Basic Principles of Complementary/ Alternative Therapies

JUST AS MAINSTREAM MEDICINE has a fairly consistent approach to illness, so does al-ternative medicine. Most prevalent in alternative medicine are the six naturopathic principles. In one form or another, these principles are revisited again and again throughout Section Two of this text. The following principles are described by Dr. Catherine Downey and excerpted from her chapter on naturopathic medicine.

1. The Healing Power of Nature (Vis medicatix naturae)

The body has the inherent ability to establish, maintain and restore health. The healing process is ordered and intelligent: nature heals through the response of the life force. The physician’s role is to facilitate and augment this process, to act to identify and remove obstacles to health and recovery, and to support the creation of a healthy internal and external environment. In short, give the body the appropriate tools and it will heal itself.

2. Treat the Whole Person (The multifactorial nature of health and disease)

Health and disease are conditions of the whole organism, involving a complex interaction of physical, spiritual, mental, emotional, genetic, environmental, and social factors. The physician must treat the whole person by taking all of these factors into account. The harmonious functioning of all aspects of the individual is essential to recovery from and prevention of disease and requires a personalized and comprehensive approach to diagnosis and treatment.

3. First Do No Harm (Primum no nocere)

Illness is a purposeful process of the organism. The process of healing includes the generation of symptoms, which are, in fact, an expression of the life force attempting to heal itself. Therapeutic actions should be complementary to and synergistic with this healing process. The physician’s actions can support or antagonize the actions of the vis mediatrix naturae; therefore methods designed to suppress symptoms without removing underlying causes are considered harmful and are avoided or minimized. Therapeutic actions are applied in an ordered fashion congruent with the internal order of the organism.

4. Identify and Treat the Cause (Tolle causam)

Illness does not occur without cause. Underlying causes of disease must be discovered and removed or treated before a person can recover completely from illness. Symptoms are expressions of the body’s attempt to heal, but they are not the cause of disease; therefore naturopathic medicine addresses itself promptly to the underlying causes of disease, rather than symptoms. Causes may occur on many levels, including physical, mental-emotional, and spiritual. The physician must evaluate fundamental underlying causes on all levels, directing treatment at root cause rather than at symptomatic expression.

5. Prevention (Prevention is the best “cure”)

The ultimate goal of naturopathic medicine is prevention. This is accomplished through education and promotion of lifestyle habits that create good health. The physician assesses risk factors and hereditary susceptibility to disease and makes appropriate interventions to avoid further harm and risk to the patient. The emphasis is on building health rather than on fighting disease. Because it is difficult to be healthy in an unhealthy world, it is the responsibility of both the physician and patient to create a healthier environment in which to live.

6. The Physician as Teacher (Docere)

Beyond an accurate diagnosis and appropriate prescription, the physician must work to create a health-sensitive, interpersonal relationship with the patient. A cooperative doctor-patient relationship has inherent therapeutic value. The physician’s major role is to educate and encourage the patient to take responsibility for health. The physician is a catalyst for healthful change, empowering and motivating the patient to assume responsibility. It is the patient, not the doctor, who ultimately creates or accomplishes healing. The physician must strive to inspire hope as well as understanding. Physicans must also make a commitment to their personal and spiritual development in order to be good teachers.

When you get sick, you go to the doctor. And the doctor will, of course, prescribe medicines. You will go and buy medicines. You take them, and hopefully, you get well. This is how the health profession goes on nowadays a cycle of diagnosis and prescription.If anyone were to give you herbs for medicine, you would probably say that that person was a quack but a few natural herbs can help relieve stress

But nowadays, studies are being conducted to see if there are really is any merit to what is called natural medicine.

Natural medicine is the use of natural methods, herbal medicines, and traditional practices to heal ailments. Every culture has a form of natural medicine. In ancient cultures, village medicine men served as the doctors of the community, passing on medical knowledge to the apprentices that followed them.

Many categories of the healing methods fall under natural medicine. Among these are traditional medicine, complementary medicine, and alternative medicine.

Usually, natural medicine refers to medical practices that were in place before the advent of modern medicine.

This includes herbal medicine, or phytotherapy, which is prevalent in Chinese, Ayurvedic(or Indian), and Greek medicine.

Upon the advent of modern medicine, many professionals discarded the use of herbs in favor of man-made medicine. The fact that these treatments are based on the healing properties of some herbs was forgotten.

For example, opium, digitalis, quinine, and aspirin all have their roots in traditional medicine.

Natural medicine can be considered as a lost art. This does not mean that it has lost efficacy over time. In some cases, natural therapy is actually better than modern medicine. This leads some doctors to seriously consider and study the possible uses of natural medicine

Before we continue, it is important to stress that not all the natural remedies are legitimate. It would help to only try those remedies which have been thoroughly studied and are relatively risk free.

Take herbal medicine for example. There are many well-documented and studied herbal remedies available. However, only those that deal with minor ailments such as cough, colds, fever, skin rashes, and its ilk are likely to be recommended by health professionals. These remedies are sometimes superior to synthetic medicine. This is because herbal medicines are less likely to cause negative side effects.

Currently there are numerous organizations that study the effects and advocacy of natural medicine among which is herbal medicine. Some governments and health agencies openly advocate the use of natural methods since they are inexpensive and relatively risk-free.

As their studies compile, more herbs and treatments are added to the list of accepted medicines. However, many herbs and treatments have been proven to be bogus medicine. This represents a challenge for both the user and the agencies because they have to ascertain that the treatments they either use or advocate are legitimate.

There exist today many alternative medical treatments that fall under natural medicine. However, not all of them have been proven to be effective. You could mention homeopathy, aromatherapy, acupuncture, and other alternative medical treatments. It would pay to consult the experts as to the legitimacy of these treatments.

Natural medicine should also be thought of as an accompanying medicine. Right now, the current collective medical thought suggests that natural medicine be used only to supplement accepted modern medical practices. In that case of minor ailments your expert we actually advise you to take natural therapies instead.

The practice of modern medicine revolves around diagnosing an illness and prescribing treatments for such. Natural medicine is helpful because it suggests that treatment be not necessarily given only when sick. Natural medicine strives to make each patient practice good health habits. These habits include good diet, healthy living, and the regular natural treatment.

It is this same line of thought that leads our parents to tell us to eat our vegetables. Yes, a healthy lifestyle and will do no harm to our well-being. And this is the foundation of natural medicine,may it be massage, herbal medicine, aromatherapy or others.

It is funny but true that science, in its quest for excellence, is studying the knowledge of sages past. This, surprisingly, leads us back to the remedies nature offers. The possibilities of finding remedies to everyday illnesses in natural medicine are encouraging. So staying tuned to studying these remedies is worthwhile until we can verify that these therapies are truly helpful to our health and our society.

Medicine balls have been hovering in the corner of the gym for close to 2 centuries.  The first medicine ball was designed and used by William “Iron Duke” Muldoon in 1830.  Iron Duke was a championship wrestler and boxing trainer in New York back then and the medicine ball was developed as a strength training device.  I doubt very much that back then Iron Duke knew that his simple idea would turn into such a diverse tool in the fitness and sports industry.

The original medicine balls featured a tough leather outer skin.  You can still buy models of this style and like the original they are truly designed for basic strength training.  Great for fitness and building any muscle in the body, leather covered medicine balls may not be fancy but they get the job done when it comes to general strength building.  A leather medicine ball routine utilizing a range of weights and a good variety of exercises will help build muscles throughout your body from calves and thighs to biceps your neck and back.  As with any weight training the performing the exercises the right way is important otherwise you’ll find the medicine ball to be a back breaker rather than a muscle maker.  You can start by searching online for medicine ball training resources

That covers weight training now lets really get into the nitty-gritty.  If you shop online at sites like www.morleyathletic.com you’re going to find a lot more than the old fashion style leather covered medicine balls.  This is where it starts to get exciting for you hard core team sports athletes out there.

