Medical innovations have opened the possibility of eradicating most of humanity’s illnesses. But there are also other options and treatments that can be integrated with scientific medicine to provide us with holistic relief.
Complementary and alternative
Alternative medicine and treatments are also known as complementary medicine or integrated medicine. It is called so because it can work hand in hand with conventional medicine to provide a holistic effect on patients. Alternative medicine is diverse and treatments may vary from country to country, it can also be a mix of philosophies from all over the world.
Complementary and alternative medicine is safe, as long as it serves with a backing of medical findings by health professionals. Practitioners of complementary and alternative medicine are licensed and experienced people who always regards the importance of conventional medicine before alternative treatments. Therapies for rehabilitation like that of chiropractic treatments in Chandler, AZ, always consider medical diagnosis from MRIs and x-rays before proceeding with treatments.
Types of complementary health approaches
-
Natural products
Natural products have been used thousands of years ago. It has regained popularity as an alternative option for wellness because of the belief or consciousness on an organic approach. There are a variety of products included in this group. Herbs, also known as botanicals, are used as a natural cure for ailments. Vitamins and probiotics are also included in this group. They are widely marketed and available to most consumers and often sold as dietary supplements.
Herbal medicine use should always be under the supervision of a medical professional. Some herbs can cause allergies or may cause harm because not all herbs have the same effect on people. Herbal products, also known as phytomedicines, are plant-derived products which come in different forms. They can be dried, chopped, powdered, capsule, or liquid form. Most herbal medicine and supplements come in pill or powder form and are ingested like regular medicine. Some herbal supplements can be brewed as tea, and others as tinctures and skin creams.
-
Mind and body practices
This type of complementary medicine approach includes meditation, chiropractic and osteopathic manipulation, yoga, and a lot more. It combines both mental and physical relief. Chiropractic and osteopathic manipulations are commonly used for relief of pain for the musculoskeletal system. These go hand in hand with osteopathic medicine for a holistic approach.
Meditation and yoga help with a person’s state of mind and promotes a healthy mental condition. Through movement and breathing, yoga can help with the circulation and flexibility of a person. Other approaches also included in mind and body practices are acupuncture, hypnotherapy, and tai chi.
Acupuncture, also a popular alternative approach is the stimulation of pressure points in the body. It involves penetrating the skin with thin, solid, metallic needles that are manipulated manually or electronically. Largely practiced in China and Asian cultures, it is used as an alternative treatment for chronic pain. It helps in the treatment of nonspecific, noninflammatory low back pain, in conjunction with conventional medicine.
Considering alternative medicine is accepted only when it is backed up by medical diagnosis and consultations with medical professionals. They can provide holistic treatments that help us spiritually, mentally, and emotionally, which cannot be always provided for by conventional medicine.