Holistic Practices in Traditional Detox Programs

There are many holistic practices have found their way into traditional detox programs. Although holistic medicine is definitely not new, more and more doctors are using ancient therapies to help people through the detox process. Many of these practices are age old and can benefit anyone no matter what type of drug that they are detoxing from. Most doctors are also open to suggestions when it comes to holistic practices in detox medicine. Some of the more common holistic practices are now a permanent part of detox programs.

Herbal Medicine

Traditional Chinese and America herbal medicine is the practice of using herbs or tinctures to help ease medical conditions. In traditional detox programs they are used to:

Massage therapy helps reduce pain and anxiety during detox.

• ease withdrawal
• promote a healthy immune system
• calm patients
• ease underlying conditions associated with withdrawal

Some of the herbal medicines are ancient curatives for a variety of conditions. A few of the more common medicines are:

• St. John’s wort – an anti-depressant that has calming properties in some people
• Valerian – an anti-anxiety herb
• Peppermint – promotes a calm stomach
• Slippery elm – eases nausea and vomiting
• Willow bark – eases joint aches and pains without the side effects of aspirin or harder medications
• Chamomile – helps calm anxiety and promotes sleep

Many of the herbals that were once thought of as folk medicine are now widely accepted as alternatives to the more harsh prescription medications. There are thousands of herbs that can help doctors detox patients without harmful side effects.

Massage Therapy

Massage therapy is one of the most widely accepted holistic practices in today’s society. Many detoxification doctors now accept that massage not only helps remove toxins but relaxes patients who suffer from anxiety. By having massage at a traditional detox program, doctors can help assure their patient’s comfort without prescribing some of the heavier muscle relaxers. This helps them avoid more side effects on top of the drugs they are detoxing from.

Massage therapy also promotes generally healing and wellness. The therapist can work on the whole body or just a target group depending on the doctor’s orders.

Sauna Therapy

The ancients knew that sweating would rid the body of evil spirits. Although in traditional detox it is not a spiritual issue, sweating does help to remove toxins from the body by allowing them to exit through the skin. Many modern rehabs have a sauna or a sauna box to help patients rid themselves of the drugs faster and without the use of rapid detox. These saunas may be small or full sauna rooms.

According to the American Journal of Public Health, complementary therapies such as drumming, music, art, equine, chiropractics, and many others can help ease the symptoms of detox. It is important to know all of the avenues of treatment before deciding on just one. For more information on the holistic therapies used in traditional detox give us a call at 800-996-6135(Who Answers?) . We can help you decide which holistic therapy might benefit you, and help you find a rehab that offers it.

Sources

1. Journal of Psychoactive Drugs. (2003). An holistic approach to substance abuse treatment.
2. American Journal of Public Health. (2003). Complementary Therapy for Addiction: “Drumming Out Drugs.”