You are here: Home / Archives for conventional medicine

Why Do People Use Complementary and alternative medicine?

November 6, 2010 By Leave a Comment

Why Do People Use Complementary and alternative medicine?

How Is CAM Different From Conventional Medicine?

Conventional medicine (also called “allopathic medicine”) is based on scientific knowledge of the body and uses treatments that have been proven effective through scientific research. Doctors are trained to have a thorough knowledge of the body’s systems, diseases, and their treatments.

Complementary and alternative medicine is based on the belief that a medical care provider has to treat the whole person — body, mind, and spirit. The techniques used in CAM are mostly less invasive than conventional medical practices — meaning that they don’t rely on surgery or conventional medications.

Some CAM therapies are supported by scientific evidence. But for many there are still questions that need to be addressed through scientific studies. This doesn’t mean these therapies don’t work, it just means that experts haven’t studied them enough to know for sure that they do — and if so, how.

Why Do People Use CAM?

People often turn to CAM when they have a long-lasting problem that conventional medicine hasn’t completely cured. For example, someone who has seen a doctor for years about persistent headaches might try using CAM in addition to current treatments to deal with any symptoms or side effects from conventional treatments.

People may also use complementary and alternative medicine when they’re not sick. Because many people believe that CAM techniques — such as yoga — can improve overall well being, healthy people often use alternative medicine to try to prevent illness or to ensure a healthier lifestyle.

What Is It?

The term “alternative medicine” is used to describe healing treatments that are not part of conventional medical training — like acupuncture, massage therapy, or herbal medicine. People used to consider practices like these outside the mainstream, which is why they got the name “alternative.”

Eastern countries have a longstanding tradition of teaching alternative medicine. But until recently, most Western hospitals didn’t provide any alternative treatments and Western medical schools didn’t teach them.

Patients in Western countries are becoming more receptive to trying alternative techniques, and have been asking for them. As a result, many Western medical schools are starting to teach these medicine techniques and theories. Some hospitals and doctors are supplementing their regular medical care with alternative techniques.

Many patients and health care providers use alternative treatments together with conventional therapies. This is known as complementary medicine.

Both alternative and complementary medicine use the same kinds of remedies to treat a health condition. The difference is that alternative medicine is often used instead of conventional medical techniques. Complementary medicine is used in addition toconventional medicine, not as a replacement. The field of complementary and alternative medicine is known as CAM for short.

Specialties

Just as there are many fields in conventional medicine, CAM covers many different practices. The National Center for Complementary and Alternative Medicine (NCCAM), which is part of the National Institutes of Health (NIH), groups CAM practices into four areas:

Biologically based practicesinvolve supplementing a person’s normal diet with additional nutrients, herbs, extracts, and certain foods. If you’ve ever taken a vitamin or herbal supplement, you’ve followed a biologically based practice.
Manipulative and body-based therapies focus on the body’s various systems and structures. If you’ve ever seen a chiropractor or had a massage, you’ve been treated with manipulative therapy.
Mind-body interventions use the connection between a person’s mind, body, and spirit to enhance total well being. Mind-body techniques include meditation, yoga, and biofeedback.
Energy therapies are meant to restore disturbances in the body’s natural energy. Energy therapies include such practices as Qi gong and Reiki.

In addition to these four different practices, CAM includes several whole medical systems. These alternative medical systems are entire systems of theory and practice, and many date back earlier than the conventional medicine we use in the West today. Examples of alternative medical systems include Traditional Chinese Medicine, Ayurveda, homeopathic medicine, and naturopathic medicine.

Alternative medical systems incorporate many of the different practices listed above into their treatments. For example, the Traditional Chinese Medicine practice of acupuncture may be combined with herbal medicine (a biologically based practice), and Qi gong (an energy therapy). And Ayurveda includes the mind-body therapies of meditation and yoga, along with the biologically based practice of taking specific herbs for health reasons.

Limitations

Although CAM does have some proven benefits, like anything, it has its limitations.

Experts haven’t researched many CAM techniques enough to tell how effective they are as treatments. Some people may not feel it’s worth investing a lot of time or money in treatments that haven’t been proven effective. Insurance policies rarely cover CAM treatments, so people have to pay for them out of their own pockets with no reimbursement.

For some health problems, alternative healing approaches on their own may not be enough to help a person get well. Even something as seemingly minor as an infection may need treatment with traditional medications, like antibiotics. That’s why it’s always best to see your doctor if you have a health problem and talk openly about any CAM techniques you might want to try.

Another reason you should be up-front with your doctor about CAM techniques is because, in some cases, CAM practices can actually interfere with traditional medical treatments. For example, certain herbal supplements can interfere with some prescription drugs, such as diabetes treatments or birth-control pills.

As with modern medicine, CAM treatments that are effective for one problem will not help with all problems. Certain treatments are only used for certain problems, so if you want to try an alternative practice for a health reason, make sure it will help the specific problem you’re looking to correct.

Before You Try It

Traditional medical doctors are not only trained, they’re licensed. But that’s not always the case with CAM practitioners. Some states have licensing requirements for certain specialists, like acupuncturists and massage therapists, and many are expanding their requirements for licensing as CAM practices grow in popularity.

Finding a good CAM practitioner is still not as easy as looking someone up in a phone book. NCCAM recommends asking another health care provider for a referral, gathering information about the practitioner you are considering (such as training and licensing), and meeting with the practitioner to ask about risks and benefits of treatment — the same kinds of things you’d do if you were interviewing a new doctor.

You may have already used a complementary or alternative practice, like yoga or massage, and not even thought about it! Trying practices like meditation and breathing can’t do any harm, but other CAM techniques may have consequences for people with certain health conditions.

