Alternative Medicine
Massage therapy, chiropractic care, yoga, acupressure, dietary programs such as Nutrisystem deals, and herbal remedies and supplements are all forms of alternative medicine. The prescribed usage for each type, however, varies, and understanding how they differ and work together is essential in successful treatment.
Though medical doctors previously discouraged a patient's use of most of these, testimonials and scientific evaluation has wrought a change of attitude toward them in the medical field. Doctors prescribe some of these in their treatment of back pain, osteoarthritis, fibromyalgia, high blood pressure and cholesterol levels, and even hypertension. In a Consumer Reports article doctors stated their desire for patients to inform them when they are taking supplements and using other forms of alternative medicine, as it aids in the ongoing study of effective treatment plans.
The Touch Research Institute (TRI) at the University of Miami School of Medicine has confirmed the benefits of deep tissue massage in their testing on infants through seniors. Light to moderate pressure to both tissue and muscles sets off a chemical reaction within the human body. Studies have shown this type of therapy provides weight gain in premature infants, rids the body of depression symptoms (both physical and mental), reduces pain, and improves the immune system.
There are over 30 variations of massage therapy used by professionals today. Each one is designed to alleviate pain and stimulate the body's own healing process. Active Release Techniques (ART) is a soft tissue massage for overused muscles. Acupressure uses the known mapping of places on the body that affect different areas. Pressure applied to these points stimulate blood flow, aid in releasing toxins built up within the body, and restore overall health. Shiatsu is a type of Oriental therapy involving stretching combined with pressure point therapy. Joint Mobilization combines massage and exercise therapy and is administered by physical therapists. Myofascial Release is massage that uses more prolonged, deep pressure applied to areas of the Myofascial network to restore movement and eliminate pain. Neuromuscular Therapy is a common treatment for muscle spasms, and applies alternating amounts of pressure on the area It has been most useful on lower back pain. Deep Connective Tissue Massage is used to treat stress, muscle tension, and to alleviate pain. Combining acupressure and massage, this therapy consists of intense, deep pressure applied to points of the body.
Chiropractors treat musculoskeletal and nervous system disorders addressing the root of the problem rather than its symptoms. Not only is the technique of spinal manipulation and joint therapy effective, but these caregivers entered the scene over 30 years ago with patient cost as a key factor. Today it is much less expensive for this type of treatment than traditional medical office visits, x-rays, tests, and prescription drugs, and most insurance companies cover this type of treatment as well. The benefits in this kind of alternative medicine are freedom from pain, stiffness, and an overall sense of health and well-being, stimulated by the body's own endocrines from the adjustments. For many patients, chiropractic care is the only alternative to surgery.
Herbal remedies are sold in health stores, retail vitamin shops, online from vendors such as Nutrisystem, offering Nutrisystem coupon codes, and can also be grown and made at home. Like vitamin supplements, there are thousands of types for healing various ailments, but they are not all the same. Scientific research has proven that the body's ability to absorb certain vitamins and minerals is restricted in ways which require specific types of manufacturing processes to be adhered to in order to ensure its effectiveness. Some supplements are aided in their usefulness when taken together with other supplements. So it is important to do the research and seek professional advice in developing a whole-health regimen.
The difference between prescription drugs and herbal remedies and supplements is often a point of confusion for consumers, and understanding these differences goes a long way in seeing their effectiveness for a particular condition. A prescription drug which relieves pain does so as soon as it enters the bloodstream. A supplement, such as glucosamine chondroitin, will also relieve the pain, but it will take a month or more before the results show up in the body. This supplement is aiding the body in building up joint tissue and strength, and that takes time. Once the buildup of this substance is constant in the body, the result is no more joint pain. Not only is the supplement less expensive than prescription medical treatment, but it has no side effects, as with synthetic pharmaceuticals, and it addresses the root of the problem, not just relieve the symptoms.
Another misconception is that a supplement is the cure. It is only one part of natural remedies and should be used in conjunction with a healthy diet, exercise, and other preventative measures like the use of sunscreen to avoid skin cancer.
Alternative medicine is described as any remedy used in lieu of traditional medical treatment, whereas some that fall under this category are actually complementary: used together with known medical practices to cure. Findings in a published study (December 2008), performed by the Center For Disease Control (CDC), show the steady and increasing use of non-traditional medical treatment and an influx of new therapies over the same study performed in 2002.
While some alternative therapies have yet to be proven in scientific laboratories and are still being researched, and whether or not they are accepted by traditional medical science, the real proof of their effectiveness lies with the individual who uses them. And medical science continues to look at these treatments and explore their ability to aid the body in achieving whole health.
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