Types of Alternative Health Practices | Complementary Integrative Health

More and more people are turning to alternative health practices for overall body healing.

This is a practice that’s often chosen over standard medical practices.

Some of the healing processes within alternative medicine target the body for healing from the inside out.

These processes might include using herbal treatment, various therapies such as energy therapies and a mind-body connection such as a focus on inner peace to promote healing.

 

What Is integrative Medicine? 

If you are seriously ill, you would want to take advantage of any evidence-based approach to get better, wouldn’t you?

In essence, that is what Integrative Medicine or Integrative Healthcare (IH) does.

It takes the most effective treatments from different disciplines to construct a personalized health plan for the patient’s unique and emotional needs, according to WebMD. It’s far from a one-size-fits-all approach.

The University of Arizona’s Center for Integrative Medicine says integrative medicine takes account of the whole person, “covering all aspects of their lifestyle, including mind, body, spirit and the community.”

It also emphasizes the relationship between the patient and practitioner, who become partners in the treatment process.

Integrative Medicine, the center says, “Neither rejects conventional medicine nor accepts without question alternative therapies.”

Practitioners believe that ultimately good medicine, ne it conventional or alternative practices should be based on sound science, be inquiry-driven and be open to new paradigms.

Integrative Medicine also emphasizes non-invasive intervention, where possible. It not only concentrates on treating diseases but also promoting overall health and the prevention of disease. 

The NCIPH believes that by treating not only the individual patient, but the family and community as well, IH can help prevent and treat a whole slew of chronic health problems, such as obesity, cardiovascular disease, cancer, depression, and even violence.

Complementary or alternative medicine (CAM) is no longer a fringe science. To further solidify its status as a medical specialty; most medical insurances will now cover CAM treatments such as acupuncture.

The disciplines included in Integrated Healthcare run the gamut from family medicine to behavioral medicine and nutrition.

The integrated approach also emphasizes the importance of communication and collaboration between the different disciplines.

WebMD cites a program at a Sausalito   research facility that has successfully used an IH program to reverse heart disease.

The program combines diet, exercise, stress management, yoga, group support, and meditation with conventional diagnostic procedures and drug therapies.

Web MD suggests that IH is gaining popularity because it is an answer to the increasing number of chronic, complex diseases that confound conventional medicine.

Both fibromyalgia and chronic fatigue Syndrome (CFS), for example, involve a number of the body’s systems - the immune, circulatory, and digestive and nervous systems, which interact with each other in confusing and unexpected ways.  

Conventional medicine is based on the idea that there is single cause behind a disease. However, in diseases like fibromyalgia and CFS, there is a dizzying array of factors that conspire to make a person sick.

Therefore, sufferers of chronic, complex diseases need more than a single drug, or surgery, or a new-fangled hi-tech intervention.

Patients have been shown to recover more successfully if they are treated with an amalgam of conventional and alternative therapies.

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The Most Popular Alternative Health Practices 

Natural medicine has been in use for thousands of years and many ancient civilizations took advantage of this before modern medicine took over in popularity.

In fact, many of these natural medicines are still in use in those nations and they are growing in popularity in the western world, too. 

While there are plenty of people out there who will tell you it's unreliable and ridiculous, scientific research has found that a lot of natural medicines are effective for exactly what they are purported to do.

 Below are the outlines of the most popular and common alternative health practices that are easy to find and straightforward to try out for yourself.

Energy Healing

There are many forms of energy healing that are popular alternative health practices, and this guide covers some and you can learn more on our other natural healing guide pages.

One popular form of healing is the copper bracelet.  You would have heard of them before now, maybe even tried wearing one in the past.

So many people with arthritis etc swear by the power of these metals and also magnetic therapy, its surely worth a try.

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Reiki

Reiki is an alternative health practice sometimes referred to as energy healing that can help a person heal because it focuses on using the life force energy contained within your body.

Your body’s energy flow can become disrupted for many different reasons. 

