Alternative Medicine

As a kid I remember that when I would get a tummy ache, my mom would ask me to lie down and slowly sip through a drink of homemade lemonade with a dash of black salt, before dad could take me to a physician.

Today when I look back and remember, I reckon that to treat my tummy ache I was put on a course of an integrative medicine Alternative Medicine (the lemonade) + Conventional Medicine (physician prescribed drugs).

Alternative Medicine & Its Usage

Complementary and Alternative Medicine or CAM, comprises a broad range of healthcare practices, products, and systems, which don’t form a part of the conventional medicine. For instance, herbal materials, preparations and products used by Asian systems of medicine such as Ayurveda or Traditional Chinese medicine. It also includes practices viz. Acupressure, acupuncture, aromatherapy, or mind body approaches such as prayer, mental healing, meditation, etc.

Moreover, a lot of people around the world use Alternative medicines, for example in China it makes up for about 40% of healthcare delivered, in Africa 80% of the population uses it, about 48% Australians have used it at least once. In North America, 42% of USA and 70% of Canada have used it at least once. Usage is similar in Europe too, for instance 75% of France has used it at least once.

Is It Effective?

“It is,” “it isn’t,” and “I can’t say,” all of these at the same time. Given the scientific research conducted on Alternative medicine till now, it appears that a sweeping statement would be a bit too far fetched.

For instance, evidence in support of acupuncture, many herbal medicines and manual treatments does exist. On the other hand St. John’s wort didn’t seem to have an affect on the symptoms of ADHD in children and adolescents (Weber W, Vander Stoep A, McCarty RL, et al, 2008). And that, “I can’t say,” because research on many such treatments is unavailable.

Is It Safe?

Today, a perception exists that if something is natural or organic, it can’t be harmful. This belief might not be true in all cases, e.g. Snake venom is all natural and organic, but is it safe for human consumption?

Sometimes herbs can be harmful by their very nature, e.g. kava and comfrey are herbs but still have been associated with liver damage.

At other times inappropriate regulation or administration of herbs and therapeutic procedures could render highly effective alternative treatments hazardous. Consider acupuncture, though it’s been found to be effective, but if unsterilized needles are used it could lead to infection. Similarly, an overdose of Ephedra, a herbal remedy of respiratory congestion may lead to heart attacks, strokes and even death.

Forget herbs, an overdose of water too can lead to water intoxication and even death. Herbs aren’t an exception and some of them may even react undesirably with other conventional medication, or some might not be suitable for consumption during pregnancy.

However, undesirable consequences of alternative treatments due to inappropriate administration, by no means imply that alternative treatments are unsafe by themselves. Rather, proven alternative medicines when properly administered, are not only safe, potent and cost effective, but also offer patients a choice.

All in all, an absolute yes or no answer vis-a-vis safety and effectiveness of Alternative medicine doesn’t exist. Assuming quality formulation of Alternative medicines, they can either be a boon or a bane depending upon which treatments are administered, as also when and how they’re used.

BTW, I still relish the lemonade my mom makes, whether I have a tummy ache or not!

Complementary and Alternative Medicine or CAM are diagnostic or therapeutic techniques that are outside the mainstream of Western medicine. Alternative medicine is used in place of conventional medicine while complementary medicine is used along with conventional medicine though some of the treatments methods are the same. Although most people utilize mainstream medicine for diagnosis and basic information, many are now turning to alternatives for what they believe to be total body health-enhancing measures.

CAM is very popular with people who are terminally ill and has also been used on animals. There have also been sufficient instances of “inexplicable” extension of life and other significant health benefits for people who have pursued these options that the Western health systems are now seriously starting to further assess these systems. Alternative medicine is a fairly broad term which covers many different methods of treatment such as acupuncture, homeopathy, Chinese herbal medicine, Ayurvedic and more.

