Daily Archives: February 19, 2022

Heres why AI-equipped NFTs could be the real gateway to the Metaverse – Cointelegraph

Posted: February 19, 2022 at 9:40 pm

Nonfungible tokens (NFTs) have been largely acquired as proof-of-profile pictures (PFPs) that represent a brand, embody culture or ultimately, reflect as a static status symbol. Blue-chip NFTs like the Bored Ape Yacht Club or Cool Cats were not originally backed by any tangible utility other than speculative value and hype, along with the promise of an illustrative roadmap, but in 2022, investors are looking for a little bit more.

However, nonfungible tokens are finding their use beyond branding and status symbols by attempting to build out an existence in the Metaverse and some are ambitious enough to start within it.

The Altered State Machine (ASM) Artificial Intelligence Football Association (AIFA) has introduced a novel concept to NFTs called nonfungible intelligence or NFI. By tokenizing artificial intelligence, the ASM AIFA has captured the attention of investors who are thinking long-term about the future of the Metaverse and decentralized play-to-earn (P2E) economies.

In fusing AI features to the three growing markets of gaming, decentralized finance (DeFi) and NFTs, the ASM AIFA has the potential to be a lucrative long-term bet.

As an investor, these are the strategies Ive considered when thinking about investing in the ASM AIFA, while also factoring in the impending tokenomics that will be integrated into the nascent blockchain P2E game.

The ASM AIFA genesis box collection is essentially a starter booster pack toward its ecosystem. A box includes four ASM AI agents or all-stars as well as an ASM brain, which is the intelligence that powers each ASM all-star.

Currently valued at 5.369 Ether (ETH) ($16,768.84), the box is a valuable bet for those who hold long-term convictions in the ASTO economy and its decentralized autonomous organization (DAO) but more so, the Metaverse as a whole.

Since the ASM AIFA intends to award its early adopters and players through its play-and-earn model, the genesis box is essentially equipped as a ASTO generating set-up.

According to the ASM AIFA whitepaper, each brain will be able to mine ASTO and each all-star will be able to generate ASTO through training. Not only is ASTO the utility token of the Altered State Machine metaverse, but it's also the governance token in the ASM ecosystem.

Furthermore, these brains are not only limited to the ASM AIFA collection. They will also be supported in other notable NFT projects like FLUFF World NFT, making it interoperable as well.

ASTO tokens are needed to train the AI all-stars and also to create more AI agents. AI agents do not have to be limited to playing soccer in-game, its ASM brain can be trained to be a trading bot as well since it's dependent on its learned memories.

The project launched on Oct. 18, 2021, and since hitting the secondary market, ASM AIFA genesis boxes have increased by nearly 1,200%, suggesting there is growing interest and owners have recognized the value of AI.

In the last seven days, the average sale price of the genesis boxes have been on a downward trend, dropping from 6.3 ETH to 5.3 ETH. It seems that even with a slight correction, the genesis boxes have not dipped below the 4.75 ETH in the last month.

Based on the price points of the items in the genesis box, the floor for the ASM all-stars currently costs 0.21 Ether ($654.37) with a team of four, totaling approximately $2,617.48. The cheapest ASM brain is currently priced at 3.92 Ether ($12,214.96) bringing the total sum of the contents in the box to approximately $14,832.44 or 4.77 Ether.

Essentially, at these current prices, buying a genesis box costs roughly the same as it would purchasing the items separately. However, both the ASM brains and all-stars have experienced price fluctuations that have previously made purchasing the box a cheaper alternative than buying the items separately.

Depending on an investor's motives and strategy, they could sort other methods to own a piece of the ASM metaverse.

ASM AIFA genesis brains are unique artificial intelligence-equipped NFTs and the architecture of the brain is currently under patent pending where owners will have full rights to the machine-learning (ML) model of their NFI.

This provides an added layer of utility toward the ASM economy and a unique feature is that the ASM brains do not always need a form (avatar) and can exist and function with the parameters of its trained memories.

The ASM brain is the most expensive piece of the collection that will also be able to mine ASTO tokens. In this way, an investor can potentially make back their original capital investment via the brain's token emission. Currently, the cheapest ASM brain is worth 3.92 Ether ($12,214.96,) a 300% increase in floor prices in the last 60 days.

The ASM brains retain their value largely in part because of their genome matrix whose attributes enable for the brain to be integrated in other worlds outside of the ASM ecosystem. Meaning, the brain can be used in other ecosystems.

According to the ASM roadmap, each ASM genesis brain is slated for an ASTO token drop. Investors who are looking for exposure with AI, could consider purchasing ASTO for a more financially feasible bet.

Theres no denying that the ASM AIFA project is not the cheapest entry to the ecosystem, but for those investors who are strongly interested in the developing features of NFIs, investors could consider investing into the token or the AI all-star agents.

ASTO is the native currency that will govern activity in the ASM ecosystem. Since its needed to train the ASM brain and any AI agent, there will be an economy of gym owners who will provide GPU cloud computing for every ML model. In return for their time and energy, gym owners will be rewarded in ASTO.