When the flow is off course, it can cause you to get sick and it can cause high stress levels.

What Reiki does is stop this disruption, get rid of the stress and restore your balance.

It’s been known to help rid the body of stress and promote a deep sense of relaxation.

Stress can be a major factor linked to various health problems and using Reiki to relieve this stress can bring immediate relief.

In the beginning, you’ll learn the different places on the body that you need to place your hands in order to obtain the healing flow.

These places and the technique involved can be learned with the help of self-taught materials or you can schedule an appointment with a Reiki master.

During a Reiki session, you or the master, will place hands on or slightly above different areas of the body. These are specific areas and are targeted to restore the flow.

Sometimes, a session might involve the placement of hands on an area that needs additional help, such as if you have a muscle ache or a wound in that part of the body.

You’ll need to make sure that you’re comfortable and in a quiet place. Some people will play soft, soothing music.

The benefits that you’ll gain by practicing Reiki are many. You’ll feel better because this practice can boost the immune system.

When your immune system is well, it can do the job it was designed to do.

Another benefit you’ll gain is that your stress levels will go down. You’ll discover that the things that used to stress you out don’t any longer.

Using Reiki can help you let go of negative thoughts and perceptions that can disrupt the flow of energy and instead gain positive ones.

By using this practice, you’ll notice that you have a reduction or the elimination in pain.

When the body’s inner core is out of balance, pain can be a result of illness, injury or emotional trauma. Reiki can restore all of these things.

You can treat yourself with DIY reiki:

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Acupressure

Acupressure is an amazing alternative medicine technique that releases stress, anxiety, negative energy and built-up tension in your body.

It’s very simple to practice on yourself, or someone else, once you know the basics because it depends only on applying pressure to specific points on your body.

 Of course you can also visit a qualified therapist who can perform the procedure for you.

Each of these points, aptly referred to as ‘pressure points’, are assigned to different parts of your body.

are two types of points; local and trigger. Local points are the area where there is actual pain or discomfort.

Trigger points are connected to the area where the pain exists. For example, if you apply pressure to the crease found on the back of your knee, this can alleviate lower back pain and release tension from your lower vertebrae.

The theory behind this ancient Chinese treatment is that these chosen points stimulate the meridians, which are pathways through which our life-energy, or ‘chi’, flows. There are about 14 meridians running throughout our bodies.

When these pathways are energized through pressure, it brings relaxation and calmness. It also enhances circulation and flexibility by activating the body’s hormonal, lymphatic, and circulatory systems, as well as boosting the immune system.

Benefits

Acupressure can help treat and prevent many types of illnesses. Through its relaxing technique, acupressure can bring relief from the following:

• Stress and anxiety

• Insomnia

• Achy joints and muscles

• Digestive problems

• Headaches

• Chronic pains and illnesses

How it’s Done

The basic way to apply pressure is by using your index finger, thumb, or side of your hand.

Certain types of tools can also be used such as, for example, the acuball, the energy roller, the foot roller, the power (or ‘pyramid’) mat, and the spine roller.

Once you’ve chosen your application method, locate the pressure point, then press down for a good 1 - 3 minutes.

When you press down, you, or the person you’re applying pressure to, should a feel a good type of pain where there’s a bit of tenderness, but also a feeling of relaxation starting to emanate.

Breathe

A big part of acupressure is breathing. Both the person applying the pressure and the one receiving it should control their breathing using full and deep breaths.

This helps unleash tension and pain, unclench muscle knots and stimulate healing energy allowing to flow throughout your body.

 It also allows the person receiving acupressure to help regulate the amount of pressure being used with each inhale and exhale.

On the other hand, the person applying pressure should also use controlled, deep breathing to enhance their focus on the task at hand.

Safety measures

While it’s easy to try out acupressure on yourself or someone else, there are several precautions you should be aware of before starting.

• Avoid applying pressure in a jerky or bouncy way.

• Avoid applying pressure on the abdomen, thigh or leg in pregnant women.