 

drizharnium@gmail.com, Bangalore India

Hi Friends, I am Izhar, love all of you, and  I’d like to write about my interest, and here i am sharing about my opinion, prevention regarding to many diseases, maintaining  views for Health, Beauty & Younger looking Secrets at article base.

 

Filed Under: Alternative Medicine Tagged With: , , , , , , , ,

Effective Alternative Medicine Types That You Can Use

October 26, 2010 By Leave a Comment

Effective Alternative Medicine Types That You Can Use

There are many forms of medicine, which you can use apart from using conventional medicine. The alternative medicine types available include acupuncture, homeopathy and aromatherapy. These types of treatment have benefits of improving your heath in addition to relieving disease symptoms.

There are two major types of treatment. One type is complementary and the other is alternative medicine. Complimentary treatment happens when you use alternative medicine in conjunction with conventional treatment. On the other hand, alternative medicine involves the use of alternative medicine types such as acupuncture and homeopathy only. By using either conventional or alternative medicine, you can get holistic treatment meaning that you get to treat your whole body instead of treating only the symptoms.

The first type of alternative medicine that you can use is acupuncture. Many people have used this medicine type in the last two decades and this led insurance companies to provide coverage for acupuncture. This type of treatment involves the use of small needles to exert pressure at certain points in the body. The healthcare provider chooses the points depending on the symptoms that the patient has. This medicine type is effective in relieving stress, pain and inflammation among other symptoms. Acupuncture does not cause any side effects.

Aromatherapy is the other form of alternative medicine types available. This treatment plan involves the use of fragrances to improve the patient’s well-being physically and mentally. It involves the mixing of pure plant-based fragrances with carrier oils. Aroma therapists carefully select the oils and combine them with fragrances to provide relief to patients with symptoms such as anxiety and stress. They sometimes also combine aromatherapy with massage by massaging the oils into the skin.  

Homeopathy is the other type of alternative medicine available. This treatment has the base that “like cures like” which means that homeopathy physicians prescribe the treatments that may cause the symptoms a sick person experiences to happen to a healthy person. It is effective but it takes long for the physician to determine the exact remedy to give.
The other type of alternative medicine is Naturopathy. This method focuses on the use of natural remedies to treat patients in addition to the ability of the body to heal itself. The remedies used in Naturopathy come from plants. This method may also use acupuncture, color therapy and massage.  

More information, click alternative medicine types or Alternative medicine types offer treatment options

Filed Under: Alternative Medicine Tagged With: , , , , , , , ,

Why Alternative Medicine Is So Great

October 22, 2010 By Leave a Comment

Why Alternative Medicine Is So Great

Alternative medicine is a very broad term that can refer to a number of treatments. The main factor is that alternative medicine is not usually practiced in conventional medicine. Nevertheless despite being called ‘alternative’ many of these alternative treatments are now being utilised in conventional medicine. For example acupuncture has become widely used and most GPs are trained to consider it. Finding the right alternative medicine for your ailment is an exciting time. Often it feels great to find a new therapy that doesn’t involve conventional medicine.


Some of the largest branches of alternative medicine are homeopathy, naturopathy, chiropractic medicine and herbal medicine. Although each of these offer a very different service to the next they are all similar in that they seek different methods to heal that conventional medicine. In the past many of these techniques were treated dismissively but nowadays these types alternative medicine have gained a great deal more credence. A greater amount of scientific research has been undertaken and many of these now receive greater respect.


Homeopathy


Homeopathy was first practiced in the late 18th century in Germany. A physician named Samual Hahnemann wrote a book titled the Organon of healing which laid out a number of recipes for a number of remedies that were designed to help disease. Early critics described this form of medicine as a ‘placebo therapy at best and quackery at worse’. It has gained greater respect in modern times. Homeopathic remedies use ingredients that when diluted cause symptoms similar to those that they seek to alleviate. Homeopaths mix their medicines carefully in an attempt to develop the special properties of the remedy.


Naturopathy


Naturopathic medicine covers a vast range of different therapies with a general concern toward a holistic approach to healing. It incorporates practices such as acupuncture, counselling, aromatherapy and hydrotherapy. Naturopathy practitioners tend to try and avoid invasive surgery and synthetic drugs. They prefer to utilise natural alternatives to initiate healing. Nevertheless trained homeopathy practitioners do use diagnostic tests such as blood tests to help them decide upon a course of treatment.


Chiropractic


Chiropractic medicine deals mainly with your musculoskeletal system. The technical term for one of the techniques that a chiropractor uses is vertibal subluxation. This basically means manipulation of the spine and this is what chiropractors are famous for. They can generally diagnose problems with your posture and address them with a number of manoeuvres that involve physically moving your body into shape. This type of procedure was invented in 1895 in the US and it is now practiced all over the world.


Herbal medicine


There is evidence that suggests herbal medicine dates back over 60,000 years. Neanderthal people are said to have consumed medicinal plants. This practice is at the core of herbal medicine. Herbalism has refined this concept to create medicines that utilise medicinal plants. Many of the medicinal plants that herbal medicine utilise are part of our general diet for example garlic, vanilla, ginger and oregano are all used to help alleviate symptoms of illness.

Shaun Parker is an expert on alternative medicine. He shares his expertise to help advise you.

Filed Under: Alternative Medicine Tagged With: , , , , , , ,

4 Reasons Why People Should Use Alternative Medicine

October 14, 2010 By Leave a Comment

4 Reasons Why People Should Use Alternative Medicine

Alternative forms of medicine are growing in popularity as people try to find a more holistic approach to their health. Conventional medicine is still very helpful but the underlying effects have sometimes caused people to become more aware of natural approaches to healing and preventative medicine.