It turns out old Iron Duke was really onto something but science just wasn’t ready for it back in the 1800′s.  With today’s modern scientific instruments and our higher understanding of the human body we have taken medicine ball training to a new level and it continues to improve by the minute.  We have now developed specific types of medicine balls for specific exercises for specific sports and for specific muscles used in those specific sports.  Confused, well there is a lot of specifics you will need to determine but once you do you will be able to pick up a medicine ball and pinpoint a muscle group based on your athletic needs.  Pitchers may be building muscle memory to develop the perfect arm, football receivers can pinpoint muscle groups for leg speed and strength.

Now it’s not my intention to teach you any exercises.  I don’t profess to know that much about plyometric and strength training but I do know about medicine balls themselves so I’m going to point out a few styles that you may be interested in after you learn more about medicine ball training.  Below is some information on a few styles of medicine balls I recommend.

Rubber Medicine Balls

Standard rubber medicine balls are only one step above the original leather covered models but they need to be mentioned.  They are by far the most popular medicine ball being commercially used today because the rubber cover is durable,  does not get damaged by moisture (such as sweat), they are easy to clean, they bounce and they come in a large variation of weights and sizes.  Oh yeah- they are also pretty economical compared to their designer cousins. 

 
 
Rhino Elite Medicine Balls

Rhino Elite Medicine Balls are a pumped up version of the aforementioned balls.  Rhino Elite balls feature an exclusive textured surface and a design that ensues superior grip and handling.  They are made from a hollow synthetic rubber which means they are designed to be bounced and can take all sorts of atmospheric conditions (they can get wet).  The hollow rubber makes for a consistent bounce so you can perform wall throws, squat throws, start throws…  well medicine ball throws in general.  Rhino Elite medicine balls are available in 11 different weights so you can really vary your resistance levels.

 
 
Gel Filled Medicine Balls

These gel filled medicine balls are the softest most pliable medicine ball available.  They are designed for a softer grip on the ball and are perfect for use with medicine ball rebounders or for general training.  Made from durable roto-molded PVC shells these medicine balls are built to last.  In addition each ball features a textured cover for even easier catching.

 
 
Rope Handled Medicine Balls

Rope handled medicine balls are designed for specific exercises.  Each rope handled medicine ball is fitted with a strong yet soft rope for a wide variety of advanced medicine ball activities.  Swinging, throwing and chopping exercises are performed with these medicine balls.  Don’t worry if your budget won’t allow for more than one kind of medicine ball you can also remove the rope and use the ball as a standard medicine ball.  Two soft rings keep the rope firmly in place to prevent knotting during use.

That is a short list of medicine balls you should consider when starting your routine.  You will find tons of information regarding medicine ball exercise and how to use medicine balls to pinpoint different muscle groups for your sport specific needs on the internet.  My only advice is to make sure you stick to information provided by professionals in the field.  Exercising the wrong way will do more harm than good.  A complete selection of medicine balls used in commercial facilities is available at www.morleyathletic.com.

Would you like to create your very own backyard pharmacy? There’s no better way to use whatever extra space you have at home than to create a garden space where you can grow medicinal plants.

In fact, even if you live in an apartment setting, you can create a windowsill garden where you can grow medicinal plants.

This is especially useful if you have little kids running around in the house who can acquire a burn, a shallow wound, a sore or strike up a fever. Basically, the medicinal plants to grow in your very own little garden space should be ones with the most number of medicinal values.

Factors that You Need to Consider when Growing a Medicinal Plant Garden

Before giving out the top 10 medicinal plants that you can grow in your very own garden, here are a few tips to get you started.

First, check on the area where you plan to grow the medicinal plants in. Will you be having a mini-garden or would you like to turn your lawn into a virtual resource of medicinal plants which you can call your very own backyard pharmacy?

After analyzing the extra space that you have, consider other factors like sunlight, water, type of soil, type of container and the time of the year when the medicinal plants will thrive the most.

By taking these factors into account, you can rest assured that your medicinal plants will be thriving in the mini-garden that you will create just for them.

A Look at the Top 10 Medicinal Plants for Your Garden Space

Now that you already have an idea about the gardening basics, what exactly are the valuable medicinal plants that you can grow right in your very own garden space? Take a look at the following list:

1. Aloe Vera

If there’s one medicinal plant which has 101 uses that is none other than aloe vera.

Let’s say that you or a kid in your home suffered from a minor burn, you can use the bottom stalk of aloe vera as a soothing balm by rubbing the exposed end on the burn.

Aside from minor cuts and wounds, aloe vera is also great for burns, treating eczema and reducing inflammation.

Did you know that this medicinal plant can even be taken internally? You can actually drink aloe vera juice and use it to treat digestive problems, ulcerative colitis, chronic constipation and poor appetite. This medicinal plant grows well under the sun, so it works best for outdoor gardens.

2. Great Burdock

Also called edible burdock or Lappa burdock, this medicinal plant is actually used as a root vegetable. In traditional medicine, the Great Burdock is used as a blood purifying agent, a diuretic and a diaphoretic.

Aside from being medicinal, this plant also has great aesthetic value because of its purple-and-green thorny flowers which looks great against any garden.

If you would like to add medicinal plant to your backyard pharmacy, it can actually grow even without shade; just make sure that the soil is always moist so that the plant will thrive. Other uses for this medicinal plant include boils, rashes, bruises, burns, acne, ringworm Natural treatments for ringworm and bites.

3. Pot Marigold

The good thing about growing this medicinal in your garden is that it can thrive under any soil condition.

As long as you make sure that the Pot Marigold grows in moist soil, it will very easily thrive. It’s also a great-looking addition to your garden aesthetically because of its deep-orange color.

So what are the main uses of Pot Marigold as a medicinal plant? It can help heal bites, stings, sprains, sore eyes, wounds and even varicose veins. When taken internally, this medicinal plant can be used to treat chronic infections and fever.

4. Chamomile

According to the MedlinePlus database, this medicinal plant can help treat more than 100 separate ailments and conditions including the common cold, digestive problems, diarrhea Acupunture for diarrhea, eczema, gastrointestinal conditions, mucositis, toothache, earache Herbs for ear infection, shoulder pain and the common wounds.

What’s good about chamomile is that planting them in your medicinal plant backyard will add a crisp and fruity fragrance to your garden.

5. Echinacea

This lovely-colored flowering medicinal plant is considered to be one of the world’s most important medicinal herbs. It’s actually an herbaceous plant which has several different species.

What makes the Echinacea a handy medicinal plant to be around is the fact that it has a wide array of uses, including the treatment of sores, burns, wounds, allergy relief, insect bites, stings and snakebites. This medicinal plant also has the ability to help relieve allergies by strengthening immune system.

6. Great Yellow Gentian

Also called the Great Yellow Gentian, this medicinal plant comes from the mountains of southern and central Europe. It is actually a bitter herb which is used in traditional medicine, and its main function includes the treatment of digestive problems.

This medicinal plant also aids in the relief of exhaustion from chronic diseases, it stimulates the gal bladder and liver while at the same time strengthening the body.

7. Tea Tree

Look at the ingredients of any over-the-counter medicinal product or beauty product and you will see how tea tree oil is usually listed as one of its main ingredients. This just goes to show how useful the tea tree plant is medicinally.

Tea tree oil comes from the leaves and twigs of the tea tree plant. It has a great many uses, including the treatment of acne, vaginal infections, athlete’s foot, warts, insect bites, cold sores, minor burns, thrush and chronic fatigue syndrome.

8. Peppermint

There’s probably no better-smelling plant that you can grow in your garden than peppermint [Uses of Peppermint essential oil]. It’s considered to be the world’s oldest medicine which has been used by people from the ancient times to relieve whatever it is that is bothering them medically.

What makes peppermint such a medicinal garden essential is the fact that it is naturally rich in vitamins A and C, manganese and it helps reduce a number of symptoms including irritable bowel syndrome, upset stomachs, fevers, flatulence and spastic colon.

9. Ginseng

Ginseng is one of the most beloved and popular herbal medicines in eastern countries. What makes ginseng such a great addition to your medicinal plants garden is the fact that it promotes general health instead of just being useful for a particular type of ailment.

