycerides , 274 total cholesterol , 274 , 275 and low-density
274 , 275 lipoprotein ( LDL ) -cholesterol. Yoga has been found to improve mental
health 273 and produce improvements in depression , 276 glucose tolerance , 271 insulin sensitivity , 271 coagulation profile , 271 cardiopulmonary function , 273 lung function , 271 and musculoskeletal function . 273 Research indicates the potential for meditation and yoga for post-traumatic stress disorder . 277
Conclusion
Preventive natural medicine encompasses a diverse collection of approaches aimed at minimising disease risk , improving overall health , and enhancing quality of life . Preventive natural medicine is a multimodality system of health care that prioritises the promotion and maintenance of health and wellbeing . It emphasises a holistic approach of viewing the whole person ( mind , body , spirit ), while also identifying and treating the underlying causes , contributing factors and triggers of health issues . Qualified accredited health practitioners utilise a diverse set of modalities to treat the individual in a thorough and integrative manner .
REFERENCES For a full list of references , please email the Editor : editor @ atms . com . au
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14 | vol31 | no1 | JATMS