Therapies such as biofeedback, massage, and exercise are also considered alternative medicine. Alternative medicine includes various systems of healing or treating disease such as chiropractic, homeopathy, and faith healing. Alternative medicine is a comprehensive approach to healing that uses natural methods to bring physical, mental, emotional, and spiritual harmony. Alternative medicine systems believe body has a network of channels (meridians) that carry a subtle form of life energy. Since it uses a holistic approach and time-tested, natural remedies, hands-on treatments to help enable the body’s own innate powers to do the healing, alternative medicine requires the patient to take a highly active part in healing their own body including prevention and treatment.

Complementary Medicine is sometimes used by “conventional” medical practitioners as an add on to “conventional” medical treatments such as drugs and surgery. Complementary therapies are used to improve wellness, prevent disease or treat health problems but the most popular and prevalent use remains pain control. Included in complementary medicine are a large number of practices and systems of health care like acupuncture, homeopathy, aromatherapy, osteopathy, reflexology and chiropractic that for many reasons have not been fully adopted by mainstream medicine. Complementary medicine also includes dietary and nutritional therapies such as macrobiotics, vegetarianism, and orthomolecular medicine.

Although CAM is starting to gain popularity in the West, most clinical research by the health care industry continues to focus on the success of each single modality or therapy within these systems. This is unfortunate as CAM is generally based on the belief that you need to, simultaneously, treat the whole person - body, mind, and spirit - which can include the use of many therapies at the same time.

Weight loss is one of the big topics-no pun intended-on the late night television circuit. While flipping through the channels after 11p.m., you are apt to come across several advertisements for weight loss pills and diet supplements, each promising to help you drop those unwanted pounds and remove stubborn belly fat once and for all.

Let’s face it, if these pills really worked, America wouldn’t be the top overweight country in the world.

There are types of alternative medicine which can help with weight loss, however, and with great results. While no alternative medicine is a magic solution, practicing these principles can help you become more limber, feel more energetic, and the end result-or side effect if you will- is weight loss.

Take yoga for example. The low impact stretching involved with yoga will help you feel less stressed, and as a result less likely to over eat as a result of depression or anger. Acupuncture has exact pressure points in the ear which help reduce cravings, and detoxifying teas and herbs can help you feel healthier, and the side effect would be thinking twice before deciding that you want to “pollute” yourself again with oily and fatty foods. In this respect, alternative medicine is wonderful for weight loss.

Most alternative medicines for weight loss come in the form of detoxifying teas, energy supplements, and vitamins. The exercise and diet plans are the basis-as they should be- for safe and effective long term weight loss. There is no magic potion to lose weight. Truly dropping pounds and keeping them off requires regular daily exercise and a change in eating habits, period.

However, to get you ready for weight loss, here are some alternative medicine detoxifying teas and interesting supplements;

Take turmeric, ginger, and lemon-about a half teaspoon each and the juice of half a lemon, and boil it all in 2 cups of water. Drink every morning as a detoxifier before you start your diet.

All diets should consist of fresh fruits and vegetables, and buying a juicer is a great way to make a habit out of eating healthy. Please see your doctor before starting any kind of diet plan.

Omega three is a fine source of nutrient, and can be added to any smoothie or juice that you’re drinking.

Visit your local food co op or herbalist, they can get you set up with all sorts of alternative teas and nutrition advice, and can refer you to a good homeopathic doctor who will evaluate you as to what your individual nutrition needs are. Bovine and shark cartilage are two dietary supplements to hit the alternative market. Both have been used for years outside of the United States and Britain, but now are big business in the health food stores.

The most popular form of alternative medicine for weight loss isn’t really medicine at all, rather behavior modification through hypnosis. Hypnosis doesn’t make you rely on will power, that’s one of the reasons it’s so popular.

How hypnosis works is that it investigates what is subconsciously holding you to the thinking and eating habits that keep you overweight. Hypnotists believe that if the root cause of the obesity can be alleviated, the patient will naturally begin to lose weight. It is actually a very effective form of alternative medicine, and overall can cost much less than trips to day spas and expensive over the counter weight loss pills. Through hypnosis you can let go of fears that keep you from eating healthy, and begin to allow a positive energy flow through you, causing you to want to stick to the new way of eating and exercising.

