Ample research has been done and scientists came to pile up new positive abilities of preventing and treating diverse illnesses by means of contemporary and alternative medicines (CAM). This new found evidence seals the approval to alternative practices domiciled under the outskirt of conventional cures. Among the suggested natural remedies are the following:

• •  Cocoa

  The main ingredient in our guilty pleasure, the chocolate, is Cocoa. Cocoa has been used throughout history as a folk medicine. Consumption of cocoa on a daily basis for 2 weeks leastwise has been found to reduce the blood pressure levels for individuals who experiences severe hypertension. The delectable cocoa contains flavanols, specifically epicatechins, which is a natural phenol antioxidant. Epicatechins ameliorate the function of blood vessels. It is a rich antioxidant, which helps combats cancer cells, backs the function of the immune system and helps slow aging. It also keeps wrinkles at bay and wards off the unpleasant shoots in the blood pressure. This natural bounty provides so many cures to our health issues but it is important to remember that it is safe to follow the protocol of consuming only 450 mg of flavanol or about a cup of hot cocoa twice a day.

• Massage

  This one requires little thoughts. Have you ever experienced so much stress, both mentally and emotionally, that leads to a feeling of anhedonia and depression? Fret no more because numerous studies have been conducted about massage as a form of treatment for relieving stress – and it has been proven to be very effective. So what is the rationale behind this fact? Investigators suspect that massage aids the release of endorphins inside the body. Endorphins are neurochemicals that are released naturally in the brain which have an analgesic effect. These are the same neurotransmitters that are produced during exercise, excitement, love and – wait for it – orgasm! Yes, endorphins are the culprit behind that wonderful feeling during orgasm, (now you know).

  Moving along, the liberation of endorphins during massage is perhaps due to the physical manipulation and intimate hands-on contact. Massage therapies are an elixir to the 80 to 90 percent stress related illness. Some research studies elucidate that massage therapies are an effective antidepressant, having the same effect when taking Paxil or Prozac.

• Tai Chi

  Used as a form of martial arts in China, Tai Chi turns out to be very beneficial as a natural remedy for many discomforts. It is a wonder how something so graceful, which takes too little effort to execute, could bring about a handful of healthy effects. The immediate effect of Tai Chi, which is observable within the first day of execution, is a relaxed and clearer mind. Other than that that, Tai Chi also helps improve gait, breathing, working of the internal organs, promote better functioning of the joints and eliminate sleeping difficulties and stress.

• Glucosamine

  Over the years studies about the effectiveness of glucosamine were not consistent. Firstly, let us define what glucosamine is. It is an amino derivative of glucose that is a component of many polysaccharides. They are found naturally in healthy cartilages and are available now in supplement pills. A latest analysis confirms that glucosamine is more effective in sulfate form and when it is combined with chondroitin. This pill aids in reducing pain in the joint in individuals with moderate to severe arthritis although they are less adjuvant in mild discomforts.

• Green Tea

  Many studies have surfaced throughout the year on how effective is green tea in treating various illnesses. Intriguing research about green tea’s benefits includes its fight against cancer and heart disease, lowering the cholesterol, preventing diabetes and stroke, warding dementia and every woman would want to hear this, it also have a slimming effect.

  Green tea has also a powerful antioxidant ingredient called catechins, the same ingredient found in cocoa and it helps in eliminating free radicals that damages the structure of DNA, which is the main culprit in cancer, blood clots and atherosclerosis.

• Acupuncture

  It is a type of oriental medicine with a holistic approach. New reliable research positively backs the effectiveness of this ancient therapy in relieving pains from head to toe with various health issues. Evidence shows that people with stress-related headaches and who have undergone at least six sessions of acupuncture reported relief from the crippling symptoms. Among the conditions that could improve with the course of acupuncture are irreversible knee osteoarthritis and various respiratory health problems.

  Why is acupuncture effective? It works directly with the body’s qi or energy. Acupuncture practitioners believe that all illness comes from a clogged flow of the body’s natural energy, thus weakening and depleting the individual’s bodily defense, making it susceptible to diseases. In acupuncture, needles are placed on specific qi channels, or the body meridians, and these needles then stimulate the body’s natural opioids, presumably the endorphins, thus suppressing the pain.

• Bromelain

  We are familiar with bromelain in the form of a pill but not many of us know where and from what natural ingredient we could get it from. Like, you might even doubt what good could it gives except that it sounds scientific and intriguing. Well guess what, bromelain has been used in treating and cleaning wounds specifically by the indigenous people of South America.

  Current research confirms that bromelain can be found in pineapples by extracting the juice from its stem and from the fruit itself. It accelerates the healing process for wounds and ulcers by inhibiting the production of prostaglandins. Now, prostaglandins are potent substances that are found in many bodily tissues (especially in semen) that are produced when there is trauma and could affect the blood pressure, metabolism and smooth muscle activities. Stopping the production of prostaglandins will improve the circulation of the blood around the injury site. The anti-inflammatory effects of bromelain can also help improve the immune system and aid individuals with rheumatic disorders. Bromelain pills are available in the market and enteric-coated versions will help in getting the pills beyond the digestive tract thus facilitating optimum absorption.

Sources
massagetherapy.com
webmd.com
bromelain.net