Healthy Lifestyles: Alternative Medicine


Alternative Medicine

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In Western culture, alternative medicine is any healing practice "that does not fall within the realm of conventional medicine", or "that which has not been shown consistently to be effective." In some instances, it is based on historical or cultural traditions, rather than a scientific basis. Critics assert that the terms �complementary� and �alternative medicine� are deceptive euphemisms meant to give an impression of medical authority. Any therapy that relies on the body's own healing powers may be considered natural medicine. These include herbal remedies, diet and water therapies.

Many of the alternative practices pay attention to the mental, emotional, and spiritual aspects of health, in addition to the physical body. Therapies like hypnosis and visualization claims to be able to change physical conditions through purely mental interventions. They believe that our bodies are remarkably resilient machines, capable, with some occasional prodding or intervention, of healing themselves. The name "holistic medicine" came from this unification of the mind and the body. Holistic practitioners treat the "whole person" as opposed to the individual organs of the body where symptoms occur. The importance of self care and preventing illness are stressed by holistic practitioners.

If alternative medicine or therapy is used alone or instead of conventional medicine, it is called "alternative" medicine. If the treatment or therapy is done along with or in addition to conventional medicine, it is referred to as "Complementary Medicine" as the two practices complements each other. For example, many Chinese hospitals use acupuncture to reduce the pain during the surgery instead of anesthetics. This is complementary medicine.

Alternative, Natural, and Holistic approaches to medical problems have been steadily growing into mainstream medical practice, and in some cases can be useful in helping patients with less side effects and at a lower cost.

There are many different types of complementary and alternative treatments believed to be effective for treating high blood pressure (hypertension). Scientific evidence indicates that, in addition to a diet that is low in saturated fat and salt and rich in complex carbohydrates such as vegetables, whole grains, legumes, and fruits, increased physical activity and regular practice of relaxation techniques such as yoga, Tai Chi, or Qigong could help to lower high blood pressure.

To ease arthritis pain, you do not necessarily have to rely solely on pain pills and steroids; there are a few alternative treatments that may help you find relief, including acupuncture. Although acupuncture is not a "cure-all" treatment, it is very effective in treating several diseases and conditions. Acupuncture is most effective at treating chronic pain, such as headaches; menstrual cramps; and low back, neck, or muscle pain. It can also be used to treat arthritis, facial pain, pain from shingles, and spastic colon and colitis conditions. Acupuncture has also been successful in treating obesity and addictions such as nicotine or drugs. Acupuncture also can improve the functioning of the immune system. Importantly, don't rely on acupuncture for treatment of chronic or serious illness unless you see a doctor first. Acupuncture may not be the only way to improve your condition.

Acupuncture is also thought to decrease pain by increasing the release of chemicals that block pain, called endorphins. Many acu-points are near nerves. When stimulated, these nerves cause a dull ache or feeling of fullness in the muscle. The stimulated muscle sends a message to the central nervous system (the brain and spinal cord), causing the release of endorphins (morphine-like chemicals produced in our own bodies during times of pain or stress). Endorphins, along with other neurotransmitters (body chemicals that modify nerve impulses), block the message of pain from being delivered up to the brain.

When pre-menstrual syndrome rears its ugly head, try Calcium, magnesium, and vitamin B6. They can have a huge impact on moodiness, bloating, and on heavy periods," says Dr. Tracy Gaudet, who's the executive director of Duke Integrative Medicine at Duke University Medical School.

My Gastroenterologist prescribed several prescription medications for my ulcerative colitis. When the results were less than perfect he also added folic acid and daily probiotics to the list. Probiotics are live microorganisms (in most cases, bacteria) that are similar to beneficial microorganisms found in the human gut. Probiotics are available to consumers in capsules, dietary supplements, and foods. They can be used as complementary and alternative medicine. People with irritable bowel syndrome, colitis, and Chrohn's disease have had good results adding probiotics to their diet. Taking probiotics can also be helpful when taking antibiotics that may cause diarrhea and strip your digestive track of its good bacteria.

Using guided imagery has had some proven positive results for pain and anxiety. "Go to your happy place" has become a clich�, but our experts say it really works. The technique, of course, is more complicated than that. "In guided imagery we invite you to relax and focus on breathing and transport you mentally to a different place," says Mary Jo Kreitzer, Ph.D., R.N., founder and director of the Center for Spirituality and Healing at the University of Minnesota.

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