Tag: United States

Alternative Medicine and It’s Use in Natural Pain Management

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Chronic Pain conditions are a growing problem in the United States. And while the debate still rages about whether or not chronic pain should be managed as a separate condition or just a symptom of another problem it is clear that pain management has become a booming segment of the healthcare industry.

Consequently, the use of pharmaceutical drugs for pain control has also reached an all time high. Drugs like Oxicontin, Vicodin and methadone, are front page news in causing America’s latest drug crisis, as a result, the use of cocaine and heroin have also reached levels not seen in this country in 30 years.

Due to the economic and scientific phenomena of the pharmaceutical revolution of the 20th century, thousands of years of knowledge were suddenly abandoned. Herbal medicine has safely and effectively treated pain for millennia, and is for safer than the synthesized, processed medications that today’s doctors seem to be all too willing to hand out like so much candy.

In the realm of alternative medicine, there are many forms of natural pain management that are in fact, the basis of where many of our oh-so-popular pharmaceutical drugs come from.

Codeine and morphine are opium derivatives that may be effective but are also highly addictive, and even aspirin is a derivative of willow bark. Many other plants have been used in natural pain management since antiquity, such as lavender and chamomile for minor pain issues and these plants have the added benefit of also assisting with the emotional component of pain such as anxiety and difficulty sleeping. Plants like henbane and mandrake are so effective that they are even used very effectively during labor to ease the pain of childbirth.

Some wonderful and powerful herbal medicine can also be found in the spice cabinet. Spices like turmeric, and ginger are two of the most powerful anti- inflammatories on the planet. These plants are natural COX-2 inhibitors; they are the alternative medicine answer to the popular pharmaceutical drugs Celebrex and Vioxx. In the middle east, India and all over Asia where the diets are rich in spices like turmeric, and ginger and cayenne, where life is also far less convenient then our own, people have a far less occurrence of arthritis and chronic back pain, and continue to work very labor intensive jobs such as farming and agriculture work even into their 90’s.

There has always been an accepted school of thought in allopathic medicine that it is acceptable to injure one part of the body to heal another, thus even common over the counter NSAID pain relievers such as acetaminophen and ibuprofen, can cause long term damage, acetaminophen to the liver and ibuprofen to the kidneys, in natural pain management many plants, roots, barks, and other herbs not only antistetic in nature but they are also anti-inflammatory and anti-spasmodic as well, and herbal medicine is gentler on the system and is more synergistic with the body allowing for greater absorption of the necessary constitutes.

So you see that alternative medicine goes beyond the typically accepted ideal of treating just the symptoms and goes farther to treat many of the underlying causes as well as some of the other components involved in chronic pain conditions.

Alternative Medicine Science- Emerging Career Opportunities

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The use of plants for healing and curing different disease is not new. It is an ancient medical science, popularly known as alternative medicine science and counted among the most widely known therapies. Today it is considered safer, natural, and inexpensive. It is one of its own kinds of medical science that is primarily based on the medical traditions and focus on the curing based on capabilities of herbs and different other natural elements. In addition to this, the key feature that makes this medical science different conventional method is basically it empowers patient to prevent disease, instead of having to rely exclusively on a medical professional. It mainly emphasizes on the patient’s entire internal condition, along with the state of mind and emotional balance.

Today if we look at the current scenario the method of treating different disease by making the best use of alternative medicine science has been increased. In recent times, many people have started using this form of medicine for curing their disease. In fact, as per the recent survey conducted by the National Center for Complementary & Alternative Medicine of the United States, it has even been revealed that near about 36% of Americans are using this form of medicine. As a result, in the last few years, many career fields in this medicine science have emerged at phenomenon pace. Today there are many fields and career opportunities available for study in alternative medicine institute settings through distance learning or correspondence education programs. These mainly include:

Acupuncture- Acupuncture is truly a very rewarding career. Its effectiveness has been proved in many treatments and today it is practiced at many part of the world. It is thousand years old treatment procedure and has a very good career growth potential. In fact, today it is one of the most requested forms of treatment in the fast-growing field and holds promise as one of the key modalities to be used in current and future integrative medical settings.

Massage therapy- Massage therapy is another field that too offers enormous growth opportunities. It is one of the few professions that too offer lucrative income and rewarding career growth opportunities. All you need is to enroll in alternative medicine program focused on massage therapy. Today this field is estimated that the career field will continue to grow at a faster than average rate over the next several years.

