In the Western world, our understanding of healing is quite limited. Most people believe there is only one way to heal: go to your doctor, describe your symptoms, receive a diagnosis, then a prescription which you must follow diligently. But this applies solely to the allopathic medicine modal. There are so many other therapies and healing modalities (that are usually holistic in approach) that you may be completely unaware of.

For those who have a basic awareness of healing therapies such Ayurveda, Chinese Medicine, Naturopathy, Reiki, and others, the question is often posed: Which therapy is the best for me? We will delve into precisely that question to aid you in your pursuit for the therapy that suits you best.

Types of Therapies: Holistic, Alternative, and Complementary

When talking about therapies other than Western allopathic medicine, we often refer to them as holistic (when they address the mind, body, and spirit as a whole system), alternative (when they generally differ from traditional allopathic medicine), or complementary (a ‘safe’ word used to indicate that these therapies cannot be used as standalone treatment but can rather only complement allopathic treatment).

The list of such therapies is a long one and it seems to keep expanding each year. But here are the most common types of holistic, alternative, and complementary therapies that you may already be somewhat familiar with — and if you aren’t, it’s well worth looking into them:

1. Acupuncture/Acupressure (TCM)
2. Alexander Technique
3. Angelic Healing
4. Aromatherapy
5. Auriculotherapy
6. Ayurveda
7. Bach Flower Remedies
8. Binaural Beats
9. Chakra Healing
10. Chiropractic Therapy
11. Crystal Healing
12. Cupping Therapy
13. Ecotherapy
14. Electromagnetic Therapy
15. Energy Healing
16. Healing Touch
17. Herbal Therapy
18. Homeopathy
19. Hydrotherapy
20. Hypnotherapy
21. Meditation
22. Moxibustion
23. Music Therapy
24. Naturopathy
25. Neuro-Linguistic Programming
26. Nutrition Therapy
27. Orgonomy
28. Osteopathy
29. Polarity Therapy
30. Pranic Healing
31. Psychotherapy
32. Qigong
33. Reflexology
34. Reiki
35. Shamanic Healing
36. Shiatsu
37. Siddha Medicine
38. Spiritual Healing
39. Sound Healing
40. Sunbathing / Sungazing
41. Tai Chi
42. Tantra Therapy
43. Thai Massage
44. Traditional Chinese Medicine
45. Traditional Japanese Medicine
46. Traditional Mongolian Medicine
47. Traditional Tibetan Medicine
48. Therapeutic Horseback Riding
49. Therapeutic Touch
50. Unani Medicine (aka Arabian/Islamic Medicine)
51. Yoga Therapy

As you can see, there are many options to choose from. But how can you know which one will work for you for sure?

How to Choose a Holistic Therapy That Actually Works (for You)

Not all therapies are effective for everyone. One therapy may work for one person but not for another.

Some people may find relief in relaxation therapies like massage and Shiatsu, while others feel better when they ingest herbal remedies or change their diet. Some of my own clients have seen tremendous results by simply sitting in a bath of warm water or healing with different colors of light But some people who try one or more of the aforementioned therapies lack the experience of equally profound results.

So, what is the secret here? Why do some therapies work for certain people and not for others?

The answer is simple: It all has to do with your body type, condition, and particularly the root cause of that condition.

For example, you may have a dry (Vata) constitution and your condition may be itchy skin — but the root cause is not the itchiness or dryness itself, but rather an emotional, mental, endocrine, or even intestinal condition that is causing the dryness.

To pick the best therapy that works for you specifically, follow these steps:

• Take a good look at your symptoms. Are your symptoms physical, emotional, mental, vibrational/spiritual, or all of the above? Be fully aware of what is going on in your body and be completely honest of your emotions at that given time. You can also record your symptoms throughout the year by keeping a health journal. When did these symptoms start? Had some big event in your life occurred at the time? Have you ever experienced them before or is this the first time? Do the symptoms change, intensify, or subside every so often? Your health journal can reflect all these answers.
  
  
• Educate yourself on the various healing modalities before opting for one.Go through the list I’ve just provided and Google whatever piques your interest. Find out as much as you can about each therapy, look up reviews and testimonials of other people who have experienced these treatments, or get started with something as simple as a consultation before deciding if a particular therapy is the right choice for you.
  
  
• Aim to find the root cause. This is the heart of holistic healing. Finding the root cause is the only way to pinpoint the right kind of therapy for you. If moisturizers don’t cure your itchy skin, maybe you can visit a Psychotherapist to tackle your emotions, or try out Bach Flower Remedies to deal with stress, or opt for something as simple as Yoga or relaxation therapy (massage, aromatherapy, meditation, etc.). You may not find the root cause straight away, but it is worth getting started on your healing journey — and the root cause will eventually reveal itself.

Conclusion and the YATAN System

If you’re struggling to find a therapy that can address all your needs — the physical, emotional, mental, and spiritual — perhaps the YATAN system is what you need.

At our YATAN Holistic Ayurvedic Centre in Sydney we bring you the following healing modalities to create a holistic, customised experience unlike any other:

Y – Yoga, which is known as the Vedic science of self-realization. Yoga aids in blood and nutrient circulation throughout the body while calming the mind and bringing awareness to the body and emotions. It can be de-stressing and relaxing or energising and uplifting, depending on the postures recommended.

A – Ayurveda,which is a 5,000-year-old healing system from India. Ayurveda’s philosophy is founded on the concept ofdoshas represented by elements within the body. Prescriptions include things like dietary plans, natural remedies, detox programs, and carefully prepared decoctions of Ayurvedic herbs.

T -Tantra, which is a ‘technology’ that goes beyond medicine as we know it. It addresses the individual’s identity, spirit, energy system, and karmic connections. Tantra will equip you with a powerful mind, harmonize your entire system, and facilitate self-healing and spiritual growth.

A – Astrology, which can accurately provide explanations as to why your health is affected at certain times of your life. An analysis of the planetary aspects during a time of illness may reveal the reasons for being sick and how to best treat that illness.

N – Naturopathy, which makes use of nature-based resources for the purpose of healing and harmony. Think sunbathing for vitamin D production, meditative nature walksfor quietening the mind, water therapy for detoxifying the body, and more.

No matter your age, background, medical history or condition, our qualified practitioners will be able to help you find your healing path. If you choose to start your healing journey with us, you can rest assured that you will receive a fully customized treatment plan based on a thorough analysis of your body type and symptoms, as well as our utmost care, support, and dedication.

Would you like to start your healing journey with a no-obligation consultation before you make a decision on the therapy you’d prefer to opt for? Our practitioners can offer immediate advice if you contact us today or book an appointment online.

Disclaimer: This article is not intended to substitute medical advice. All information and resources referenced, including medicinal preparations, fitness, dietary and lifestyle recommendations, are based on the opinion of the author. Please consult a medical practitioner if you require advice or are experiencing any worrisome symptoms.