Archive for the ‘Alternative Medicine’ Category
Alternative medicine can be defined as any form of therapy, practice or treatment which is outside the mainstream or beyond the realm of the conventional.
More generally it can be defined as any approach or medicine which differs from conventional Western forms. Alternative medicine is often talked about in conjunction with Complementary Therapy and the umbrella term Complementary & Alternative Medicine or CAM is used.
As a general guide some of the more mainstream CAMs are acupuncture, acupuncture, aromatherapy, herbal medicine, homoeopathy, hypnotherapy, massage therapy, naturopathy, reiki, reflexology & Yoga.
Alternative medicine in the UK is growing year on year and in 2006 it generated expenditure of 1.6 billion pounds. Large numbers of people choose to seek out alternative forms of medicine subsequent to a diagnosis from their GP or other traditional route. However in the main, research shows that people tend to use CAMs in parallel with conventional medicine. There is often resistance from GPs to recommend or refer a patient to an alternative therapy where they consider empirical evidence to be limited or non-conclusive and the research methods are not always standardised as with traditional medicine. There are also often funding issues relating to onward referrals within the NHS.
However, the CAM sector is responding to this criticism by adopting the standard research methods & evidence provision in line with the medical establishments traditional methods. This is largely assisting with the rapid growth of this multi-layered industry, alongside the continually growing wealth of positive empirical evidence.
Generally speaking CAM’s can be organised into five key areas, although it should be noted that there are number of areas where these overlap. These areas are -
Whole Medical Systems (WMS)
WHMS have been developed in the West – often with it roots in other medicine systems. Examples of this type of system are Naturopathy – helping or stimulating the body’s own in-built healing system by improving diet & lifestyle in conjunction with other CAMs such as acupuncture and massage. A good non Western parallel to this system is Chinese Medicine as is Ayurveda which hails from India and takes the holistic approach of treating the mind body & spirit via massage, yoga, herbs & meditation.
Another WMS which developed in recent years in the West is Homeopathy the practice of stimulating the healing system of the body by delivering minute amounts of certain elements or substances which in much higher doses would be detrimental or dangerous to a patient’s health.
Mind-Body Medicine (MBM)
MBM can call upon a number of techniques which are aimed at improving the symptoms & functions of the body e.g. meditation, Yoga etc. A number of therapies which historically where thought to be CAMs are now firmly placed in the mainstream such as Cognitive Behaviour Therapy and NLP (Neuro Linguistic Programming).
Biologically Based Practices (BBP)
BBP are derived from elements and materials which are found naturally such as vitamins for supplements, healthy foods for well being & detoxification and herbs helping with everything from pain relief to stress & weight loss. Biologically based practices in CAM 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 as yet scientifically unproven therapies (for example, using shark cartilage to treat cancer).
Manipulative and Body-Based Practices (MBBP)
MBBP work by manipulation, pressure and rubbing of soft tissues and muscles aimed at promoting repair, better health & flexibility. These type of therapy work by removing scar tissue, promoting oxygen flow and helping the removal of toxins and acids.
A number are further examples of therapies which are becoming less and less alternative and more mainstream. These include Chiropractic, Osteopathy, Massage & other body work such as Shiatsu and Sports Massage.
Energy Medicine Therapies (EMT)
EMT are believed to help the patient by tapping into the energy fields which cloak the human body and restoring balance, improving energy flow and clearing blockages. Examples of these type of therapies are Reiki, Chinese Medicine and Energy Healing.
So, why the growth in CAMs? Well, in recent years patients have gradually taken more accountability & responsibility for their health and are not as happy as maybe they once were to be told what to do or how to live. As a result they are becoming more autonomous and seeking out their own alternatives and solutions.
It is important to note they don’t side step mainstream traditional medicine but seek help from CAMs to complement their treatment. Part of the reason for this empowerment is the growth of the internet and the ease of access to swathes of information, research, forums and feedback available at a click on the World Wide Web. Recent research has shown that over 60% of internet users use the web to provide answers on health related issues.
In addition to the ground swell of the general public embracing CAMs, areas of traditional medicine are adopting and recommending alternative therapies. The NHS now has as 5 hospitals offering CAMs for patients and more and more health professionals such as doctors, nurses and mid wives are training in alternative therapies to offer within their mainstream practice.
The numbers of those choosing to pursue treatment from alternative medicine practitioners seem to be on the increase as disdain grows with the existing medical methods of treatment. This is especially apparent in the United States although the trend has crossed the pond and is now becoming evident within the UK. Why this trend has occurred is unclear, but an overall dissatisfaction with Western medicine seems to be the primary cause; another reason why this growth in alternative medicine has occurred in the UK could be the large waiting lists for treatments.