1/ One of the reasons alternative medicine has been booming recently is because people are tired of taking a pill or other medication for every bump, bruise and cough. For many people, alternative medicine seems more reliable than so-called modern medicine. After all, modern drugs are recalled on a regular basis while acupuncture has been practiced continuously for more than 5,000 years. In many countries, the rush to make a profit on a new drug often leads to the product being placed on the market before its long-term effects are known. The recent prevalence of this problem has caused many people to seek treatment that is tried and true.

2/ Many people who seek out alternative medicine also do so because they do not want to fill their bodies with the chemicals that are inherent in more traditional medicine. Often the chemicals involved in prescription medication throw the body into a state of imbalance. For example, many antibiotics prescribed to treat infections cannot differentiate between infection and symbiotic organisms that are required for the human body to work as it should. The antibiotic kills off bacteria in the digestive tract and prevents the body from recovering as it should, perhaps prolong the illness.

Because of this overkill mentality in much of modern medicine, people seek out the kinder, gentler care of alternative medicine. And, in some cases wind up being treated with the herbs from which the modern medicine was derived. A foxglove tea is an herbal treatment for heart trouble, an alternative medicine approach. Digitalis, the medication prescribed for many with heart trouble, is a derivative and concentrated form of the plant.

3/ People have begun to place more faith in alternative medicine as most treat the problem rather than the symptoms. Many modern medicines cause additional side effects and the solution of many doctors is to prescribe yet another medication to treat the symptoms. For example, Practitioners of many forms of alternative medicine, including massage therapy and chiropractic, realize that pain is usually a symptom of an underlying problem. In fact, pain is often the last symptom to appear and treating the pain itself is not going to correct the problem. Most people who use modern medicine would rather correct the source of the pain than simply pop a pain pill.

4/ Many people seek out forms of alternative medicine because of its emphasis on preventing injury, illness and disease rather than curing it. Alternative medicine providers will still treat acute illness when it occurs, but they are often more focused on making the lifestyle choices to prevent such things from happening.

With the skyrocketing cost of health care, many people are operating under the theory that they will spend less and live happier, more fruitful lives if they can prevent illness. Most forms of alternative medicine place at least some credence in this theory. Many, like massage therapy and chiropractic, attempt to train patients to correct problems before they develop into life altering problems. This approach appeals to many as they seek out total wellness.

Filed Under: Alternative Medicine Tagged With: , , , , , , , , ,

Alternative Medicine – Avenue for Medical Tourism

October 10, 2010 By Leave a Comment

Alternative Medicine – Avenue for Medical Tourism

The history of alternative medicine is a rather interesting one, and has its
origins in traditional methods of medicine. Alternative medicine has been
in existence since time immemorial. Being a primeval science, this medicinal
system has been known to man since the early days of his time on Earth. Using
natural ingredients to prevent and cure most illnesses has perhaps been man’s greatest foray into medical science. Traditional medical practitioners aimed at prevention of diseases associated with an increase in resistance of the human body. As an expert rightly pointed out, “The study of the history of alternative medicine is fascinating on a variety of levels, not just concerning other and often better ways of preserving and restoring health.”

 

Practised for thousands of years, alternative medicine includes systems like
Acupuncture, Ayurveda and traditional Asian medicine. Alternative medicine branches
out from the Complementary and Alternative Medicine (CAM) treatments and
therapies. CAM is often combined with formal, conventional medicine, integrating
both medical practices, in order to give the best results to patients. It can be said that
the earlier methods of medicine were attempted at achieving a balance between bodily
and natural energy. Energies were sought as positive and negative energies, where
positive energies were to bring in happiness and health and negative energies an
incapacitation of resistance to face any ailments. Matters of utmost importance in
deciding therapies or treatments in these earlier medical systems were factors like
one’s lifestyle, one’s habits of eating and one’s occupational pressures.

 

The earliest use of traditional remedies dates back to 2800 BC in China.
Practised all over the world in more than a hundred disciplines, alternative medicine
has aided medical tourism in an unprecedented manner. Using alternative medicine
and following alternative medical practices not only removes any possible additional
affects of the illness but also increases the resilience of the body. It is generally
claimed that natural remedies are not only less inimical to human physiology
but they also help in retaining body pliancy. Systems of natural, traditional
medicines use a combination of ingredients to restore the bodily constituents. In
fact, natural remedies are considered more as food, given their natural constituents.
Since alternative medicine is based on completely natural methods and there is
no usage of any chemicals, there is no danger of any interference with the organic
system. A holistic approach as opposed to looking at a set of symptoms and a
treatment that delves into the root-cause of an illness are some of the distinct and
highly acknowledged features of alternative medicine. It is also opined that
widespread use of modern medicine has deteriorated the immune system in the
human physiology and has resulted in these modern medicines becoming less
effective. It is also often said that alternative medicine is the only way to cure
some incurable diseases.

 

A Brief History of Alternative Medicine

The history of alternative medicine can be traced back to some 5000 years, when the Chinese and Indians discovered traditional and Ayurvedic therapies to heal the body and the mind. The real objective was to identify the deterrents in the body system which caused ailments, and
strengthened the body’s immunity. The therapies mainly incorporated self-care, lifestyle
changes and various preventive measures. The normal practices that were followed in the early stages of the history of alternative medicine include the extractions of the bark of willow trees. Many kitchen ingredients were also used for treating patients. The treatments were considered as the blessings of God, as it brought immense relief to the writhing bodies and prayer was considered as one of the strongest weapons in waging war against ailments.
Source: “A Brief History of Alternative Medicine”, http://www.med-help.net/med-history-of-alternativemedicine.
html

 

