Category Archives: Alternative Medicine

WHAT IS COMPLEMENTARY AND ALTERNATIVE MEDICINE (CAM)?

Complementary and Alternative Medicine (CAM) is defined as a medical system, practice or product that is not usually thought of as standard care. Standard medical care is care that is based on scientific evidence. For thyroid cancer, standard care includes surgery, radioactive iodine and thyroid hormone suppression therapy. For patients with other thyroid diseases, standard care may include thyroid hormone suppression or supplementation.

The National Institutes of Health National Center for Complementary and Alternative Medicine (NIH NCCAM) defines complementary medicine as being used along with standard medical treatments, and alternative medicine as being used in place of standard medical treatments. Integrative medicine is a comprehensive approach to care that includes a patients mind body and spirit; this combines standard medicine with CAM practices.

The NIH NCCAM uses five categories to describe the different types of CAM. It would be difficult to create a comprehensive list, but some examples are described below:

These are based on a belief that the mind is able to affect your body. Examples include:

These include things most often found in nature, and includes dietary supplements and herbal products. Examples include:

A note about Biologically-Based Practices. Its common for patients with thyroid cancer or thyroid disease to be recommended to practice a special diet that avoids foods that contain iodine. In fact, use of iodine either in liquid form or as a supplement is not recommended. Its also common for patients to be told to take Vitamin D or calcium supplementation. In one sense, physicians who treat patients with thyroid disease are therefore recommending a few highly selected biologically based practices. While these practices can be helpful, its important to note that there is no one special diet or vitamin that has been proven to eliminate cancer or remove thyroid disease. Because of these special reasons, its important to talk with the doctor managing your treatment about any special diets or supplements you are thinking about using.

These are based on working with the body and are thought to have underlying benefits for the mind as well. Examples include:

Energy medicine invokes the belief that the body has energy fields that can be manipulated for healing and wellness. Examples include:

These systems include beliefs and approaches to healing and wellness that come from all of the world and from many cultures. Examples include:

There are few studies that have looked at why patients with thyroid disease choose CAM. Some of the reasons they state are to:

A diagnosis of thyroid cancer or thyroid disease can be stressful or worrisome. Some patients who are newly diagnosed may want to add to their physicians recommendations or even avoid allopathic treatment entirely. Its natural to want to be well and to think about what else you can do to improve your health. There is a lot of information available, and new approaches for treating thyroid cancer and thyroid disease are always being tested. It can be hard to tell the difference between what is standard care and what is complementary and alternative medicine. This brochure is intended to help you understand what to consider as you make these choices. The most important message is to talk with your doctor about what you are already using and before you try anything new.

Some patients are afraid their doctor wont understand or approve of the use of CAM; some physicians may not understand or approve of this in their patients. But physicians know that their patients want to take an active role in their treatment. We want the best for our patients and would prefer an open line of communication. Talking with your physician about CAM is particularly important because we want to ensure that your treatment works well, and some CAM that may seem safe could potentially interfere with your treatment.

Do you know what types of CAM might help me deal with the side effects of treatment?

Will CAM interfere with my treatment or medicines?

Can you help me understand what I have read/ heard about CAM?

Supplements do not have to be approved by the federal government before being sold to the public, and a prescription is not needed to buy them. The same is true for most CAM practices. There are ads and claims that a certain product has been used for years, or that they are effective in fighting cancer; these claims do not prove that these approaches are safe or effective. Some of these therapies can cost thousands of dollars. Its important for you as a consumer to decide what is best for you, but you should be careful. Tell your physician if you are using any form of CAM, no matter how safe you think it is. Here are some facts about biological products you may find surprising:

CAM practitioners are people who should have training and experience in CAM treatment. You should choose one as carefully and thoughtfully as you choose your physician. Be careful of products advertised that claim they have a cure but do not give specific information about how well their product works or claim they have only positive results without side effects. Here are some approaches to remember when finding a practitioner:

There is a lot of information about CAM and its difficult to know who to trust. Good places to start are listed to the right. Here are some key questions to ask as you evaluate CAM information:

Continued here:

Complementary and Alternative Medicine in Thyroid Disease ...

EVER since the start of the Modern Age, it has always been a debate whether whats the better treatment: herbal medicine or synthetic drugs.

When you ask your mothers and grandmothers, theyll tell you that the natural way is the right way in treatment. But, when asking the more modern-minded people, theyll pick the scientific drugs over any alternative medicine. So, whats the real deal?

According to a World Health Organization, there are 250,000 practitioners of traditional medicine in the Philippines. Natural medicine users have been growing ever since the Traditional and Alternative Medicine Act of 1997 (or Tama) was implemented. Because of this, the country has been majorly supporting the use of alternative medicine, and is more inclined towards it over the latter years.

There are a lot of advantages to herbal medicine, according to Health Guidance. Its a lot less cheap than most synthetic medicine and its also very easily attainable. Most, if not all, herbal medicines are mostly considered over-the-counter medicine, which do not need any doctors prescription to buy it. These alternative medicines also dont really have serious side-effects and are mainly promoting general wellness.

But, they have disadvantages as well. Its ineffective against very serious conditions. You cant really fix a broken arm with herbal medicine, can you? It may also trigger allergies, if youre not careful.

Steven Salzberg, a prominent biology researcher at University of Maryland, calls alternative medicine as cleverly marketed, dangerous quackery.

He even said that the more time they spend getting fraudulent treatments, the less time theyll spend getting treatments that work and that could save their lives.

This brings us to the advantages of modern medicine.

According to Elizabeth Blackburn, a biologist at the University of California at San Francisco and a Nobel laureate, modern medicine was formed around success in fighting infectious diseases. This means that while alternative medicine promotes the general well-being of a person, modern medicine aims to attack a specific disease.

The biggest advantage of modern medicine is actually the biggest disadvantage of alternative medicine its effective on more serious conditions.

Imagine breaking a leg. Would you consider going to an herbalist instead of a doctor whose expertise are more inclined towards your injury?

In the Philippine Health System Review for 2011, it is said that in the 2006 FIES, the average Filipino household spends about P4,000 per year on medical care. Drugs account for almost 70 percent of total household out-of-pocket (OOP) payments while less than 10 percent of total OOP is spent on professional fees. Especially in the world today, most people opt to go to modern medicine.

But, it has its disadvantages as well. Modern medicine is more expensive when it comes to the more serious diseases. There are other cases where the chemicals are too strong for some bodies to handle.

So, with the advantages and disadvantages of both interchanging, which really is the better one?