DISCLAIMER: This information is not presented by a medical practitioner and is for educational and informational purposes only. The content is not intended to be a substitute for professional medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment. Always seek the advice of your physician or other qualified health care provider with any questions you may have regarding a medical condition. Never disregard professional medical advice or delay in seeking it because of something you have read. Since natural and/or dietary supplements are not FDA approved they must be accompanied by a two-part disclaimer on the product label: that the statement has not been evaluated by FDA and that the product is not intended to “diagnose, treat, cure or prevent any disease.”

If you suffer from high blood pressure, one thing you probably dread is the use of strong medicine. Some even believe that this is their only option. There are, however, many types of alternative medicine for high blood pressure. Provided here are five types of alternative medicine techniques you can use to control your high blood pressure.

1. Lose Weight and Eat Healthy

One of the most effective types of alternative medicine for high blood pressure is to lose weight. A major cause of high blood pressure is obesity, so losing weight is a great way to lower your blood pressure. This isn’t the easiest thing in the world for a lot of people. It takes dedication and consistency, but it is your health and, overall, it is your life. Losing weight involves changing your diet and getting plenty of exercise and the best time to start is now!

2. Relieve Stress

Stress can cause a lot to go wrong with your body and high blood pressure is no exception. Another type of alternative medicine for high blood pressure is simply to learn how to relax. Learn some relaxation techniques such as:

> Meditation

> Yoga

> Massage

> Music

There are many more ways to relax and apart from lowering your blood pressure, it will also improve your quality of life.

3. Magnet Treatment

This can definitely be classified as an alternative medicine for high blood pressure. Not much is known behind why this works, but copper and iron bracelets can help reduce the effects of blood pressure. There are no side effects or any type of harm that can come of it, so it doesn’t hurt to try it out.

4. Chiropractic Treatment and Acupuncture

Another great alternative medicine for high blood pressure is visiting your chiropractor. Realigning the vertebrae in the spine can reestablish the body’s balance and help you function properly. Acupuncture can help release strain on your heart. Both treatments contribute to reducing stress, therefore dramatically reducing high blood pressure.

5. Herbs and Vitamins

I’m sure you’ve heard of using supplemental vitamins for health reasons and you may even take vitamins already. This is a great alternative medicine for high blood pressure. Not only can you take supplements, but you can also increase the amount of vegetables and fruits in your diet. This will also contribute to eating healthier, which will help you lose weight. You are looking to increase three major elements in your diet

> Calcium

> Potassium

> Magnesium

All five types of alternative medicine for high blood pressure will give you options for treating your high blood pressure other than taking strong medicine. They may not be your cure, but they can work together to help improve your quality of life and lower your high blood pressure.

KJ King

http://www.FightingHighBloodPressure.com

© 2007

If you’re looking for alternate choices for your health other than conventional medicine the choices you have are endless. Regaining your health through alternative medicine is becoming more and more common today as people find that conventional medicine doesn’t always work. Chinese medicine and medical practices are very popular among all cultures. Acupuncture has proven to be effective in the treatment of many medical conditions including cancer, arthritis, weight management, diabetes, heart disease, and pregnancy. Acupressure is also a common form of alternative medicine that is being heard about more often in western cultures. As well as acupuncture and acupressure, the use of Chinese herbal medicine is used for any number of ailments and symptoms.

The use of a variety of relaxation techniques are another form of alternative medicine that more and more people are using for use in pain control, lowering their blood pressure, controlling the symptoms of arthritis, headache control, and many other medical conditions. Some of these relaxation techniques include yoga, tai chi, meditation, visualization, chanting. Another alternative health method used by many people is managing the chakra system of the body. The chakra points are fully concentrated on until both mental and physical health is obtained. Many times this requires the use of chakra therapist to help with each level of the chakras.