Alternative Medicine and Medical Tourism

Today, alternative medicine holds out immense potential in attracting medical
tourists. For example, India is likely to become a major hub for medical tourism,
with revenues from the industry estimated to grow from US3 million in 2007
to US.2 billion by 2012, says a study by the Confederation of Indian Industry
(CII) and McKinsey.3 The major competitive advantages that India faces are cost
effectiveness and traditional medical systems like Ayurveda and Naturopathy.
The world has witnessed the development of many traditional as well as modern
systems of medicine in the 20th century. Path-breaking discoveries like penicillin,
technological advancements in modern surgery, major research advancement in stem
cell research and genetic structure, and the development of traditional medical systems
like traditional Chinese system of medicine, Acupuncture, Osteopathy, Homeopathy,
Ayurveda, Yoga, Unani and others have all been a part of developments in the
omnipotent territory of global medicine. The major competitive advantages that India
has are cost effectiveness and traditional medical systems like Ayurveda and Naturopathy.
The last few years have seen countries with their own individual expertise attracting
tourists from all over the world and promoting medical tourism like never before.

India

In India, medical tourism in alternative medicine has its ancestry in South India
and some places in North-Eastern India. Internationally famed for its natural remedies and therapies, Kerala’s schools of medicine have embraced Siddha,
Naturopathy and Ayurveda in treating their patients. These traditional medical
practices are estimated to attract high-end medical tourists from Europe and
Middle Eastern countries. The vital advantages that a country like India faces
with regard to medical tourism are its traditional therapies like yoga and Ayurveda
combined with tourist attractions in states like Kerala and north-eastern states.
Naturopathy, a therapeutic system based on natural remedies, trusts natural
elements like air, water and sunlight, combined with therapeutic massages and
conditioning and toning of the human body. Naturopathy believes that the human
body has the capacity to heal on its own, provided it is in a healthy environment.
With a holistic approach to well-being, Naturopathy believes that the three
physical entities – the physical body, the supernatural soul and the mind – must
be integrated through natural energies. “A recent survey shows that 76% of global
drugs are consumed by USA and European countries. We believe that freedom
from diseases and drugs can only be achieved by living a natural life style.”4
Ayurveda, the most ancient health care system, takes its ingredients from nature.
The use of herbs, materials like gold and mercury and many household ingredients
make this science easily accessible to common man. Ayurveda claims to cure diseases
like diabetes with the aid of nature. The Siddha medical system, which is a part of
Ayurveda, employs herbs, minerals and advanced scientific techniques under ancient
principles of medical science to cure many chronic diseases. It is named as one of
the most complicated and intricate forms of medicine. Siddha considers nature
and man as one essential entity. It claims that physiological characteristics like
human aging can itself be arrested with natural remedies.

Naturopathy has evolved medical tourism in India in more than one ways.
With its systems of medication using all natural ingredients to restore the holistic
disease-fighting nature of the human body, the medicine has created increased
chances of its own survival through tourists from all parts of the world visiting
India to reap its benefits. As Vitthal Kamat of the Kamat Group of Hotels says,
“With Naturopathy and Ayurveda along with the world renowned tourist attractions
and heritage places, the tourism sector can grow in leaps and bounds.”5 Naturopathy
in “KayaKalp”, a naturopathy centre in Himachal Pradesh, run by the Vivekananda Medical Research Trust in India has served medical tourists in detoxifying, immunizing and rejuvenating through Yoga, Pranayama, Panchkarma, Meditation and Naturopathy. Its therapies are claimed to be drug-less and extremely natural. Naturopathy takes the help of Ayurvedic preparations for healing processes like Panchkarma and improvement of blood circulation.

India’s pioneer in alternative therapy – medical tourism, Kerala, has visitors
from all over the world in the months of June, July and August. These months are
looked upon as the best period for cure of bodily ailments through Ayurveda.
High quality medical facilities provided at low prices are the main tourist attraction
in Kerala. Mr. M Narayanan, head of Poovar Island Resort says that there are
tourists from countries like Australia, Europe and Germany. The packages offered
in these Ayurvedic spas include services like Ayurvedic oil massages, powder
massages, vegetarian diets, detoxification programs and a lifestyle change. In fact
it is little known that Ayurveda includes not just massages, but a whole gamut of
services like herbal and natural diet plans, natural healing therapies, and therefore
a full-fledged medical system.

Ayurveda Gram, a unique Ayurvedic Institution in Bangalore offers Ayurveda
in its wellness form to medical tourists. It offers services like Customized Yoga,
Pranayama, Meditation, and a vegetarian diet to boost metabolism. Its sprawling
campus full of medicinal herbs and natural surrounds helps in the processes of
cure for specific ailments like Arthiritis, Spondilytis, Cholesterol, Sinusitis, Peptic
Ulcer and Obesity. Other therapies by Ayurveda Gram include Stress Management
therapies, Panchkarma and rejuvenation therapies.

AYUSH, the department of Ayurveda, Yoga and Naturopathy, Unani, Siddha
and Homeopathy was formed under the Indian Medicine Central Council Act,
1970. One of the most recent awareness activities undertaken by AYUSH was a
health fair organized in parts of Hyderabad, Chennai, Indore and New Delhi.
AYUSH ensured that the major Ayurvedic, Unani and Siddha manufacturers in
India participated in this health fair.

