July 8, 2009
A Primer on Alternative Medicine
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.
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Filed under Homeopathy by Dr. Waqas Yousaf
June 23, 2009
The Cutting Edge Alternative Medicine
Alternative medicine is termed as informal, supplementary, and complementary medicine. It is a lot different from conventional medical approaches and mainly prescribed instead of the regular treatments in allopathic field. The treatments, which are included in alternative medicine, are herbal medicine, homeopathy, Chinese, non-medical massage therapy, hypnosis, chelation therapy, acupuncture, tribal-traditional medicine, Christian Science, and ayurvedic.
Conventional allopathic doctors are preferred in any case of health problem for any person from their childhood. Though alternative medicine has gained popularity and gained trust by many people still confusion about its advantages and disadvantages are questioned.
However, these days there are various rigorous researches on alternative and complementary medicine are carried out and its efficiency is proved. There is a future in alternative medicine.
The usage of this type of method is done by two following methods: Combinations of both are also in use. For. E.g. In addition to the conventional prescription medicine a nice Tai massage is proved to do wonders. The second method is the alternative approaches are used instead of conventional method. i.e. alternative method alone is prescribed for any treatment.
In Alternative medicine, there are few philosophies, which are observed. They are:
Body with little therapy and medicine can heal by itself. Always a product should enhance the bodies healing capacity. Prevention is better than cure. A general check up should always be done periodically to keep a check before anything goes wrong. Bodies responding capacity to any treatment is important then the treatment itself.
Few Alternative medicine complementary medicines are:
Mind and body technique: In this therapy combination of mind and body is the key. In alternative medicine harmony between mind and body are necessary to be fit. This connection method includes in prayer, hypnosis, yoga, biofeedback, meditation, relaxation therapies, music, dance etc.
Dietary supplements and herbs: In this treatment natural products are used. Herbs and dietary supplements like ginkgo, enchinacea, ginseng, same, glucosamine sulfate, selenium are prescribed in the form of oils, tea, powder, syrup, tablet and capsule. This method is in practice for almost thousand and above years.
Healing system: it is a combination of many therapy and practice/ remedy. It has its base revolving around the presence of healing energy in the body and the power of natural products used for curing. Healing system is the base in ayurveda, homeopathy, and naturopathy. Mostly countries like India, china, pacific, Asia, and Tibet follow this method of healing therapy.
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Filed under Homeopathy by Dr. Waqas Yousaf