When the ASTO token launches, the ASM team will host an auction to determine the price of ASTO in a unique method they have dubbed discovery auction. ASTO will also be dropped to owners of the ASM all-stars and ASTO can be staked to mine the next generation of brains in the ecosystem. In preparation for AIFAs launch, the ASTO token could be desirable to load up on.

As NFTs are finding ways to justify their value outside of speculation and the ways they can be integrated in the Metaverse expands, projects are beginning to build from the inside out. Time will tell when we begin to see more projects beginning to integrate AI features, but ASM AIFA seems to be a top contender as one of the first movers.

The views and opinions expressed here are solely those of the author and do not necessarily reflect the views of Cointelegraph.com. Every investment and trading move involves risk, you should conduct your own research when making a decision.

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This household greeting service uses AI to register resident’s arrival and welcome them – Yanko Design

Posted: at 9:40 pm

Dearbell is a smart household welcome service and lighting fixture that employs Artificial Intelligence to register the arrival of each resident and deliver corresponding messages.

Its been said that with the arrival of each new generation, the more disconnected we become from one another, tightening our grip on our smartphones. Its no secret that the more technologically advanced we become as a society, the more comfortable we become withdrawing from IRL socialization to prioritize our online lives.

Designers: Juan Lee, Hyebin Lee, Banhu Jeong, and Daeun Yoo

Responding to this generational gap, designers look once more to technology for a solution. Dearbell, a smart household welcome service, is one of the more recent solution-based concepts from a team of designers based in Korea.

Following a research period of interviews and surveys, the design team found that most family members living under one roof feel disconnected from one another. Due to long work hours and technology overload, communication at home is sometimes perceived as nagging. In an effort to connect family members together through communication, Dearbell is conceptualized as a customizable, home greeting service for family members to get to know one another better.

Dearbell takes on the look of a light pendant that can either hang from your ceiling or be mounted to your wall. Projecting from the light fixture, holographic messages are created and delivered by family members to other family members. Depending on artificial intelligence for operation, visual haptic sensors register each household residents gestures, shoes, and smartphone to ensure accurate message delivery.

The team of designers goes on to explain, Dearbell projector is motivated from welcoming bell. Technically, it supports automotive focusing in multi-layers and AI projection mapping that shows the image on a certain object and recognizes gesture interaction.

Walking through the homes front door, residents take off their shoes and Dearbell alerts each individual family member of the total number of steps taken during the day as well as any messages left to be read. As the unread message is beamed from the light pendant, the message can be opened by its designated receiver once they put their hand over the message icon.

Once the message is read, the receiver can choose to leave a response in the form of emojis by shaking their fists, a Dearbell-detected hand gesture. In addition to curated messages, residents can ask Dearbell for some daily information as they prepare to leave the home, including, weather, public transportation, as well as a pre-made to-do list.

Wooden elements ground the stainless steel body with a touch of warmth and rustic charm.

Once home, Dearbell alerts residents of the steps taken throughout the day.

Through the Wood detail finishing at the bottom, it visually reveals the warm communication with the family, not the technical image.

Dearbell consists of soft shapes and textures that are not solid form, luxurious arch-shaped metal frame.

Dearbell can either be mounted to a vertical service or suspended from the ceiling.

Following a period of interviews and surveys, the team of designers recognized the generational gaps present in most households.

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What Is Edge AI and How Does It Work? – NVIDIA Blog

Posted: at 9:40 pm

Recent strides in the efficacy of AI, the adoption of IoT devices and the power of edge computing have come together to unlock the power of edge AI.

This has opened new opportunities for edge AI that were previously unimaginable from helping radiologists identify pathologies in the hospital, to driving cars down the freeway, to helping us pollinate plants.

Countless analysts and businesses are talking about and implementing edge computing, which traces its origins to the 1990s, when content delivery networks were created to serve web and video content from edge servers deployed close to users.

Today, almost every business has job functions that can benefit from the adoption of edge AI. In fact, edge applications are driving the next wave of AI in ways that improve our lives at home, at work, in school and in transit.

Learn more about what edge AI is, its benefits and how it works, examples of edge AI use cases, and the relationship between edge computing and cloud computing.

Edge AI is the deployment of AI applications in devices throughout the physical world. Its called edge AI because the AI computation is done near the user at the edge of the network, close to where the data is located, rather than centrally in a cloud computing facility or private data center.

Since the internet has global reach, the edge of the network can connote any location. It can be a retail store, factory, hospital or devices all around us, like traffic lights, autonomous machines and phones.

Organizations from every industry are looking to increase automation to improve processes, efficiency and safety.

To help them, computer programs need to recognize patterns and execute tasks repeatedly and safely. But the world is unstructured and the range of tasks that humans perform covers infinite circumstances that are impossible to fully describe in programs and rules.

Advances in edge AI have opened opportunities for machines and devices, wherever they may be, to operate with the intelligence of human cognition. AI-enabled smart applications learn to perform similar tasks under different circumstances, much like real life.

The efficacy of deploying AI models at the edge arises from three recent innovations.