Another famous Ayurvedic centre in India is the C V N Kalari Centre for
Ayurveda. Kalari is one of the approved Ayurvedic centres recognized by the
Kerala Tourism Department.6 Kalari has its customers from many foreign countries. The centre specializes in Marma Chikitsa (the application of pressure on specific
nerve points) and other special practices of healing. Having both therapeutic and
rejuvenative aspects in them, these specialized healing procedures take extensive help
of Ayurveda to treat the ailing.
Some Ayurvedic resorts have formulated Ayurvedic kitchens that help improve
the effectiveness of oil treatments. Diet regimens, detoxification programs and other
processes that give a glowing skin to the customer are very popular. Some of these
Ayurvedic resorts also arrange for cooking classes to help their customers acquire
and maintain the lifestyle that they are introduced to in these spas and resorts.
Ananda, an Ayurvedic Spa in the Himalayas is one of the most famous destination
resorts in India. It offers specialty Ayurvedic packages like Aroma therapy massages,
reflexology programs for rejuvenation, stress release programs, personalized Yoga
sessions, body composition analysis and weight reduction programs through Yoga
and Ayurveda. Ananda claims that its packages and therapies cure many ailments
like headaches, nausea, climatic disorders, facial paralysis, insomnia, asthma, neuralgia
and does general improvement of metabolism.

China

The 3000 year-old method of traditional medicine in China has gained popularity
as the world’s most popular medicine, being used by more than a quarter of the
world in treating even chronic diseases like cancer, AIDS, allergies and heart diseases.
Traditional Chinese Medicine (TCM) uses medicinal herbs, therapeutic exercises
and acupuncture to cure ailments. TCM diagnoses illnesses based on the five elements
theory and the yin-yang theory. The five elements theory base their evaluation on the
five elements – wood, fire, earth, metal and water to establish a connection between
human physiology and pathology and the natural environment.7 The movement of
these five elements constantly rules the functioning of the human body and thus
establishes the interdependence of both.

The yin-yang theory calls for comprehending the bright and dark sides of
the universe, in other words, the opposite properties of the universe.8 The relative
nature of yin and yang represents the interrelationship between substance and function. As traditional chinese medical practitioners say “Only with ample
substance can the human body function in a healthy way; and only when the
functional processes are in good condition, can the essential substances be
appropriately refreshed.”

Chinese herbal medicine is more known as Chinese materia medica. This includes
Chinese crude medicine, prepared drugs in pieces, traditional Chinese patented
medicines and simplified Chinese medicinal preparations. Chinese herbology, a major
aspect of TCM addresses the art of combining medicinal herbs.10 It visualizes the
entire human body’s balance of energies and spirit to treat a medical condition.
Herbs are combined into different potions of various characteristics for the sake of
different individuals being treated by TCM practitioners. Herbs like Astragalus,
Ginkgo, Ginger, Green Tea, Siberian Ginseng and Garlic are used to treat several
ailments. Around 300 mineral and animal extracts and 400 formulae are used to
cure diseases, in Traditional Chinese Medicine.

Acupuncture, as part of TCM is used to unblock the flow of vital energy through
the human body.11 One of the oldest healing techniques in the world, this traditional
method aims at “restoring health through simulation of specific points on the body.”12
Ailments like nausea, addictions and some kinds of pains are claimed to be treated
with the help of acupuncture.

Taking advantage of its abundant human resources, China is luring medical tourists
into its web of alternative medical therapies. Wellness packages in China come at
low costs and without any side-effects, thanks to proliferated Traditional Chinese
Medicine. Several massages and spas have been set up in recent times that provide
mental health and physical well-being to medical tourists with the help of Chinese
medicinal herbs. Wellness apartments are established for the purpose of serving
senior medical tourists. These wellness apartments facilitate these tourists in
practising their own hobbies and also conducting medical activities like Taiji.

Germany

Germany’s alternative medical practices have their origins in Homeopathy, a
medical system that was developed by Samuel Hahnemann, a German physician.
Homeopathy considers symptoms as disturbances of vital forces that have
connection with the human body. Homeopathic advocators believe that this
medical system has the ability to cure acute diseases like flu, cold, pains, depression
and fatigue, constipation, irritability other than chronic diseases. It is claimed to
cure allergies and allergic disorders like Eczema and Asthma. Moreover, this
medical system is child friendly, in the sense, that the medication given by
homeopaths is sweet to the tooth and therefore acceptable. Homeopaths are known
for debonair and their hands free treatment of patients. They concentrate more
on the patient’s state of mind and attitude towards life. The preparation of different
potions in Homeopathy is done mostly with the help of herbs, minerals and
animal extracts. Also, it is often reasoned that since the dosage that homeopaths
prescribe is in such minute constitutions and because they come in dilutions of
substances like water and alcohol there is no chance of any side-effects.
Germany also stands famous for its herbal remedies. Regulated by Commission
E14 on the purity and pharmaceutical activity, these herbal medicines in Germany
have come a long way in preventing and curing many diseases like cancer, AIDS and
other serious ailments. Most physicians in Germany are required to be educated in
Alternative therapies, so that it serves complimentary to modern medical treatments.
As Mark Blumenthal, chairman of the American Botanical Council points out, “Most
of the clinical research that’s conducted on the leading herbal medicines in the United
States comes from Germany.”15

With more than 300 spa towns, Germany has become the premier destination
for health and wellness in Europe.16 One of the most famous resorts in Germany
is the Baltic Spa Resort in Warnemunde. Situated on the shore of the Baltic Sea,
it idealizes the sea as a “homeopathic pharmacy” and claims that “it contains all
important trace elements and has a similar composition to human blood”17 Sea water is said to have revitalizing effects in treating bodily ailments like respiratory
illnesses, sleep disorders and obesity. Other than these, mental disorders like
depression, anxiety and agony are claimed to be cured with the help of the sea.
Sea breeze is said to be specifically effective in treating cardio-vascular as well as
dermatological conditions. Major advantages that Germany faces are in terms of
both cost and quality. As Axel Steller, the CEO of the Arab German Health
Foundation points out, “In the US, operations are four to five times more expensive
as they are in Germany”.

