5 Ways to Start Using Complementary Healthcare

Elsbeth Thurston
Read or Die!
Published in
2 min readOct 2, 2023
Photo by Kenny Eliason on Unsplash

Healthcare should be about keeping ourselves above the wellness line. When you choose to use natural products or visit with a practitioner who offers nonconventional therapy, this is considered “complementary”.

You may also hear it referred to as “alternative”, however, this should be reserved for when these therapies are used instead of traditional medicine. In general, this is more uncommon.

There are many options that can be done using a natural and holistic approach. You do not have to radically change your lifestyle in order to start making healthier and more natural choices.

Here are some easy ways to get started.

  1. Eat a more plant-based, less processed food diet

Easiest way to start is to purchase only from the outside aisles of the grocery store. Spend the majority of your time in the produce and pick fruits and vegetables that reflect all of the colors in the rainbow. Start a Meatless- Monday in your home to try out new recipes!

2. Consider essential oils

Essential oils can be found in use for many centuries. The application of sacred oils are even found in religious documents. Oils can be used topically, aromatically, and orally.

Not all essential oils are pure or of therapeutic grade. Always do your research before using, especially around children and pets.

3. Visit a Chiropractor or Applied Kinesiologist

Ask for an informational appointment where the practitioner can walk you through their philosophies and techniques . If you are comfortable, let them give you an adjustment and then evaluate how you feel afterwards. At the beginning of treatment you may need to be seen more often, however you should be able to space out your appointment as your alignment and health improves

4. Replace chemical products with natural alternatives

It is easy to find alternative cleaning products, toothpaste, hair products, and more even in mainstream stores. As you use up a product, look for a more natural alternative. Check social media like Pinterest for DIY recipes

5. Start a new exercise routine

You do not have to join a gym or buy expensive equipment to start. Go outside and walk around your block. Use soup cans as weights to do some simple curls, presses, and more. Check YouTube for free exercise programs that can be done in your living room.

Seeking out complementary healthcare practices to keep yourself well can also work hand in hand with traditional medicine. Please consult with a physician or other healthcare professional regarding any medical or health related diagnosis or treatment options.

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Elsbeth Thurston
Read or Die!

I am a pharmacist, EMT, and writer currently living in Norfolk, VA. I am especially interested in informatics as well as prehospital and emergency care