"For as long as BFAD approved, okay lang man yan (Herbal medicine is okay. Meron yang (It has) scientific basis na pwede siya for consumption. Pero, hindi parin (But it is not) priority ang non-medicinal [Herbal] over medicinal [Synthetic] because there are illnesses or medical conditions that cannot be treated or managed using non-medicinal or herbal regimens, Mari Pearl Agawin, an obstetrician/gynecologist, shared.

Dr. Agawin also added that there are no scientific bases that the synthetic medicine is proven more effective if not any, over the herbal medicine. With this, as long as your illness gets cured, the opinion of the more effective treatment depends on you.

Whether human-made or natural, the most important criteria for a medicines use is safety, effectiveness and quality: identity, purity, potency and stability, Joe Albers, Pharmacist, Pharm.D., Ph.D., said. (Fhrea Zenntine Malinit)

See the original post here:

Y-Speak: Herbal medicine vs. synthetic drugs: What's better? | SunStar - Sun.Star

Zhang Yans lecture introduces ways traditional Chinese medicine which can treat your children, and which also help enhance the relationship between the parent and child.

Paediatric massage in China has a long history. Traditional Chinese medicine (TCM) lends its unique understanding of childrens physiological and pathological development and changes, so that particular acupressure points, meridians and different techniques combined would effectively relieve symptoms of various conditions and even cure some children from certain ailments.

Zhang Yan, a lecturer from Shanghai University of TCM affiliated with Pudong Longhua Hospital, has 20 years experience in clinical practice of TCM, including acupuncture, moxibustion, cupping and other traditional therapies, combined with nearly 10 years of psychological counselling experience.

She is acclaimed to be one of the best fourth generation inheritors of Lus Acupuncture, which is one of the protected intangible cultural heritage items of China.

Yans lecture introduces ways with TCM which can treat children and which also help enhance the relationship between the parent and child.

The lecture will take place tomorrow at the Multi-function Hall at the China Cultural Centre, Valletta, at 7pm. Entrance is free but it is on a first-come, first-served basis. To book your place, send an e-mail to [emailprotected] or call 2122 5055.

Read the original:

Times of Malta Alternative medicine - Times of Malta

A Belgian court on Wednesday convicted two parents in the death of their infant, who succumbed to malnutrition and dehydration because his parents were firm believers in unconventional nutrition.

The court gave both a suspended six-month sentence because they failed to take adequate action to take care ofbabyLucas, who died at sevenmonths old with organs shrunk to half their size and without any fat around them.

Judge Mieke Butstraen said the demise of thebabywas "the result of the systematic offer of food that was not suitable."

Because of that, "his health was seriously impeded and he eventually died" three years ago, weighing only 9lbs 7oz, barely 2lbs 3ozmore in weight than when he was born.

The case has caused a major uproar about the use of alternative medicine and the responsibility of parents in raising their children.

The parents could still appeal the sentence, but the court said it already showed some leniency by giving the minimum six-month sentence.

"It is clear that the defendants have already been severely punished because they need to proceed with life in the knowledge that they are responsible for the death of their son, who they truly loved," Butstraen said.

The parents own a natural dietary shop and backed alternative food to the fullest, applying it to their newly born third child.

View original post here:

Parents who believe in 'alternative nutrition' convicted after baby dies of malnutrition - Telegraph.co.uk

Stanford medical students must master genetics, biochemistry and immunology, among other disciplines. But school leaders dont want these future doctors to be stumped when their patients describe their acupuncture sessions, or have questions about herbal supplements or other alternativetherapies.

To help familiarize Stanford medical students with these practices, the students spend a day shadowing a practitioner at a participating integrative medicine clinicduring their family medicine clerkship.

We want to introduce students to the idea that the patients they see in clinic are using these other health-care systems, said Art Johnson, coordinator for the family medicine clerkship. They need to partner with patients in managing their health in the best way possible, and utilize all available resources.

The Kunde Institute, a center for Tibetan wellness and healing located in Daly City. is one of these participating clinics. It offers a unique opportunity for students because most integrative medicine clinics in the Bay Area focus on Chinese medicine, Johnson said. About 10 Stanford students per year shadow practitionersat this center, said Tracy Rydel, MD, who directs the family medicine clerkship.

Tibetan medicine, which originated more than 4,000 years ago, attributes the roots of all disease to an imbalance of the three Nyepas(rlung, tripa and peken) thatemanate from the three mental poisons of desire-attachment, hatred-anger and closed-mindedness. Treatments at the Kunde Institute include herbal medicines, hot oil therapy, acupuncture, copper cupping and individualized counseling on diet, nutrition and lifestyle behaviors.

At the Kunde Institute, participating students learn fromMenpa Yangdron Kalzang, LAc, who has a Tibetan medicine degree from the Tibetan Medical University in Lhasa, Tibet and a masters in traditional Chinese medicine from Five Branches University in Santa Cruz. They learn about the connection between the physical, emotional and mental health of patients, one student told me.

Stanford medical student Victoria Boggiano first learned about Tibetan medicine when she attended a symposium at Stanford, she said. When she shadowed Kalzang, she told me she became very interested in how Tibetan medicine can complement the biomedicine traditionally taught in medical school. Boggiano described her experience via email:

I spent an afternoon with Menpa Kalzang, shadowing her as she saw patients with a variety of ailments. I remember really distinctly that two separate patients we saw that day had very bad plantar fasciitis, an inflammation of thick tissue in the foot that leads to pain in the heel and bottom of the foot. Before coming to the institute, neither patient had been able to walk without feeling terrible pain that had been resistant to any of the medications or physical therapy that their primary care physicians had provided them. Both patients started seeing Menpa Kalzang to receive acupuncture and herbal remedies, after which they both saw dramatic reductions in their symptoms. It was incredible to see how much Menpa Kalzang had helped them!

Since 2008, about 100 Stanford students have visited Kunde, Kalzang said. She said she plans to continue with the program.

I do this to build bridges between the Western and Eastern medical systems, Kalzang told me. We need to establish integrative medical systems that allow providers from different disciplines to share information and put in referrals for both types of treatments. This is particularly important for patients with complex cases when Western or Eastern medical systems alone cant answer or solve the problem.

Boggiano hopes to be part of this vision of integrative care. After medical school, she plans to specialize in family medicine and work in a primary care clinic. She explained:

I am eager to learn more about alternative medicine, and particularly Tibetan medicine, both by continuing to work with Menpa Kalzang and by gaining additional clinical experience. It would be incredible to work at a clinic where both biomedicine and alternative medicine are practiced side by side. Tibetan medicine encourages us to view patients in a holistic way and reminds us that mental health and physical health are incredibly intertwined. Patients deserve to receive both types of health care.