Japan

Japanese medicine is known as Kanpo or Kampo, a herbal medicine that forms part
of well-researched modern clinical methods and also traditional methods of
medicine. A Japanese variant of the traditional Chinese medicine or the Oriental
medicine, Kanpo adheres to the body’s natural instincts and natural mechanism
of healing. For this purpose, medical treatment involves diagnosis of the tongue,
abdomen and pulse. At each stage of the treatment, different formulae that are
necessary to bring the body back to normalcy, are prepared by the physician.
These herbal medicines are regulated by the Japanese Government. Kanpo
medicine is used to cure many acute and chronic ailments like cardio-vascular,
respiratory, digestive, reproductive and dermatological conditions and immune
system corrections and even disorders like bedwetting, high cholesterol and
hepatitis. Though Kanpo therapies take longer than usual to work, this medical
system uses some very natural diagnosis and treatment methods and concepts
like water, blood and air to identify bodily symptoms. Also, it is claimed that
these herbal medicines produce no side-effects because of their natural
compositions. Japanese therapists of Anma visit countries like India and Singapore
to help in promotion of health tourism. Anma, a traditional Japanese massage, is
said to be a complete form of Shiastu19 that treats the body to release blood flow
in a proper manner to rejuvenate the body.

Apart from attracting tourists for its natural herbal medical treatments, Medical
tourism in Japan has become popular thanks to its volcanic areas that have allowed
the formation of some hot mineral water springs called Onsen. Japanese Onsen serve as places where the ailing can get alternative treatments to modern medical
practices. These have medicinal properties that heal wounds, alleviate pains and
replenish energy levels. Senior tourists and people suffering from many kinds of
aches and pains come flocking to these mineral water springs. The healing
properties of these springs are accentuated by the surrounding volcanic soil that
is composed of many minerals and curative elements.

Outlook of Medical Tourism in Alternative Medicine

Alternative medicine is here to stay, claim some traditional medical practitioners.
Given its perceived advantages over the modern medical techniques and the expensive
western medicines, alternative medical therapy is gaining ground in many developing
as well as developed countries. Practices like Ayurveda and Homeopathy claim that
surgery may always be the last option in case of treatment of an ailment. Natural
medicines like herbs and minerals can all be partaken as food and not medicines as
such, since their composition is all natural. Alternative medicine is used in conjunction
with modern medicine to treat many chronic ailments like diabetes and AIDS. This
helps modern medical practitioners to evolve a closer relationship with the patient
and cure him to a greater extent, thus giving him a new perspective to life. It follows
that one should never overlook the disposition of the traditional cures suggested by
our ancestors. These provide a standpoint from where one can comprehend the
profundity of traditional and alternative medicine, and gauge the tremendous potential
of alternative medicine in medical tourism.

Please seek author’s permission for reprint. Send a reprint request to kirrti82@gmail.com.

References
1. www.hinduonnet.com
2. “Kerala”, www.takekerala.com
3. “Prospects of Medical Tourism in India”, www.mpiweb.org
4. “Medical Tourism push for Penang and Langkawi”, http://thestar.com.my
5. www.wikipedia.com

The author writes articles in areas of economics, business, finance and management.

Filed Under: Alternative Medicine Tagged With: , , , , , , , , ,

An Overview of Holistic Medicine

September 20, 2010 By Leave a Comment

An Overview of Holistic Medicine

Holistic medicine is health care that comprises all the aspects of one’ s personality to obtain the optimum state of wellness. It encompasses the process of looking into the wholeness of the person including nutritional, physical, environmental, spiritual, lifestyle and social values. Holistic medicine includes virtually all treatments and diagnosis known to achieve balance in personality. It upholds the responsibility of educating one’s self to attain the ideal over-all health and well being.

Holistic medicine and Alternative Medicine

Alternative medicine is commonly associated with holistic medicine. By definition, alternative medicine is the medical techniques that are usually not accepted or practiced by conventional medical practitioners. Most alternative medicines are founded to have rooted on unscientific, untested and untraditional principles. Often, these forms of medicine are closely associated with metaphysical components and anti-scientific stands.

Many of these techniques don’t normally have pharmaceutical values like the acupuncture, herbalism, Reiki, homeopathy and the likes. Yet the alternative medicine may also be used in experimental non-drug and drug techniques that are not yet accepted in the medical circles. The future of alternative medicine holds on the potentiality of transforming the “alternative medicine” into conventional medicine since it is now becoming widely appreciated and practiced by medical doctors. In fact, complementary medicine is the term used for alternative medicine practiced in combination with conventional medicine.

Due to these changes in view of the alternative medicine, holistic medicine has become a more preferable option among those who are quite doubtful of the alternative medicine.

Alternative medicine may appeal to metaphysical beliefs and so does the holistic medicine but on milder and more scientifically based approach. Yet the knowledge applied in holistic medicine still cannot hide the fact that it tends to cling to non-scientific knowledge.

Simply put holistic medicine claims to cure and treat the whole person. Holistic medicine stresses out the unification of the mind and the physical body. Holistic medicine practitioners give credence to the belief the man is not a pure physical body with systems and parts that encompass it. Man is also a spiritual being that requires spiritual healing. Holistic medicine concerns itself to the belief of the connection between the spirit and emotions and mind.

The gap between holistic medicine and alternative medicine is closed by the common practice of not using drug treatments and surgeries. They usually employ meditation, herbs, prayers, vitamins and minerals, as well as exotic diets in treating certain ailments.
Holistic Medicine and Conventional Medicine

Allopathy or conventional medicine defines individual health as the non-occurrence of diseases, which appeals to be a negative approach in defining the condition. Holistic medicine on the other hand concerns itself on a person’s absolute state of physical, social, mental and spiritual well-being.

