Nicole Brar

Fitness Instructor & Nutritionist

4 Types of Holistic Wellness To Try Out

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types of holistic wellness

When most people start their fitness journey, they focus purely on the physical. This means eating a good diet and getting plenty of exercise. Yes, those things are essential, but overall wellness is about much more than that. 

As a fitness instructor, yoga instructor, and nutritionist, fitness is all about the mind and body. If you want to start your wellness journey, here are some types of holistic wellness to try out:

Yoga and Meditation

Yoga is an ancient practice that combines physical poses, breathing exercises, and meditation to align your mind, body, and spirit. It can either be an intense workout or it can help you relax and stretch. 

Yoga and meditation can improve your flexibility, strength, posture, and balance. It can also help to reduce stress and improve concentration. 

Tai Chi

Tai Chi is a form of martial arts that originated from China. It involves slow, deliberate movements and deep breathing. Tai Chi can help improve balance, flexibility, and strength, as well as reduce stress and anxiety due to how meditative it is. 

Tai Chi is a great low-impact exercise that complements more high-intensity workouts. 

Aromatherapy

Aromatherapy is the practice of using essential oils from plants to improve both physical and emotional wellness. You can use oils in many ways, such as inhaling the scent with a diffuser or adding them to lotions for massage. 

Some say that essential oils can treat a number of physical and psychological ailments. They can act as a great compliment to other treatments, and can certainly help you relax (especially during a yoga and meditation session).

Note: never apply essential oils directly to your skin or ingest them. 

Breathwork

Breathwork involves various mindful breathing techniques designed to improve mental, physical, and spiritual well-being. It can reduce stress, support your cardiovascular system, and even help you regulate emotions. 

Correct breathing techniques are critical for more effective fitness routines. 

Top 10 Benefits of Acupuncture

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Top 10 benefits of acupuncture

If you’re on your wellness journey, you know that chronic pain and stress can get in your way. We have a variety of medicines to treat various ailments, but they often come with unwanted side effects. Supplementing these treatments with more traditional wellness practices can offer relief. In this blog post, you will learn about the top 10 benefits of acupuncture.

What Is Acupuncture?

Acupuncture comes from ancient Chinese medicine. The practice involves placing thin needles strategically into specific points on the body to improve overall health.

The idea is that these points sit on meridians along which the body’s vital energy (qi, pronounced “chee”) flows. Stimulating these points can restore balance to the flow of qi, thereby improving physical and emotional health.

Does Acupuncture Really Work?

Studies have come out to show that acupuncture does work. Acupuncture is not just a placebo, but is actually an effective treatment method with several benefits. You can use it either alone or as part of a wider modern medical treatment plan.

Benefits of Acupuncture:

Acupuncture can improve your quality life in a variety of ways. Some of the benefits include:

  1. Relieves pain from various sources including arthritis, back pain, neck pain, and menstrual cramps.
  2. Reduces stress by lowering stress hormone levels and moderating mood to reduce anxiety and improve overall feelings of happiness.
  3. Improves quality of sleep and helps in the treatment of insomnia and other sleep disorders.
  4. Enhances the immune system by increasing the body’s immune cells, helping to fend off illnesses and infections.
  5. Reduces the intensity and frequency of tension headaches and migraines
  6. Regulates hormonal balances and reduces the severity of menstrual cramps
  7. Regulates the digestives system, helping those suffering from gastrointestinal
  8. Increases energy and mental clarity due to improved energy flow
  9. Helps to manage chronic conditions and potentially reduces the need for medications and surgeries
  10. Aids in recovery and symptom management

This blog post does not substitute medical advice. Please consult with your own doctor before making decisions about your health.

Follow Nicole Brar’s blog for more information about health and nutrition, yoga tips for beginners, VR fitness, and more.

Traditional Wellness Practices To Try

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traditional wellness practices

If you’ve been to my blog before, you know that we believe in holistic health around here. Health isn’t just about physical fitness, it’s about your entire being. To complement your fitness routine and nutritional plan, I have put together a list of 3 traditional wellness practices to test out. 

Reiki

Reiki is an ancient form of energy healing that comes from Japan. Practitioners transfer “universal energy” from their palms to the patient. Unlike massage, a reiki practitioner doesn’t need to touch you for this to be effective. 

Many people are skeptical of reiki, and research is limited. However, studies do suggest that it can reduce anxiety and pain, as well as promote relaxation.  

Acupuncture

Acupuncture is a key part of traditional Chinese medicine. A practitioner inserts thin needles into specific points of the body to balance energy flow (aka Qi). Traditionally, it was used to treat pain, but people also use it to relieve stress and promote overall well-being.

There aren’t a whole lot of scientific studies to prove the effectiveness of acupuncture. However, many clinics in the United Kingdom now offer this service to treat various ailments. 

Chinese Herbal Therapy

Chinese herbal therapy uses a variety of herbs in various combinations to restore balance of the body’s energy (aka Qi). Like acupuncture, this is a major part of traditional Chinese medicine. Many cultures also have their own forms of herbal medicine. 

Some say this can treat various health issues, including boosting the immune system and reducing inflammations. Herbal medicines may not have the same side effects associated with modern medicine. However, you should still use caution when taking herbal remedies. 
Follow Nicole Brar’s blog for more tips on wellness, fitness, and nutrition.