The term Alternative Medicine means any form of medicine that is outside
the mainstream of western medicine or conventional medicine as
practiced a majority of doctors today. This term is loosely used to over
all forms of medicine except allopathy
Alternative medicine exists in all cultures to some degree and terms
such as traditional medicine, indigenous medicine or folk medicine etc.
are used to describe such practices. These medicines date back hundred
or even thousands of years depending on the country and culture
concerned.
There are more than 100 systems of alternative medicines still in practice all over the world. Every country, region or area has its own traditional system of health and medical cares such as for the Chinese it is acupuncture, for the French, magnetic healing; for the Germans, Heilpraxis; for the English, Herbalism; for India, Ayurveda with Siddha being widely practice in the southern part of the country; for Japan, Shiatsu etc.
The most popular forms of alternative medicine are Ayurveda, Homeopathy, Naturopathy, Yoga, Acupuncture, Acupressure, Magneto therapy, Shiatsu, Herbalism, Meditation, Aromatherapy, Bach Flower Remedies, Chromo therapy, Diet therapy, Hydropathy and Reiki.
There are more than 100 systems of alternative medicines still in practice all over the world. Every country, region or area has its own traditional system of health and medical cares such as for the Chinese it is acupuncture, for the French, magnetic healing; for the Germans, Heilpraxis; for the English, Herbalism; for India, Ayurveda with Siddha being widely practice in the southern part of the country; for Japan, Shiatsu etc.
The most popular forms of alternative medicine are Ayurveda, Homeopathy, Naturopathy, Yoga, Acupuncture, Acupressure, Magneto therapy, Shiatsu, Herbalism, Meditation, Aromatherapy, Bach Flower Remedies, Chromo therapy, Diet therapy, Hydropathy and Reiki.
Acupuncture
A key component of Traditional Chinese medicine, acupuncture is
practiced by inserting extremely thin needles through the skin at
strategic acupoints on your body. The goal? To re-balance the flow of
energy or life force known as chi. Don’t be frightened by the word
“needles”—they’re almost as thin as a strand of hair and most people
feel little to no pain
How it works: Needles stimulate acupoints, which rouses
the nervous system to release endorphins and opiumlike compounds to the
muscles, spinal cord, and brain. This can change the experience of pain
and trigger the release of other chemicals and hormones that influence
the body’s internal regulating system.
an array of procedures that stimulate specific points on the body. The
best-known variety consists of penetrating the skin with thin needles
controlled by a practitioner or electrical stimulation, and it’s
currently used by millions of Americans each year
despite its popularity, controversy over acupuncture’s efficacy abounds. Some studies find it helpful for chronic pain and depression, but evidence on all counts is mixed
Acupressure
This ancient Asian technique is similar to acupuncture—without the
needles. Practitioners use their hands or tools to apply pressure to
various acupoints on the body to open energy flows, release tension, and
promote emotional balance
How it works: Stimulating various points on the body
can trigger the release of endorphins, the body’s pain-reducing
chemicals, and increase the flow of blood and oxygen to areas of the
body to relieve discomfort and soreness.
According to the theory behind acupressure,
meridians are channels that carry life energy (qi or ch’i) throughout
the body. The reasoning holds that illness can occur when one of these
meridians is blocked or out of balance; acupressure is thought to
relieve blockages so energy can flow freely again, restoring wellness.
More research is needed, but pilot studies have found positive
results: Acupressure might decrease nausea for chemotherapy patients and
reduce anxiety in people scheduled to have surgery