Previously:A look at integrative medicine with Stanfords David Spiegel,Exploring the role of integrative medicine in treating chronic health conditions andAsk Stanford Med: Pain expert responds to questions on integrative medicine Photo by Unsplash

Continue reading here:

East meets West: Stanford students invited to sample Tibetan medicine during clerkships - Scope (blog)

Support for alternative medicine research: CM The Hindu Alternative systems of medicine declined in popularity due to the over-emphasis given by the public to allopathic medicines. Now a days, the people are recognising the importance of alternative medicines as a complete solution for every health issue ...

Link:

Support for alternative medicine research: CM - The Hindu

In a major breakthrough, the Criminal Investigation Department (CID) has unearthed a fake "council of alternative medicines" in Behala that had been giving forged MBBS certificates against a huge sum of money.

The investigating agency raided the office situated in a rented apartment on Biren Roy Road at Behala late on Saturday night. The investigating officers found several documents including a few forged MBBS certificates and other relevant documents from the office that they have sealed after conducting the search operation.

According to a senior officer of CID, accused Tapas Biswas had taken a portion of the house on rent nine months ago to run the office of the fake council which he had named "Council of Alternative System of Medicine".

Investigation revealed that he used to issue forged certificates on behalf of the fake council using which several began to practice allopathy. The CID officers are also looking for these fake doctors.

The investigating officers further came to know that Biswas stopped coming to the office 10 days ago and on the last day of his visit, he had left with several documents. The officers found the office locked from outside when they went to conduct the raid late on Saturday night.

The officers also went to his residence on Moore Avenue in South Kolkata and found it locked from outside. His neighbours informed the officers that Biswas along with his wife and other family members went out of station 10 days ago.

Biswas also runs an institute named Institute of Health Science. There are branches of the institute at Moulali and Gariahat as well. CID officers came to know that Biswas used to give some sort of training to the people who used to approach him to get forged MBBS certificates against a certain amount of money.

Moreover, the accused's father Pradip Biswas, who died a few years ago, was known to the locals as a doctor of alternate medicine. He also used to run an institution and got arrested five years ago by policemen from Regent Park police station, sources added. Interestingly, the investigating officers came to know that his wife also claims herself to be a doctor. His brother, who also passed away, used to run a similar type of institution in Cooch Behar.

The CID officers have questioned the owner of the house at Behala where Biswas had opened his office.

According to sources, the landlord told the officers that the accused had he had been kept in the dark while the house was being taken on rent by Biswas.

Link:

CID unearths fake 'council of alternative medicines' in Behala - Millennium Post

The state's top court ruled Friday that the medical cannabis commission can issue final licenses to companies to grow the drug even as legal challenges to the program's rollout continue.

The Court of Appeals held up a case from proceeding in Baltimore Circuit Court last week in which a company that failed to win a lucrative license to grow medical cannabis argues the Maryland Medical Cannabis Commission ignored a state law that requires applicants' racial diversity to be considered when awarding preliminary licenses.

Ownership of the company that filed the lawsuit, Alternative Medicine Maryland, is 84 percent African-American.

Maryland's high court halted the case after companies with preliminary licenses to grow medical marijuana appealed Circuit Judge Barry Williams' denial of their request to testify in the case. On Friday, the Court of Appeals scheduled oral arguments on that appeal for July 27.

Cannabis commission officials said they believed the panel was able to legally issue licenses before Friday's ruling, but chose not to because they were not clear on the court's intent when it stopped the Circuit Court case last week. Williams had temporarily halted the issuance of final licenses, but his order expired Sunday.

Paul Davies, chairman of the commission, and Patrick Jameson, its director, declined to comment further while staff and lawyers reviewed the high court's ruling.

The growers seeking to intervene, organized as the Maryland Wholesale Medical Cannabis Trade Association, were pleased by the court's order.

"We are gratified by the Court's swift disposition of the restraining order, thus allowing this critically-important public health program to proceed," said Alan Rifkin, the group's attorney.

John Pica, an attorney representing Alternative Medicine Maryland, said the court's ruling was another "round in a championship fight."

Pica believes his client has a strong case, and that the commission and other growing companies may be taking a risk moving forward with licenses as the legal fight continues.

"If licenses are granted and companies begin to grow, they do so at their own risk," Pica said. "It's our firm position that these licenses were awarded unlawfully. We have shown clearly that the state did not follow the law."

The growers have argued that they've collectively invested more than $200 million in getting their businesses up and running, and therefore should have a voice in Alternative Medicine Maryland's lawsuit. They've argued that any further delays in the medical cannabis program will deprive patients of a drug they need.

Williams, however, had ruled that companies without final licenses were not permitted to have a say in whether the entire licensing process should be stopped.

Once the Court of Appeals decides whether to allow the companies to intervene, then the courts will weigh the merits of the underlying lawsuit.

So far, just one company has received a final license to open a cannabis growing facility, ForwardGro in Anne Arundel County. None of the 15 companies selected for growing licenses is led by African-Americans.

Maryland's medical cannabis program has been plagued with problems.

State lawmakers first legalized medical cannabis in 2013. But that law required the drug to be dispensed by academic institutions, and none signed up.

Lawmakers retooled the program, opening it up to private companies to grow, process and dispense the drug. The cannabis commission came under fire last year when it bumped two high-ranking applicants down and elevated two others to achieve geographic diversity, but did not consider racial diversity in selecting preliminary license winners.

State lawmakers considered modifying the program during the General Assembly session that concluded in April. One bill would have awarded new licenses in a way that would have favored minority-owned companies, and another would have created those new licenses as well as two others for the companies that were bumped for geographic reasons.

The legislation failed on the final day of the annual 90-day session.

Members of the Legislative Black Caucus of Maryland have called for a special session to reconsider the cannabis legislation.

pwood@baltsun.com

twitter.com/pwoodreporter

See more here:

Court: Medical marijuana program can proceed as legal battle continues - Baltimore Sun

Glimpses of Traditional Medicine 2016

Track 1:Traditional Medicine Today: Clinical and Research Issues

These are naturally occurringplant derived substances with minimal or no industrial processing that have been used to treat illness.Traditionalherbalmedicinesare getting significant attention in gworld health debates. In China, herbal medicine played a prominent role in the strategy to contain and treat SARS. 80% of African populations use some form oftraditional herbal medicine.