A recent survey revealed that almost a third of people have chosen to use alternative medicine treatments. The survey was conducted with over thirty thousand people and can be considered the largest ever survey of its type revealing the extent of non conventional treatment usage. The results generally gave the impression that the use of alternative medicine was increasing, in comparison to other studies the trend was plain to see across the board.
Out of the alternative treatments used, prayer was the most popular with almost forty three percent of adults following this course. Although this is not a bona fide treatment it does reveal that people are increasingly turning away from conventional medicine. Other treatments have become popular such as natural medicines which took nineteen percent of the survey. More spiritualist forms of treatment such as meditation have also seen a sharp increase in the past few years. Understandably in a world of pressure to stay in shape diets such as Atkins and Zone have also seen an increase in usage.
Of the bona fide alternative treatments used it is herbal and natural medicine that has become the most popular. These types of treatment have mainly been used to treat recurring ailments where conventional medicine has failed to solve the problem. These conditions are the hardest to treat conventionally and hence the public is increasingly turning to herbal treatments that give relief. Doctors are worried by this news however; patients are now making decisions on how to treat their ailments and turning away from proven techniques. The conventional techniques are proven to be safe and while alternative methods may work, longer studies into their benefits and side effects have not been undertaken extensively.
Another reason for the growth in use of alternative medicine is due to the high prices of drugs, especially those on prescription. It was thirteen percent of people who gave this reason for their avoidance of regular treatments. In many cases herbal treatments are in fact cheaper and although they may not be scientifically proven many are still choosing to take the alternative route. Once again, concerns over the safety of patients is the doctors’ major response claiming that even though these medicines are natural, it does not necessarily make them safe.
These downsides can be negated however, fundamental whenever choosing to use alternative medicine is to undertake research into the product and any side effects that may be apparent. In addition it is advisable to find a practitioner who is not only knowledgeable on all of their products but also trustworthy with the patients’ health as their major concern.
Overall the survey reveals the trend that alternative medicine is becoming an evermore popular option for patients. In addition to the cost of regular medicines and disdain with regular treatments, another fundamental reason is peoples’ fears that the extensive use of anti-biotics can lead to degeneration of the immune system. Whether these fears are founded is as yet unclear but regardless it is still helping the cause of non-conventional practitioners. Whatever the reasons for this increased popularity, seemingly it will continue as more people choose follow this course of action when it comes to medical treatment.
Find Alternative Medicine Schools in the United States and Canada. Teaching students how to use natural therapy and medicines to restore and maintain health, alternative medicine schools also elaborate on how these natural therapies date back to 420 B.C.; around the time of Hippocrates.
Students of alternative medicine schools will begin to understand that alternative medicine is considered a practice beyond the realm of conventional modern medicine. For example, naturopathy, chiropractic, Ayurvedic, homeopathy, acupuncture and so many other alternative medicine treatments are readily taught in a variety of alternative medicine schools because the demand for these treatments is on the rise.
Because our bodies are composed of chemical and physical reactions, holistic practitioners, who have gained training through one of several alternative medicine schools, affirm that illness is not directly caused by pathogens such as viruses or bacterium; instead is the consequence of the body’s reaction (in an effort to shield and heal itself) to a pathogen. Naturopathic and holistic doctors assist potential clients through alternative medicine by plainly alleviating symptoms of disease. This, among other valid motives, is a great reason for students to pursue an education through alternative medicine schools.
Successful graduates of alternative medicine schools learn to treat most conditions like headaches, sore throats, flu and cold, indigestion, ear infections, dermatitis, urinary tract infections, sprains and strains. Some chronic conditions such as migraines, autoimmune disorders, cardiovascular disease, arthritis, cancer, muscle-skeletal pain, depression, stress, and even pregnancy and childbirth may be treated with alternative medicine as well.
Alternative medicine schools teach students proper nutrition in conjunction with vitamin and mineral supplements, and because plants and herbs are commonly used in alternative medicine to treat illness, students enrolled in alternative medicine schools will also attain a comprehensive education in other natural and non-invasive therapies. Some of these natural therapies may include hydrotherapy and hypnotherapy, which are common courses, taught in alternative medicine schools.
Overall, alternative medicine schools instruct students in how to improve mental, emotional, and physical health through natural and complementary medicines. In addition to encouraging psychic and spiritual growth, students who have graduated from alternative medicine schools learn how to help patients in restoring and maintaining overall wellbeing.
If you’d like to become an alternative medicine therapist or practitioner, Holistic Junction offers a vast array of alternative medicine schools from which you may choose to enroll. Take the leap and obtain a career in alternative medicine today! Find your dream job! Let education within fast-growing industries like massage therapy, alternative medicine, acupuncture, oriental medicine, Reiki, and others get you started! Explore career school programs near you now!
Alternative Medicine Schools
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