• Avoid applying pressure on areas where are recent scars or broken skin.

What you could do, however, is apply pressure on the opposite side of the body which may result in what experts refer to as ‘reflex effect’.

This is when applying pressure to one side affects the same area but on the other side because they’re both affected by the same set of nerves from the spinal cord.

Acupressure has been practiced for thousands of years and has proven its ability to energize and stimulate your body, mind, and soul resulting in a calmer, stronger you.

Talk with your doctor about trying acupressure, and, as with everything, start slow, take your time and enjoy the process.

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Acupuncture

Acupuncture is an alternative health practice that has its foundation in Chinese medicine.

The practice has been in use for more than two thousand years.

During an acupuncture treatment, long, thin needles are placed into a person’s skin.

The location of where the needles are placed will vary. How far into the skin the needle placement goes will also vary.

There’s a specific reason behind the areas and depth placement of these needles.

It’s because the body has areas or points where the inner energy moves from one point to the next in a flow.

This has often been referred to as the chi. If the flow of energy becomes blocked in any way, it can throw the body out of balance because it interferes with the chi.

This imbalance can be physical, mental or emotional. Using acupuncture can help bring the energy flow back to its natural, unblocked state.

Though it is an alternative health practice, there are many doctors in traditional medicine who believe in the use of this treatment.

One reason that doctors believe acupuncture to be beneficial is because when the needles are inserted into the skin, it causes the body to produce endorphins. Endorphins are the body’s own natural painkiller.

There are many types of illnesses and health problems that acupuncture can successfully treat.

The treatment can help people who deal with headaches, including migraines, find relief.

The practice has also been known to give relief from menstrual cramps and muscle cramps. It can be used to treat people who are suffering allergies or GERD.

Treatment with acupuncture can boost your immune system and can lift your mood.

Acupuncture can be used to treat back pain and the pain associated with carpal tunnel syndrome.

Many people also find that receiving acupuncture treatment also helps relieve the symptoms associated with fibromyalgia.

In many cases, this form of health treatment can also assist people who are struggling with addictions.

If you’re suffering from the health issues that are linked with menopause, you can get help through the use of acupuncture treatments.

Studies have also linked helping people lose weight to getting regular acupuncture treatments.

When you have an acupuncture treatment, you’ll want to find someone who’s certified in the practice.

At the appointment, you’ll lie on a table either face up or down, depending on the location of problem that you’re having – and the acupuncturist will alleviate your symptoms with strategic placement of the needles.

 

Guess what? Acupuncture does not always have to mean NEEDLES!

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Yoga

Yoga is a practice that has roots in Hindu philosophy.

It’s a type of training and knowledge that uses poses to bring the body and mind into a state of relaxation and inner peace.

During the training of yoga, users will learn how to incorporate breathing control techniques with meditation to achieve a higher state of mind and being.

As time has passed, the word yoga has been taken away from its roots and changed.

It’s now often used in connection with a variety of exercises that aren’t truly concentrating on the original purpose of the practice.

One of these changes focuses on yoga as exercise alone and that’s not what yoga is.

For moves that truly stem from yoga, there has to be poses that are linked with breathing and centering oneself to find balance.

In true yoga, the poses are specific and meant to flow in a certain direction with specific movements.

While you can use yoga positions to help you stretch your muscles, stretching is not a complete yoga session. These poses should always flow smoothly from one to another.

For example, you might go from plank to down dog to forward fold - depending on what purpose and benefit that you were looking to find from the session.

These movements have a purpose and that is to help your body find healing for whatever you need.

This healing can be physical or emotional. The type of healing that you want to target will change the poses that you’ll need to do.

Yoga can be used to lead to emotional release that brings the user emotional healing.

It can help to restore emotional balance. The yoga poses used can vary, depending on whether you’re a beginner or an advanced student of the practice.

Poses can be defined under anatomy or by the benefit they offer your body.

So if you were looking for healing from back pain, then you would look for the specific poses that treat that physical ailment.