Herbal medicine- With the demand for alternative medicine on the rise, the herbal medicine is another field that further provides a variety of opportunities in different professional fields including positions such as herbalists, natural healing practitioners, Ayurvedic practitioners, and related fields in iridology.

Naturopathic medicine- Naturopathic medicine covers every aspects of family health from prenatal to geriatric care, with a special focus on whole-patient wellness. The prospect for making a prosperous living in this field is extremely very excellent for the foreseeable future. The key feature that is making a career in this field different from other is it focuses on getting at the causes of disease, instead of merely treating the symptoms of disease.

Indian Ayurvedic medicine- Today making a career in ayurvedic medicine too has its own rewards. An ayurveda practioners can be self-employed or may even work at established private practices or wellness centers where different forms of alternative medicine are basically used in conjunction with modern medicine.

Traditional Chinese medicine- Careers in Chinese medicine are much diverse and include various healing arts professions like Chinese medical massage therapists, acupuncturists and Chinese herbalists. However, depending on the time you would like to invest in achieving, you should examine the proper alternative medicine program or course that can meet your aspirations. These are some of the top emerging career options in alternative medicine science that has gained wide popularity and in next few years each of them are going to gain more reputation.

Preventive Medicine Can Reduce the Risk of Cardiovascular Disease

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Preventive medicine is a specialized medical field that is aimed at preventing disease and promoting health. These doctors use their expertise for health issues that cause a major impact on certain populations. One such problem that these doctors specialize in is cardiovascular disease. This condition affects millions of people around the globe and is the leading cause of death in many countries, including the United States. Oftentimes, those who do suffer from this problem have several risk factors that with preventive medicine could be reduced or managed. These doctors help to reduce the factors in preventing these diseases as well as help those who do have cardiovascular problems by providing services and education for healthier heart living.

Risk Factors for Cardiovascular Disease Extensive studies have been conducted for identifying specific major risk factors for cardiovascular disorders. Some of these cannot be changed, while others can. Individuals who have more of these risk factors, have a greater chance of developing heart disease. Major contributing factors that cannot be changed include aging, being male and genetic predisposition. Among major factors that can lead to cardiovascular conditions and can be changed include smoking, high cholesterol, physical inactivity, high blood pressure, diabetes mellitus, obesity or being overweight. Stress and consuming too much alcohol may also lead to heart problems.

Preventive Medicine and Cardiovascular Disease When visiting a doctor of preventive medicine in Kentucky for help to reduce the chance of developing cardiac disorders or for managing these conditions, the physician will do a risk assessment, which may include a stress test, advanced cholesterol tests and other testing to determine the condition of the cardiovascular system and what measures can be taken to prevent this deadly disease. Treatments may include a special diet, changes in lifestyle, medical nutrition therapy, nutriceuticals, phytochemicals, an exercise program, a smoking cessation program, expert cholesterol control and management, diabetes prevention and weight management. The treatment regime may also include vitamin therapy as well as certain supplements such as fish oil.

Educating Patients Education is a major role of preventive medicine physicians. Some offer specialized programs for optimal reduction of the risks of heart diseases, which may include a cardio-exercise program for individuals who are obese or overweight or those who have heart conditions. Other specialty programs may be directed at patients with diabetes or pre-diabetes, patients with a family history of diabetes or heart problems or those with high triglycerides and cholesterol. Programs usually include education about the causes of these conditions as well as benefits of exercising, changing lifestyle and diet. Medications, supplements, vitamins and phytochemicals are also discussed in regards to how they reduce the chances of developing cardiac disease.

The History Of Native American Medicine Bags

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You would think that because it is called a medicine bag that it has actual medicine inside. Well technically, it holds natural elements and healing herbs that are important to the wearer. In Native American culture, these items offer holistic cures and protection both physically as well as spiritually. Can modern medicine do that for you?

