The holistic approach to drug addiction has proven largely effective. It focuses on processing emotions without the need for medications.
A soaring number of drug rehab centers offer holistic therapy as part of their programs. They provide treatments like aromatherapy, acupuncture, Indian head massage, hyperbaric oxygen therapy, mindfulness meditation, yoga, etc. Holistic practices are non-invasive and get to the bottom of one’s addiction.
Physical benefits include pain relief, boosted energy levels, better sleep, improved immunity, and balanced hormones. Psychological benefits involve better mentality, improved concentration, and increased feelings of well-being.
By going to holistic drug rehab, you’ll get a chance to test the effects of the following therapies.
Acupuncture
Acupuncture is a holistic practice that has been used in China and other countries on the Asian continent for thousands of years. It involves stimulating specific body points by inserting needles through the skin. Acupuncture has become a part of complimentary drug rehab therapies, as it’s viewed as a safe way of relieving withdrawal symptoms during detoxification. Most importantly, this practice is approved by the National Institute of Drug Abuse.
The benefits of acupuncture involve relief of withdrawal symptoms, improved sleep, relaxation, stimulating the release of endorphins to reduce stress and anxiety, etc. The needles are applied by fully-trained acupuncturists who know which body points are worth targeting. They usually apply the needles gently under the outer ear’s skin at five specific ear points, as deep as three millimeters. Each session lasts approximately forty minutes. Find out more about the effects of acupuncture.
Aromatherapy
Aromatherapy is another holistic practice used by drug rehab centers in Thornton. It uses essential oils, which are extracted from plants and herbs. These can be applied through the skin or inhaled. Aromatherapy calms the mind, relieves stress, reduces insomnia, and restores the feeling of well-being in patients.
Moreover, this practice can be used in complementary therapies or as part of individual treatment plans if recommended by medical staff. Upon the inhalation of oils, the olfactory system is provided with stimulation. Consequently, a signal is transferred to the limbic system of the brain in charge of controlling emotions and retrieving memories. This signal triggers the release of chemicals, which cause relaxation and stress relief.
Indian head massage
The Indian head massage is another holistic drug rehab practice that benefits individuals dealing with substance abuse. It detoxifies the body by stimulating lymphatic drainage and blood flow to the neck area. Consequently, waste products are removed from the body. It relieves the symptoms of insomnia, stress, depression, and anxiety by improving the oxygen supply to the brain, which boosts one’s mood.
Furthermore, Indian head massage is helpful in preventing migraine and headaches, along with renewing energy levels. It also boosts memory capabilities by increasing awareness. Since addicts usually suffer from anxiety, depressive mood, and insomnia, this holistic technique is bound to improve their condition.
Hyperbaric oxygen therapy
Hyperbaric oxygen therapy is offered by the majority of reputable drug rehab centers that have hyperbaric chambers located onsite. When searching for a holistic rehab Thornton facility, check their range of wellness-related methods. This therapy requires patients to breathe 100% oxygen in an oxygen chamber for as long as sixty minutes.
Additionally, the oxygen breathed through this process has a greater concentration than the air we normally breathe. Breathing oxygen under certain pressure has many benefits for individuals subjected to drug detox. For instance, it significantly reduces the symptoms of opiate withdrawal, boosts tissue regeneration, reduces inflammation, clears toxins, improves decision-making and emotion control, etc.
Hyperbaric oxygen therapy also boosts the production of stem cells, whose job is to regenerate damaged tissues in the liver and brain affected by drug abuse. Hyperbaric chambers allow the pressure surrounding the body to increase. It’s absolutely painless and non-invasive. The chamber is operated by a trained operator.
Patients are given individual masks, which they should put on when entering the chamber. Once the door is closed, the pressure starts increasing. You should breathe the oxygen in through the mask throughout the session while resting or watching TV.
When entering the chamber, patients can either sit on a chair or on the floor. They should wear comfortable clothes and leave any watches or jewelry outside the chamber. No lighters or smoking materials are allowed inside. Each session is conducted in three phases, compression, treatment, and decompression.
The compression stage begins as soon as the door is closed. You will hear some noise as the pressure goes up. In the meantime, the temperature will get warmer, while the feeling in your ears will be similar to the feeling you get when descending in a plane. You should avoid discomfort by swallowing to make your ears pop.
Once the desired pressure is achieved, the treatment phase begins. The patient is supposed to put the mask over his/her head for the entire duration of the session. The rest of the session can be spent resting, sleeping, watching TV, or reading a book. The attendant will inform you of the session’s completion, and the pressure will keep on dropping gradually. Check this site, https://www.medicalnewstoday.com/articles/313155, to get all the facts about hyperbaric oxygen therapy.
Mindfulness meditation
Mindfulness is a form of holistic therapy that involves calming thoughts and breathing techniques. It treats anxiety, stress, depression, and compulsive behaviors. Mindfulness is completely focused on the present and accepting your feelings as they are. Patients can detach themselves from negative emotions through mediation instead of looking for such a release in drugs.
Mindfulness meditation helps individuals reach a higher level of self-awareness that breaks the habitual addiction cycle. It thickens the right prefrontal brain cortex, which is most damaged by drug use.
Mindfulness plays a vital role in preventing relapse. Cravings, negative thoughts and strong emotions act as powerful triggers for relapse. Mindfulness meditation, however, helps addicts recognize and manage their thought patterns in a manner that’s non-judgmental.
The bottom line
Professionals know which holistic practice is the most suitable for each patient.
Take their word!