As based on the definition given (that is commonly used among medical practitioners), orthodox medicine remains to deal with one’s susceptibility to diseases instead of the wellness as opposed by holistic medicine. Based on common observations, conventional medicine typically doesn’t apply to healthy individuals. While holistic medicine focuses on the quality of living practiced by people. Sick people normally don’t seek medical attention not until the symptoms of the disease/s are obvious. Thus, there is too little preventive treatment against sickness.

There are great differences between holistic medicine and the conventional type both in the diagnosis and treatments. Most of which are scientifically based. In oppose to this stand, diagnosis in holistic treatment are conceived through the manifestations of body imbalance. These are determined through certain procedures distinctive only to holistic medicine and other related medicinal practices.

People who have already undergone any of these procedures claim that is not bad trying on or all of these practices. Yet individual preferences still have the hand on what will be accepted as the ideal procedure.

To learn about marine crabs and saltwater crabs, visit the Catching Crabs website.

Filed Under: Holistic Medicine Tagged With: , , , , , , ,

Alternative Medicine for Fibroids – Treat Fibroids Naturally

September 14, 2010 By Leave a Comment

Alternative Medicine for Fibroids – Treat Fibroids Naturally

Alternative medicine for fibroids has been used by herbalists for many hundreds of years and like alternative treatments for all manner of conditions, is enjoying a resurgence in popularity. Until recently, doctors were all too quick to perform a hysterectomy to get rid of fibroids but it in now realized that this is very rarely the best treatment and can have side effects which are as bad as, if not worse, that the fibroids themselves.

Other surgical treatments for fibroids are rarely successful. Removing the individual fibroids is all well and good if you can stop new ones growing. Unfortunately, once doctors have performed the surgery, women are very rarely given any advice which will help them prevent regrowth.

Alternative medicine for fibroids usually consists of herbal preparations which can be taken which are widely believed to be beneficial for shrinking fibroids. With some medical conditions, it would not necessarily be advisable to try alternative treatment methods as delaying conventional medicine could prove dangerous. As fibroids are very rarely life-threatening, once you have received a diagnosis, trying alternative treatments is most certainly worthwhile as it has been proven that fibroids respond very well to natural treatments.

If left untreated, fibroid symptoms will very rarely disappear and will persist until the menopause. The symptoms will usually become more severe as the fibroids naturally increase in size and it is sensible to treat the fibroids before they become so large that they are causing unbearable symptoms. Having said this, natural treatments can be successfully used to shrink even large fibroids.

When looking at herbal remedies which can be used to treat fibroids naturally, it is important that you take into account your own individual circumstances as treatments often consist of multiple ingredients which as combined to make the best treatment for you. For example, if you carry excess weight and you have excess estrogen because of this, you may require a different combination of ingredients to someone who has an inflammatory condition which is believed to aggravate fibroids.

<b>Herbs Commonly Used As Alternative Medicine For Fibroids</b>

* Spica Prunellae

* Concha Ostreae

* Rhizoma Sparganii

* Herba Dendrobii

* Semen Litchi

* Rhizoma Zedoariae

* Rhizoma Cyperi

* Sargassum

* Fructus Corni

As well as herbal fibroid medicines, there are various other possibilities if you would like to treat fibroids naturally. If you would like to learn all-natural methods which will show you how to eliminate uterine fibroids naturally,by using a 7 step treatment method which comes with a complete guarantee, visit Shrink Fibroids Naturally

To learn all about the different types of fibroids plus the different treatments for each, please visit Types Of Fibroids If you are considering surgery or drug treatment for your fibroids, you have nothing to lose by trying alternative medicine for fibroids beforehand. A little time and effort now can pay huge dividends in the long run.

Having suffered from very large fibroids herself, Bernadette was scheduled to undergo a hysterectomy when she decided to try an alternative treatment to shrink fibroids naturally. Success followed, and she enjoys recommending this method to other women so they can be free of the symptoms.

Filed Under: Alternative Medicine Tagged With: , , , , , , , , ,

Acne Holistic Medicine-Ultimate Way to Cure Your Acne

September 7, 2010 By Leave a Comment

Acne Holistic Medicine-Ultimate Way to Cure Your Acne

Acne is one of the most common skin problems for teens and adults alike. If you’ve tried conventional medicine in the past with no success, you may want to try acne holistic medicine to help clear blemishes and cure your acne from the inside out, as opposed to treating the symptoms associated with acne.

One of the first things you’ll want to do before you try acne holistic medicine is to figure out what is causing your blemishes. Are you eating something that is not agreeing with your skin? Have you been using certain cosmetics that may be harsh on your skin? If so, then your acne is a topical problem, so you can use topical acne holistic medicine substances such as tea tree oil or lavender to take away the bacteria that may be on your skin due to an allergic reaction or the clogging of pores. These oils should be used in their diluted form, so make sure that you use scentless, gentle oil when you apply the oil so that you will not irritate your skin.

In many cases, acne is simply a result of hormonal changes that occur during puberty or other changes in the body such as menstrual cycle irregularity or unfamiliar amounts of stress. In order to make the most of holistic health, it is important to take supplements that will better your health overall. Acne is ultimately a result of impurities in the body; if the liver and kidneys cannot excrete bile and infection from the body in a timely fashion, the skin will get rid of these impurities on its own, which clogs the pores and causes black heads and white heads.