Since AI algorithms are capable of understanding language, sights, sounds, smells, temperature, faces and other analog forms of unstructured information, theyre particularly useful in places occupied by end users with real-world problems. These AI applications would be impractical or even impossible to deploy in a centralized cloud or enterprise data center due to issues related to latency, bandwidth and privacy.

The benefits of edge AI include:

For machines to see, perform object detection, drive cars, understand speech, speak, walk or otherwise emulate human skills, they need to functionally replicate human intelligence.

AI employs a data structure called a deep neural network to replicate human cognition. These DNNs are trained to answer specific types of questions by being shown many examples of that type of question along with correct answers.

This training process, known as deep learning, often runs in a data center or the cloud due to the vast amount of data required to train an accurate model, and the need for data scientists to collaborate on configuring the model. After training, the model graduates to become an inference engine that can answer real-world questions.

In edge AI deployments, the inference engine runs on some kind of computer or device in far-flung locations such as factories, hospitals, cars, satellites and homes. When the AI stumbles on a problem, the troublesome data is commonly uploaded to the cloud for further training of the original AI model, which at some point replaces the inference engine at the edge. This feedback loop plays a significant role in boosting model performance; once edge AI models are deployed, they only get smarter and smarter.

AI is the most powerful technology force of our time. Were now at a time where AI is revolutionizing the worlds largest industries.

Across manufacturing, healthcare, financial services, transportation, energy and more, edge AI is driving new business outcomes in every sector, including:

AI applications can run in a data center like those in public clouds, or out in the field at the networks edge, near the user. Cloud computing and edge computing each offer benefits that can be combined when deploying edge AI.

The cloud offers benefits related to infrastructure cost, scalability, high utilization, resilience from server failure, and collaboration. Edge computing offers faster response times, lower bandwidth costs and resilience from network failure.

There are several ways in which cloud computing can support an edge AI deployment:

Learn more about the best practices for hybrid edge architectures.

Thanks to the commercial maturation of neural networks, proliferation of IoT devices, advances in parallel computation and 5G, there is now robust infrastructure for generalized machine learning. This is allowing enterprises to capitalize on the colossal opportunity to bring AI into their places of business and act upon real-time insights, all while decreasing costs and increasing privacy.

We are only in the early innings of edge AI, and still the possible applications seem endless.

Learn how your organization can deploy edge AI by checking out the top considerations for deploying AI at the edge.

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Global Market for AI in Computer Vision to Reach $73.7 Billion by 2027 – ResearchAndMarkets.com – Business Wire

Posted: at 9:40 pm

DUBLIN--(BUSINESS WIRE)--The "AI in Computer Vision Market by Technology, Solutions, Use Cases, Deployment Model and Industry Verticals 2022 - 2027" report has been added to ResearchAndMarkets.com's offering.

This report assesses the application of AI in computer vision systems used in conjunction with connected devices, hardware components, embedded software, AI platforms, and analytics. The report analyzes machine learning models and APIs used in computer vision systems along with the application of neural networks in AI analytics systems.

This research also evaluates the causal relationship of computer vision systems with IoT, Edge computing, and connected machines along with core hardware and software technology. The report also analyzes the relation of emotion AI with computer vision systems along with the market factors.

Select Report Findings:

Computer vision systems are dedicated to simulate the human visual system while analyzing the information extracted from photos and videos. They do this by way of mathematical operations in conjunction with signal processing systems to process both digital and analog images. These systems leverage both two dimensional and three-dimensional processes.

AI represents the ability to organize information and create outcomes in learning, decision-making, and problem-solving using a computer-enabled robotic system in the same way a human brain does. The integration of AI and computer vision systems enhance the accuracy of object identification, classification, and analysis of information.

Through leveraging AI, computer vision systems provide a robotic system in which vision sensing capabilities provide information about the environment. One of the best examples of this in practice is autonomous vehicles, which rely on computer vision and AI-based decision making for safe travel.

Key Topics Covered:

1.0 Executive Summary

2.0 Introduction

2.1 Defining AI in Computer Vision

2.2 Artificial General Intelligence and Super Intelligence

2.3 AI and Computer Vision Market Predictions

2.4 AI Outcomes and Enterprise Benefits

2.5 Cognitive Computing and Swarm Intelligence

2.6 Market Driver and Opportunity Analysis

2.7 Market Challenge Analysis

2.8 Covid-19 Impact

2.9 Value Chain Analysis

2.10 Pricing Analysis

2.11 Hs Code 854231

2.12 AI Patent and Regulatory Framework

2.13 AI Public Policy Issues

3.0 Technology and Application Analysis

3.1 Technology Analysis

3.2 IoT Device Ecosystem: Consumer, Enterprise, Industrial, and Government

3.3 Machine Learning Model

3.4 Artificial Neural Networks

3.5 Emotion AI Analysis

3.6 Edge Computing and 5G Networks

3.7 Smart Machine and Virtual Twinning

3.8 Factory Automation and Industry 4.0

3.9 Building Automation and Smart Workplace

3.10 Cloud Robotics and Public Security

3.11 Predictive 3D Design

3.12 IoT Application and Big Data Analytics

3.13 AI Application Delivery Platforms

3.14 Enterprise Adoption and External Investment

3.15 Application and Industry Vertical Analysis

3.16 Use Case Analysis

4.0 Company Analysis

5.0 AI in Computer Vision Market Analysis and Forecasts 2022 - 2027

Companies Mentioned

For more information about this report visit https://www.researchandmarkets.com/r/yo9y26

About ResearchAndMarkets.com

ResearchAndMarkets.com is the world's leading source for international market research reports and market data. We provide you with the latest data on international and regional markets, key industries, the top companies, new products and the latest trends.