Related Conferences:GlobalHerbals conferenceandNatural RemediesOctober 17-19, 2016 Chicago, USA; 2ndInternational Conference andExhibition onPharmacologyandEthnopharmacologyMay 02-04, 2016 Chicago, USA;International Conference onHolisticsMedicine conferenceandHolistic NursingJuly 14-15, 2016 Philadelphia, USA; 4thGlobalAcupunctureconferenceand Therapists Annual MeetingJuly 14-16, 2016 Philadelphia, USA; 6thInternational Conference andExhibition on Traditional Medicine&Alternative MedicineSeptember 14-16, 2016 Amsterdam, Netherlands; The 2ndEthnomedicineandTraditional Medicine conference(CETM) June 1-3, 2016, Nanjing, China; (AACMAC) 2016-AustralasianAcupuncturetherapyandChinese Medicine Annual Conference20-22 May 2016, Perth, Australia; (ICNM) InternationalCongress onNaturopathicMedicineJuly 1-3, Barcelona, Spain; 10thAustralianHomeopathicMedicine Conference, October 22-23, 2016 Brisbane, Australia;Society the Individual and Medicine,FloridaHerbalConference, February 26-28 2016 Florida, USA,Australian Traditional Medicine Association(ATMS) events,European Herbal conference&Traditional Medicine Practitioners AssociationNational Association,American Medical Association,Australian Natural Therapists Association(ANTA),World Association of Traditional Chinese Veterinary Medicine

Track 2:Challenges and Future Directions of Traditional Medicine

Approximately 80% of people today depend uponherbal medicinesas a component of their primary healthcare according to the WHO, there is still great concern about the safety and efficacy of herbal use. While herbal medicines can potentially contribute to the advancements ofhealthcaresystem, many major challenges must be overcome prior to the successful integration of herbal remedies into mainstream medicines. One of the major barriers is the current lack of accurate translations andinterpretations of TraditionalChinese herbaltexts and research by Western scientists.

Related Conferences:GlobalHerbals conferenceandNatural RemediesOctober 17-19, 2016 Chicago, USA; 2ndInternational Conference andExhibition onPharmacologyandEthnopharmacologyMay 02-04, 2016 Chicago, USA;International Conference onHolisticsMedicine conferenceandHolistic NursingJuly 14-15, 2016 Philadelphia, USA; 4thGlobalAcupunctureconferenceand Therapists Annual MeetingJuly 14-16, 2016 Philadelphia, USA; 6thInternational Conference andExhibition on Traditional Medicine&Alternative MedicineSeptember 14-16, 2016 Amsterdam, Netherlands; The 2ndEthnomedicineandTraditional Medicine conference(CETM) June 1-3, 2016, Nanjing, China; (AACMAC) 2016-AustralasianAcupuncturetherapyandChinese Medicine Annual Conference20-22 May 2016, Perth, Australia; (ICNM) InternationalCongress onNaturopathicMedicineJuly 1-3, Barcelona, Spain; 10thAustralianHomeopathicMedicine Conference, October 22-23, 2016 Brisbane, Australia;Society the Individual and Medicine,FloridaHerbalConference, February 26-28 2016 Florida, USA,Australian Traditional Medicine Association(ATMS) events,European Herbal conference&Traditional Medicine Practitioners AssociationNational Association,American Medical Association,Australian Natural Therapists Association(ANTA),World Association of Traditional Chinese Veterinary Medicine

Track 3:Herbal Medicine

Herbal medicinesare one type of dietary supplement. They are sold as tablets, capsules, powders, teas, extracts, and fresh or dry plants. People use herbal medicines to try to maintain or improve their health.Herbis a plant part or plant used for its flavor, scent or therapeutic properties forherbal remedies.

Many people believe that products labeled "natural" are always good and safe for them. This is not necessarily true.Herbal medicinesdo not have to go through the testing that drugs do. Some herbs, such as ephedra and comfrey, can cause serious harm. Some herbs can interact with prescription orover-the-counter medicines.

Related Conferences:GlobalHerbals conferenceandNatural RemediesOctober 17-19, 2016 Chicago, USA; 2ndInternational Conference andExhibition onPharmacologyandEthnopharmacologyMay 02-04, 2016 Chicago, USA;International Conference onHolisticsMedicine conferenceandHolistic NursingJuly 14-15, 2016 Philadelphia, USA; 4thGlobalAcupunctureconferenceand Therapists Annual MeetingJuly 14-16, 2016 Philadelphia, USA; 6thInternational Conference andExhibition on Traditional Medicine&Alternative MedicineSeptember 14-16, 2016 Amsterdam, Netherlands; The 2ndEthnomedicineandTraditional Medicine conference(CETM) June 1-3, 2016, Nanjing, China; (AACMAC) 2016-AustralasianAcupuncturetherapyandChinese Medicine Annual Conference20-22 May 2016, Perth, Australia; (ICNM) InternationalCongress onNaturopathicMedicineJuly 1-3, Barcelona, Spain; 10thAustralianHomeopathicMedicine Conference, October 22-23, 2016 Brisbane, Australia;Society the Individual and Medicine,FloridaHerbalConference, February 26-28 2016 Florida, USA,Australian Traditional Medicine Association(ATMS) events,European Herbal conference&Traditional Medicine Practitioners AssociationNational Association,American Medical Association,Australian Natural Therapists Association(ANTA),World Association of Traditional Chinese Veterinary Medicine

Track 4:Traditional Chinese Medicine

Traditional Chinese Medicineis a healing system developed in China more than 2,200 years ago, incorporating therapies that are in some cases. One of its guiding principle is to dispel evil and support the good. In addition to treatingillness,Traditional Chinese Medicinefocus on strengthening the body's defenses and enhancing its capacity forhealingherbsand to maintain health.

Related Conferences:GlobalHerbals conferenceandNatural RemediesOctober 17-19, 2016 Chicago, USA; 2ndInternational Conference andExhibition onPharmacologyandEthnopharmacologyMay 02-04, 2016 Chicago, USA;International Conference onHolisticsMedicine conferenceandHolistic NursingJuly 14-15, 2016 Philadelphia, USA; 4thGlobalAcupunctureconferenceand Therapists Annual MeetingJuly 14-16, 2016 Philadelphia, USA; 6thInternational Conference andExhibition on Traditional Medicine&Alternative MedicineSeptember 14-16, 2016 Amsterdam, Netherlands; The 2ndEthnomedicineandTraditional Medicine conference(CETM) June 1-3, 2016, Nanjing, China; (AACMAC) 2016-AustralasianAcupuncturetherapyandChinese Medicine Annual Conference20-22 May 2016, Perth, Australia; (ICNM) InternationalCongress onNaturopathicMedicineJuly 1-3, Barcelona, Spain; 10thAustralianHomeopathicMedicine Conference, October 22-23, 2016 Brisbane, Australia;Society the Individual and Medicine,FloridaHerbalConference, February 26-28 2016 Florida, USA,Australian Traditional Medicine Association(ATMS) events,European Herbal conference&Traditional Medicine Practitioners AssociationNational Association,American Medical Association,Australian Natural Therapists Association(ANTA),World Association of Traditional Chinese Veterinary Medicine

Track 5:Acupuncture

Acupunctureis a form ofTraditional Chinese Medicinethat has been practiced for centuries. It's based on the theory that energy, called chi, flows through around your body along pathways called meridians Acupuncturists believe that illness occurs when something block or unbalance your chi. Acupuncture is a way to unblock or influence chi and help it flow back into balanceAcupunctureis putting thin needles into your skin at certain points on your body. This is done to influence the energy . sometimes heat, pressure, or mild electrical current is used along with needles.

