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Anyone visiting the doctor or hospital expects a few common procedures that are often used to treat a wide range of medical conditions. But, what if I tell you that’s not always the case! Of course, regular procedures are part of a hospital repertoire, but that doesn’t mean unorthodox measures can’t produce favorable results.
At Alike, your health data is your superpower. Here are a few strange but effective medical practices that have been reported by 250 of our members on the Alike app.
"Basking in the sun for at least 15 minutes, instead of taking antidepressants.”
Ever heard of the phrase “sunny disposition”? Turns out, it’s more than just an expression. According to research conducted by Brigham Young University (BYU), people tend to experience more mental health distress during seasons with little sun exposure. The study further revealed that people experienced better mental health on days with plenty of sunshine.
"When I was pregnant I decided, under the guidance of my psychiatrist and psychologist, to forgo my antidepressant medication for nearly the entire pregnancy. But it was difficult so my therapist recommend me just sitting outside in the sun for at least 15 minutes. I thought it didn’t matter because it wouldn’t be equivalent to Zoloft and I just had to tough it out. But I did it and it genuinely made me feel better, even when I had the baby blues. So I’m glad I took her advice!.”
Actually, getting some sun increases your serotonin, dubbed as the “feel-good hormone,” which is capable of staving off depression and anxiety. In other words, sunshine has an immense impact on mood compared to other environmental factors. Therefore, getting enough sunshine can actually help get rid of baby blues during pregnancy.
The Witch Hazel is a shrub native to North America. Historically, the plant has been used in a variety of ways, mostly in folk medicine in the U.S., due to its powerful medicinal properties. The bark and the leaves of the Witch Hazel are made into ointments that can be applied to the skin and scalp or added to herbal teas and ingested orally.
"Witchhazel is good for a lot of stuff! It stops pain, burning and itching! Example....usually used for hemroids...well can also be used for (outer parts) yeast infections and like I said much more!!”
Witch Hazel is popular for its ability to ease inflammation. It contains anti-inflammatory compounds such as tannins and gallic acid which prevent widespread inflammation. This makes the Witch Hazel have a far-reaching benefit when it comes to the treatment of inflammatory-related issues such as eczema, acne, scalp sensitivity, and hemorrhoids. But that’s not all. Witch Hazel extracts are effective in treating erythema and reducing skin irritation. As mentioned earlier, Witch Hazel extracts can also be added to tea and ingested orally. This is always effective in easing sore throats. Just boil 5ml or one teaspoon of Witch Hazel extract in one cup or 240 ml of water for about 10 minutes. Gargle the mixture and it will provide relief.
Homeopathy is an alternative or complementary medicine that involves the use of highly diluted substances meant to trigger the body to heal itself. Homeopathic remedies consist of substances that have diluted severally in water to an extent the original substance is almost non-existent. Even though homeopathy is different from conventional Western medicine, it is used to treat a wide range of conditions including but not limited to allergies, high fiver, and high blood pressure.
"Homeopathic treatment! I’ve learned that despite the science vs nature battle between homeopathic and doctors have with one another I think having both of these treatments in my life at the same time has gotten me the closest I’ve ever been to being healthy.”
Despite extensive investigations on the effectiveness of homeopathy, there is no proof or evidence that homeopathy is effective in the treatment of any health condition. Nevertheless, there’s nothing to worry about since homeopathic remedies are generally safe, and the risk of experiencing adverse effect arising from taking these remedies are less. However, this doesn’t negate the fact that some remedies may contain substances that are not safe or are likely to interfere with the effectiveness of other medicines. You should seek the help of a General Practitioner before settling on any homeopathic procedure or avoiding any conventional treatment in favor of homeopathy.
This is perhaps one of the strangest treatment suggestions you can come across. This could include anything from holding ice cubes in your hands, holding it against the roof of your mouth, compressing it to your chest, or rubbing it along your face and arms. Another major tip is dunking your face in a bowl of ice which is perhaps the most common technique for those using ice cubes or ice packs when experiencing a panic attack.
"Putting your face in a bowl of ice water - works pretty good to help with panic or feeling dissociated. Also, I’ve used the war head trick (sour candy) this seems to help bring your focus back..”
In moments of high anxiety or panic attacks, our fight-or-flight responses are immediately triggered. This is also known as acute stress response which is a normal body reaction when we are facing emotional and terrifying events. High anxiety or panic attacks often trigger the release of hormones that set off a chain reaction causing high blood pressure, rapid heart rate, and fast breathing. The ice or sour candy technique works by jolting your system's fight or flight response. Technically, they distract from the feeling of panic and makes you focus on your body and surroundings. Also, the ice or sour candy technique can trigger pain-like responses that will force your neurotransmitters to refocus. Overall, the ice and sour candy technique doesn’t replace professional treatment for anxiety.
Have you heard any other strange treatment suggestions? Have you tried it? Let us know in the comments section.
Make sure to join the Alike community today to get advice from people who are experiencing a similar health journey to yours
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