When it comes to choosing alternative health options you might want to talk to a naturopathic doctor so that you can find out what choices you have for your medical symptoms or if you just want to maintain good health. Alternative medicine means feeling a strong interest in the methods that you choose. You can also look in your local natural health bookstore for books on alternative medicine so that you see the great strides that this discipline has made over the years. You might be surprised to find that this field of medicine has claimed its place in medical care as firmly as it has.

Some recent healthcare studies* suggest that alternative medicine is growing in popularity. One of the many reasons for this increase is due in part to the fact that most alternative medicine therapies are often non-invasive, with little or no side effects.

For example, herbal medicine like St. John’s wort was scientifically studied* in Europe, presenting positive findings for its effectiveness on the treatment of certain cases of depression. However, large pharmaceutical company, Pfizer Inc., refuted these studies by carrying out an independent study on the herb. The difference, though, between this alternative medicine in comparison to drugs like Prozac, is the potentially lethal side effects; which have made recent headlines in anti-depressant/anti-anxiety drug lawsuits.

Complementary and alternative medicine like acupuncture is also making leeway in the field of mental healthcare. In a small pilot study* carried out by researchers, acupuncture was used as a form of cognitive-behavioral therapy on patients suffering from PTSD (Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder). Interestingly enough, research found that acupuncture may be effective in helping people, who have PTSD.

Another form of alternative medicine, believe it or not, is meditation. Studies* found that individuals who practice meditation are more proficient at recognizing and processing information. Does this mean that meditation gurus are more intellectual? No, it simply means that most individuals who practice meditation have an improved sensory-cognitive perception, or heightened sense of awareness. Perhaps alternative medicine like meditation may one day find its way into educational facilities across the country; which could potentially lead to more positive learning environments, as well as a reduction in attention deficit disorders?

Persons suffering from psychiatric problems like bipolar disorder may also find relief from complementary and alternative medicine like Omega-3 fatty acids. Because Omega-3 fatty acids are essential nutrients, researchers studied this supplement to determine its effectiveness on certain mental health conditions. With promising results of the (researcher’s) meta-analysis, the future is looking brighter for those plagued with depression or bipolar disorder; and alternative medicine like Omega-3 fatty acids has the potential to play an important, complementary role in helping to treat these disorders.

Intrigued by alternative medicine? You’re not alone. Over 74 percent of US adults have used complementary and/or alternative medicine* at some time in their lives. This is also one of the many reasons why natural health and alternative healing schools have begun popping up all across the country.

If you (or someone you know) are interested in finding schools in alternative medicine, let professional training within fast-growing industries like massage therapy, cosmetology, acupuncture, oriental medicine, Reiki, and others get you started! Explore alternative medicine programs near you.

*Source: National Center for Complementary and Alternative Medicine

Alternative Medicine for Mental Wellbeing

© Copyright 2007

The CollegeBound Network

All Rights Reserved

NOTICE: Article(s) may be republished free of charge to relevant websites, as long as Copyright and Author Resource Box are included; and ALL Hyperlinks REMAIN intact and active.

Alternative Medicine has been gaining popularity in the west in recent years.  Frustrated with ineffective therapies or medications that cause severe side effects, many people have turned to other therapies such as acupuncture, homeopathy and herbal medicine to heal whatever ails them.  Still others take herbal supplements as a preventative measure to guard against high cholesterol and heart disease.  While many of these therapies can be effective, some also offer false hope in curing conditions where traditional medicine is actually more effective.

Acupuncture is a centuries old Chinese therapy used to unblock the body’s energy along points called meridians.  The acupuncturist uses long, thin needles, sticking them in the skin in certain areas.  The theory to acupuncture is that the body contains energy which is also called chi.  When the chi is unable to flow freely, pain develops.  By unblocking these areas, the chi can again flow freely and the pain subsides.  Studies have shown positive results when using this therapy for nausea associated with pregnancy, chemotherapy and post surgery.  It is mostly used for pain.