It’s the root of the ginseng which is particularly useful in relaxing the nervous system [Benefits of ginseng]. It also helps reduce cholesterol levels, improve your immune system and stamina, and helps treat lack of appetite and sleep disorders.

10. Sage

Both a cooking herb and a medicinal plant, sage is a great salve for insect bites, skin infections, gum infections and mouth infections. It can also help with indigestion, flatulence, depression and even menopausal problems.

The Latin name, where sage was derived from, means ‘to heal’, which is an apt description for many ailments that can be resolved using this lush herb which doubles up as a medicinal plant.

These are just some of the top medicinal herb plants which can serve as a great addition to your garden space. Aside from giving your dwelling that green and homey feel, these medicinal plants have a variety of uses for whatever it is that is ailing you – so taking care of them and seeing all that greenery thrive later on is definitely worth all your gardening efforts.

Ayurvedic Medicine Manufacturing Companies

Ayurvedic medicines have been practiced in India for over 5000 years. Ayurvedic medicine is a form of alternative medicine widely used in India and many western countries.  A common form of ayurvedic medicine is herbal medicine, where a number of different herbs are mixed together to create medicines for various health problems. Admark Herbals is ayurvedic medicine manufacturer and produce herbal medicines for hair fall, herbal medicines for pimples, medicine for hypertension, medicine for anemia weakness etc.

SANJIVANI

SANJIVANI is an herbal medicine for complete hair care. SANJIVANI is a unique herbal medicine for excessive hair fall, it control hair fall and make your hair healthy, strong, long and silky. By using this herbal medicine daily one can remove hair follicles in shorter period.

SANJIVANI FORTE

SANJIVANI is herbal extract oil by Admark Herbals Ltd. This is a complete ayurvedic medicine used in treatment of baldness. This herbal medicine for baldness is harmless to scalp and existing hair. This medicine reactivates generation of protein keratin which results in eventual growth of hair.

OLIGO

Science is trying hard to make medicine for male infertility that can give results in month or two. OLIGO is an exceptional ayurvedic medicine product to increase fertility in males which gives result in 45 days. OLIGO can cure Oligospermia and abnormalities of sperms. This herbal medicine for male infertility increase sperm motility and make sperm healthier and strong.

CHANDRAMUKHI

Pimples and Black Heads are commonly found in people especially in youths.  Many medicines for pimples are available in market but they have adverse effects on body. CHANDRAMUKHI is herbal medicine for pimples and blackheads. This herbal medicine gives quick results and can remove pimples and black heads effectively and doesn’t have any adverse effect on human body.

TENGO

TENGO is herbal medicine for high blood pressure which controls blood pressure of body within normal limits. This medicine for hypertension reduces risk of stroke by ensuring proper blood circulation. It also helps in eliminating possibilities of heart attack and kidney failure by keeping blood pressure within normal limit.

DIACARE

It is herbal medicine for diabetes patients. This medicine controls the sugar level of body and cures the diabetes approximately in 18 months. This herbal medicine doesn’t have any side effect on body and work for any level of diabetic person.

RAKTA

Admark Herbal Ltd. provides a natural solution to cure blood related diseases. RAKTA is an herbal medicine for anemia and give response within 21 days of entire 90 days therapy. It improves metabolism, body resistance, hemoglobin level and gives relief in Insomnia.

ALLER-X

This is an ayurvedic medicine for allergy caused by hypersensitivity of immune system.

CELEST

This herbal medicine for high cholesterol brings cholesterol level to normal within 3-4 months. CELEST is best ayurvedic medicine for heart cure which eliminate heart attack by maintaining cholesterol level.

CARDOCLEAR

Heart is the most delicate part of body and is to be cared a lot. CARDOCLEAR is ayurvedic medicine for heart diseases. It helps in all cardiovascular disease and help to regularizes functions of heart and reducing possibilities of STROKE

IMMUN-UP

It is unique ayurvedic medicine by Admark Herbal Ltd for the treatment of AIDS. It helps to control temperature, weight gain over period of time, improvement in physical condition and health, improve immune system which generate good resistance power to prevent other diseases

Holistic medicine is health care that comprises all the aspects of one’ s personality to obtain the optimum state of wellness. It encompasses the process of looking into the wholeness of the person including nutritional, physical, environmental, spiritual, lifestyle and social values. Holistic medicine includes virtually all treatments and diagnosis known to achieve balance in personality. It upholds the responsibility of educating one’s self to attain the ideal over-all health and well being.

Holistic medicine and Alternative Medicine

Alternative medicine is commonly associated with holistic medicine. By definition, alternative medicine is the medical techniques that are usually not accepted or practiced by conventional medical practitioners. Most alternative medicines are founded to have rooted on unscientific, untested and untraditional principles. Often, these forms of medicine are closely associated with metaphysical components and anti-scientific stands.

Many of these techniques don’t normally have pharmaceutical values like the acupuncture, herbalism, Reiki, homeopathy and the likes. Yet the alternative medicine may also be used in experimental non-drug and drug techniques that are not yet accepted in the medical circles. The future of alternative medicine holds on the potentiality of transforming the “alternative medicine” into conventional medicine since it is now becoming widely appreciated and practiced by medical doctors. In fact, complementary medicine is the term used for alternative medicine practiced in combination with conventional medicine.

Due to these changes in view of the alternative medicine, holistic medicine has become a more preferable option among those who are quite doubtful of the alternative medicine.

Alternative medicine may appeal to metaphysical beliefs and so does the holistic medicine but on milder and more scientifically based approach. Yet the knowledge applied in holistic medicine still cannot hide the fact that it tends to cling to non-scientific knowledge.

Simply put holistic medicine claims to cure and treat the whole person. Holistic medicine stresses out the unification of the mind and the physical body. Holistic medicine practitioners give credence to the belief the man is not a pure physical body with systems and parts that encompass it. Man is also a spiritual being that requires spiritual healing. Holistic medicine concerns itself to the belief of the connection between the spirit and emotions and mind.

The gap between holistic medicine and alternative medicine is closed by the common practice of not using drug treatments and surgeries. They usually employ meditation, herbs, prayers, vitamins and minerals, as well as exotic diets in treating certain ailments.
Holistic Medicine and Conventional Medicine

Allopathy or conventional medicine defines individual health as the non-occurrence of diseases, which appeals to be a negative approach in defining the condition. Holistic medicine on the other hand concerns itself on a person’s absolute state of physical, social, mental and spiritual well-being.

As based on the definition given (that is commonly used among medical practitioners), orthodox medicine remains to deal with one’s susceptibility to diseases instead of the wellness as opposed by holistic medicine. Based on common observations, conventional medicine typically doesn’t apply to healthy individuals. While holistic medicine focuses on the quality of living practiced by people. Sick people normally don’t seek medical attention not until the symptoms of the disease/s are obvious. Thus, there is too little preventive treatment against sickness.

There are great differences between holistic medicine and the conventional type both in the diagnosis and treatments. Most of which are scientifically based. In oppose to this stand, diagnosis in holistic treatment are conceived through the manifestations of body imbalance. These are determined through certain procedures distinctive only to holistic medicine and other related medicinal practices.

People who have already undergone any of these procedures claim that is not bad trying on or all of these practices. Yet individual preferences still have the hand on what will be accepted as the ideal procedure.

Medicine Balls

World Fitness is a reliable online store in Australia providing a wide range of gym equipment that includes medicine ball, treadmill, dumbbell, vibration platform, spin bike, weight bench, aerobic step, elliptical cross trainer, trampoline, squat rack, barbell etc.

We also sell exercise equipment, multi gym, exercise bike, rowing machine, inversion table, power rack, boxing equipment, kettlebell, crossfit equipment, weight plate, strength equipment, cable attachment and accessories at competitive prices.

Types of Medicine Balls

There are several types of medicine balls designed for specific purposes; like leather medicine ball, rubber medicine ball, gel-filled medicine ball, medicine ball with grip, air-filled medicine ball, medicine ball with handles, medicine ball with rope etc.