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Cognetivity’s AI solutions to transform cognitive testing – Healthcare Global – Healthcare News, Magazine and Website

Posted: at 9:40 pm

Working to transform cognitive testing to help millions around the world, the Cogentivity team has developed a healthcare solution that spots early signs of cognitive impairments in individuals.Cognetivity was founded as Sina Habibi and Seyed-Mahdi Khaligh-Razavi bonded over how dementia had touched their lives while studying for PhDs at the University of Cambridge. The pair shared an overwhelming feeling that their loved ones had been diagnosed too late to reduce the diseases devastating toll. Recognising an issue in dementia diagnosis, they set up Cognetivity to fix it.

With deep sector experience in neuroscience, AI, medicine and neurology, AI Magazine speaks to Mazen Sobh from Cognetivity to learn how the company is delivering a new paradigm in global healthcare.

"Cognetivity Neurosciences is a company that was established in the UK and is a spinoff from Cambridge University. From the university, two scientists PhD students collaborated and developed an application that specialises in identifying early or subtle signs of cognitive impairments in individuals. This application, CognICA, which can be used on an iPad or smartphone, combines cutting-edge neuroscience with artificial intelligence. The technology which has been patented and also peer-reviewed, displays 100 images in quick succession, asking patients to simply identify whether they see an animal in each or not. Due to the fear or food response, humans react strongly to animal imagery, activating large areas of their brain. AI analysis compares their reactions to how others in their age group responded and this generates a result that indicates how healthy a patient's brain is when compared to normal, mildly impaired and severely impaired individuals.

"I am the Vice President for Commerical Development and Im based in Dubai. I'm responsible for the growth of the business in the Middle East with further plans to expand to the Far East and beyond."

"Our CognICA solution is a technology that empowers clinicians to make better decisions that can dramatically improve patient outcomes. We want the solution to be the de facto assessment tool for clinicians who want to look at cognitive behaviour and cognitive development for humans. The company has also developed a mobile app called OptiMind that can be downloaded on your iPhone. This app is a wellness app that objectively measures your everyday cognitive performance for personal use. OptiMind can highlight personal lifestyle correlations with your cognitive sharpness and provide scope for optimisation.

"Through this application, we provide a graphical view of the relationship between a users lifestyle and mental wellbeing. It allows users to assess what factors improve their cognitive performance and empowers them to alter their lifestyle choices to optimise their mental health."

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Alternative Medicine and Your Diet

Posted: at 9:38 pm

How could elective medication and your eating regimen be advantageous? The significant truth that experts of the elective medication industry push is the way that what you put into your body intensely affects your wellbeing. A huge number will suggest spices, nutrients and different enhancements to help the normal individual with incidental objections, however for individuals with constant or difficult sicknesses a unique eating regimen is as a rule suggested.

There are various weight control plans that are ordinarily endorsed by elective medication professionals for those patients with customary protests. The individuals who gripe of weariness, weight gain, or simply broad chronic weakness can frequently profit from a detoxifying or purging eating routine. Patients with diabetes and indigestion are frequently put on explicit eating regimens to further develop their conditions. For more difficult ailments like disease, more severe weight control plans are authorized. Many individuals have had unbelievable karma beating disease by utilizing a macrobiotic eating regimen.

So we should check out the meaning of a macrobiotic eating routine and start with examining the word macrobiotic. Macrobiotics, from the Greek "full scale" (huge, long) + "profiles" (life), is a way of life that joins a dietary routine. The most punctual recorded utilization of the term macrobiotics is found in the composition of Hippocrates, the dad of Western Medicine. However, the advanced eating regimen and reasoning was created by a Japanese instructor named George Ohsawa, who accepted that effortlessness was the way to ideal wellbeing. A macrobiotic eating regimen comprises of low-fat, high-fiber diet of entire grains, vegetables, ocean green growth, and seeds and is rich in phytoestrogens from soy items. It is significantly more than an eating regimen however it is a lifestyle that targets accomplishing offset with nature which incorporates an offset with your own body.

Anyway an expression of caution, similarly as with any change to your dietary or exercise systems it is vital to follow a clinical experts guidance while attempting an eating regimen, so make certain to check with your specialist prior to beginning any prohibitive eating routine.

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Alternative Medicine Vs Conventional Medicine Does …

Posted: at 9:38 pm

In the last 10 years I have seen several acupuncturists. They were all Chinese who studied their profession in China. All the doctors I have seen thought that conventional and alternative medicine should be combined together, and that eliminating one totally, would be harmful.