A naturopathic doctor will most likely be able to recommend certain substances such as milk thistle (to cleanse the liver), fenugreek (to improve kidney function), and acidophilus (a probiotic to aid in digestion). Before you go to visit a naturopathic doctor, you should do some research on holistic medicine schools in your area to find out the doctor that will be able to serve you best. Acne holistic medicine may be a speciality for one doctor, whereas allergy holistic medical treatment may be the expertise for another naturopathic doctor in your field. If you have already done a little background research on the herbal supplements or plant extracts that you may need, you will feel more comfortable going to your doctor about your acne concerns. However, there may be a few natural supplements that you may still be allergic to, so work closely with your naturopathic doctor to monitor the progress of your skin over time.

entrepreneur who loves to write on health and wealth related topics.
Troubles with acne? Check out This site or Go here and discover amazing herbal natural supplements that will improve all areas of health and well-being plus the power of the Free Life opportunity for an abundant life.

Filed Under: Holistic Medicine Tagged With: , , , , , , , ,

Difference Between Allopathic And Holistic Medicine

August 30, 2010 By Leave a Comment

Difference Between Allopathic And Holistic Medicine

You may hear various difference terms when looking at treatments for your conditions. Two of the most common forms of treatment are allopathic and holistic medicine. In this article we will consider what each of these types of medicines are, where you will hear them mentioned and also what the significant differences between them are.

What is Allopathic Medicine?

Allopathic medicine is a term that is used to describe medical practice where a condition is treated with a medication that is designed to kill the illness. This may sound very familiar to you and it is largely because most of conventional medicine is effectively allopathic. You doctor will not tell you he is using allopathic medicine however that is what he is doing. You are more likely to hear the term when you visit a homeopath and that is largely because the differences are marked. In homeopathic medicine you will be given a substance that contains similar elements to your condition rather than those picked to kill it.

What is Holistic Medicine?

Holistic medicine is again quite a general term but it is a form of therapy that treats the person as a whole. Many alternative therapies are thought to be holistic. The aim with holistic medicine is to treat the mind, body, emotions and all elements of a person in order to bring about health. For example in a treatment like acupuncture the therapist will consider you, your background, how you react to things and your symptoms. This will allow them to develop a treatment plan that is specific to you, including your emotional, mental and physical needs. When looking into alternative therapies you will hear this term mentioned a lot of the time and so it is important to be aware what it is.

What is the difference between Allopathic and Holistic Medicine?

The main difference between allopathic and holistic medicine is the way in which treatment is approached. For example in allopathic medicine the aim is to treat the condition and to prescribe things to help you get rid of it. In holistic medicine although the aim is to also clear up a condition the focus is different. In allopathic medicine a doctor will focus on the condition only however holistic medicine will focus on the person, how that person reacts to that condition as well as their history.

It is worth mention that both of these terms are very broad and cover a large number of different therapies and treatments but that the general principles are the same based on which type of medicine it is. In addition if your doctor is prescribing allopathic medicine for you then it may be possible to use holistic medicine alongside this so that you can get the maximum benefits for you and your condition.

Conclusion

As you can see from the above, the concepts of allopathic and holistic medicine are quite different. It does not mean that one is better than another just that the focus is different. If you are looking for treatment it is important to make an informed judgement on what you are going for and to discuss with as many professionals as possible. It is also important to find a reputable therapist to ensure you get the best possible treatment

This article has been supplied by alternative therapies directory. You can also find more information on our Holistic Medicine page.

Filed Under: Holistic Medicine Tagged With: , , , , , , , , ,

Adhd And Natural Medicine – Why This Could Be The Best Choice You Have Ever Made

August 28, 2010 By Leave a Comment

Adhd And Natural Medicine – Why This Could Be The Best Choice You Have Ever Made

Have you read about the whole question of ADHD and natural medicine? Natural medicine is NOT regarded as complementary in the US whereas in the UK, it fits in more comfortably with conventional medicine and there are often medical surgeries which will embrace a whole range of treatments. In that way they can decide what is more suitable and indeed more effective. In this article I want to point out what are the advantages of ADHD and natural medicine so that you are better informed before making any decision about how to treat your child.

Why are psychostimulants the first choice for many doctors? There may be a conviction that it is actually safe and right or there may be a cavalier attitude to this mental disorder which does not take into account the fact that the whole child has to be treated and that pills cannot teach skills. Look at how ADHD is diagnosed in many doctor’s offices.

First, as regards over diagnosis, it is clear that there are far too many hasty decisions being taken and that ADHD, to be properly diagnosed, several visits are needed. How many parents have you seen coming out of a paediatrician’s office with a prescription for an amphetamine like drug in their hands, after only ONE visit?

Why ADHD and natural medicine is a perfectly valid alternative.

There are such powerful lobbies to-day that the acceptance of ADHD and natural medicine is an uphill task to say the least! But let us have a look at what it has to offer.

Natural medicine for ADHD usually means homeopathy but we could widen that definition so that it embraces a whole range of things from diet, exercise, green time, meditation, equine therapy and counselling.

I want to concentrate a little bit on homeopathy as that has been scorned by many people, unjustly, I feel. In the end,each parent has to decide what is right for his or her child.

Natural medicine for ADHD and homeopathy have been criticized because people point to the fact that clinical trials are inconclusive. But certain facts about this type of treatment cannot be denied.

The first is that there are no side effects which is certainly not the case with psychostimulants where some children may not eat or sleep properly. There are also no long term risks to health and there are no risk for cardiopatic patients or people with certain psychiatric conditions. Finally, these treatments are much more reasonably priced and best of all, there is no risk at all of addiction.

Now that you know some basic facts about ADHD and natural medicine, why not click through and discover more?

Tired of unhappy,whining, badly behaved children? Discover how ADHD and natural medicine can turn your child around. Experts now tell us that  child behavior programs combined with a natural treatment for ADHD is by far the most effective ADHD treatment.
Visit http://www.squidoo.com/adhdbehaviortherapy to find out more about ADHD child behavior problems.
 
 

Filed Under: Natural Medicine Tagged With: , , , , , , , , , , , ,
« Older Posts