If you were struggling with emotional things, such as depression or anxiety, then you would want to do the poses that are associated with bringing healing for those.

There are many health benefits to practicing yoga.

By using it, you’ll gain more muscle strength and flexibility. It helps give you cardiovascular benefits for a healthier heart.

The practice can help you lose weight or maintain a healthy weight because it helps reduce or eliminate food cravings.

You’ll gain more energy and feel better. Yoga can help treat lower back pain and high blood pressure.

It’s been known to eliminate fatigue and insomnia. It’s also known to be effective in helping alleviate the symptoms associated with stress and depression.

If you’re new to the benefits of yoga, you might find it beneficial to purchase some materials if you want to do it yourself.

But you can also take classes taught by someone with experience in the practice.

Learn more in our online guide at Yoga for relaxation and Yoga for Athletes.

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Chiropractic Medicine

One of the more widely known forms of alternative health practices is chiropractic medicine.

This is a practice that focuses on treating the body’s various health issues based on healing the musculoskeletal system.

One of the reasons for the focus on treating the musculoskeletal system is because of the connection that the spine has with the body’s cells and fibers that make up the nervous system.

The practice stems from the belief that your body is capable of self-healing when there’s proper balance.

When your body is out of alignment, it can affect your overall general health.

This alternative health practice can offer relief from many different types of pain and medical conditions.

It can help treat common ear infections in children and adults.

Undergoing chiropractic treatment can help treat dizziness and balance issues.

Spinal pain and pain from overdoing it can be treated successfully.

Conditions such as recurring migraine headaches can be helped with the use of chiropractic medicine.

Arthritis of the hands and other areas of the body can benefit from the practice, too.

People who struggle with the stress to their muscles due to cerebral palsy can find relief from chiropractic medicine.

Treatments with chiropractic care can help to lower high blood pressure.

The adjustments offered by chiropractic medicine can help with carpal tunnel syndrome.

If you struggle with emotional upheaval such as anxiety or depression, seeking treatment through the use of this alternative health practice can help eliminate this upheaval.

Regular visits to a chiropractic medicine provider can also help to give your immune system a boost.

Your provider can help you learn different methods that you can use at home to alleviate some of the aches and pains you might experience such as lower back pain.

When you go to your first appointment, you’ll be asked a series of questions to help the provider be able to treat you.

Before you go, have a family medical history available and list all the current health problems that you have.

One thing that’s very important for you to mention is any trauma that you’ve had to the body in the past such as a car accident or injury from a fall. Sometimes pain can crop up months or years after the first injury.

These are just the tip of the iceberg when it comes to alternative health practices. And you don’t have to choose an either-or approach.

If you’re skeptical about alternative health, you can always use it in conjunction with traditional healing to cover all bases and give you more peace of mind.

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Naturopathy 

“Naturopathy” comes from the word “nature” and the ancient Greek suffix “-pathy,” which originally meant “suffering” but here means something more like “a condition.”

Naturopathy may sound – and may be intended to sound – much older than it is.

The truth is that naturopathy really only came about in the late twentieth century. That doesn’t mean that it isn’t an old or studied practice, it just means that people didn’t used to have – or need -- a word for it.

Naturopathy is the belief that modern society creates its own health problems through unnatural problems, which it then relies on unnatural medicine to solve.

The major tenant of Naturopathy is that most conditions can be avoided without the use of institutionalized medicine provided the individual practice their own routine of a healthy diet and adequate physical activity.

Throughout human history most people lived naturopathic lives without trying to or without needing to call it anything.

Prior to the mid-nineteenth century, most people lived lives that we would now consider physically demanding – or at least physically active.

Up until the mid-twentieth century everyone had diets that we would not consider “organic” or “farm-to-table." For most of us, however, life has become a bit more complicated since then.

Should I Follow This Lifestyle?

It’s hard to argue against naturopathy in most cases.