Some Alternative Medicine Works, Some Do Not.

many people wonder if it works. My answer is it depends what treatment you are receiving and how much do you believe in it. Let me ask you this: Does antibiotics works? Does all the pharmaceutical medicine you take works? The matter of fact is that all pharmaceutical medicine MAY fix one problem and MAY also cause another. So by taking it you expose your body to new diseases. Acupuncture, Tai Ci, yoga, meditation and many other alternative methods to heal the body including simply exercise, does work. They work on different parts of the body. One thing is for sure: None of these methods will MAYBE harm your body in any way. You not exposing your self to any diseases, and the only thing you do is helping the body to heal, NATURALLY.

I had to have an operation once and then I went to see my acupuncture doctor for maintenance of my body. After all, it was not a natural process but it had to be done. Because an operation involves opening the body up, thus exposing the insides to bacteria, a patient will be given a course of antibiotics. Antibiotics is a medicine that kills a large range of bacteria in the body. In our body we always have good bacteria that IS in charge oN proper function of our immune system but in some cases we have bad bacteria that causes infection. If not treated, that infection can be deadly. I started taking my antibiotics after that operation and when I came to see my acupuncturist Dr Henry Su I asked him if I should take the antibiotics since it causes damage as well as doing good. Can acupuncture alone treat the bad bacteria in my body and cleanse it in a natural way. His answer was: You should take your antibiotics until you finish its course but also take the herbs I am giving you. Acupuncture cannot deal with a possible internal infection, for this you need something stronger than acupuncture. There is no contradiction in this case, and we sometimes have to combine traditional and conventional medicine.

Alternative medicine is designed to work slowly on the root of a problem you may have. To properly fix a problem, heal a disease or make any good progress one has to be patient and work on it thoroughly. Thorough work takes time, thorough work also has a solid base to success. There is no quick fix, and there is no instant success. In closing, heal your body naturally over time and enjoy a good healthy life for ever.

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What Are The Five Major Types Of Complementary And …

Posted: at 9:38 pm

Looking for an answer to the question: What are the five major types of complementary and alternative medicine? On this page, we have gathered for you the most accurate and comprehensive information that will fully answer the question: What are the five major types of complementary and alternative medicine?

Types of Complementary and Alternative Medicine Mind-Body Therapies. These combine mental focus, breathing, and body movements to help relax the body and mind. ... Biologically Based Practices. This type of CAM uses things found in nature. ... Manipulative and Body-Based Practices. These are based on working with one or more parts of the body. ... Biofield Therapy. ... Whole Medical Systems. ...

Alternative medicine is used in place of standard medical care. An example is treating heart disease with chelation therapy (which seeks to remove excess metals from the blood) instead of using a standard approach. Examples of alternative practices include homeopathy, traditional medicine, chiropractic, and acupuncture.

Top 10 Types Of Alternative Medicine Acupuncture. Acupuncture it's at least a 2.500 years old technique that originated from China. ... Chiropractic Medicine. In 1895 Doctor D. ... Energy Therapy. It's another form of alternative medicine that uses human energy to release tension and everyday stress. Magnetic Field Therapy. ... Reiki. ... Herbal Medicine. ... Acupressure. ... Homeopathy. ... Yoga. ... Meditation. ...

The NCCAM divides CAM into four major domainsMind-Body Medicine, Manipulative and Body-Based Practices, Energy Medicine, and Biologically-Based Practices.

One of the most widely used classification structures, developed by NCCAM (2000), divides CAM modalities into five categories:Alternative medical systems,Mind-body interventions,Biologically based treatments,Manipulative and body-based methods, and.Energy therapies.

Types of complementary therapiesAcupuncture.Yoga.Tai chi and qigong.Meditation.Music and art therapy.Massage.Physical activity.Nutrition.

Naturopathy Methods of treatment center on modifying the diet, using nutritional supplements, herbal medicine, Chinese medicine, acupuncture, and hydrotherapy.

What are the different types of CAM?Acupuncture.Ayurveda.Homeopathy.Naturopathy.Chinese or Oriental medicine.

Complementary and alternative medicine includes practices such as massage, acupuncture, tai chi, and drinking green tea. Complementary and alternative medicine (CAM) is the term for medical products and practices that are not part of standard medical care.

Complementary medicine is used along with standard medical treatment but is not considered by itself to be standard treatment. One example is using acupuncture to help lessen some side effects of cancer treatment. Alternative medicine is used instead of standard medical treatment.

Complementary and alternative medicine (CAM) can include the following:acupuncture,Alexander technique,aromatherapy,Ayurveda (Ayurvedic medicine),biofeedback,chiropractic medicine,diet therapy,herbalism,

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10 Alternate Medicines That People Swear By – nation.lk – The Nation Newspaper

Posted: at 9:38 pm

When it comes to medicine, everybody seems to have an opinion. Regardless of background, status, or financial situation, everybody has to worry about their health, so the shared interest makes a lot of sense. With so much information out there, it can be easy to get lost in the chaos, particularly debates around conventional and alternative medicines.

