Massage. Aromatherapy. Medication. Yoga. These are complementary therapies that can support self-care no matter where you are on your health journey. But which therapies are most effective?
Our experts would say it's all about what works for you. Learn about the unique approaches they use to find balance and feel well.
Sara Mansfield, Certified Cancer Trainer, Mayo Clinic Healthy Living Program: Doing meditation or yoga practice, anything that can balance the hustle and the bustle and the speed of the day really is where my focus is.
Yvonne Butler Tobah, M.D., Obstetrics and Gynecology: Actually massage. There are lots of benefits in terms of relaxing the mind and the body and addressing those tight muscles.
Amanda Holloway, Director of Sustainability: I really like essential oils and using those in my diffuser at home. It's a great way to, like if I need a little energy boost, you know, add a little peppermint.
Max Trenerry, Ph.D., Psychology: Just exercise. I don't know that you would classify that as a complementary medicine necessarily. It keeps us healthy. It keeps us away from all sorts of problems.
Joy Heimgartner, Dietitian, Clinical Nutrition: Sometimes when we think about complementary medicine, I don't think we think about the importance of not only having physical activity, but when we can, physical activity that takes us outside. There's a lot of research that shows that being outside in the fresh air enhances mood, helps with depression, helps us feel a little bit more like we're a well person and not just a sick person.
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