The medicine ball is simply a round weighted ball. Certain medicine balls are designed to bounce; while others do not bounce; few have a tough grip; many are smooth; some float and are soft; several are attached to ropes; others have handles.

How to Use Medicine Balls

A medicine ball workout provides fun while exercising. There are various ways about how to use medicine balls. Use a medicine ball with grip to increase core strength, build spine, pelvis and back muscles. A gel filled medicine ball is used in physical therapy.

A rubber medicine ball will develop arms, body balance and work on abs. Soft medicine balls are used for upper body; while heavy medicine balls for lower body. A medicine ball with rope involves every muscle in your body to control the motion. 

Use a medicine ball with handles for core strength, torso rotations and hand throws. A leather medicine ball is used for abdominal work and short distance catch; an air-filled medicine ball is used for general resistance exercises.

Size of Medicine Balls

Medicine balls range from 4kg to 10kgs and 1lb to 30 lbs. The correct size of medicine balls depends onyour exercise goals and whether you are short or tall; slim or muscular. For quick repeating exercises choose a light medicine ball; whereas strength training requires a heavy medicine ball.

So toss, catch, lift or press medicine balls for healthiness. World Fitness supplies fitness equipment throughout Adelaide, Brisbane, Canberra, Darwin, Hobart, Melbourne, New South Wales, Northern Territory, Perth, Queensland, Sydney, South Australia, Tasmania, Victoria and Western Australia.

The history of alternative medicine is a rather interesting one, and has its
origins in traditional methods of medicine. Alternative medicine has been
in existence since time immemorial. Being a primeval science, this medicinal
system has been known to man since the early days of his time on Earth. Using
natural ingredients to prevent and cure most illnesses has perhaps been man’s greatest foray into medical science. Traditional medical practitioners aimed at prevention of diseases associated with an increase in resistance of the human body. As an expert rightly pointed out, “The study of the history of alternative medicine is fascinating on a variety of levels, not just concerning other and often better ways of preserving and restoring health.”

Practised for thousands of years, alternative medicine includes systems like
Acupuncture, Ayurveda and traditional Asian medicine. Alternative medicine branches
out from the Complementary and Alternative Medicine (CAM) treatments and
therapies. CAM is often combined with formal, conventional medicine, integrating
both medical practices, in order to give the best results to patients. It can be said that
the earlier methods of medicine were attempted at achieving a balance between bodily
and natural energy. Energies were sought as positive and negative energies, where
positive energies were to bring in happiness and health and negative energies an
incapacitation of resistance to face any ailments. Matters of utmost importance in
deciding therapies or treatments in these earlier medical systems were factors like
one’s lifestyle, one’s habits of eating and one’s occupational pressures.

The earliest use of traditional remedies dates back to 2800 BC in China.
Practised all over the world in more than a hundred disciplines, alternative medicine
has aided medical tourism in an unprecedented manner. Using alternative medicine
and following alternative medical practices not only removes any possible additional
affects of the illness but also increases the resilience of the body. It is generally
claimed that natural remedies are not only less inimical to human physiology
but they also help in retaining body pliancy. Systems of natural, traditional
medicines use a combination of ingredients to restore the bodily constituents. In
fact, natural remedies are considered more as food, given their natural constituents.
Since alternative medicine is based on completely natural methods and there is
no usage of any chemicals, there is no danger of any interference with the organic
system. A holistic approach as opposed to looking at a set of symptoms and a
treatment that delves into the root-cause of an illness are some of the distinct and
highly acknowledged features of alternative medicine. It is also opined that
widespread use of modern medicine has deteriorated the immune system in the
human physiology and has resulted in these modern medicines becoming less
effective. It is also often said that alternative medicine is the only way to cure
some incurable diseases.

A Brief History of Alternative Medicine

The history of alternative medicine can be traced back to some 5000 years, when the Chinese and Indians discovered traditional and Ayurvedic therapies to heal the body and the mind. The real objective was to identify the deterrents in the body system which caused ailments, and
strengthened the body’s immunity. The therapies mainly incorporated self-care, lifestyle
changes and various preventive measures. The normal practices that were followed in the early stages of the history of alternative medicine include the extractions of the bark of willow trees. Many kitchen ingredients were also used for treating patients. The treatments were considered as the blessings of God, as it brought immense relief to the writhing bodies and prayer was considered as one of the strongest weapons in waging war against ailments.
Source: “A Brief History of Alternative Medicine”, http://www.med-help.net/med-history-of-alternativemedicine.
html

Alternative Medicine and Medical Tourism

Today, alternative medicine holds out immense potential in attracting medical
tourists. For example, India is likely to become a major hub for medical tourism,
with revenues from the industry estimated to grow from US3 million in 2007
to US.2 billion by 2012, says a study by the Confederation of Indian Industry
(CII) and McKinsey.3 The major competitive advantages that India faces are cost
effectiveness and traditional medical systems like Ayurveda and Naturopathy.
The world has witnessed the development of many traditional as well as modern
systems of medicine in the 20th century. Path-breaking discoveries like penicillin,
technological advancements in modern surgery, major research advancement in stem
cell research and genetic structure, and the development of traditional medical systems
like traditional Chinese system of medicine, Acupuncture, Osteopathy, Homeopathy,
Ayurveda, Yoga, Unani and others have all been a part of developments in the
omnipotent territory of global medicine. The major competitive advantages that India
has are cost effectiveness and traditional medical systems like Ayurveda and Naturopathy.
The last few years have seen countries with their own individual expertise attracting
tourists from all over the world and promoting medical tourism like never before.

India

In India, medical tourism in alternative medicine has its ancestry in South India
and some places in North-Eastern India. Internationally famed for its natural remedies and therapies, Kerala’s schools of medicine have embraced Siddha,
Naturopathy and Ayurveda in treating their patients. These traditional medical
practices are estimated to attract high-end medical tourists from Europe and
Middle Eastern countries. The vital advantages that a country like India faces
with regard to medical tourism are its traditional therapies like yoga and Ayurveda
combined with tourist attractions in states like Kerala and north-eastern states.
Naturopathy, a therapeutic system based on natural remedies, trusts natural
elements like air, water and sunlight, combined with therapeutic massages and
conditioning and toning of the human body. Naturopathy believes that the human
body has the capacity to heal on its own, provided it is in a healthy environment.
With a holistic approach to well-being, Naturopathy believes that the three
physical entities – the physical body, the supernatural soul and the mind – must
be integrated through natural energies. “A recent survey shows that 76% of global
drugs are consumed by USA and European countries. We believe that freedom
from diseases and drugs can only be achieved by living a natural life style.”4
Ayurveda, the most ancient health care system, takes its ingredients from nature.
The use of herbs, materials like gold and mercury and many household ingredients
make this science easily accessible to common man. Ayurveda claims to cure diseases
like diabetes with the aid of nature. The Siddha medical system, which is a part of
Ayurveda, employs herbs, minerals and advanced scientific techniques under ancient
principles of medical science to cure many chronic diseases. It is named as one of
the most complicated and intricate forms of medicine. Siddha considers nature
and man as one essential entity. It claims that physiological characteristics like
human aging can itself be arrested with natural remedies.

Naturopathy has evolved medical tourism in India in more than one ways.
With its systems of medication using all natural ingredients to restore the holistic
disease-fighting nature of the human body, the medicine has created increased
chances of its own survival through tourists from all parts of the world visiting
India to reap its benefits. As Vitthal Kamat of the Kamat Group of Hotels says,
“With Naturopathy and Ayurveda along with the world renowned tourist attractions
and heritage places, the tourism sector can grow in leaps and bounds.”5 Naturopathy
in “KayaKalp”, a naturopathy centre in Himachal Pradesh, run by the Vivekananda Medical Research Trust in India has served medical tourists in detoxifying, immunizing and rejuvenating through Yoga, Pranayama, Panchkarma, Meditation and Naturopathy. Its therapies are claimed to be drug-less and extremely natural. Naturopathy takes the help of Ayurvedic preparations for healing processes like Panchkarma and improvement of blood circulation.

