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Sunday, July 8, 2012

Alternative Medicines



Alternative therapies in health and medicine are becoming increasingly popular as people are becoming more aware that what they put into their bodies and minds has a significant effect on their physical, mental and spiritual being. The modern medical solutions just don’t work.
Alternative therapies in health and medicine should start with what we take into our physical bodies. Then, after that, we should be concerned about what we put in our minds. And lastly, nurturing and developing our spiritual side is essential for a balanced Health.

Alternative Therapies in Health and Medicine are becoming more mainstream

One of the most popular and rapidly expanding fields in medicine, alternative health care is starting to become a household word. But what exactly are alternative therapies in health and medicine? Alternative medicine and therapies come in many forms. In many cases, the very foundation of alternative medicine is based on ancient traditional forms of healing. Alternative medicine also stems and sometimes is a brand new field based on the latest scientific findings or theory. Alternative medicine is operating within the modern medical health system in more ways and places than ever before. Let’s take a closer look at some of the alternative healthcare options that are currently available.

Types of Alternative Therapies in Health and Medicine

Alternative health covers just about every form of healing that is not traditionally covered by mainstream medicine. According to the National Center for Complementary and Alternative Medicine of the National Institutes of Health, alternative health care includes a wide range of therapeutic options, including herbs and supplements, natural nutrition, hypnosis, homoeopathy, naturopathy, yoga, tai chi, energy healing, chiropractic, acupuncture, massage and hypnosis.



When we seek treatment from a professional medical care person like a physician, the treatment is conventional and called as allopathic treatment. But when the treatment is not associated with allopathic drugs and the approach is away from the traditional treatment and towards remedies such as diet plan, yoga, acupressure, naturopathy or homoeopathy, it’s called alternative treatment.

1. Acupressure and Acupuncture

Acupressure is pressing on specific points of the body for pain relief whereas in acupuncture, specific needles (filiform) are used instead of pressure for relieving pain. There are certain acupoints which are specifically pressed or punctured for certain problems. Specific points are pressed with fingers for several minutes in acupressure. However, care should be taken not to use acupressure treatment near varicose veins, open wounds, abdomen during pregnancy or broken bones.

2. Yoga and Diet

Yoga is the perfect path to live a healthy life. Yoga can cure major ailments as well. Performing yoga creates harmony between body, mind and surroundings. Yoga is based on breathing exercises for improving respiration and elevating your mood. Asanas are specific sitting positions which can improve body functions significantly. Meditation is also a part of yoga, which improves mental stability memory and increases concentration. Natural diet is used as home remedies to control illnesses too, like having bananas during diarrhea, ginger or peppermint tea for aiding indigestion or having papaya as a laxative to cure constipation.
Yoga Accessories
Initially originated in India some 3000 years ago, yoga is a primitive art, which mainly comprises of different types of exercises. Balancing your mind or body, reducing anxiety and improving mental clarity are the main goals of yoga. It is a therapeutic activity, which helps in the union of a person???s own mind, body and spirit. The different styles and forms of yoga exercises helps in improving circulation, vitalizing the abdominal organs and balancing the glandular system of our body. Today, yoga is gaining worldwide popularity because it emphasis on teaching people about the different ways of living peaceful life. There was a study conducted by a Yoga Journal which says that about 15 million of Americans practice yoga these days and spend around US $ 27 billion annually on yoga classes and yoga accessories such as yoga mats, yoga balls, bolsters, blankets, rugs, towels, straps, eye pillows, sand bags etc. Yoga offers innumerable benefits such as relaxation of both body and soul, normalizing body weight, increasing productivity and energy level.