Related Conferences:GlobalHerbals conferenceandNatural RemediesOctober 17-19, 2016 Chicago, USA; 2ndInternational Conference andExhibition onPharmacologyandEthnopharmacologyMay 02-04, 2016 Chicago, USA;International Conference onHolisticsMedicine conferenceandHolistic NursingJuly 14-15, 2016 Philadelphia, USA; 4thGlobalAcupunctureconferenceand Therapists Annual MeetingJuly 14-16, 2016 Philadelphia, USA; 6thInternational Conference andExhibition on Traditional Medicine&Alternative MedicineSeptember 14-16, 2016 Amsterdam, Netherlands; The 2ndEthnomedicineandTraditional Medicine conference(CETM) June 1-3, 2016, Nanjing, China; (AACMAC) 2016-AustralasianAcupuncturetherapyandChinese Medicine Annual Conference20-22 May 2016, Perth, Australia; (ICNM) InternationalCongress onNaturopathicMedicineJuly 1-3, Barcelona, Spain; 10thAustralianHomeopathicMedicine Conference, October 22-23, 2016 Brisbane, Australia;Society the Individual and Medicine,FloridaHerbalConference, February 26-28 2016 Florida, USA,Australian Traditional Medicine Association(ATMS) events,European Herbal conference&Traditional Medicine Practitioners AssociationNational Association,American Medical Association,Australian Natural Therapists Association(ANTA),World Association of Traditional Chinese Veterinary Medicine

Track 6:Alternative Medicine & Treatment Methods

Complementary andalternative medicineis also known as CAM.Complementary and alternative medicinetries to prevent and treat different conditions with the following techniques:Healing touch

Energy

Herbal medicines

ManyComplementary and alternative medicine therapieshave been around for centuries. But do they really work..?

There is research to show that someComplementary and alternative medicine techniquescan help with problems like pain and nausea. But othertherapiesdon't have enough medical evidence to decide if they are effective.

Related Conferences:GlobalHerbals conferenceandNatural RemediesOctober 17-19, 2016 Chicago, USA; 2ndInternational Conference andExhibition onPharmacologyandEthnopharmacologyMay 02-04, 2016 Chicago, USA;International Conference onHolisticsMedicine conferenceandHolistic NursingJuly 14-15, 2016 Philadelphia, USA; 4thGlobalAcupunctureconferenceand Therapists Annual MeetingJuly 14-16, 2016 Philadelphia, USA; 6thInternational Conference andExhibition on Traditional Medicine&Alternative MedicineSeptember 14-16, 2016 Amsterdam, Netherlands; The 2ndEthnomedicineandTraditional Medicine conference(CETM) June 1-3, 2016, Nanjing, China; (AACMAC) 2016-AustralasianAcupuncturetherapyandChinese Medicine Annual Conference20-22 May 2016, Perth, Australia; (ICNM) InternationalCongress onNaturopathicMedicineJuly 1-3, Barcelona, Spain; 10thAustralianHomeopathicMedicine Conference, October 22-23, 2016 Brisbane, Australia;Society the Individual and Medicine,FloridaHerbalConference, February 26-28 2016 Florida, USA,Australian Traditional Medicine Association(ATMS) events,European Herbal conference&Traditional Medicine Practitioners AssociationNational Association,American Medical Association,Australian Natural Therapists Association(ANTA),World Association of Traditional Chinese Veterinary Medicine

Track 7:Ayurveda

According toAyurvedichypothesis, everything in the universe living or not is connected. Good health is achieved when your body, mind, spirit are in harmony with the universe. A disruption of this harmony can lead to poor health and illness.

Anything that affects your physical, spiritual, or emotional well-being can cause you to be out of balance with the universe. Some things that can cause a disturbance include:

Genetic birth defects

Injuries

Climate and seasonal changes

Emotions

Age

How your body works to keep you healthy and your unique physical and psychological characteristics combine to form your body's constitution, or prakriti. prakriti is believed to stay the same for your entire life. but, how you digest food & eliminate waste can influence it.

Related Conferences:GlobalHerbals conferenceandNatural RemediesOctober 17-19, 2016 Chicago, USA; 2ndInternational Conference andExhibition onPharmacologyandEthnopharmacologyMay 02-04, 2016 Chicago, USA;International Conference onHolisticsMedicine conferenceandHolistic NursingJuly 14-15, 2016 Philadelphia, USA; 4thGlobalAcupunctureconferenceand Therapists Annual MeetingJuly 14-16, 2016 Philadelphia, USA; 6thInternational Conference andExhibition on Traditional Medicine&Alternative MedicineSeptember 14-16, 2016 Amsterdam, Netherlands; The 2ndEthnomedicineandTraditional Medicine conference(CETM) June 1-3, 2016, Nanjing, China; (AACMAC) 2016-AustralasianAcupuncturetherapyandChinese Medicine Annual Conference20-22 May 2016, Perth, Australia; (ICNM) InternationalCongress onNaturopathicMedicineJuly 1-3, Barcelona, Spain; 10thAustralianHomeopathicMedicine Conference, October 22-23, 2016 Brisbane, Australia;Society the Individual and Medicine,FloridaHerbalConference, February 26-28 2016 Florida, USA,Australian Traditional Medicine Association(ATMS) events,European Herbal conference&Traditional Medicine Practitioners AssociationNational Association,American Medical Association,Australian Natural Therapists Association(ANTA),World Association of Traditional Chinese Veterinary Medicine

Track 8:ArabicMedicineandUnani Medicine

HijamaCuppingby the Muslims is the application of suction cups to the skin to draw out stagnant, congested blood and Vital Force, as well as stagnant or morbid humors. By using different methods of cupping and new trends usually, theHijama cupsare made of glass, but they can also be made of bamboo, bone, horn or metal. The classical method for generating suction in the cup is to use fire to consume the air within it.

