Healing can happen both in the mind and the body; it refers to the process by which damaged tissue or emotional mind states are restored to a state of normal health. In a health context, prevention encompasses any steps taken by an individual to reduce the risk of developing a disease, or any state of ill health. American consumers are increasingly interested both in prevention and in natural healing modalities, sometimes called CAM (Complementary and Alternative Medicine), as an alternative (or a complement) to taking pharmaceutical drugs or undergoing invasive medical procedures.
Acupuncture is a popular healing modality that has been shown to help with headaches and other types of pain, relieve symptoms of cancer radiation treatment, and reduce stress. Various types of bodywork, including chiropractic adjustments and massage, also can help speed the healing process. Meditation is a proven stress reducer that may improve insomnia, depression, high blood pressure, pain, and fatigue.
Research-backed supplements for disease prevention include: high-quality multivitamin/minerals (cancer); vitamin D (some cancers, high blood pressure), coenzyme Q10 or coQ10 (heart health); fish oil or omega-3s (heart health, joint health, depression); fiber (some types of cancer, heart health); and sulforaphane (cancer, stomach ulcers, macular degeneration).
