More and more holistic therapy is becoming a mainstay at addiction treatment facilities across the country – and for good reason. Recovery is more than just quitting drugs or alcohol; it involves making yourself whole again and this requires healing of the mind, body and spirit.
Along with traditional addiction treatments like medical detox, individual and group therapy and relapse prevention, holistic therapy can address the physical and psychological impact of addiction. Here’s a look at a few study-proven methods that work to help people during recovery and years after to maintain lasting sobriety.
- Massage therapy: By taking a person beyond the limits of the cognitive mind, massage therapy allows us to relax and get in touch with our inner feelings. Massage therapy provides an experience that stimulates the production of feel-good neurotransmitters, like dopamine and serotonin, without the use drugs. In doing so, it helps to relieve the stress and anxiety that’s a natural part of the withdrawal and recovery process.
- Yoga: Using deep breathing, slow movements and calming environments, yoga can help us become better equipped to anchor to our inner resources in early recovery. Yoga helps us align the mind, body and spirit and find inner peace and comfort. It also promotes proper blood flow and better immunity and regulates the stress hormones cortisol and adrenaline. The result: less tension, fatigue and stress and increased positivity and emotional control.
- Meditation: An integral part of Buddhist tradition, meditation has been study-proven to help prevent relapse. This is largely because it improves impulse control and decision-making abilities. Meditation teaches us to become aware of our good and bad feelings – without judging or reacting to them. In turn, this helps us better manage stress and anxiety as well as self-criticism.
- Acupuncture: This ancient therapy uses tiny needles to provide relief from symptoms of withdrawal, pain and cravings. It also reduces stress, anxiety and insomnia. Some practitioners use auricular (ear) acupuncture to treat points on the ear associated with the nerves and organs that become weak from prolonged substance abuse. This includes the liver, kidney, lung and nervous systems.
Finding Holistic Treatment for You
At Vista Taos Renewal Center, we believe in combining alternative medicines with a strong support system and trained staff. If you or a loved one is struggling with addiction and ready to receive the help of experts, consider starting the healing process in Taos, New Mexico. To learn more about our holistic and integrated treatment, call today: 575-613-4810.
