Alternative medicine is a type of therapeutic practice that is not considered to be a part of traditional or conventional medical treatment. People use alternative medicine instead of using traditional medical treatment. This is often because they feel it is a natural way to get better.

There are many types of alternative medicine. Some are covered by medical insurance, but most are not. Some forms of alternative medicine that may be covered are chiropractic and osteopathic therapy. These forms of alternative medicine are widely used.

There are other forms of alternative medicine that are not as widely used, but are becoming more popular by the minute. These are: massage therapy, therapeutic touch, folk medicine, herbal medicine, special diets, homeopathy, music therapy, aromatherapy, naturopathy, faith healing, and new age healing. There are also some non-western forms of alternative medicine such as: Chinese medicine, gi gong, reiki, and ayarveda.

There are some less commonly practiced forms of alternative medicine as well. One is called biofield therapy. This is a form of alternative medicine that works with your so called “energy fields” to heal you. Another is bioelectrical magnetic therapy. This alternative medicine uses pulse and magnetic fields to heal you.

Alternative medicine is quite popular for people who are terminally ill. Many AIDS and cancer patients prefer it. An example of this is a cancer patient who uses alternative medicine instead of receiving traditional chemotherapy or radiation therapy. People also use alternative medicine to heal ailments such as back pain or migraines. Instead of traditional painkillers, the patients would use aromatherapy, sound therapy or herbal therapy. Alternative medicine is even used on animals. Have you ever seen the movie “The Horse Whisperer?” That was about a form of alternative medicine used on an animal. Acupuncture, herbal therapy, and others have also been used on animals.

The last thing you should know is that there is no scientific evidence that alternative medicine is effective. There have been no scientific studies to prove if they are safe or if they work for the diseases or ailments they are used for. Before using an alternative medicine, talk to your doctor, make sure your doctor feels it is safe and will not harm you.

There are many different kinds of alternative medicines to choose from. Now that you understand it a bit better, you can decide if it is right for you. For more information talk to your doctor or research it online. With careful research, you may find one that is right for you.

Jay Moncliff is the founder of http://www.info-meds.info a blog focusing on the Medical, resources and articles. This site provides detailed information on medicines. For more info on medicines visit: http://www.info-meds.info

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Bladderwrack is a sea vegetable that is known for its medicinal benefits. The rich iodine content is the main reason for its use as a herbal cure. Sometimes called kelp this term is considered inaccurate.Traditionally, bladderwrack’s main stem or thallus is used as an anti-inflammatory agent. It is said to soothe the irritated tissues of the body. Because of its rich iodine content, it is known for its curative effects on hypothyroidism. It has been known for years that people that consume brown seaweeds like bladderwrack have low rates of hypothyroidisim. In the past, it has also been used as a laxative. Maybe that’s why it is also used against obesity since this seaweed is known for its stimulus of the thyroid glands. Recent studies have proved this true, as bladderwrack have amazing weight loss-inducing qualities. Of course, like all alternative medicines, there still has to be a lot of research done to qualify the healing effects of bladderwrack.Aside from possessing rich iodine, bladderwrack also contains alginic acid and fucoidan. The iodine content is relative to its location in the sea. That is because some parts of the sea contain more iodine than in some parts. Iodine is an important […]

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Complementary medicine and Alternative medicine are two different entities. Complementary medicine is used together with conventional medicine. An example would be the use of aromatherapy to help lessen a patient’s discomfort following surgery. Alternative medicine is used in place of conventional medicine. An example of this would be using a special diet to treat cancer, instead of undergoing surgery, radiation, or chemotherapy that has been recommended by a conventional doctor. There is also Intergrative medicine, which combines mainstream medical therapies and CAM therapies to treat a certain health condition. Note that there is usually high-quality scientific evidence of the effectiveness of the CAM therapy when it is used intergratively with conventional medicine.

There are five major categories of CAM and they are listed and defined below:

-Alternative Medical Systems

These are systems that are built on complete systems of theory and practice. The systems have usually evolved apart from and earlier than the conventional medical approach used in the U.S. Examples of alternative medical systems that have developed in the Western cultures include homeopathic medicine and naturopathic medicine. Examples of systems that have developed in non-Western cultures include traditional Chinese medicine and Ayurveda.

-Mind/Body Interventions

Mind-body medicine uses a variety of techniques designed to enhance the mind’s capacity to affect bodily function and symptoms. Some techniques that were considered CAM in the past have become mainstream (i.e., patient support groups and cognitive-behavioral therapy). Other mind-body techniques are still considered CAM, including meditation, prayer, mental healing, and therapies that are a creative outlet such as art, music, and dance.

-Biologically Based Therapies

These are therapies in CAM that use substances found in nature, such as herbs, foods, and vitamins. Some examples include dietary supplements, herbal products, and the use of other so-called natural but scientifically unproven therapies (for example, the use of shark cartilage to treat certain cancers).

-Manipulative and Body Based Methods

These methods, used in CAM, are based on manipulation and/or movement of one or more parts of the body. Some examples include chiropractic or osteopathic manipulation, and massage.

-Energy Therapies

Energy therapy involves the use of energy fields, and there are two types:

Biofield therapies are intended to affect energy fields that surround and penetrate the body. The existence of such fields has not yet been scientifically proven. Some forms of energy therapy manipulate biofields by applying pressure and/or manipulating the body by placing the hands in or through these fields. Examples include Qi Gong, Reiki, and Therapeutic Touch.

Bioelectromagnetic therapies involve the unconventional use of electromagnetic fields, such as pulsed fields, magnetic fields, or alternating-current or direct-current fields.

Complementary and Alternative medicine is a group of diverse medical and health care systems, practices, and products that are not presently considered to be part of conventional medicine. While some scientific evidence exists regarding some CAM therapies, for most there are key questions that are yet to be answered through well-designed scientific studies-questions such as whether these therapies are safe and whether they work for the diseases or medical conditions for which they are used. The list of what is considered to be CAM changes continually, as those therapies that are proven to be safe and effective become adopted into conventional health care.

Christine Watson has been teaching health, wellness, and nutrition since 1992. She is a nutritionist, registered dietitian, and complementary/alternative health expert. As the owner of The Alternative Weigh, Christine’s goal for her clients is to help them incorporate healthy eating, wellness, and fitness into their busy lives. To learn more about the services Christine offers, go to her website at http://www.TheAlternativeWeigh.com or email her at Christine@TheAlternativeWeigh.com

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