3. Ayurveda

Ayurveda works on diagnosis of three ‘Doshas’-Vata, Pitta and Kapha. The type of body is decided according to the degree of ‘Doshas’ in our body. Ayurveda is curing of the mind and body through herbal medicines, yoga, specific therapies and diet, and exposure to certain natural elements like mud, water, oil etc. One of the most popular methods of purification of body is known as ‘Panchkarma’, a famous body purification method which improves blood circulation, relieves stress and soothes the body and mind.
Ayurvedic Medicines
Ayurveda is one of the age-old systems of medicine in the whole universe that derives its origin from Indian subcontinent. Slowly and gradually, this form of alternative medication is moving towards other developed countries of the world as well. Globally, ayurvedic medicines have been acclaimed as the safe form of naturopathy treatment because of their complete preventive characteristics and low side effects. Ayurveda is a science-based system of curing disorders and physical conditions with the help of natural therapies and believes on the basic tenet of biologic individuality. Also, many ayurvedic formulations may be used to prepare products such asanti-dandruff shampoo, skin care creams, herbal soaps, anti-dandruff oil, etc. Presently, the worldwide market for herbal and ayurvedic medicines is around US$120 billions. The European Union, Japan and USA together accounts for a total share of 70 percent while Asian countries contribute around 30%. The Ayurveda and its products are gaining worldwide popularity. Ayurvedic medicines available in the global market these days are made from herbal ingredients are clinically proven that can cure several acute and chronic disorders such as pimples, acne, allergies, arthritis, asthma, depression, constipation, heart ailments, ulcers, insomnia, obesity, blood pressure, liver related diseases etc.
Siddha Medicines
Siddha medicines have been etching attention worldwide in recent times because of its ability to offer treatment for major degenerative ailments that can not be cured by modern medicines. It is that type of traditional medical science, which not just cure the disease but also treats the complete individual. The siddha system is the earliest form of Indian systems of medicine that has some presence of ayurveda, acupressure, unani, and reiki in it. This system is the mother of all medical sciences, which date back to at least 41000 years ago. This form of naturopathy treatment makes use of herbal plant extracts, metal oxides and simultaneous chanting of mantras to revitalize and rejuvenate the body organs. Siddha medicines are chemical free and thus do not cause any side effects. The siddha therapy is a boon for those who are suffering from chronic maladies like diabetes, arthritis, heart attacks, fractures, toothache, deep wounds, loss of appetite, constipation, psoriasis, urinary tract infections, anemia, diarrhea, and allergies. The global siddha medicines industry is all ready to grow exponentially in near future and replace the modern methods of treating diseases. At, present the size of this sector in whole drugs industry is US$ 1000 million.

4. Homeopathy

Homeopathy is a natural treatment and is derived from plants and natural minerals. Homeopathic treatment does not cause any side effects and is safe for anyone. As it treats the cause of the disease, symptoms rarely reappear. The body’s natural healing ability is activated in this treatment. Homeopathy, alongside curing the disease, works to improve the body’s immune system as well. In homeopathy, the reason of the illness is found through proper examination of patient history and the reason is treated.
Homeopathic Medicines
Homeopathy is one of the oldest forms of complementary and alternative medications, which is being used in over 80 countries by approximately 100,000 doctors worldwide. Homeopathic medicines have been proven to cure migraine, insomnia, joint pains, sinus infections, depression, asthma, eczema, rashes, anxiety and other diseases related to stomach, liver, pancreas and intestines. In this highly competitive global market, Indian Subcontinent is considered to be the largest market for homeopathy medicines followed by Germany, United States, France and United Kingdom. About one third of French population and more than 40% of British are treated by homeopathy these days. The worldwide sale of homeopathic medicines is around 1.5 billion occupying 0.3% of the total drugs market. This form of complementary medications is slowly and gradually moving towards Mediterranean basin, South America, or Eastern Europe. Homeopathic medicines are free of chemicals and mostly made from natural resources like plants, animals, and minerals.