India’s pioneer in alternative therapy – medical tourism, Kerala, has visitors
from all over the world in the months of June, July and August. These months are
looked upon as the best period for cure of bodily ailments through Ayurveda.
High quality medical facilities provided at low prices are the main tourist attraction
in Kerala. Mr. M Narayanan, head of Poovar Island Resort says that there are
tourists from countries like Australia, Europe and Germany. The packages offered
in these Ayurvedic spas include services like Ayurvedic oil massages, powder
massages, vegetarian diets, detoxification programs and a lifestyle change. In fact
it is little known that Ayurveda includes not just massages, but a whole gamut of
services like herbal and natural diet plans, natural healing therapies, and therefore
a full-fledged medical system.

Ayurveda Gram, a unique Ayurvedic Institution in Bangalore offers Ayurveda
in its wellness form to medical tourists. It offers services like Customized Yoga,
Pranayama, Meditation, and a vegetarian diet to boost metabolism. Its sprawling
campus full of medicinal herbs and natural surrounds helps in the processes of
cure for specific ailments like Arthiritis, Spondilytis, Cholesterol, Sinusitis, Peptic
Ulcer and Obesity. Other therapies by Ayurveda Gram include Stress Management
therapies, Panchkarma and rejuvenation therapies.

AYUSH, the department of Ayurveda, Yoga and Naturopathy, Unani, Siddha
and Homeopathy was formed under the Indian Medicine Central Council Act,
1970. One of the most recent awareness activities undertaken by AYUSH was a
health fair organized in parts of Hyderabad, Chennai, Indore and New Delhi.
AYUSH ensured that the major Ayurvedic, Unani and Siddha manufacturers in
India participated in this health fair.

Another famous Ayurvedic centre in India is the C V N Kalari Centre for
Ayurveda. Kalari is one of the approved Ayurvedic centres recognized by the
Kerala Tourism Department.6 Kalari has its customers from many foreign countries. The centre specializes in Marma Chikitsa (the application of pressure on specific
nerve points) and other special practices of healing. Having both therapeutic and
rejuvenative aspects in them, these specialized healing procedures take extensive help
of Ayurveda to treat the ailing.
Some Ayurvedic resorts have formulated Ayurvedic kitchens that help improve
the effectiveness of oil treatments. Diet regimens, detoxification programs and other
processes that give a glowing skin to the customer are very popular. Some of these
Ayurvedic resorts also arrange for cooking classes to help their customers acquire
and maintain the lifestyle that they are introduced to in these spas and resorts.
Ananda, an Ayurvedic Spa in the Himalayas is one of the most famous destination
resorts in India. It offers specialty Ayurvedic packages like Aroma therapy massages,
reflexology programs for rejuvenation, stress release programs, personalized Yoga
sessions, body composition analysis and weight reduction programs through Yoga
and Ayurveda. Ananda claims that its packages and therapies cure many ailments
like headaches, nausea, climatic disorders, facial paralysis, insomnia, asthma, neuralgia
and does general improvement of metabolism.

China

The 3000 year-old method of traditional medicine in China has gained popularity
as the world’s most popular medicine, being used by more than a quarter of the
world in treating even chronic diseases like cancer, AIDS, allergies and heart diseases.
Traditional Chinese Medicine (TCM) uses medicinal herbs, therapeutic exercises
and acupuncture to cure ailments. TCM diagnoses illnesses based on the five elements
theory and the yin-yang theory. The five elements theory base their evaluation on the
five elements – wood, fire, earth, metal and water to establish a connection between
human physiology and pathology and the natural environment.7 The movement of
these five elements constantly rules the functioning of the human body and thus
establishes the interdependence of both.

The yin-yang theory calls for comprehending the bright and dark sides of
the universe, in other words, the opposite properties of the universe.8 The relative
nature of yin and yang represents the interrelationship between substance and function. As traditional chinese medical practitioners say “Only with ample
substance can the human body function in a healthy way; and only when the
functional processes are in good condition, can the essential substances be
appropriately refreshed.”

Chinese herbal medicine is more known as Chinese materia medica. This includes
Chinese crude medicine, prepared drugs in pieces, traditional Chinese patented
medicines and simplified Chinese medicinal preparations. Chinese herbology, a major
aspect of TCM addresses the art of combining medicinal herbs.10 It visualizes the
entire human body’s balance of energies and spirit to treat a medical condition.
Herbs are combined into different potions of various characteristics for the sake of
different individuals being treated by TCM practitioners. Herbs like Astragalus,
Ginkgo, Ginger, Green Tea, Siberian Ginseng and Garlic are used to treat several
ailments. Around 300 mineral and animal extracts and 400 formulae are used to
cure diseases, in Traditional Chinese Medicine.

Acupuncture, as part of TCM is used to unblock the flow of vital energy through
the human body.11 One of the oldest healing techniques in the world, this traditional
method aims at “restoring health through simulation of specific points on the body.”12
Ailments like nausea, addictions and some kinds of pains are claimed to be treated
with the help of acupuncture.

Taking advantage of its abundant human resources, China is luring medical tourists
into its web of alternative medical therapies. Wellness packages in China come at
low costs and without any side-effects, thanks to proliferated Traditional Chinese
Medicine. Several massages and spas have been set up in recent times that provide
mental health and physical well-being to medical tourists with the help of Chinese
medicinal herbs. Wellness apartments are established for the purpose of serving
senior medical tourists. These wellness apartments facilitate these tourists in
practising their own hobbies and also conducting medical activities like Taiji.

Germany

Germany’s alternative medical practices have their origins in Homeopathy, a
medical system that was developed by Samuel Hahnemann, a German physician.
Homeopathy considers symptoms as disturbances of vital forces that have
connection with the human body. Homeopathic advocators believe that this
medical system has the ability to cure acute diseases like flu, cold, pains, depression
and fatigue, constipation, irritability other than chronic diseases. It is claimed to
cure allergies and allergic disorders like Eczema and Asthma. Moreover, this
medical system is child friendly, in the sense, that the medication given by
homeopaths is sweet to the tooth and therefore acceptable. Homeopaths are known
for debonair and their hands free treatment of patients. They concentrate more
on the patient’s state of mind and attitude towards life. The preparation of different
potions in Homeopathy is done mostly with the help of herbs, minerals and
animal extracts. Also, it is often reasoned that since the dosage that homeopaths
prescribe is in such minute constitutions and because they come in dilutions of
substances like water and alcohol there is no chance of any side-effects.
Germany also stands famous for its herbal remedies. Regulated by Commission
E14 on the purity and pharmaceutical activity, these herbal medicines in Germany
have come a long way in preventing and curing many diseases like cancer, AIDS and
other serious ailments. Most physicians in Germany are required to be educated in
Alternative therapies, so that it serves complimentary to modern medical treatments.
As Mark Blumenthal, chairman of the American Botanical Council points out, “Most
of the clinical research that’s conducted on the leading herbal medicines in the United
States comes from Germany.”15

With more than 300 spa towns, Germany has become the premier destination
for health and wellness in Europe.16 One of the most famous resorts in Germany
is the Baltic Spa Resort in Warnemunde. Situated on the shore of the Baltic Sea,
it idealizes the sea as a “homeopathic pharmacy” and claims that “it contains all
important trace elements and has a similar composition to human blood”17 Sea water is said to have revitalizing effects in treating bodily ailments like respiratory
illnesses, sleep disorders and obesity. Other than these, mental disorders like
depression, anxiety and agony are claimed to be cured with the help of the sea.
Sea breeze is said to be specifically effective in treating cardio-vascular as well as
dermatological conditions. Major advantages that Germany faces are in terms of
both cost and quality. As Axel Steller, the CEO of the Arab German Health
Foundation points out, “In the US, operations are four to five times more expensive
as they are in Germany”.

