Alternative medicine techniques like acupuncture, massage therapy and meditation are becoming increasingly popular. Evidence suggests that integrative therapy can aid in the healing process. These treatments provide greater benefits when paired with conventional therapies.
There are several things to consider as you recover from an injury.
The benefits of acupuncture
Acupuncture involves stimulating specific points on the body with thin needles. The needles trigger an inflammatory response in the body, which boosts the healing process. It may increase blood flow to the brain. It can also prompt the release of neurotransmitters that enhance neuroplasticity. Weekly acupuncture sessions may support cognitive rehabilitation and quicker recovery times.
The power of massage therapy
Massage therapy provides physical and emotional comfort to brain injury survivors. It helps those struggling with pain, spasticity and depression. Massage techniques like craniosacral therapy may help relax contracted muscles. This can ease fascia restrictions caused by scar tissue after injury. Weekly massage therapy may aid the healing process and quality of life.
The clarity of meditation
Meditation involves focused breathing and mindfulness training to calm the mind. For brain injury patients, meditation may improve focus. It can also contribute to emotional regulation and mental processing speed. Meditation can strengthen neural connections in the prefrontal cortex linked to cognitive function. Regular meditation could provide mental benefits post-injury.
Approximately 1.7 million people in the United States have a traumatic brain injury. Alternative therapies show promising results for improving outcomes after those injuries. When used alongside conventional medical treatment, integrative approaches may support faster healing.