After all, the leading cause of death in the United States according to the Center for Disease Control is heart disease, which you’re far less likely to get if you have a healthy diet and regularly exercise.

Diabetes, another disease largely caused by poor diet and lack of exercise also makes the top-ten list.

Many of today’s health problems are caused by processed foods which are high in sugar, high in simple carbohydrates, high in unhealthy fats, high in artificial ingredients like colors and preservatives, and shockingly low in just about everything else.

 While many people scoff at those working for more availability of “organic” foods, there are few who would argue that we would all be much better off if we ate food that was closer to nature.

Similarly, diabetes and heart disease can also be largely prevented by regular exercise which keeps weight off, keeps blood pressure health, and keeps our hearts and lungs healthy.

Should I Be skeptical of this Movement?

Unfortunately, the basics of naturopathy can be a little short-sighted. There are many causes of disease and death that can’t always be kept at bay by a good diet and regular exercise.

That CDC list of common causes of death also includes cancer, respiratory diseases, strokes, Alzheimer's, influenza and pneumonia, and other conditions that can occur naturally to otherwise healthy people

Similarly, many of the worst scourges of the pre-industrial world are held at bay not by organic foods and jogging but by vaccines, antibiotics, and other medical interventions.

Minding your diet and exercise can certainly help you to live a happier and healthier life but living a naturopathic life shouldn’t keep you from going to your healthcare provider for vaccines, checkups, and treatments for serious illnesses – though you will probably need to see them much less often by people who don’t bother with the naturopathic way of life 

This duality is testified to by the fact that the leading organization for naturopathic medicine, The American Association of Naturopathic Physicians, is made up not of hippies and millennials but of medical practitioners who believe that you can live a happier and healthier life by being more considerate of what you eat and how you spend your time.

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Neti Pots

Neti Pots have been used for many years, but they’re only now beginning to get widespread notice.

The reason for this is found in the relief that they’re giving people who couldn’t get relief by going through traditional medical methods.

You can find these pots online or through your local drugstore pharmacy department.

A Neti pot looks like a short, flatter version of a teapot and the pot has a long, distended spout.

A Neti pot has been touted as simply a container that you can use to clear your sinuses - but it can do far more than that.

While it is a simple, inexpensive container, it has much more to offer you than just clearing your sinuses.

This is one of the reasons behind the pot’s rapidly growing popularity.

Another reason that these pots are becoming more popular is because the use of traditional relief methods often have side effects that aren’t very pleasant for anyone to deal with.

Besides helping you with your sinus problems, using the pot can also be used to help you find relief from allergies.

When you breathe in, you often inhale things (such as dander or pollen) that cause allergic responses.

When you inhale these irritants, your body tries to fight back by kicking your histamine response into gear.

This can cause you to experience watery eyes, itching and a stuffy nose.

Using the Neti pot clears out those irritants. For relief from allergies, it’s best to use the pot in the morning when you get up and at night before you go to bed.

Many people have also found relief from congestive symptoms of the common cold by using the pot.

When you use the pot, you put about a pint of lukewarm water into it. It’s better not to use tap water unless you have a good filter for it.

A better choice instead is to use distilled water.

To the water, you’ll want to add about a teaspoon of salt.

You don’t want to use regular table salt in your Neti pot because table salt contains anti-caking ingredients and it’s best not to breathe those in.

Don’t use salt that contains iodine. What many people choose to use is regular sea salt.

When the water is prepared, you’ll want to hold your head over a sink in order to start the irrigation.

Put the tip of the spout into one side of your nose and lean your head to one side.

The water in the Neti pot should be able to travel easily from one side of your nose to the other.

If the water goes to the back of your throat, then you have the wrong angle and should adjust your head tilt.

Once you’re finished using the pot, it’s very important that it go through a sterilization process to prevent contamination.

To sterilize the pot, clean it with hot water that’s either filtered or boiled if it’s from the tap.

Once you’ve thoroughly cleaned the pot, allow it air dry.