Japan

Japanese medicine is known as Kanpo or Kampo, a herbal medicine that forms part
of well-researched modern clinical methods and also traditional methods of
medicine. A Japanese variant of the traditional Chinese medicine or the Oriental
medicine, Kanpo adheres to the body’s natural instincts and natural mechanism
of healing. For this purpose, medical treatment involves diagnosis of the tongue,
abdomen and pulse. At each stage of the treatment, different formulae that are
necessary to bring the body back to normalcy, are prepared by the physician.
These herbal medicines are regulated by the Japanese Government. Kanpo
medicine is used to cure many acute and chronic ailments like cardio-vascular,
respiratory, digestive, reproductive and dermatological conditions and immune
system corrections and even disorders like bedwetting, high cholesterol and
hepatitis. Though Kanpo therapies take longer than usual to work, this medical
system uses some very natural diagnosis and treatment methods and concepts
like water, blood and air to identify bodily symptoms. Also, it is claimed that
these herbal medicines produce no side-effects because of their natural
compositions. Japanese therapists of Anma visit countries like India and Singapore
to help in promotion of health tourism. Anma, a traditional Japanese massage, is
said to be a complete form of Shiastu19 that treats the body to release blood flow
in a proper manner to rejuvenate the body.

Apart from attracting tourists for its natural herbal medical treatments, Medical
tourism in Japan has become popular thanks to its volcanic areas that have allowed
the formation of some hot mineral water springs called Onsen. Japanese Onsen serve as places where the ailing can get alternative treatments to modern medical
practices. These have medicinal properties that heal wounds, alleviate pains and
replenish energy levels. Senior tourists and people suffering from many kinds of
aches and pains come flocking to these mineral water springs. The healing
properties of these springs are accentuated by the surrounding volcanic soil that
is composed of many minerals and curative elements.

Outlook of Medical Tourism in Alternative Medicine

Alternative medicine is here to stay, claim some traditional medical practitioners.
Given its perceived advantages over the modern medical techniques and the expensive
western medicines, alternative medical therapy is gaining ground in many developing
as well as developed countries. Practices like Ayurveda and Homeopathy claim that
surgery may always be the last option in case of treatment of an ailment. Natural
medicines like herbs and minerals can all be partaken as food and not medicines as
such, since their composition is all natural. Alternative medicine is used in conjunction
with modern medicine to treat many chronic ailments like diabetes and AIDS. This
helps modern medical practitioners to evolve a closer relationship with the patient
and cure him to a greater extent, thus giving him a new perspective to life. It follows
that one should never overlook the disposition of the traditional cures suggested by
our ancestors. These provide a standpoint from where one can comprehend the
profundity of traditional and alternative medicine, and gauge the tremendous potential
of alternative medicine in medical tourism.

Please seek author’s permission for reprint. Send a reprint request to kirrti82@gmail.com.

References
1. www.hinduonnet.com
2. “Kerala”, www.takekerala.com
3. “Prospects of Medical Tourism in India”, www.mpiweb.org
4. “Medical Tourism push for Penang and Langkawi”, http://thestar.com.my
5. www.wikipedia.com

10 ADVANTAGES OF ALTERNATIVE MEDICINE AND NATURAL REMEDIES (One man beat emphysema and COPD in six weeks … over 20 years ago.)
Fact: Emphysema, COPD, cancer, arthritis, and other diseases and adverse health conditions have in many cases been beaten. But why aren’t these countless successes acknowledged by mainstream medicine?

PREFACE
Alternative medicine is kind of an umbrella title for a number of different health or healing philosophies and approaches to medicine, health and healing. Included in alternative medicine are homeopathy, naturopathy, chiropractic care, acupuncture, and natural remedies.

Many diseases and health conditions (i.e., emphysema, COPD, cancer, arthritis) have actually been beaten by alternative medicine and natural remedies. However, mainstream medicine has for years tended to not acknowledge these countless successes, apparently because they go against its established philosophies, methodologies, and are generally far less profitable than their mainstream treatments.

From my research and experience, and that of many highly qualified sources, many safe and effective alternative treatments and remedies have been ignored or even scoffed at for years by mainstream medical authorities and professionals. Mainstream medicine has labeled some alternative treatments as “unsafe,” “unproven”, etc. However, consider how many once “approved” mainstream pharmaceutical drugs, prescribed to millions of patients, have been recalled due to harm or death to patients? Consider the numerous potential side effects they list in their ads for their drugs still on the market. (Talk about “unsafe”! Yet, they can label alternative medicine and natural remedies “unsafe”?!)

Alternative medical, health and healing “testimonials” have also often been called “anecdotes” or “anecdotal evidence;” sometimes, as in a court room, such can be called “hearsay.” Some anecdotal evidence does not qualify as scientific evidence because its nature prevents it from being investigated using the scientific method. I’m not discounting the scientific method at all; it certainly has its place, and it is one of the single greatest strategies and reasons for humanity’s greatest advances in science, technology and medicine in the last two centuries.

There is truly “hearsay” and there is “anecdotal evidence.” Applying these labels too broadly, however, can shade or hide the reality of truly valuable and valid research and results. This terminology or labeling can be accurate (i.e., illogical conclusions), desirable and necessary in many situations. “Goat yogurt mixed with bananas and peanuts prolongs life. I heard of a man who ate this almost every day of his life, and he lived to be 112.” This would be a simplistic example of hearsay or anecdotal evidence; the conclusion is unreliable and does not follow the evidence. Such cases may hold some truth, but, by their nature, using the scientific method is not possible.

However, with many successful alternative treatments and natural remedies, I am asserting that there is often a much higher level of correlation linking them to health or healing, even though the scientific method may not be applicable. (Mainstream medical authorities have in the past tended to discount claims or research that wasn’t conducted with the scientific methodology). (Many celebrities, professional athletes, politicians, and other wealthy people are seekers and strong supporters of alternative medicine, natural remedies, etc. Such high performance people need, want and demand high performance supplements, practices and treatments for their minds and bodies. Why shouldn’t you and your family have the same? )

Objectivity is foundational to the value and integrity of the scientific method; however, in the area of medicine and healing, the subjective, human realities of the patient (i.e., belief, expectation, attitude, commitment, family or environmental support, etc.) have abundantly been demonstrated to play major roles in healing. But such real factors and dimensions cannot easily be incorporated by the scientific method; therefore, other methods of measurement, research and investigation are necessary.

Again, the scientific method is highly necessary and deserves glorious credit. But scientists, researchers, doctors, etc., need to have the wisdom to know when it is needed or applicable; they, and we, need to have the wisdom and integrity to not discount or discredit evidence simply because it has not or cannot be investigated by the scientific method.

With the human, subjective variables being very real, medicine, health and healing can be somewhat more complicated than, say, the aerodynamics of flight, or other areas of technology. It seems that to simply label evidence that doesn’t fit the strict western scientific methodology, simply because scientists can’t fully explain or predict a claim, or that its nature prevents such strategy, would be closed minded. Some factors, variables or dimensions of the human experience are simply broader than the scientific methodology allows.

As can be seen as you investigate alternative medicine—great results have been realized from alternative medicine, natural remedies, etc.; such results are undeniable.

Mainstream medicine places a high value upon being able to explain “why” a tested treatment works; if they can’t explain it or it isn’t predictable by their standards, they tend to discount or discredit the substance, treatment or practice. Yes, it is worthy to want to know why something works or doesn’t work. However, wisdom from positive results would seem to say, “Use it … as you continue to investigate the “why” of it.” (Again, consider the countless dangers and deaths that have resulted from mainstream “approved” drugs, treatments and practices … many of which the public seems to be little aware.)

The bottom line is—the alternative treatments and natural remedies I support and use have demonstrated a much higher degree of value and validity than simple “hearsay” or “anecdotal evidence.” A real “truth seeker” will not let fear, bias, ego or an agenda interfere with gaining truth and facts.    

In recent years millions of common people have been awakened to the value and validity of alternative medicine and natural remedies; now, even mainstream practitioners are opening their minds to them. Here are a few examples. For years, chiropractic care was basically scoffed at; but now chiropractic care is so widely embraced that many insurance companies cover it and countless people have benefited from it. For years, alternative doctors and health practitioners asserted that good nutrition and cleansing the body of toxins were crucial to good health and healing; yet mainstream medicine tended to downplay their importance. Now, after years of alternative medicine making progress, an increasing number of mainstream practitioners are open to these truths and even practice them personally themselves. This is good news! These mainstream medical professionals are to be appreciated for being forward-thinking!

