What is Alternative Medicine? Find Out What Alternative Medicine Is And Read This Guide To The Many Different Practices Involved In Alternative Medicine
Alternative medicine incorporates many elements into the broad spectrum of the one term. It is, in a nut shell, a vast array of potential healing methods that are not of the traditional ‘prescription’ method of medicine. With so many diseases and afflictions people are experiencing today, as well as the countless side effects and fatalities caused by chemically based drugs, more and more people are turning to all natural cures and treatments to avoid long term dependencies or adverse reactions.
Terminology and Alternative Medicine Methods
The following is a layout of the defining characteristics within the phrase alternative medicine.
- Alternative medicine- An unconventional medical practice. Natural elements working with your body to heal medical problems.
- Alopathic & Osteopathic Medicine- Refers to treatments, therapies, drugs, etc. This practice is widely taught in medical schools and used in westernized hospitals. Alopathic medicine refers to the traditional practice of western medicine.
- Homeopathic- A non-toxic series of remedies for common diseases based upon the person’s symptoms.
- Holistic Medicine- Medicine that is based upon physical, emotional, mental and spiritual aspects of the patient.
- Preventative Medicine- The use of certain measures to prevent illness including immunizing, screening, testing, changing and maintaining healthy life habits, etc…
-Chinese Herbal Medicine- Chinese medicine is primarily based on the “yin” and the “yang” or more plainly the physical, emotional and spiritual balance of the human body. The yin and yang sometimes are referred to as the feminine and masculine or the opposing forces of nature. Balance is generally referred to as “qi” which is pronounced, “chee”.
Resources:
https://www.chinesemedicineadvisor.com/herbal-medicines.html
Naturopathic Medicine- This type of medicine is the branch of alternative medicine that deals with dietary supplements (vitamins and minerals), herbs, nutrition, hydrotherapy, etc. This is widely used for preventative measures, treatments and cures.
Resources:
• The American Association of Naturopathic Physicians: www.naturopathic.org
• Bastyr University www.bastyr.edu/
• South West College of Naturopathic Medicine and Health Sciences www.scnm.edu/
• Natural College of Naturopathic Medicine; www.ncnm.edu
My favorite books that hold the best information for herbal uses are as follows:
• The Encyclopedia of Natural Medicine by Michael T. Murray, ND and Joseph Pizzorno, ND
• Formulas for Heathy Living by Francis J. Brinker, ND
• The Natural Physician by Mark Stengler
• Prescription for Herbal Healing by Phyllis A. Balch, CNC
• Medicinal Plants and Herbs by Steven Foster and Christopher Hobbs
• The Herb Society of America Encyclopedia of Herbs and Their Uses by Deni Bown
-Osteopathic Medicine- Osteopathic medicine is a very hands-on practice. The muscles, joints and spine are usually the areas involved with this practice.
Resources:
American Osteopathic Association www.aoa-net.org/
Osteopathic Medicine: An American Reformation by George W. Northup, DO
The D.O. s : Osteopathic Medicine in America by Norman Gevitz
-Herbal Remedies- Herbs have long been used, since the dawn of time, in fact. They are safe and effective and before the use of synthetics and chemicals they were the only treatment and cure options available. For centuries herbal remedies have been proven effective. For more information on this type of alternative medicine practice take a look at these resources:
• The Herb Research Foundation www.herbs.org/index.html
• American Botanical Counsel www.herbalgram.org
• American Herbalists Guild www.healthy.net/herbalists
• American Herbal Products Association www.ahpa.org/
• HerbMed www.amfondation.org/_vti_bin/shtml.exe/herbmed.htm
-Acupuncture- This ancient practice has been used for centuries in the healing process. The U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) approved the use of acupuncture needles for use by licensed practitioners in 1996.Using needles and placing them into your skin stimulates specific pressure points. This has been proven to reverse serious medical conditions. The practice is growing rapidly as far as popularity in alternative medicine. It is being used for cancer treatment, infertility, arthritis, etc.
-Magnet Therapy- This method is primarily used in pain relief for chronic pain sufferers. It promotes the following:
• Pain relief
• Proper circulation
• Increases energy and stamina
• Relieves stress
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