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Herbal Medicine 

There are all different preparations for herbs, from tinctures and infusions to creams, oils, ointments, and decoctions.

Typically, herbs will come in a variety of options so that you can choose the right preparation for your issue.

If you aren’t sure which one is most suitable for you, consult a professional.

Many health food stores will be able to point you in the right direction, but so do the instructions on packages.

Be sure to find the right preparation and herb for your particular issue or illness.

There are literally thousands of uses for herbal medicines, simply because there are so many different types of herbs.

They can be used to relieve the symptoms of PMS, migraines, depression, and even arthritis.

They can be used to treat scrapes, burns, and so much more.

They’re also used to take, and if you know what you’re doing you can grow your own herbs at home and use them.

However, not every herb is safe for consumption. It’s important that you really know what you’re doing.

Let’s take a look at some of the most common herbs and their uses in our online guide for Natural Herbal Remedies.

 

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Essential Oils and Aromatherapy  

Aside from ingesting essential oils, there are other ways you can use essential oils.

Many people use them in diffusers as a part of aromatherapy while others use them in ointments and salves.

As with any new alternative medicine and complementary therapy, there is much debate whether or not ingestion of essential oils is safe and can improve your wellness.

 Some advocate for the use of small amounts of essential oils while others say that ingestion of essential oils should never happen.

Whether you are looking to improve your general well-being or a specific condition; there is an essential oil that can help you.

Learn more here in our online guide for all the Aromatherapy Benefits

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Massage and Reflexology 

These therapies are relaxation and healing techniques that help increase circulation and relieve tense and tight muscles.

There are different types of massages. Among the ones that you can get are a general massage, a deep massage, a Swedish massage and a therapeutic massage.

Many people get massages because they feel nice, but did you know that a massage session could also benefit your health?

Massage techniques, when done properly, can not only decrease stress and relax your muscles, but they can also improve your immune system, relieve pain, cure headaches, help injuries heal faster, and retain your muscle and joint mobility.  

It you are having difficulties in any of these areas and traditional medical procedures are not working, talk to your doctor about alternative therapy options, including massage.  

There are a number of different kinds of massages, and a professional usually practices one or two specific kinds, so be sure to visit someone who can meet your needs.  

Traditionally, people get Swedish massages, which are focused on relaxation, or deep tissue massages, which are focused on loosening muscle tissues.  

Some massages specifically target certain areas of the body.

Cranio-Sacral massages focus on your neck, head, and spine and work to proper align this area and loosen tightened muscles in this area.

Chi Nei Tsang is a type of massage that focuses on your abdominal organs and can help greatly with digestive pain or illness.  

If your joints are the problem, try The Trager Approach. These kinds of massages can help improve your life when done correctly, and you can also use them in conjunction with Swedish massage or other massage techniques to directly target the problem and then relax the entire body.  

Other kinds of massages that are meant to relax or relieve stress, such as the Rosen Method, but all massages should leave you feeling physically and mentally better.

A few types of massages, like a deep tissue massage, can be slightly painful and should only be used if you doctor specifically recommends them to help your condition.  

Rolfing is one such technique, as it works to align your tissues correctly and straighten the spine.

However, even after this massage, you should feel better, not worse. If your condition worsens, talk to your doctor and masseuse immediately.  

Other kinds of massages that may work for you include the Alexander technique, acupressure, feldenkrais, reflexology, reiki, and the Shiatsu method.

There are varied ways to use these techniques so research them all further before choosing to schedule an appointment. 

You can also learn how to perform simple massage techniques on yourself to improve your comfort levels or purchase a massage chair for home use.

You doctor or a massage professional can help you choose which options are best for you and your body’s specific medical condition

Learn more in our online guide about general therapeutic massage as  alone of the most popular and pleasant alternative health practices that you can enjoy for your wellbeing.

 

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Alternative Health Practices – A New Look at an Old Way of Life 

Alternative health options can include anything from natural herbs used to treat sunburns to using acupuncture for controlling excruciating pain. 