A third example is that, for years, alternative professionals asserted that anti-biotics were way over prescribed by mainstream doctors. Now, in recent years, mainstream sources have come to acknowledge this, as some harmful microbes have become immune to the over prescribed anti-biotics. This has even been report on in mainstream media. Once again, alternative medicine revealed and proclaimed truth that is now being received. I am not attempting to discount or diminish the value and validity of mainstream medicine. It definitely has its place. And I definitely acknowledge and appreciate the truly dedicated mainstream medical professionals who both practice and advance beneficial methods of medical innovations. In my opinion, there is no better place to go for injuries or trauma than a mainstream medical hospita
l!

I’m just saying that, when it comes to general health and healing of diseases and conditions like emphysema, cancer, COPD, arthritis, etc., both mainstream and alternative treatments should be openly and fairly considered. This seems to be “common sense” wisdom. When you begin to look into the successes of alternative medicine, it will soon become apparent that the countless successes and testimonials cannot be denied. Five, ten or twenty success testimonials from a single source could be overlooked. However, a broader view will reveal that there are countless successes, from many diverse and highly credible sources of alternative medicine and natural remedies. Many such successes are from late stage patients who mainstream medicine had exhausted their limited treatments on, and sent them home to prepare to die. Yet, alternative medicine is credited with a good percentage of restoring the health of such late-stage patients, or at least extending their lives and allowing them to experience a higher quality of life in their final days (as compared to what they likely would have had under mainstream treatment or hospitalization).

At some point in one’s investigation of the subject, it becomes apparent that to discount or deny these many diverse successes would be ignorant and closed minded. One man, Jim, was told by his mainstream doctor that there was nothing else he could do for him, and that he would die in about six months from his emphysema and COPD.

Shortly after, however, Jim discovered and began a long established, but still relatively little-known, alternative treatment. Just six weeks after starting this simple and inexpensive treatment, Jim returned to his mainstream doctor. After some tests, his doctor exclaimed in amazement: “Whatever you’ve been doing — keep doing it! Your lungs are 70% clear!”

(Jim is still living today — over 20 years since his doctor gave him a six-month “death sentence.” The treatment Jim used to beat emphysema, COPD and arthritis in six weeks has also been used by thousands of people to heal or greatly improve many other diseases and conditions.)

True science, whether in medicine or any other field, should constantly be open to evidence — even if the body of evidence is contrary to the scientist or investigator’s premises, hypothesis or expectations. It has been said that the evidence of an experiment or study is dictated by the hypothesis. In a way, this perspective is necessary and even inherently desirable in the scientific process. (Double-blind studies and experiments are indeed important and often necessary and desired.) A scientist should or may have some expectations in the testing of his or her hypothesis. However, if a scientist doesn’t have a grounding or value beyond the results, a purpose that is to get at truth that goes beyond his or her expectations or purpose — a bias can sway or elevate their agenda above truth and that which may potentially benefit society. And, even with a justifiable and worthy profit motive, if benefiting society or whatever is not the ultimate aim, then hindering truth can be harmful to individuals, society, and/or the environment.

To hold to one’s foundational assumptions above the evidence blinds one to truth and reality; and getting at truth and reality should be the guiding vision of science, medical or otherwise. Anything less is to devalue and hinder progress that could likely benefit others. Yes, profit can and should be made. Profit is foundational to the stability and advance of the company or institution, and economics in general. Devoid of some fair degree of profit motive, the expressions of gifts and talents of human creativity and innovation would be hindered. But profit or power can wrongfully become more important than people, animals or the environment. Unfortunately, in the real world, this has been the case too many times throughout history as well as today.

The key to true and beneficial “advancement” is to evaluate and proceed with a care and concern for the long-term effects at all levels (human, animal and environment). The primary standard and directive, then, as the creatures on earth who impact the world more than any other — should be to value life at all levels. So, whether it is medicine or another area of science, alternative ideas that demonstrate safety and effectiveness, even if they are not as profitable — should be allowed and supported to the benefit of humanity, individually and collectively. Choice is fundamental to freedom, but true choice is not possible if the alternatives are not supported or made available.

Again, mainstream medicine and the pharmaceutical industry have done much good for the benefit of society. However, to varying degrees and for various reasons, many of the beneficial discoveries, advances and successes of alternative medicine — have too long been ignored or discounted by mainstream medical sources. These many successes of alternative medicine are realities that anyone can quickly discover as they begin to look into the subject with an open mind.

Wisdom is essentially the proper application of knowledge and understanding that tends to bring good and beneficial results. I believe wisdom, when it comes to health and healing, comes from an informed and balanced perspective in the various areas of medicine. To expand one’s view and perspective, we much expand or shift our perception and understanding from merely disease control and symptom management to focus more on health principles, prevention, and healing at the causal levels. Disease is essentially the body “not-at-ease”, out of balance or not in homeostasis. As it is evident that the body has innate processes that tend to try to heal itself, the body innately tries to move toward homeostasis (balance and a state of health and “ease”). When given what it needs, the body can frequently be successful. A balanced perspective in medicine and healing, then, can only come from knowing the truths and realities, of the benefits and successes, of the diverse areas of all forms of healing.

Mainstream medicine, pharmaceutical drugs and alternative medicine each have their place and beneficial purposes. With the mainstream establishments having the dominant advantages in society, which often conflict with the philosophies and practices of the lesser known areas of alternative medicine, I believe it is important to share some of the advantages. There are many advantages of alternative medicine, natural remedies, etc., but I present ten here that are fundamental. To these purposes, I present to you …

10 ADVANTAGES OF ALTERNATIVE MEDICINE AND NATURAL REMEDIES

1. Alternative Medicine Tends To Support The Innate Healing Processes Of The Body More Than Mainstream Medicine
Everyone, even young children, know that the human body has an innate ability or tendency to heal itself. For years, mainstream medicine has tended to ignore or to work against this reality. Many of their treatments actually suppress the innate processes the body uses to cleanse itself of sickness, disease or condition. In some cases it may be necessary to intervene in what the body may be doing in response to disease, illness, conditions or injuries. However, in general, the body knows precisely what to do and is programmed to instinctively heal itself.

One of the common philosophies in alternative medicine is to use treatments that aid, facilitate and strengthen the body’s innate healing processes in their efforts to restore health and balance. To work with, rather than against, the self-evident innate healing process, whenever possible, makes sense and has demonstrated countless successes.

2. Alternative Medicine Tends To Treat Causes Rather Than Symptoms
Mainstream medicine tends to treat symptoms rather than address the underlying causes of diseases or conditions. Mainstream doctors generally have their dominant treatments, medicines and practices th
at relatively limit experimentation with individual patients. Alternative medicine tends to have more liberty to experiment and apply different treatments, and often experiment until they get results. In general, their treatments are typically very safe and often natural. (Alternative medicine practitioners often do and should earn income from their practices and products; but could it be that there is much more money in symptom management in the mainstream camps?)

3. Alternative Medicine Tends To Embrace And Work With The Subjective Realities Of The Mind, Belief, Expectation, Emotions, Attitude, etc. Of The Whole Person
Mainstream medicine has for decades tended to dismiss the powerful realities and roles that belief, expectancy and emotions play in health and healing. Double-blind tests and objectivity are often highly necessary and important. However, belief, expectation and other factors are also important and powerful when it comes to health and healing. The internal, subjective experience of a subject is crucial and cannot be denied. Many people today are aware that the human mind and imagination hold unrealized potential in many areas, including health and healing. Consider the amazing experiments, results and fun that have been attained from hypnosis — by the belief of the mind. In education, whether a student can or can’t do a given task, is often determined by his or her level of belief and expectation. This is known as “self-fulfilling prophecy.”

In the medical field, it has been effectively demonstrated that a single thought (with emotion) can dramatically affect a subject’s white blood cell count which is crucial to the immune systems and healing. In subjects who were asked to think of an experience that caused them some sort of negative feeling, their white blood count almost immediately went down from the baseline count. In the same subjects, when asked to think of something positive, their white blood cell counts almost immediately sky rocketed far above the baseline.