5. Massage

The soft tissue manipulation of a massage improves blood circulation, thus increases the body’s functional ability for recovery from injury or ailments. Massage is one of the most common methods used for pain relief. Rhythmic and constant applied pressure improves blood circulation, expands arteries hence increases blood flow towards certain organs. Increased blood flow means increased oxygen to that organ, hence improving the overall health of the body. Massage therapies also improves lymph flow. Lymph nodes carry body’s toxins away. Thus massage causes improvement of lymph flow and reduces the toxins in the body.
Massage Therapies
Globally, there has been a new awakening about the relevance of natural ways of treating and curing most of the ailments. From the last two decades, the massage therapy industry has grown from an "alternative therapy" used by a few to worldwide billion dollar industry. The massage therapy industry is a growing sector with an annual market share of US $ 11 billions, which is estimated to reach US $ 15 billions by the end of 2010. Massage therapy is one of the old age ways of healing arts that originated some 3000 years back. Chinese, Persians, Hindus and Egyptians have been widely practicing this form of therapy for treating many disorders. Massage therapy has been very well recognized by both medical community and public. The main purpose of this therapy is to treat different types of injuries and medical conditions and improving athletic performance. More than 250 variations of massage and bodywork therapies have proven beneficial for many chronic diseases like arthritis, fatigue, high blood pressure, immunity suppression, diabetes, smoking cessation, infertility, bursitis or depression.
Aromatherapy
Growing health concerns and the search for natural ways of curbing diseases have given impetus to the practice of aromatherapy. Latest research reveal that aromatherapy is fast gaining acceptance as a holistic therapy with healing benefits all across the globe. This form of alternative medication is not new; it traces its origin some five thousand years back. Aromatherapy since its inception has become internationally well recognized, as the science and art of using essential oils or volatile plant oils for both psychological and physical well being. It has been also found that about 34.4 percent of the worldwide population is resorting to aromatherapy for healing and curing their ailments. The essential oil industry globally accounts for a US $ 400 million market share. China, Brazil, India, US, Mexico, Guatemala, Egypt and Indonesia are the chief manufacturing hubs of essential oils in the global market. In the last few years, the demand for various aromatherapy products like candles, essential oils, incense, diffusers, floral waxes, natural perfumes, creams, butters, air fresheners etc have gradually increased because of number of factors. The Western Europe, United States and Japan are the leading consumers of aromatherapy products in the world with a total consumption share of 78%.




Cold Therapy
Commonly referred to as cryotherapy, this therapy uses a cold bath or ice, which results in decreasing sensitivity of painful areas and relaxation of muscle spasms. The cold water gradually slows down nerve impulses to the muscle and lessens blood circulation, thereby reducing inflammation.



Crystal Therapy
The sudden revival of gem and crystal therapy in the recent times has added another impetus and a new frontier in the different techniques of healing naturally. Healing with the help of different versions of gemstones or crystals is the basic essence of this therapy. Holistic healers use this type of vibrational medicines for spiritual healing and bringing about balance in an individual???s life. Rocks and crystals used in this therapy come in various sizes, shapes, colors and textures. All these stones have some special meanings and can either be worn or placed on the injured part of the body. Crystal therapy emanated its origin in Ancient Egypt some 5000 years ago. This ancient art strengthens the body and conjugates the subtle energy fields of our aura with our feelings, emotions, glands and other physical body parts. Today, the market size of this industry is around US$ 50 billion. Canada, India, Malaysia, United States, Japan, China, United Kingdom are popular for using crystal therapies in the world.



Magnetic Therapy
Historical records have claimed that magnetic therapy is the most effective natural healing technique that relieves pain, increases circulation and speed up recovery from injuries. The size of the global magnetic market is huge and its demand is growing tremendously year by year. Presently, this industry enjoys a total market share of US $ 8.1 billion, which is expected to surpass US $ 11.8 billion in 2011. China, India, Indonesia, Russia, Mexico, Taiwan, and Malaysia are the countries that are famous for their techniques of massage therapy and massage based products. It is a non-invasive method in which different types of magnets are applied on to the body for stimulating the nerves and improving flow of blood to various parts of the body. This therapy has helped in making body's immune system powerful and curing host of ailments like arthritis, migraine, pneumonia, high and low blood pressure, rheumatism, gout, hernia, dropsy, leucoderma, menstrual disorders or asthma.