Homeopathy is a form of medicine where it is believed that the substance that could cause the problem is what can cure you.  It is used for chronic illnesses like arthritis and Irritable Bowel Syndrome but not considered appropriate for serious diseases like cancer and heart disease.  These medicines are delivered via alcohol-based tinctures or sugar pellets placed under the tongue.  Many critics state that homeopathic medicines are too diluted to cure, but studies show a difference between these concoctions and placebos.  More research is needed to gauge their effectiveness.

Herbal medicine is the most popular alternative therapy today.  Formulas are created for nearly every condition under the sun and are widely available at pharmacies without a prescription.  They are especially popular in diet pills and for depression.  These are taken in supplement form and many times do not have the same side effects as medication.  Many consider these safer and less expensive alternatives to prescription drugs.  A good example of this is the natural appetite suppressant hoodia, which is thousands of times more effective than glucose in telling the brain the body is full, without the same side effects as harmful stimulants like caffeine or the now-banned ephedra.

According to information provided by the American Heart Association around 1 in 3 of all Americans are today suffering from high blood pressure. Of this figure approximately 1/3 of these people do not actually know that they are suffering from this particular disease. However, for those that are there has been a move by more people to search for an alternative medicine high blood pressure relief options, rather than relying solely on prescribed medications.

This move to alternative medicine seems to be part of a wider movement for people to understand and take more control over their own health. Allowing people a better chance of preventing illness.

However, it is important to remember that many alternative options have not been through the same thorough testing that pharmaceutical drugs have to go through by law, and so some of the claims have be looked at closely.

Also, it is never wise to start taking an alternative medicine without first consulting your doctor to ensure that there will be no interactions with other medication you may be taking, and that the alternative is appropriate for you.

There has been research carried out on a number of alternative natural products that have shown promise in relieving high blood pressure, including garlic and ginseng, but this article will look at some other alternatives:

1. Fish Oil

There have been a number of studies carried out that point to the benefit of fish oils reducing high blood pressure. Research carried out in Western Australia found that a weight-loss diet combined with daily fish consumption is highly effective at lowering blood pressure, triglyceride and increasing good cholesterol.

Also, a study carried out at Harvard found that supplementation with fish oils each day will reduce blood pressure in hypertensive individuals. The most improvements where identified in individuals with atherosclerosis or raised cholesterol levels.

The fish oil effect on hypertension seems to be related to the dose used, and whether a person has hypertension or raised cholesterol.

2. Folic Acid

Folate is found in the Vitamin B group and is vital for our bodies to form red blood cells. This particular acid may be beneficial in helping people to lower high blood pressure.

According to a researchers at a conference on high blood pressure in the US, young women who consumed more than 800 mgs of folate per day reduce their chance of suffering with high blood pressure by nearly a third, when compared to women who took less than 200 ug/day.

3. Hawthorn

Traditional herbal practitioners regularly use this particular type of alternative for high blood pressure treatment.

A randomized controlled trial was carried out in the UK on people suffering from Type 2 Diabetes. During the trial some of the people were given 1200mg of hawthorn extract each day whilst the others only received a sugar pill (placebo) instead for 16 weeks. At the end of the 16-week trial it was found that high blood pressure levels were reduced in those who were taking the hawthorn extract.

It is important that you should discuss any alternative treatment you are considering taking with your doctor.

Continue reading if you want to discover the alternative medicine high blood pressure relief options available and to sign up for our free newsletter.

Find Alternative Medicine Training in the United States and Canada. While alternative medicine training may be considered “alternative” here in the United States, it is taught widely as traditional medicine in China and other Eastern cultures. Today, prospective students who express an interest in alternative medicine will find that there are countless alternative medicine training opportunities that await them. Whether you prefer to pursue alternative medicine training in acupuncture, massage therapy or naturopathy, there are several holistic and complementary medicine schools from which to choose.