Related Conferences:GlobalHerbals conferenceandNatural RemediesOctober 17-19, 2016 Chicago, USA; 2ndInternational Conference andExhibition onPharmacologyandEthnopharmacologyMay 02-04, 2016 Chicago, USA;International Conference onHolisticsMedicine conferenceandHolistic NursingJuly 14-15, 2016 Philadelphia, USA; 4thGlobalAcupunctureconferenceand Therapists Annual MeetingJuly 14-16, 2016 Philadelphia, USA; 6thInternational Conference andExhibition on Traditional Medicine&Alternative MedicineSeptember 14-16, 2016 Amsterdam, Netherlands; The 2ndEthnomedicineandTraditional Medicine conference(CETM) June 1-3, 2016, Nanjing, China; (AACMAC) 2016-AustralasianAcupuncturetherapyandChinese Medicine Annual Conference20-22 May 2016, Perth, Australia; (ICNM) InternationalCongress onNaturopathicMedicineJuly 1-3, Barcelona, Spain; 10thAustralianHomeopathicMedicine Conference, October 22-23, 2016 Brisbane, Australia;Society the Individual and Medicine,FloridaHerbalConference, February 26-28 2016 Florida, USA,Australian Traditional Medicine Association(ATMS) events,European Herbal conference&Traditional Medicine Practitioners AssociationNational Association,American Medical Association,Australian Natural Therapists Association(ANTA),World Association of Traditional Chinese Veterinary Medicine

Track 9:Naturopathic Medicine

Naturopathicmedicines, and treatment are a distinct primary healthcare profession emphasizing prevention, treatment & optimal health care through the use of therapeutic methods and substances that encourage individuals inherent selfhealingplantsprocess. Thepractice of naturopathic medicinesincludesevidence basednaturopathicmedicines, modern and scientific,traditional, naturopathic treatments and practicesand empirical methods.

Related Conferences:GlobalHerbals conferenceandNatural RemediesOctober 17-19, 2016 Chicago, USA; 2ndInternational Conference andExhibition onPharmacologyandEthnopharmacologyMay 02-04, 2016 Chicago, USA;International Conference onHolisticsMedicine conferenceandHolistic NursingJuly 14-15, 2016 Philadelphia, USA; 4thGlobalAcupunctureconferenceand Therapists Annual MeetingJuly 14-16, 2016 Philadelphia, USA; 6thInternational Conference andExhibition on Traditional Medicine&Alternative MedicineSeptember 14-16, 2016 Amsterdam, Netherlands; The 2ndEthnomedicineandTraditional Medicine conference(CETM) June 1-3, 2016, Nanjing, China; (AACMAC) 2016-AustralasianAcupuncturetherapyandChinese Medicine Annual Conference20-22 May 2016, Perth, Australia; (ICNM) InternationalCongress onNaturopathicMedicineJuly 1-3, Barcelona, Spain; 10thAustralianHomeopathicMedicine Conference, October 22-23, 2016 Brisbane, Australia;Society the Individual and Medicine,FloridaHerbalConference, February 26-28 2016 Florida, USA,Australian Traditional Medicine Association(ATMS) events,European Herbal conference&Traditional Medicine Practitioners AssociationNational Association,American Medical Association,Australian Natural Therapists Association(ANTA),World Association of Traditional Chinese Veterinary Medicine

Traditional Medicine Strategy 2014 to 2023: The WHO Traditional Medicine Strategy 20142023 was developed and launched in response to the WH Assembly resolution on traditional medicine. The strategy aims to support Members States in developing proactive policies and implementing action plans that will strengthen the role traditional medicines plays in keeping populations healthy.

Addressing the challenges, responding to the needs identified by Member States & building on the work done under the World Health Organization traditional medicine strategy: 2002 to 2005, the updated strategy for the period 2014 to 2023 devotes more attention than its predecessor to prioritizing health services and systems, including traditional & complementary medicine products, practices and practitioners.

Importance & Scope: Currently the total global market of Herbal Products & Medicinal Plants is US$ 60 billion with a double digit growth. The diversified use of plant obtained products and its acceptance worldwide made the sector very promising one. As per the World Bank Report 1998, world trade in medicinal plants and related products is expected to be US$ 5 trillion by 2050.

Funding:As attention & public funding for international traditional and herbal medicine researchcollaborations grows, more detailed analysis of ethical matters in this research is warranted. Scant literature has addressed selected issues such as informed consent & independent review associated totraditional and herbal medicine research.6,7 Here we apply a practical, comprehensive & widely accepted ethical framework tointernational traditional and herbal medicine research. We examine in detail difficult questions related to social value, scientific validity and favourable risk benefit ratio. We conclude with implications for upcoming research in this field, focusing on the importance of collaborative partnership.

Funding NIH

National Center for Complementary and Alternative Medicine

Budget Mechanism $127,930 (Dollars in Thousands)

Major countries of Herbal Market:The largest global markets for medicinal and aromatic plants are Netherlands, China, Italy, Spain, Japan, France, Germany, UK and the USA.

It is estimated that Europe alone annually imports about 400,000 tonnes ofmedicinal plants with an average market valueof US$ 1 billion from Africa and Asia.

Japan:has the highest per capita consumption ofbotanical medicine in the world.Botanical medicine market in Japanin 1996 was estimated at US $ 2.4 billion and sales have grown rapidly in recent years.

China:china's total output of medicinal plantsfrom both cultivated and wild harvested sources is 1.6 million tones. The total value of the finished TCM in 1996 was US$ 3.7 billion. This estimate excludes domestic consumption, the inclusion of which would result in a far higher figure. Overall sale ofbotanical medicine products in Chinain 1995 was estimated at US$ 5 billion.

Studies suggest that approximately 20% of people in theUnited States use herbal supplements, and the amount of money spent on these products exceed $4.2 billion per year.

UK:TheUK imports up to 90% of its medicinal herb requirement. The current total market is 139 million euro.

India:is a major exporter ofraw medicinal and aromatic plantsand processed plant-based drugs. Exports ofcrude drugs & essential oilfrom India in 1994-95 were valued at US$ 66,469 million. Important crude drugs included Plantogo ovata (psyllium), Panax spp. (ginseng), Cassia spp. (senna) and Catheranthus rosesus (rosy periwinkle). Essential oils included santalum album (sandlewood), Mentha arvensis (peppermint) and Cymbopogon flexuosus (lemongrass). Seventy percent of total exports from India are sent to six countries. France, Germany, Japan, Switzerland, the UK, and the US. Other major importers are Bangladesh, Pakistan and Spain.