It has also been demonstrated that laughter can enhance the white blood cell count, healing endorphins and functions of immune system. Even the Good Book reveals that being happy is good like a medicine (Proverbs 17:22). Mainstream medicine, for years, has tended to ignore or discount such subjective experiments. Objectivity is often important, but to deny and investigate without acknowledging the subjective experience — is to deny or ignore reality.

4. Alternative Medicine Is Not Dependent Upon Patented Drugs
Mainstream medicine tends to support and is highly dependent upon the pharmaceutical industry, which often uses unnatural substances. Apparently, substances that are naturally-occurring cannot be patented. From what I understand, this is generally why the pharmaceutical companies tend to create their own substances, so they can obtain patents and so gain higher profits. Again, some medications are necessary and beneficial. But, again, consider the many once “approved” drugs that have been recalled due to harm and even deaths. Consider the many potential side-effects they list in the ads of drugs currently on the market. (Uh, no thanks . . . I’d rather keep my disease!)

Alternative medicine is not generally into patenting their substances, or at least is not as dependent upon patents. And their treatments are typically safe when used correctly, or are natural. Yes, even “natural” substances can be unsafe, but they must be used appropriately. Alternative treatments aren’t always successful. But often treatments can easily be modified or changed until something does work.

5. Alternative Medicine Tends To Have A Broader Perspective Of Health and Healing, Allowing More Flexibility and Adaptability When Treating Patients
Mainstream medicine tends to be limited in its approaches and treatments, generally staying solely with medical school practices. How many times have you heard of a doctor giving up on a patient and sending them home to die? Yet, alternative medicine has many types of treatments, and is credited with actually healing a good percentage of patients in the late stages of diseases (after their mainstream doctors had given up on them). Jim’s doctor had given him only 6 months to live; but after he started the alternative, natural treatment for his emphysema, his lungs became 70% clear in only six weeks. And this was revealed and stated by his doctor who had given up on him.

Again, alternative medicine treatments aren’t always effective. But they have demonstrated much more effectiveness than some of mainstream medicine’s treatments. After his doctor told him he had only six months to live, Jim had no hope; and hopelessness has been linked to early deaths. Without hope, it has been observed, the mind and body tend to weaken and slowly shut down, thus bringing on death sooner. Once Jim first heard about the treatment that later saved his life, he began to have hope. Hope wasn’t really necessary with the treatment that he used (as it has been used successfully on people who had little or no expectation of it). However, hope was enough to get him to try it and take action.

Alternative medicine has a broader perspective, approach and adaptability than does mainstream medicine. Thankfully, mainstream medicine in recent years is more accommodating of alternative medicine; they sometimes now refer to it as “complimentary medicine.” Many alternative therapies will not conflict with mainstream medicine treatments so they can often be used along with mainstream treatments.

6. Alternative Medicine Fundamentally Embraces The Now-Known Reality That Good Nutrition, Balancing And Cleansing The Body Is Fundamental To Health And Healing
For decades, mainstream medicine in general has tended to downplay and even sometimes mock the importance of nutrition, balancing and cleansing the body. Yet, properly nourishing, balancing and cleansing the body has demonstrated many times that this combination can greatly assist the body in healing itself. Now, after years of alternative assertions as to the importance of these, even many mainstream practitioners are now eating healthier, taking nutritional supplements, exercising, and balancing and cleansing their own bodies personally.

Mainstream medical students, at least in the past, receive relatively few hours of training in nutrition as compared with the many hours of their other medical training. This seems to reveal that mainstream medicine has not tended to value the importance of how critical properly nourishing and cleansing the body is to general health and healing. (A crazy thought: If society was much healthier in general from better nutrition and cleansing, maybe we would need less of the not-so-healthy drugs of mainstream medicine.) Of course their other medical training is important. However, in recent years, it is great news that even mainstream medical sources are now realizing the extreme importance of good nutrition as alternative practitioners have asserted for decades.

Now, more and more people are being educated by alternative medical knowledge. We as a society are realizing the common sense knowledge that cells need proper nutrition to be healthy, that the functions of the body need to be balanced, and that, as the processes of food are being converted into energy, toxins (the by-products that accumulate in the cells) are major contributors of disease and adverse conditions. As an automobile needs appropriate fuel, the systems need to be in tune (balanced) (i.e., clean spark plugs), and the exhaust needs to be effectively released — so too our bodies to be maintained. With nutrition, balancing and cleansing as important as they are now generally known to be to health and healing, it would be wise to be open to the professional knowledge of someone who is knowledgeable in these areas.

One woman totally healed herself of breast cancer, and much of her
“treatment” was getting excellent nutrition. (Incidentally, this woman was and is a mainstream medical doctor who once worked in a mainstream hospital.) The more you learn about and live proper health principles, which are the natural tendency of life — you may find you need medicine and doctors appointments less and less. Proper nutrition, cleansing and exercise are foundational to alternative medicine.

7. Alternative Medicine Practitioners Are Generally Highly Informed About The Treatments They Prescribe Or Administer As Opposed To Mainstream Doctors Who Are Often “Educated” By Pharmaceutical Sales Representatives About Their Latest Approved Drugs
As many new approved pharmaceutical drugs are released on the market each year, mainstream medical doctors tend to know relatively little about them, especially if the doctors have been out of medical school for years. Doctors are now typically educated about the new drugs by the respective pharmaceutical company’s sales representatives. Alternative medicine doctors or practitioners are typically very educated about the treatments they prescribe, administer or suggest.

8. Alternative Medicine Tends To Avoid Dependency On Treatments
Again, the human body instinctively and naturally tends to try to heal itself and to get itself back to homeostasis, health, wholeness, and ease (as opposed to “dis-eased”), externally and internally. A disease, illness, condition, ailment or injury is a health crisis. It seems that the role of any medicine should be to get the body out of a state of health crisis as soon as possible. Yet, mainstream medicine tends to create a dependency upon a medication. This is basically symptom management. Alternative medicine’s primary purpose is, in general, to get the body out of a health crisis as soon as possible, and eliminate or minimize dependency.

9. Alternative Medicine’s Treatments, Especially Natural Remedies, Often Can Remedy More Than One Disease, Illness, Condition or Symptom At The Same Time
Many alternative treatments, especially natural remedies, can remedy more than one disease, condition or ailment at a time. Diseases, conditions or ailments at the causal levels can often manifest themselves with multiple symptoms. When a disease or condition is treated at the causal level, or the body is effectively supported, oftentimes — multiple symptoms have been known to reduce or disappear. When the immune system or affected organs are strengthened, it is common sense that they would be stronger in general to fight off other forms of disease, illness or conditions.

From the one treatment Jim did for only about six weeks that reversed his emphysema, he also experienced the disappearance of a second major adverse condition he had suffered from for years: arthritis. Doing this treatment was the only thing he changed in his life-style during that time, so it was highly likely the treatment got the credit. (In fact, he never quit smoking.) This is but one example multiple healings from a single alternative treatment or remedy.

10. Alternative Medicine’s Treatments Can Often Be Done Without Medical Oversight And Knowledge Can Empower Individuals and Families To Improve Their Own Health
Many alternative treatments, especially natural remedies, can be done without medical intervention, oversight or prescription. A great thing about alternative medicine is that you can learn much of it on your own just by reading what qualified sources have to say. This can lead to less dependency upon medicine and incurring medical expenses. Many alternative medicine doctors and practitioners actually practice a philosophy of educating their patients to need them less in the future.

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It generally takes initiative and effort to think and learn about alternative medicine and remedies. This requires personal responsibility … which is why the majority of people would prefer to not expend the time and energy to learn for themselves, thus often relying blindly upon their doctors. However, as is consistent with life, the long term effort of personal responsibility and gaining knowledge pays bountiful rewards.

I hope this article has encouraged and excited you to begin or continue your personal discovery of the value, validity and advantages of the many areas and successes of alternative medicine.