Regulation of Alternative Medicine

Most practices that fall under the category of alternative therapies in health and medicine are unregulated and, therefore, not recognised as forms of treatment by the mainstream medical community. Some notable exceptions, however, include TCM, traditional Chinese medicine that includes acupuncture that is covered by many insurance companies and licensed by a governing body; massage; and chiropractic care.

The Potential of Alternative Therapies in Health and Medicine

Many mainstream medical providers are starting to integrate alternative or complementary health practices into their practices or are referring their patients to alternative health-care providers. As far back as the July 1997 issue of The Annals of Internal Medicine, An article by Dr. David M. Eisenberg advises physicians to discuss the advantages and disadvantages of alternative health care with their patients. Many hospitals and HMOs now are actively including alternative health care into their medical services as complementary or preventative medicine.

 Facts About Alternative Therapies in Health and Medicine

In a November 1998 issue of the Archives of Internal Medicine, researchers published a review of mainstream physicians' incorporation of complementary and alternative medicine. They found that up to 50 percent of patients in industrialized countries use some form of complementary or alternative medicine. The most commonly used forms were acupuncture, chiropractic and massage. In a more recent survey, the National Center for Complementary and Alternative Medicine found that the rate of Americans using alternative health care practices rose by 2 percent between 2002 and 2007.
Considerations for Alternative Health Care
Nations outside of the scope of the studies mentioned above, particularly third-world countries, may use forms of medicine that would be considered alternative by the mainstream medical community but are in fact traditional to the local populace. This could mean that the real number and percentage of people worldwide who employ alternative therapies in health and medicine as a form of health care may be much higher.

When to Use Alternative Medicine


Alternative Medicine
Though there is absolutely nothing wrong with the conventional form of medicine which is tried and true and has withstood the test of time, society is growing at a rapid pace and starting to move along at just as rapid a pace as well. Along with this constant stream of development and change come innovative ideas and creative theories. Alternative medicines are a prime example of this new train of thought that is gradually coming to define this generation. The practice of alternative medicine is a relatively new field of healthcare, but it is growing in popularity and spreading throughout the nation. Alternative medicine refers to unconventional techniques or methods used to heal and strengthen the human body. The traditional method of medicine is relatively routine; a doctor gives a diagnosis, prescribes some medication, which is then supplied by the pharmacist, and the prescription medicine is the primary source of healing for any particular diagnosis. Alternative medicines are rather unique and at times unpredictable. The methods of alternative medicines varies from a range of different techniques, from herbal therapy, homeopathy, naturopathy, acupuncture, chiropractic, to even yoga and meditation. As you can see, alternative medicines consist of methods that are well outside of the norm, and calls for thinking outside of the box. There is heavy emphasis on natural remedies and healthy foods and ingredients in the practice of alternative medicine as well. Those who decide to exclusively practice alternative medicine are often opposed to the strong prescription medicines that can cause a variety of unwanted side effects. There is however, the possibility of alternative medicines creating side effects as well. Because of the nature of alternative medicine, doctors need to be well informed and up to date about their particular practices, especially when the alternative medicines involve various herbs and organic foods. Along with the traditional methods of medicine that continue to be practiced, many more individuals are looking into alternative methods of medicine, consisting of different treatments and techniques that are unconventional and rather unique at times.
Prior to using any form of alternative medicines, it is highly recommended that you speak with your family physician or doctor in order to ensure that it is safe for you. Certain people will react differently to specific methods of alternative medicine, and due to the heavy use of herbs and natural medicines, it is suggested that you speak with a professional healthcare provider first. Certain natural remedies may not mix well with everyday foods and other consumed products. A key resource to any and all aspects of alternative medicine is your local health and natural foods grocery store. More often than not, the health food store will have a trained alternative medicine doctor on staff to assist customers. Practicing alternative medicine can feel like a shift in lifestyles, and a gradual and controlled change is always better and safer than an abrupt and sudden transformation.
Though alternative medicine may be a relatively new field of healthcare, all the same rules of conventional medicine still apply, and the practice of alternative medicines is no replacement to the regular checkups with your local family physician or doctor.