What is alternative medicine, anyway? It depends on who you ask, but when you boil it down, its just any sort of treatment you wouldnt normally expect to undergo in your family doctors office. It might be an herbal supplement thats still being studied or just an option thats not practiced a whole lot in some parts of the world. While complementary medicine refers to something done in addition to traditional treatment, alternate medicine is done instead of the conventional method. Regardless, people can get pretty emotional when you challenge their medical claims. Always speak to your medical provider before trying any alternative medicine regimen. Without further ado, here are ten alternative medicines people swear by.

Related: Top 10 Bizarre Things Doctors Prescribe Instead of Medicine

Aromatherapy: How Essential are Essential Oils?

Ah, can you smell the healing? Youd be hard-pressed these days to find somebody who has never heard of essential oils or aromatherapy. According to the National Institute of Health, aromatherapy is a type of alternative medicine that uses plant oils to promote healing, stress relief, and a sense of well-being.

So, does it work? Well, again, it seems to depend on who you ask, but there does seem to be research confirming the effectiveness of essential oils when it comes to treating specific mild ailments like stress or trouble falling asleep.

Aromatherapy can involve a long list of essential oils, from the pleasantly-scented peppermint oil to oregano oil, which can supposedly help with digestion.

Topical Capsaicin (Active Ingredient in Peppers) to Treat Joint Pain

You might know an elderly member in your family who struggles with arthritis or joint pain. Maybe you personally experience aches and pains in your joints and wonder if there are any dietary changes you might be able to make to help yourself feel better. As it turns out, maybe you can!

The key is a substance called capsaicin. It is found not only in ghost peppers but in all chili peppers, so if you need a milder solution, you could just pour yourself a nice big bowl of jalapenos or perhaps add a little hot sauce to your morning oatmeal (Okay, please dont do that last one). Capsaicin seems to have the benefit of relieving joint pain due to the bodys reaction to the substance when used as a topical solution, so just eating a bunch of these peppers might not actually be effective, but the research is in the works. It seems to work by a unique interaction with pain receptors, or maybe if you eat enough of them, your mouth will be so on fire that you just wont notice the joint pain anymore.

In any case, some people swear by the health benefits of chili peppers, often crediting it with pain relief. I suppose if you like spicy food, it wont hurt much to give this alternate medicine a go, even if it lands you spending a little extra time in the bathroom.

The Truth About Green Tea extract

The weight-loss industry is a multi-billion dollar market. There could be a variety of reasons for this, from the fact that people decide to prioritize their health but then want to take shortcuts to the fact that a lot of supplements and routines on the market dont necessarily do what they say theyre going to do.

In any case, while there are plenty of ridiculous diet fads out there, there does seem to be some promising information and research on the effect of green tea extract on the body, at least in combination with a good diet and moderate exercise. Which does sort of put it in the complementary category, but enough people swear by it that it made the list. Does it burn fat? Maybe. Even if youre not looking to burn fat, many claim green tea extract also helps with gut inflammation, which could potentially give the appearance of burning fat.

The claims about green tea go beyond mere fat burning, with some people making some pretty miraculous claims about its ability to help with an upset stomach, sore throat, and quicker healing. Some people have questioned the amount of green tea extract you ought to have before its dangerous. I wouldnt necessarily recommend taking the whole bottle, and it does have caffeine, so be careful if you decide to test this one yourself.

Chelation Therapy with Dr Steve Windley

Chelation therapy used to be considered a traditional medicinal treatment process. However, there is also a sort of alternative approach with a different view of toxins. The idea behind chelation therapy is that the body deals with pollutants that need to be removed. Traditionally, chelation therapy was used to pull out (as chelation means) toxins in the body, such as to treat a child who has swallowed lead. The idea that people might use this preventatively is whats controversial.

The Science Behind How Acupuncture Helps Relieve Pain: A Doctor Of Chinese Medicine Explains

Though acupuncture is a perfectly acceptable, traditional medicine in Eastern cultures and has been around for a long time, it is still not a well-known mainstream treatment in the West. Chinese practitioners say the human body has more than 2,000 acupuncture points connected throughout the body via the bloodstream. The practice of acupuncture in Chinese medicine aims to allow something called the Qi to flow more efficiently throughout the body.

The idea behind why and how acupuncture works seems a bit more philosophical than logical to our Western-trained ear. Still, it has certainly become more prevalent in places like the United States, as there are plenty of specialized centers you can go to for that type of treatment.

It seems to have gained popularity in recent years, particularly for athletes who need to recover after a hard day at the gym. According to a Fox News report, it has been popular among celebrities for quite a while but was reportedly growing in popularity among everyday Americans in recent years, increasing by approximately 6 million users between 2002 and 2007. One reason for the increase in popularity and availability today might be that, even if there continues to be debate over its efficacy, it is a relatively safe treatment, having very few side effects.

5 Brilliant Benefits of Ashwagandha

If youve never heard of Ashwagandha or knew how to spell it, here you are: a brand new medicine people swear by. Okay, so its not exactly new, but its use is trending.

