Alternative Medicine
The practice of healing called alternative medicine is the practice of healing that is not recognized by modern medicine. Practices of homeopathy, biofeedback, acupuncture, herbal supplements, chiropractic, chelation therapy and more fall into the alternative category. Alternative health medicine has suffered much disdain from those practicing convential MD oriented medicine. Now additional consideration is being given and more value is shown to alternative medicine, also called CAM. In present day society nurses and doctors are now studying both traditional medicine and alternative medicine because there are many many ways to integrate them successfully.
If you are new to alternative complementary medicine, it is first important to understand that the very word complementary means you would use the alternative treatment in addition to doctor prescribed treatments, under your health care professional. It is really important to tell your doctor if you are taking any herbal supplements if you take or are going to take prescription or over the counter drugs. Some herb compounds have interactions that can be dangerous, for example taking SSRI antidepressants with St. John’s Wort may cause a life threatening condition known as serotonin syndrome.
It is best to understand the various disciplines of alternative treatments before diving in.whole hog. Homeopathy, for example, is based on the principle that an extremely diluted amounts of what ails the patient can cure. There is no scientific explanation of how homeopathy works but many people claim that it does and many homeopathic remedies are sold around the world. Acupuncture involves the insertion of hair-thin needles into vital areas on the body’s meridians or energy systems to stimulate a healing effect. Many people say acupuncture works for everything from weight loss to smoking cessation.
Another type of alternative medicine that is very popular today is massage. Many people get massages without realizing the therapeutic benefits they may be receiving. Massages may incorporate aromatherapy, yet another type of alternative healing. Deep tissue massage may work to help release trigger points, or knotted muscle mass, under the skin.
The practice of aromatherapy, which is the presence of oil caused fragrance, can work to invigorate, relax and remove depression. It is also used to help with allergies. Each oil scent has a different healing effect. Sometimes oils are used together to create synergistic healing effects.
Alternative healing described on this page are only a tiny example of the various forms of alternative medicine that are practiced today.
