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Ancient Practices for Modern Health and Well-Being

For thousands of years, ancient civilizations turned to the natural world to heal the body, mind, and spirit. Today, these methods are experiencing a resurgence, with new research validating their effectiveness in supporting mental and physical health. Explore this collection of articles to uncover enduring practices that empower us to thrive in our modern world.

Foundations of Ancient Healing

5 Elements for 5 Seasons

How getting in touch with wood, fire, earth, metal, and water can improve your health.

By Karen Olson

Home/Living Nature

How Does Traditional Chinese Medicine (TCM) Support Your Health and Well-Being?

More than just acupuncture, this system of healing focuses on a holistic approach to health, and a growing body of research supports its efficacy. Learn how TCM works and how it can treat the whole person.

By Mo Perry

Functional/Integrative Medicine Wellness

Ayurveda: The Science of Self-Care

Why the ancient healing art of Ayurveda is winning modern fans.

By Courtney Helgoe

Functional/Integrative Medicine

The Case for Seasonal Eating

Whole foods have a cyclical rhythm — and so do we. Discover the multiple ways that eating with the seasons can support our health.

By Elizabeth Millard

Cooking & Food Food Culture

Natural Remedies

wooden spoons filled with healing spices

5 Healing Spices

A biochemist born and raised in India shares his passion for aromatic spices and their extraordinary health benefits. Here are five favorites, available in any grocery store, that can help treat and prevent a surprising number of diseases.

By Bharat B. Aggarwal

Functional/Integrative Medicine Nutrition Tips

7 Adaptogens for Health

Adaptogenic herbs like ginseng are great for battling stress and boosting your overall immunity, strength, and resilience.

By Catherine Guthrie

Alzheimer’s & Dementia Arthritis & Joint Health

9 Healing Herbs

Herbs were our first wonder drugs, and they remain powerful medicine to this day. Learn more about these health-promoting plants.

By Kristin Ohlson

Functional/Integrative Medicine Immunity

11 Natural Remedies for Insomnia, Anxiety, Brain Fog, and Fatigue

Occasional stressors like sleeplessness or fatigue can make it tempting to reach for over-the-counter drugs, but some mental health experts recommend trying nutritional supplements and remedies first.

By Alexandra Smith, MA, LPCC

Depression & Anxiety Mental Health

turkey tail mushrooms next to a cup of tea

The Health Benefits of Medicinal Mushrooms

Fungi have been used as medicine for thousands of years. Discover six varieties and their many health benefits.

By Catherine Guthrie

Cooking & Food Functional/Integrative Medicine

What Are the 5 Best Herbs for Anxiety?

Integrative-medicine experts explain which herbs actually work for anxiety — with dosage guidance, safety notes, and how to match the right herb to your specific symptoms.

By Catherine Guthrie

Depression & Anxiety Functional/Integrative Medicine

Physical Practices

How the Ancient Practice of Tai Chi Enhances Your Health

Whether recovering from an injury or making a first foray into fitness, folks of all ages have found that tai chi delivers dramatic results for body, mind and spirit.

By Kermit Pattison

Active Aging Fitness Tips

How to Use Qi Gong to Manage Stress

A centuries-old Chinese system for cultivating health, vitality and enlightenment, qi gong is now gaining a reputation here in the West - as one of the most effective stress-busters around.

By Experience Life Staff

Stress

A woman doing prayer hands in a yoga class.

4 Ways to Fine-Tune Your Yoga Practice

Reap the physical and mental rewards of this ancient tradition — safely, and at your own pace.

By Nicole Radziszewski

Fitness Tips Yoga

Bodywork

How Does Acupuncture Work?

Many people are turning to this ancient practice for relief from acute pain and chronic symptoms. Here’s why it works.

By Selene Yeager

Functional/Integrative Medicine Headaches & Migraines

a woman receives a craniosacral treatment

What Is Craniosacral Therapy?

This subtle treatment bridges the gap between massage and energy medicine.

By Courtney Helgoe

Functional/Integrative Medicine

What Is Cupping?

Insights on how this ancient technique works — and why it’s being embraced by pro athletes and everyday people alike. Here’s how it works.

By Courtney Helgoe

Functional/Integrative Medicine Pain Relief

What is Foot Reflexology?

Discover how this trigger-point therapy can help relieve a range of discomforts.

By Courtney Helgoe

Functional/Integrative Medicine Wellness

What Is Gua Sha?

Gua sha facials are a social media sensation, but this skin-scraping technique is actually a traditional full-body healing modality. Learn more.

By Courtney Helgoe

Personal Care/Beauty

How to Find Your Pressure Points

Acupressure accesses the body’s subtle energy layers to let health and well-being flow.

By Catherine Guthrie

Functional/Integrative Medicine Headaches & Migraines

Energy Healing

an energy healer holds her hands on client's head

What Is Energy Medicine?

Healing modalities that are nonpharmaceutical and noninvasive may sound “soft,” but many of them have been proven by centuries of use.

By Courtney Helgoe

Functional/Integrative Medicine Wellness

What Is Breathwork?

Humans have recognized the power of controlled breathing for centuries. Give these methods a try to feel the effects on your body and mind.

By Courtney Helgoe

Functional/Integrative Medicine

What Are the Chakras?

Discover the body’s seven energy centers. Plus, enhance your well-being with this chakra meditation.

By Courtney Helgoe

Functional/Integrative Medicine Wellness

What Is Forest Bathing?

Spending time among trees can offer a surprising range of health benefits.

By Courtney Helgoe

Functional/Integrative Medicine Nature

What Is Halotherapy?

Halotherapy has been used for centuries around the world. Its healing benefits have sparked a new interest in salt pools, flotation tanks, and caves in the United States.

By Courtney Helgoe

Stress Travel