Ashwagandha, also called the winter cherry, is a fruit from an evergreen shrub growing in India, the Middle East, and Africa. The claims about this plant are no small feat for a little shrub, ranging from better sleep to a regulated heart rate. The idea is that it works by reducing inflammation, so it might even be a promising solution for healing from infection.

You can pick it up in capsule form, gummy form, or even mixed in a mushroom-based tea in the western world, all likely available at your local supermarket. Watch the video to learn how to take it properly and in the most cost-effective dose.

How CBD Oil Impacts the Body

Thought you could make it through an article on alternate medicine without encountering CBD oil? You thought wrong. The fact is, CBD products have gained popularity in recent years, with the rise of attention to medical marijuana. To be clear, this is not the same thing; CBD oil does not have the same components as medical marijuana. It can be taken as a pill or as a topical medicine.

As for the actual benefits of CBD, it is hard to say. It is still under scrutiny by medical researchers at institutions like Harvard to determine how it compares to traditional medicine. Still, the benefits do seem to include pain relief, better sleep, decreased anxiety, and possibly even better results with addiction treatment from other substances. Listen to a podcast or two for long enough, and youll realize how popular this particular remedy is. As medical marijuana and CBD products gain more popularity across the country, perhaps their use will become more widespread as we learn more.

Alternative Medicine for ED | Erection Problems

The category of alternate male enhancement treatments, including herbal supplements, can be a little embarrassing to talk about. Maybe thats why so many guys search for natural remedies rather than talking to their doctor about these personal problems. However, erectile dysfunction, or ED, is an incredibly common problem and nothing to be ashamed of. According to this Verywell health article, the condition affects approximately 30 million men in the U.S.

As with any other medical usage, you should ask your doctor before simply deciding to treat yourself naturally. Why? While many consider natural treatments and herbal products safer, that is not necessarily the case. Be aware of the scams out there just looking to take advantage of you, but hey, if you can treat the problem naturally and get back to a more fulfilling bedroom experience while saving some money on medication in the process, why not? In addition to these natural supplements, there is plenty of evidence that basic self-care can also help to decrease instances of ED.

You might have noticed a theme in this list: Almost every treatment solves problems related to stress, whether directly or indirectly. Hydrotherapy is yet another example, which appears to decrease cortisol.

Hydrotherapy can involve hot or cold water to promote healing. Water takes your body weight off your skeleton, so water exercises can be a great way to work out without putting excess pressure on your bones and joints. Although hydrotherapy has been around for centuries, it has evolved with the healthcare industry introducing new hydrotherapy-promoting products all the time, like the Jacuzzi solution.

The good thing is, you can do some hydrotherapy on your own without going to any special clinic. For example, an ice bath after a workout is one form of hydrotherapy.

Hyperbaric Oxygen Therapy: Mayo Clinic Radio

Hyperbaric Oxygen Treatment (HBOT) involves the treatment of tissue damage by helping the body take in a greater amount of oxygen. The air that we normally inhale is about 20% oxygen. Inside something called a hyperbaric chamber, a patient takes in 100% pure oxygen.

This treatment is currently limited to about ten to fifteen conditions, depending on who is speaking. This treatment has been studied and verified to show statistically superior results over those patients who did not receive hyperbaric treatment.

The treatment seems to work well for athletes recovering from a lot of strain on the body or those with physically demanding jobs who need faster healing.

fact checked by Rachel Jones

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What is the best medicine for arthritis pain? – Medical News Today

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Pain is one of the most commonly reported symptoms of arthritis. Several over-the-counter and prescription medicines can help, as can self-care strategies and alternative treatments.

Chronic arthritis pain affects 1 in 4 people in the United States. This pain can be severe and located in the joints.

Several medicines can manage arthritis pain. The best treatment depends on various factors, including:

This article explores the best approaches to arthritis pain and other symptoms, including medications, home remedies, lifestyle changes, and alternative treatments.

Some of the medications we discuss can cause an allergic reaction, which can be severe.

For someone with arthritis, pain and stiffness in the joints can make moving difficult. Medicines aim to manage pain, prevent joint damage, and maintain or improve mobility.

These drugs may be available over-the-counter (OTC) or by prescription. Most of the medications are oral, but people can apply or inject others to the skin.

A person can buy these at grocery stores and pharmacies without a prescription. These are generally safe, but having certain health conditions or taking other medications can make them less safe.

Acetaminophen (Tylenol) treats fevers and mild-to-moderate pain.

It works by reducing the production of prostaglandins, compounds made from fats that can increase sensitivity to pain.

A person may be choosing between Tylenol and a nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drug (NSAID) such as Motrin or Advil. Arthritis usually causes inflammation in the joints, and NSAIDs combat inflammation, while acetaminophen does not.

For adults, doctors warn against taking more than 4 grams of acetaminophen per day to prevent an overdose. Many medicines contain acetaminophen, so is crucial to check all drug labels carefully and stay below this limit.

Acetaminophen is safe for pregnant people and children, but during pregnancy, take the lowest effective dose for the shortest necessary amount of time. This is to prevent rare but serious complications.

This drug can also cause serious adverse effects, including:

Anyone experiencing shortness of breath or nausea and vomiting needs urgent medical attention.

