10 April 2022
If you have been considering using complementary medicine to treat your health problems, you may be wondering which methods work. Some of these treatments are natural, herbal remedies, or even chiropractor treatments. Before you decide to try them, talk with your health care provider. You can also use the National Center for Complementary and Integrative Health to research them. Mayo Clinic studies many complementary medicine tests and procedures. It may be worthwhile to talk to your health care provider about which therapies are most beneficial to you.
Integrative Medicine
While complementary and integrative medicine is not an exact science, the concepts behind them are often quite similar. Both types of healthcare emphasize a patient-centered, holistic approach to health. As part of the National Institutes of Health, the National Center for Complementary and Integrative Medicine (NCCIH) aims to improve health and wellbeing by coordinating conventional and complementary methods. Practitioners of integrative medicine often have similar training and educational requirements.
Essentially, there are three different types of alternative and complementary medicine. The first is called functional medicine, while the second is called integrative medicine. Both of these forms of healthcare focus on identifying and treating the root causes of disease and wellness. Ultimately, they each have different benefits to offer the patient. For instance, functional medicine uses a systems approach to health, while integrative medicine focuses on a holistic approach to the individual.
Herbal Remedies
Herbal remedies are gaining popularity as complementary medicine for cancer patients, but research is needed to determine their effectiveness. Some of the plants used in herbal treatments are highly toxic, so there is a greater chance of side effects and drug interactions. However, studies have shown that some herbal remedies have significant benefits and may be safer than other medicines. Read on to learn more about the benefits of herbal medicine for cancer. If you have cancer, it is recommended that you discuss your options with your doctor.
Herbal treatments are used by both Western and Eastern medicine practitioners. Herbal practitioners typically use herbs from Europe and North America, though many also use herbs from India and China. Herbal remedies are believed to aid the body’s own healing processes and minimize the side effects of medical treatments. Chinese herbal medicine emphasizes the healing effects of various herbs, which can be used in combination or individually. Herbal remedies may contain anti-inflammatory, diuretic, or hemostatic properties.
Reflexology as Complementary Medicine
Reflexology is a form of alternative medicine. The theory behind this complementary medicine traces its roots to 1890s research by Sir Charles Sherrington and Henry Head. These two men had studied the neurological relationship between our skin and internal organs. The nerves and muscles of our feet, hands, ears and face respond to specific stimulations. When certain pressure is applied to these points, the body’s nervous system sends messages to different parts of the body that relax and calm the mind and body.
Reflexology helps the lymphatic system by working with the various points on the body. These pressure points promote the flow of lymph and cleanse the body. The lymphatic system is a system of arteries and lymph nodes located all over the body. This fluid drains from the body and is put back into the bloodstream via lymph nodes. Lymphatic fluid is a vital part of the immune system as it contains white blood cells, which are critical in the fight against disease and infections.
Chiropractic Manipulation for Pain Management
The National Center for Complementary and Integrative Health (NCCIH) defines chiropractic as a complementary medicine. Although not entirely legitimate, chiropractic is rapidly gaining in popularity. According to the National Health Interview Survey, approximately 18 million adults and two million children saw a chiropractor in the previous year. It is estimated that Americans spent $3.9 billion on chiropractic visits. Nonetheless, there are some important differences between chiropractic and conventional medicine.
The concept behind chiropractic is that spinal irritation affects the body’s overall function, and that a misaligned spine can impair the flow of energy throughout the body. This concept was widely accepted in the 19th century and lent the practice a greater credibility. Chiropractic practitioners believed that spinal irritation was the most common cause of chronic back pain and could improve its condition. Chiropractic therapy was originally practiced by self-taught chiropractors, but soon gained recognition as a mainstream practice.
Osteopathic Manipulation
Osteopathic manipulation is a safe, hands-on therapy that can be used to treat back pain and many other conditions. It works by realigning the body’s joints and realigning dysfunctional areas, restoring balance and health. The benefits of osteopathy are numerous, including a decrease in the risk of chronic diseases and a healthier lifestyle. Although a patient may experience soreness and fatigue after a treatment, this is usually brief and is not harmful. Multiple treatments are necessary to achieve desired results.
In addition to treating chronic pain, osteopaths can treat everyday aches and pains through a variety of techniques. Over 40 manual techniques are employed in osteopathy, including kinesiology, active release, myofascial release, and soft tissue therapy. Regular manipulation therapy can help treat a wide range of biomechanical problems and other musculoskeletal complaints. For more information, visit osteopathic.com to learn more about this treatment.
Dietary Supplements
The use of dietary supplements is gaining widespread acceptance in Western society. A recent survey found that 75 percent of U.S. adults use dietary supplements. Supplements are products that are either herbal, mineral or vitamin derived from food. Many of these supplements are marketed as dietary supplements and claim to have a range of health benefits. The Dietary Supplement Health and Education Act of 1994 defines dietary supplements as any product that is not tobacco.
Although dietary supplements are not regulated like drugs, evidence of their benefits is growing. The National Center for Complementary and Integrative Health maintains a database of clinical studies. Because supplements are not regulated, they can contain harmful substances, including prescription and non-prescription drugs, natural toxins, bacteria, pesticides, unapproved dyes, and a host of other contaminants. As a result, it is important to read supplement labels carefully and follow directions.
Wellness of Life Centers for Complementary Medicine
Wellness of Life Centers offer a unique and different type of care that is focused on providing individuals with the tools they need to lead healthy lives. From holistic wellness counseling to physical fitness programs, these centers offer a variety of services to help people live happier and healthier lives.