Why Amsterdam, Netherlands:Herbal/traditional products are quite popular in the Netherlands due to their longstanding presence in the marketplace. Herbal/traditional products are mainly present in cough, cold and allergy (hay fever) remedies. Strong brands such as Anta Flu and Dampo have boosted the popularity of herbal/traditional products in this category. Consumers are tending to seek more natural and established solutions for their health problems. Most herbal/traditional products are based on very old recipes that have been handed down through the generations. Herbal/traditional products tend to be easily accessible and cheaper alternatives to standard pharmaceutical products.

Conference Highlights:

Herbal Medicine

Traditional Chinese Medicine

Acupuncture

Traditional Medicine Today: Clinical and Research Issues

Alternative Medicine & Treatment Methods

Ayurveda

Arabic & Unani Medicine

Challenges and Future Directions of Traditional Medicine

Naturopathic Medicine

Major Traditional Medicine Associations and societies around the Globe:

Australian Traditional Medicine Association ATMS

Bringing science and development together through original news and analysis

European Herbal & Traditional Medicine Practitioners Association National Association

American Medical Association

Society the Individual and Medicine

Dimensions of Culture

Native American Legends

Australian Natural Therapists Association ANTA

World Association of Traditional Chinese Veterinary Medicine

Future Projection:Although approximately 80 percent of people today depend upon herbal medication as a component of their primary healthcare according to the World Health Organization, there is still great concern about the safety and efficacy of herbal use [1]. While herbal medicine can potentially contribute to the advancement of healthcare, many major challenges must be overcome prior to the successful integration of herbal remedies into mainstream medicine. One of the major barriers is the current lack of accurate translations and interpretations of Chinese herbal texts and research by Western scientists. Indeed, for the incorporation of safe and effective herbs into the medical system to become a reality, more researchers and doctors need to be trained in both modern medicine and herbal compendium that has been accumulated since ancient times. Additionally, to establish credibility for herbal use in the modern settings, experience-based claims from Chinese herbal medical doctors must be transformed into evidence-based claims. Finally, the question of how to address the need for both individualizing (the basis of TCM) and standardizing (the basis of modern pharmacology) treatment with herbs must be settled. Once these issues are resolved, the prospect exists for widespread use of herbal medicine as a safe, effective, and affordable form of healthcare .

The number of patients seeking alternate and herbal therapy is growing exponentially. Herbal medicines are the synthesis of therapeutic experiences of generations of practicing physicians of indigenous systems of medicine for over hundreds of years. Herbal medicines are now in great demand in the developing world for primary health care not because they are inexpensive but also for better cultural acceptability, better compatibility with the human body and minimal side effects. However, recent findings indicate that all herbal medicines may not be safe as severe consequences are reported for some herbal drugs. Most herbal products on the market today have not been subjected to drug approval process to demonstrate their safety and effectiveness. Thousand years of traditional use can provide us with valuable guidelines to the selection, preparation and application of herbal formulation. To be accepted as viable alternative to modern medicine, the same vigorous method of scientific and clinical validation must be applied to prove the safety and effectiveness of a therapeutical product. In the present review we attempted to describe the present scenario and project the future of herbal medicine.

Traditional Medicine 2016

The6thInternational Conference and Exhibition on Traditional & Alternative Medicineconference: (Traditional Medicine 2016) was held on September 14- 16, 2016 at the Hyatt Place Amsterdam Airport in Amsterdam, Netherlands. This conference brought together an interdisciplinary group of professionals working in the field of Traditional Medicine and Alternative Medicine. The tone of the main conference was set during the opening remarks byPhilippe A Souvestre, NeuroKinetics Health Services, Inc., Canada&Phyllis L MacIntyre, Dickinson University, Canada. Throughout the conference, more than 30 experts in the field shared their knowledge with the 300 attendees of the conference.

The highlights of the meeting were the enlightening keynote lectures from:

Joshua Dunsky, Dunsky Rehabilitation and Spine Center, USA

MeLisa Gantt, Landstuhl Regional Medical Center, Germany

Lorne J Hofseth, University of South Carolina, USA

Rebecca Fung, University of East-West Medicine, USA

Philippe A Souvestre, NeuroKinetics Health Services, Inc., Canada

Phyllis L MacIntyre, Dickinson University, Canada

Ahmet Uyar, Yuzuncu Yil University, Turkey

Wen-Long Hu, KCGMH & Chang Gung University College of Medicine

Wendy Wong, The Chinese University of Hong Kong, Hong Kong

Domenico V Delfino,University of Perugia, Italy

Attendee Statistics

The conference was well-attended with 300individuals attending the main conference. The majority of participants came from Europe. Please refer to the chart on the right for a breakdown of main conference attendees by continent. We also welcomed international delegates from China, New Zealand, India and from all across the United States of America.

The conference was highly interprofessional in nature with more than 30 professions represented. Major professional groups included: Traditional Medicine researchers, Practioners, Herbalists, Acupuncturists, Homeopathic Practioners, Professors, Directors, Young researchers

We are also obliged to various delegate experts, company representatives and other eminent personalities who supported the conference by facilitating active discussion forums. We sincerely thank the Organizing Committee Members for their gracious presence, support and assistance towards the success of Traditional Medicine 2016. With the unique feedbacks from the conference, Conference Series LLC would like to announce the commencement of the 7thInternational Conference and Exhibition on Traditional & Alternative Medicine to be held during October 03-06, 2017, in Dubai, UAE.

See more here:

Traditional & Alternative Medicine

Until a couple of years ago, alternative medicine was an alien concept in North American culture. However, there appears to be a growing consciousness regarding alternative medicine as a better form of health care as compared to conventional medicine.

Conventional medicine is being viewed as a form of treatment that has numerous side effects. The approach of conventional medicine appears focused on the illness of the patient instead of their health. Physicians have also been blamed for intentionally downplaying better medicines in order to remain in business.

INTRODUCTION TO ALTERNATIVE MEDICINE

Generally, the approach of conventional medicine is based on the treatment of symptoms rather than the underlying cause of most ailments. For instance, oncology is basically focused on hammering cancer cells into submission, or amputating the affected areas as in the case of breast cancer. Alternative medicine on the other hand appears more focused on preventative treatment and holistic treatment. In other words, alternative therapies attempt to understand the underlying cause of disease in the human body.

Alternative medicine refers to any form of treatment or therapy that is outside western standards of medicine. There is no official definition of alternative medicine since it comprises so many varied forms of treatment and their efficacies have not yet been fully studied.

For instance; stress, poor dieting, and exposure to certain carcinogenic substances are among the underlying causes of cancer. Alternative medicine appreciates this and approaches treatment of cancer from the perspective of treating the mind, body, and spirit for effective and lasting treatments.