NSAIDs are considered one of the most effective OTC drugs for pain stemming from osteoarthritis, which causes inflammation. These drugs reduce pain, stiffness, and swelling from arthritis.

A common examples of NSAIDs include ibuprofen (Advil, Motrin).

Side effects can include:

NSAIDs also put a person at a higher risk of stroke, heart attack, and renal damage.

A person should only use these drugs when needed. If this is on a daily basis, doctors prescribe proton pump inhibitors or H2 blockers to prevent gastrointestinal problems stemming from NSAID use.

To avoid complications, people who are pregnant, breastfeeding, or over 65, or who have other ongoing health conditions, should speak with a healthcare professional before taking these medications.

Non-prescription aspirin can treat mild to moderate pain. It is a unique type of NSAID because it prevents the formation of blood clots.

Taking ibuprofen within several hours after taking aspirin may interfere with aspirins cardiovascular benefits, and it can increase the risk of side effects.

Read more about possible side effects of mixing these NSAIDs.

Medicated creams, gels, liquids or patches may help people when arthritis only affects the small joints, such as those in the fingers.

These products may contain NSAIDs, capsaicin, an anesthetic called lidocaine, menthol, camphor, or a combination.

Topical NSAIDs may work for people who cannot take these drugs orally because the body absorbs less through the skin. Doctors consider topical NSAIDs to be safer in the management of arthritis.

Read more about precautions to take with oral NSAIDs.

For some people, treating arthritis also requires medications that a doctor prescribes.

These are more potent than those available OTC. Examples of prescription NSAIDs are:

Doctors only prescribe opioids when other, safer pain relievers do not work. These drugs can help ease persistent, moderate-to-severe pain otherwise limits the quality of life. It is crucial to take the lowest effective dosage for the shortest effective period of time.

Examples of opioid medications include oxycodone, codeine, and tramadol.

Opioids can have serious risks, including overdose and addiction, and they are not appropriate for everyone. An overdose can be fatal, and long-term use can increase the risk of addiction and withdrawal. The doctor will describe the risks, possible benefits, and alternatives.

Opioids may also cause side effects, including:

Working with the doctor to establish goals and guidelines for safe use is key. An opioid pain agreement consent form may be a good idea before the treatment begins.

Steroids reduce the activity of the immune system to lower inflammation.

They are fast-acting, which makes them useful as an initial treatment before other medications take effect. It is important to note that steroids do not treat all causes of pain, only inflammatory disorders.

Doctors prescribe steroids as oral or injected medications. Steroid injections can cause infections, bleeding, skin discoloration, an allergic reaction, and tendon damage.

Corticosteroids are best for short-term use, if possible, because they can have a number of side effects.

Long-term use of any steroids can cause:

Glucocorticoids are a type of corticosteroids, and they can cause avascular bone necrosis. They can also play a role in the development non-alcohol-related fatty liver disease.

Hyaluronan, or hyaluronic acid, is a fluid that cushions and lubricates the joints. Doctors can inject it to treat osteoarthritis in the knee.

Studies, such as research from 2015, have concluded that hyaluronic acid can help manage this condition by reducing pain and improving joint function. However, the effects may only be moderate and short term.

Doctors may prescribe antidepressants to manage chronic pain due to osteoarthritis.

Antidepressants can cause side effects, including:

Read more about side effects of antidepressants.

The following approaches may help reduce the symptoms of arthritis:

Regular physical activity may reduce joint stiffness and pain and improve mobility for people with arthritis. A person might try low-impact exercises, such as:

According to the Arthritis Foundation, some vitamins and supplements can help with arthritis symptoms.

Although studies have found mixed results, glucosamine and chondroitin may relieve joint pain and help maintain cartilage structure.

Another option is curcumin. This is the active ingredient in turmeric. Its anti-inflammatory properties mimic the effects of ibuprofen, but without the side effects.

Read more about the best supplements for arthritis here.

Having extra weight can place added stress on weight-bearing joints, such as the knees and hips.

For some people who are overweight, losing 1 pound (lb) can relieve 4 lb of pressure on the knees. This can reduce pain and help improve function and mobility.

Cold compresses can soothe painful, swollen joints. And adding heat therapy to a morning routine can help loosen the joints and reduce muscle spasms and stiffness.

Crutches, a cane, or a walker can help relieve pressure on the joints, preventing overuse and promoting healing. These can also help improve balance and prevent falls for people with arthritis.

Using dressing aids, grabbers, and other long-handled equipment can reduce straining and help people with limited mobility.

Learn more about the best home remedies for arthritis here.

Several promising alternative treatments are available for people with arthritis. But limited studies support their effectiveness.

Read more about fish oil for arthritis.

While arthritis has no cure, a range of medications and self-care strategies can help manage symptoms and reduce the likelihood of flare-ups.

Treating arthritis involves managing pain, maintaining or improving function and mobility, and delaying joint damage. The best approach involves a mix of medications and alternative therapies, including self-care strategies.

A healthcare professional will consider the severity of arthritis and a range of factors specific to each person before they recommend a course of action.

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