As nonconventional medical treatments become increasingly mainstream, we examine the science behind some of the most popular ones.




If allopathic medicine (the scientific, evidence-based medical body prevalent in Western nations and in Europe) recognized the theories, cultural, philosophical and ideals of many of the medical systems, therapies and procedures found in alternative medicine, we would indeed, have a truly complete and nearly-infallable health-care system.
Briefly, What Is Alternative Medicine and Allopathic Medicine?
The term alternative medicine refers to any medical modality or system that has not been proven by science or if it has, proven definite for ineffectiveness, unreliable and/or depraved. Those modalities generally in exercise in allopathic medicine but not inducted into the system are known as complimentary medicine. Due to the nature of most of these, we will include them with alternative medicine in our diminutive ogle here.
“Alternative medicine” is a term coined in retrospect to allopathic medicine referring to many systems which have been in spending for centuries, and in some cases, since prehistoric times. The term is of fairly novel origin and, of course, includes modalities which have reach into existence in comparatively original times. We will now delve into our contemplate here.
Alternative Medicine in Theory and How This Compares to Allopathic Medicine
Most of the modalities in alternative medicine fragment a accepted trait – they tend to be holistic – in other words, in treatment and therapies, they are concerned with the whole being. This is one of the greatest strengths of these health care systems and therapies. In treatment practitioners tend to exercise remarkable longer in consultation with the patient discussing his lifestyle and how the ailment may have originated. This process takes in the physical, spiritual and emotional aspects in the life of the patient. Treatment tends to be personal, qualified to the needs of the patient and pin points the causes of the ailment. The practitioner addresses the underlying scrape after a thorough analysis of these things.
This is not so in allopathic medicine. Treatment begins with consideration of the symptoms the patient is having and in many cases, emphasis is placed on treating these rather than digging down to the cause. In essence, this is exactly what “allopathic” means. Coined by Samuel Hahnemann, the father of homeopathic medicine, he famous the tendency of novel medicine to treat symptoms rather than the disease, hence “allo,” from the Greek, allos – “other” + “pathy” (or pathos in Greek,) meaning “suffering.” In allopathic medicine, treatment tends to be standardized, brief, and impersonal. Treatment is also highly specialized in that it narrows down to specific symptoms and has a maze of departments, each of which concerns itself with a specific site of the physical body.
Albeit the strength of allopathic medicine is the weakness of most modalities in alternative medicine. Allopathic medicine is backed by scientific research and is the backbone of everything done within, from the initial consultation to discharge from services. Alternative medicine has never adhered so adamantly to scientific methodology and is therefore highly variant from modality to modality and even within each of these. Healing in far more cases comes about through the placebo conclude in many of the modalities and as a result, though a handsome amount of therapies through alternative medicine are effective and efficacious, some processes are nasty and downright despicable.
Okay, What’s the Punch-Line Here – Alternative Medicine or Allopathic Medicine?
Both are highly considerable in health-care. Albeit due to rigorous scientific abet and the amazing degree of technology found in allopathic medicine, this should always be the first in the line of consultation, especially in all medical emergencies and issues where lives are in serious trouble due to accidents, disease or any other physical malady.
Many alternative medicine modalities stress favorable health and lifestyles that would promote this. Allopathic medicine tends to leave this detail out and health education comes down to each individual in the societies which this medical system is found. Often a modality in alternative health embrace philosophies and cultures that consider their societies as a rule which includes holistic health and wholesome living.
In many cases continued and long-term therapy in allopathic medicine can be complimented and, in some cases, replaced altogether with a treatment or therapy in alternative medicine. hurt management through hypnotherapy rather than chemical-based therapy is a prime example and in clear circumstances, your regular physician will clear this.