It’s been around in one form or another for thousands of years and its beginnings are generally attributed to the Chinese.

 Traditional Chinese medicine asserts that the human body and the environment are closely related and when the body’s rhythms are upset, treatment and ultimate prevention can come from the environment.

Herbs and other plants are widely used in Chinese medicine to bring balance back to the body. 

Meditation, acupuncture and massage are used in conjunction with the mind and to bring harmony to the body.

 According to the Chinese, the forces in the universe are believed to affect everything in life, including our health. 

These forces are represented by the symbol of yin and yang, the two most powerful cosmic forces in the universe.

 Yin is the female force and is represented by the moon, while yang represents the masculine force and is represented by the sun. 

From these ancient beliefs, the Chinese developed a technology for health care that in many ways rivals that of Western medicine.

These alternatives methods were initially thought to be “quackery,” but as scientific evidence surfaced to prove otherwise, the early ways of thinking had to be reconsidered.

 That scientific evidence has been difficult to come by. The huge drug companies aren’t going to put costly research efforts into techniques that won’t bring in piles of money.

It wasn’t until the mid-1990s that funding for alternative medicine began to appear in academic circles.  Since then, it’s become a form of therapy and healing that’s widely accepted around the world.

Concepts of Eastern Medicine

 To understand Eastern medicine concepts, you must first understand the “Eastern society.”  It’s a society steeped in tradition and social interaction with centuries behind it.

Yin and yang have long been a part of that tradition and one of the premises of Eastern medicine is that yin and yang divide our bodies into regions.

 Our internal organs are considered to be yin, while yang represents our external organs (such as our skin).

The foods, including herbs that we eat, contain universal elements that help to stabilize our bodies.

If we eat the correct combination of yin and yang foods, our bodies will be in balance. 

Most illnesses are the result of us not eating the proper foods and not exercising and resting our bodies and minds.

If you eat an excess of either yin or yang foods, even though they’re “good” for you, your balance will be disrupted and illnesses or aches and pains may occur. 

Besides eating the proper foods to balance our bodies, Eastern culture developed exercises such as Tai Chi.

Tai Chi is an exercise in which you move slowly to promote balance and equilibrium.

Both this exercise and others, such as yoga, also advances increased blood flow.

 

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The Bottom Line About Alternative Medicine Therapies

Skeptics are still around who say that alternative medicine is a fraud, but they’re now few and far between.

Academic medical centers such as Children’s Memorial Hospital in Chicago are adapting certain alternative medicine techniques into their programs.

U.S. News and World Report recently published an article on alternative medicines and wrote that Children’s Memorial is usually a “hard-nosed, tough-cases, research-oriented emblem of western medicine.”

When a teaching hospital such as this begins to allow alternative therapies to coincide with their traditional western theories, others tend to jump on the bandwagon and create their own balance of West and East.

 Most physicians today agree that alternative techniques such as yoga, massage and reflexology play a vital role in our daily lives to keep our health on track. 

In general, the Chinese believe that a combination of Western and Eastern remedies to treat chronic diseases, like cancer - but few Westerners have given that theory a chance.

It’s also important to realize that the Western healthcare system treats many people who may not be as open to the Eastern way of thinking about healthcare options.

The very words, “alternative medicine,” conjure up witchcraft and religious connotations that many find distasteful and downright scary.

The bottom line in healthcare is that we need to provide the best treatment or therapy for the patient, and as we cross cultural lines and begin to understand the philosophical framework of Western and Eastern medical practices, we’ll bring new and better methods of treatment to the world.

 

More Resources

Here are some interesting alternative health practices guides and resources for you to check out ... and since you can buy online and get it delivered, that takes even more stress off you.

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Below here I'm featuring more pages with helpful how-to-do-it  tips about alternative health practices and home remedies. 

Feel free to submit your own story or article about it, and I will create your own page here with your contribution for the community to read.

Back to HOME PAGE of this alternative health practices section of the site.