Native American medicine bags are not just used by those who claim to possess healing powers. They hold specially chosen items such as herbal plants and stones. Worn by most Indians for personal uses, these bags are a normal part of the Native American culture. The sizes of the bags can vary but are mostly small in size. To maintain personal harmony which consists of the spiritual, physical and the supernatural, many people choose to wear a medicine bag. Throughout life, the needs of an individual change so the contents of a medicine bag will change also. Various herbs and other items of importance to the wearer are placed in the bag. Some of these can be found in nature and the everyday experiences of men. They could be classified into the plant kingdom, animal kingdom, mineral kingdom and the things seen in the world of man.

The appeal of Native American medicine bags has become widespread and it is being used now by non native Indians as a form of protection and a source of power. Not only worn, many people place them wherever they want and even under the pillow while they sleep. These important bags are made of very soft leather.

Healers often use the contents to perform the ritual known as vision quest to enhance the supernatural and spiritual abilities of the wearer. It would then promote an increase in physical strength, agility, skills in fighting as well as healing. The intense spiritual connections and beliefs in the supernatural make Native Americans really interesting and the use of various kinds of herbs in a specialized pouch makes the experience more grounded because for Native Americans, the connection between nature and spirituality are very tightly knit. Every herb or item used responds to a certain kind of spiritual euphoria to attain something unimaginable or to enhance the quality of life of the individual.

Although modern medicine and practical knowledge is available to everyone now days, the allure of the Native American medicine bag is still present. Having a Native Indian medicine bag is something of homage to the beautiful culture as well as hand craftsmanship of the great American Indians of the United States.

Holistic, alternative and complementary medicine

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What is holistic medicine?

Holistic medicine (health) is more than just an alternative medicine or just a herbal medicine. Holistic medicine supports reaching higher levels of wellness as well as preventing illness. Not just with nutritional supplements, vitamins or herbs. Most important factor is your lifestyle. People enjoy the vitality and well-being that results from their positive lifestyle changes, and are motivated to continue this process throughout their lives. Holistic medicine (health) is actually an approach to life. Rather than focusing on illness or specific parts of the body, this ancient approach to health considers the whole person and how he or she interacts with his or her environment. It emphasizes the connection of mind, body, and spirit. The goal is to achieve maximum well-being, where everything is functioning the very best that is possible. With Holistic Health people accept responsibility for their own level of well-being, and everyday choices are used to take charge of one’s own health.

A recent positive trend has been in the medical schools, which are beginning to invite holistic physicians to lecture or to develop programs in the schools to complement their more conventional curricula. The National Institute of Health has developed an office to support and research holistic and alternative medicine practices. Some states are now passing laws to protect and support the practices of holistic providers, as they have sometimes been the subject of harassment by their more conservative colleagues, for their different orientation, techniques, and approaches to health care. With these current trends, the changing needs and perceptions by a more informed public, and the increasing scientific validation of holistic approaches, I see the holistic paradigm coming of agethe new frontier of health care and human awareness.

What is alternative and what is complementary medicine?

Alternative medicine: practices used instead of standard medical treatments. Alternative medicine is distinct from complementary medicine which is meant to accompany, not to replace, standard medical practices. Alternative medical practices are generally not recognized by the medical community as standard or conventional medical approaches. Alternative medicine includes nutritional supplements, megadose vitamins, herbal preparations, special teas, massage therapy, magnet therapy, and spiritual healing.

Integration of complementary and alternative medicine therapies (CAM) with conventional medicine is occurring in hospitals and physicians offices, health maintenance organizations (HMOs) are covering CAM therapies, insurance coverage for CAM is increasing, and integrative medicine centers and clinics are being established, many with close ties to medical schools and teaching hospitals. In determining what care to provide, the goal should be comprehensive care that uses the best scientific evidence available regarding benefits and harm, encourages a focus on healing, recognizes the importance of compassion and caring, emphasizes the centrality of relationship-based care, encourages patients to share in decision making about therapeutic options, and promotes choices in care that can include complementary therapies where appropriate.

Numerous approaches to delivering integrative medicine have evolved. Complementary and Alternative Medicine in the United States identifies an urgent need for health systems research that focuses on identifying the elements of these models, the outcomes of care delivered in these models, and whether these models are cost-effective when compared to conventional practice settings.

It outlines areas of research in convention and CAM therapies, ways of integrating these therapies, development of curriculum that provides further education to health professionals, and an amendment of the Dietary Supplement Health and Education Act to improve quality, accurate labeling, research into use of supplements, incentives for privately funded research into their efficacy, and consumer protection against all potential hazards.

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