By The Scientist Staff |
GETTYIMAGES, Barbara Bellingham
While traveling in China in 1971, two-time Pulitzer Prize-winning journalist James Reston underwent an emergency appendectomy, after which Chinese medical personnel treated his pain with acupuncture. His description of the experience in the pages of the New York Times brought the practice of traditional Chinese medicine front and centre.
Two years later, Lewis Thomas, then president of Memorial Sloan-Kettering Cancer Center, delivered an address where he said, “These are bad times for reason, all around. Suddenly, all of the major ills are being coped with by acupuncture. If not acupuncture, it is apricot pits.” Thomas was referring to laetrile, a compound extracted from the pits of apricots and bitter almonds, one of the most sought-after alternative treatments for cancer at the time, but one whose effectiveness had been the topic of bitter controversy for years. Banned since 1963 in the U.S., laetrile is reported to still be readily available in the Bahamas and Mexico and is sold online.
And the examples don’t end there. Lots of ballyhoo, head-scratching, and accusations of quackery attended growing patient demand for alternative treatments, hyped in the popular press as cures that were “natural” and based on millennia-old medical traditions practiced in places such as China and India.
In 1999, in response to a growing outcry for some kind of evidence-based scientific analysis of the safety and efficacy of this blizzard of nonconventional treatments, the National Institutes of Health, then under the direction of Harold Varmus, established the National Center for Complementary and Alternative Medicine (NCCAM). Since its founding, NCCAM has funded basic and clinical research at institutions around the world on plant and animal products such as acai, black cohosh, gingko biloba, and shark cartilage, as well as on the therapeutic value of treatments including acupuncture, yoga, massage, reiki, and meditation.
Source: TheScientist [Detailed article with links to related articles]
Comment:
The alternative to medicine is illness...Posted by
Robert Karl Stonjek'



Different alternative medicines can give natural remedies, treatments and cures to many known ailments. They give miraculous results that are sometimes far better compared to what conventional treatments and drugs can offer. The NCCAM or National Center for Complementary Alternative Medicine and NIH or National Institute of Health are continuously researching about alternative treatments and practices that can give better options, to people who are looking for other remedies to cure their diseases. Alternative medicine has been around for decades; it is present in many cultures from different countries and because of this vast knowledge it is now being categorized.
Natural Remedies, Treatments and Cures comes in different forms; Alternative Medical System focuses on traditional medicines from Asia and other Western countries that can give natural healing effects to diseases and other disorders. A good example of this is the acupuncture, which uses very thin needles and inserts it to the areas on the body that is aching or has been suffering from illness. Biological Based Therapies, makes use of chemicals extracted from natural resources like plants, example for this are herbal medicines. It can help treat bad vices like smoking, and some can even lessen stress and anxiety.
Mind Body Techniques on the other hand is an alternative treatment that was inspired by a theory, that emotional and mental issues can impact an individual's physical health. Because of this thought, therapy session has been widely accepted and some treatment facilities even offer mind and body wellness program for their patients. Body Based Techniques can cure sickness and maintain good health by body manipulation techniques. Massage therapy and Chiropractic are some examples that already gave impressive results. Energy Therapies from the name itself, came from the belief that energy can be focused on specific parts of the body that is suffering from pain. This has been practice during ancient times and the effects, based on studies, are very promising. Conventional Medications are still an effective way to cure an individual, but the growing success of alternative medicines gave people another choice of treatment.
Using alternative medicine has many advantages like, its much safer compared to the continuous intake of drugs, which are commonly prescribed by physicians. It's already a fact that prescription medicines do have side effects and it can cause personal problems that can lead to depression in the end. Like the radiation therapy for cancer patients, hair loss is one of its side effects. Alternative medicines can offer a safe way to heal the body, since it came from nature itself, the chemicals found on herbal supplements are not considered toxic compared to other drugs. Aside from that, natural remedies are often much affordable compared to commercialize prescription drugs and other treatments, making it easy for the public to buy.
Alternative Natural Remedies, Treatments and Cures are one of the best options when it comes to treating illnesses. It's about time that people go back to nature and experience its blessings. It will not only cure sickness but also prevent it from coming back; let nature be the guide to live a healthy, balanced life.

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