Because the use of alternative and complementary treatments is on the rise, students seeking alternative medicine training will discover that there are innumerable professional avenues which they can take. For starters, there are a number of alternative medicine training programs offered through schools of Ayurveda, herbalism, homeopathy, naturopathic medicine, chiropractic, osteopathy, and traditional Chinese medicine.

Alternative medicine training programs vary in curriculum, tuition and graduation requirements. Some of these courses are generally geared toward natural therapies such as massage, reiki, and reflexology; which ultimately help students to achieve certification in their chosen field of study. But many alternative medicine training courses are more comprehensive (i.e. acupuncture, chiropractic, naturopathy) and entail studies that may last through 4 years; producing a degree and/or license. These alternative medicine training courses often require prerequisites of traditional college and/or university studies.

To further validate the importance and prospects for alternative medicine training programs, many alternative healing colleges and schools continue to carry out clinical trials on various healing arts to substantiate their reasons for being. In these cases, student practitioners are given the opportunity to participate in these hands-on alternative medicine training programs to not only gain knowledge and skills in their particular field of study, but also to help enrich the overall outlook on alternative medicine as a whole.

The demand for alternative medicine training courses has become so prevalent, in fact, that many traditional vocational schools and technical colleges have begun integrating alternative medicine training courses in massage therapy, medical massage, herbal studies and other natural health curriculums.

Is it a sign of the times? Perhaps; but students who wish to help patients and treat them as a whole person as opposed to simply treating symptoms, may well find that attaining adequate alternative medicine training today may be the right path to an interesting future in the medical industry.

If you (or someone you know) are interested in finding appropriate alternative medicine training to help attain your dream job, let education within fast-growing industries like massage therapy, cosmetology, acupuncture, oriental medicine, Reiki, and others get you started! Explore career school programs near you.

Alternative Medicine Training Today

© Copyright 2007

The CollegeBound Network

All Rights Reserved

NOTICE: Article(s) may be republished free of charge to relevant websites, as long as Copyright and Author Resource Box are included; and ALL Hyperlinks REMAIN intact and active.

Ethics can be defined as a philosophical mentality of right conduct and good living. Ethics in medicine are typically about what is appropriate practice and inappropriate practice. It defines specifics about what is allowed in the workplace, in the profession, and with clients.

However, the medical field is in fact, a business. Just like alternative medicines is a business. In fact, they are somewhat competing businesses. They are each other’s competition. Ethics against alternative medicines are typically produced and written by people in the traditional medical field. Therefore, the information that is read should be looked at with a grain of salt.

Ethics against alternative medicines should be analyzed by using the information about who wrote the article, what their objective might be, and where they produced the information. Of course some of the information may be true and in that case, the information should be available on many different places or by the alternative medicines companies as well.

The other concern with ethics against alternative medicines is that their root may be founded in different countries and different cultures. Just because something is different does not mean that it is less. The ethics against alternative medicines should be analyzed clearly. The ethics in any profession should be governed and determined by that profession.

The medical field has been around for a really long time and therefore has had centuries to come up with their code of ethics. The area of alternative therapies is a relatively new field within the United States and therefore needs some more time for each of the different elements of that field to develop a code of ethics. The countries in which the alternative medicines have originated are not necessarily governed with the same standards as the United States and therefore have never determined a set of standards. This does not necessarily mean that they are not as effective.

The ethics against alternative medicines should not try and deter people from accessing these services. If someone wishes to publish information regarding specific therapies, then it should be information that is set out in a way to help the consumer, not to tell the consumer what the best decision is. The people accessing treatments are smart and capable of weight the pros and cons and making reasonable decisions. There are definitely elements of the field of alternative medicines that do have codes of conduct and ethics. For example, psychology and chiropractic medicine definitely have standards, as well as acupuncture and acupressure.

They just may not meet the same standards as the traditional medical profession. The ironic thing is that traditional medicine in China and other places are alternative medicines in America. So that leaves the question, what makes medicine traditional or alternative?