Natural treatments, otherwise known as alternative or natural therapies are an ever growing sector of the health industry. The growing acceptance of these treatments has seen many of them utilised alongside, and sometimes in place of, conventional medical approaches. The primary attraction of these types of therapies is their relative lack of side effects and need for invasive surgery. The natural approach also takes a more holistic view of an individual’s health, and looks to treat the underlying causes of ill health, rather than just the symptoms. Here we examine a selection of natural treatments for catarrh.
What is Catarrh?
Catarrh describes the excessive production of mucus by the body, typically in response to an infection. This could a cold for example, or an allergic reaction to an external stimulus – pollen and dust being two of the most common. It is therefore not a condition as such, rather the symptom to an underlying condition. Symptoms include a blocked and runny nose, headaches, a cough and fatigue; amongst others.
Acupuncture
Acupuncture is one element of Traditional Chinese Medicine (TCM), the ancient healing methods adopted over thousands of years. It involves the insertion of microscopic needles into a patient’s skin, following a pattern based on the TCM concept of energy meridians. These carry the life force or chi throughout our body, and must be able to flow freely for optimum health. Acupuncture has proven successful in treating headaches associated with a cold or fever, and this is the most likely form of relief associated with catarrh. See acupuncture and catarrh for more information.
Aromatherapy
Aromatherapy utilises a selection of oils or infusions produced from plants or flowers to stimulate the senses and encourage rapid recovery from an ailment or sickness. The oil or infusion can be used in a number of ways; with inhalers, massage and baths the most popular methods. In terms of catarrh decongestion of excess mucus is the primary objective, with eucalyptus, ginger and sandalwood some of the more common approaches utilised. See aromatherapy and catarrh for more information.
Bowen Therapy
Bowen therapy is named after the founder of the treatment, and involves slightly more gentle manipulation techniques than massage. The thumb and forefinger are used to stimulate the connective tissues and muscles of the body, with the objective of energizing the body and helping it to fight the source of infection. Bowen is therefore a holistic treatment in the truest sense of the term, in that it seeks to boost the immune system, to fight the infections that cause catarrh. See bowen therapy and catarrh for more information.
Herbal Medicine
Herbal medicine is well placed to deal with the variety of triggers that can cause catarrh, given it is perhaps the oldest of medical traditions. Traditional Chinese Medicine (TCM) has long had a strong herbal tradition, which alongside acupuncture is still used by millions of people on a daily basis. Elderflower, peppermint and ginger are just some of plant based remedies that could be prescribed for catarrh, in a variety of forms including an infusion that is drunk like a tea. See herbal medicine and catarrh for more information.
Homeopathy
Homeopathy is a healing tradition that uses specifically diluted remedies aimed at mimicking the symptoms of the condition being experienced. The dilutions are sourced from animal, mineral and plant elements typically in water; with the actual remedy only containing traces of these sources. A homeopath will evaluate a patient and based on their health and symptoms prescribe one or more remedies that may mimic these. See homeopathy and catarrh for more information.
Browse the other natural treatments used to treat a range of ailments and conditions, on the pages of this site.
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