Conventional treatments, such as the use of painkillers and other strong drugs, chemotherapy and radiology have been found to harm the body more than the diseases they are meant to treat. Its no wonder, therefore, that many people are turning to alternative medicine as their primary form of treatment. Some physicians recommend the use of both conventional and alternative forms of treatment for the best results.

There are so many different alternative therapies available for patients, so lets examine the most common of these alternative medicines.

ACUPUNCTURE

This is an eastern form of treatment that has been practiced in China and other Asian countries for centuries. It involves inserting needles into specific areas of the body to induce relaxation and create an energy balance in the body.

Acupuncture is based on the ancient Chinese philosophy that health is attained when the human body and the universal forces are in harmony. Acupuncture therapists have, for decades, discovered acupuncture points which can be stimulated to attain this universe-body energy equilibrium.

By inserting fine and sterilized needles into these acupuncture points through the skin, the body re-orients itself to the universal forces. Further enhancement of stimulation can be achieved by using heat, electric shocks and pressure. Acupuncture combines needle insertion into the skin with other techniques such as cupping, massages, heat therapy and the application of traditional herbs for maximum outcomes.

Acupuncture is believed to cure a wide range of ailments. It is believed to evoke the bodys natural healing capabilities. It also enhances the natural body systems such as the endocrine, digestive, circulatory, and cardiovascular systems, ensuring your body works as if its new.

This therapy is renowned as a pain reliever, especially for patients with chronic diseases. It improves sleep, dissipates stress and increases the feeling of well-being.

ACUPRESSURE

Acupressure can be considered acupunctures cousin since they both operate on the same principles. The main difference between acupuncture and acupressure is that the latter uses pressure instead of sterile needles to get the job done.

Acupressure is believed to unblock clogged body energy paths to restore energy balance in the body. The therapist uses her fingertips, elbows, palms and feet to apply pressure to specific points along the meridian of the body.

Acupuncture has been recommended by physicians treating patients with cancer. It releases anxiety among patients, reduces cases of nausea which is a problem associated with cancer patients due to the medication they are undergoing and cures insomnia.

In a recent study acupressure was also found to be very effective in easing fatigue especially among breast cancer survivors.

AROMATHERAPY

Aromatherapy involves using a number of plant extracts that occur naturally to enhance the body, mind and spiritual health of patients through inhaling and smearing on the skin as an ointment.Most of the essential oils that are used for aromatherapy have strong, relaxing and tantalizing aromas and have been used for centuries. Some of these oils, such as frankincense, are mentioned in ancient religious texts suggesting that they have been in use for over 2,000 years.

Recently, CBD oils which are extracted from Cannabis have been gaining popularity among Americans and are often administered through vaporizing or dabbing. They are believed to be instant mood enhancers and give immediate relief to anxiety and stress. They also relax muscles and, as a result, improve blood circulation in the body.

Other essential oils, such as lavender, peppermint, rosemary, bergamot, chamomile and many others are used in aromatherapy. In general, these essential oils are good for relaxation, improvement of blood circulation, and creating the feeling of well-being.

This therapy doesnt need to be carried out by experts and can easily be applied as a home remedy for most patients. It is used, in most cases, as a complementary form of treatment to be used as a preventative form of treatment or alongside conventional treatment.

BALNEOTHERAPY

Balneotherapy is one of the oldest forms of treatment, and has existed since around 1700BC. There are references to ideologies of this therapy in ancient texts such as the Bible (certain people immersed themselves in the River Jordan and were cured of leprosy).This proves that it has been in use for centuries, but is now regaining its lost glory in the US.

As a therapy, Balneotherapy involves the use of water laced with minerals that are considered healthy for the skin. The treatments are used as mineral baths (also referred to as Dead Sea salt), sulfur baths, and radon-carbon dioxide baths. These baths are usually available in specific spas across the US.

According to a study in the International Journal of Clinical Practice, Balneotherapy has been found to be very effective in the treatment of rheumatological diseases such as osteoarthritis, chronic spinal cord and lower back pains, fibromyalgia and ankylosing spondylitis. It is also very good for the treatment of dermatological, allergic, and respiratory ailments among patients. Therefore, it is a form of alternative therapy that can be very beneficial to a wide range of patients.

MASSAGE THERAPY

Massage therapy is also something that has gained popularity among Americans. Initially, massages were viewed as a form of luxury for the rich. However, more and more people are going for massages for health reasons.

According to the American Massage Therapy Association, 53% of all Americans that underwent massage therapy did so because they were recommended by a physician. Evidently, it is no longer a hobby for the rich, but a necessary alternative form of medicine.

Massage therapy involves kneading and squeezing and other manipulations of the soft tissues of the body. These soft tissues include body muscles, and tendons and ligaments that connect muscles to the bones or other tissues.

People seek massage therapy for a number of reasons; to reduce stress, help relax the body, improve blood circulation, help heal injuries faster, relieve pain, and acquire the feel good feeling. There are very many types of massage therapies designed to meet the specific needs of the patient which are categorized into two.

Relaxation massages are generally geared around relaxing the bodys muscles and also relieving stress. They also calm the mind. Swedish massage is the main type of massage under this category. Relaxation massages are generally done by massage therapists in spas and massage parlors.

Deep tissue massage, or rehabilitative massage, is mainly given to patients recuperating from an injury or surgery. It is also given to patients who are bedridden to improve blood circulation in body tissues, relax muscles and relieve pain. This type of massage is performed by qualified medical practitioners who are qualified to perform the therapy. It is usually performed in hospitals, clinics, or the offices of chiropractors.

With the growing number of American believed to be stressed, massage therapy is something that can be done frequently to ensure you stay away from the doctor. However, it can cost you up to $500 for a monthly subscription. Its worth every dime though.

CONCLUSION

What makes alternative medicine preferable to conventional medicine is the holistic approach of alternative medicine. Therapies such as acupuncture are based on the ideology that the body has the capacity to heal itself if working properly.

Alternative medicine aims to relieve the stress that patients face and to make them feel good about themselves. Once the human body is calm and stress-free, its immune system is strengthened and can therefore fight off diseases. Therefore, alternative medicines aim to heal the mind, body and spirit and are considered a more complete form of treatment.

Conventional medicine is generally viewed as paying too much attention to the symptoms of the disease and avoiding addressing the underlying causes of these diseases. In addition, most of the treatments used in conventional medicine settings have a lot of side effects for patients.

Current trends indicate that alternative medicine will become even more popular in the future.

Follow this link:

5 ALTERNATIVE MEDICINES EVERY MAN SHOULD BE AWARE OF - TORO Magazine