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Alternative Medicine and Meditation

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What if the cures to mental ailments such as anxiety, depression, restlessness, and a lack of focus werenâ€™t found in the latest drug pushed by multi-national corporate pharmaceutical companies, but already exist in our mind? This is a question that holistic medicine approaches when it looks at meditation. Holistic medicine seeks to treat an individualâ€™s physical, mental, spiritual and social aspects as part of one inter-connected system. A maladjustment in one has a ripple effect across all of these lines. Holistic medicine uses a variety of alternative medicine techniques to cultivate health in all these aspects, thus providing overall wellness instead of diagnosing and trying to cure the outward symptoms of illness.

Without the use of drugs, an alternative approach to medicine, meditation seeks to alleviate many mental conditions simply by using the power that the brain already possesses, the ability to concentrate. Dating back to antiquity and cutting across all religious traditions, meditation is a tried and tested approach to cultivating overall mental health and clarity. Although there are literally hundreds of variations, meditation usually means to focus all available attention and awareness on one focal point in order to bring all the mental faculties under voluntary control, thus creating mental well-being and expanding the capability to concentrate and feel clarity and calmness.

Meditation practices are subjective in nature, involve remaining in a relaxed posture for an extended period of time, involve intense concentration and are done in a silent atmosphere without external stimulants. Those who have meditated for an extended period of time have felt less stressed and more mentally equipped to take on the challenges of the day, more psychologically balanced and more mindful and alert. Many use meditation to lessen chronic pain, stress, and anxiety. Under this premise meditation is considered an alternative medicine by many health boards and is often suggested as a safe alternative to using harsh pharmaceutical drugs in order to regulate mood and anxiety. Many chronic drug users have found it a more viable alternative than self-medication by drugs and alcohol.

Meditation states that the most powerful medicine is your own mind.

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Alternative Medicine and AyurvedaAlternative Medicine and Ayurveda

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Ayurveda, the traditional medicine of the Indian subcontinent, has steadily been increasing in popularity as a particularly effective alternative medicine as part of the holistic medicine movement. Ayurveda is very much in line with the stated goals of holistic medicine by focusing on creating a balance between the bodyâ€™s mental, physical and spiritual faculties. Ayurveda is a combination of massage practices, natural hygienic products, and balanced living designed to increase longevity and prevent major illnesses. Many followers of Ayurveda also supplement their holistic approach with other non-traditional medical practices in order to increase vitality and prevent major diseases and reduce stress and anxiety.

Ayurveda focuses on maintaining the health of the five elements in the human body: plasma, blood, skin, fat, marrow and semen. By promoting vitality in all of these areas Ayurveda followers boast of increased life-spans and more active older years. Another major facet of Ayurveda is promoting greater metabolism and healthy digestion. The de-toxifying act of Panchakarma is designed to rid the body of toxins by a series of enemas, nasal therapy and enemas. While not widely practiced in the United States, practitioners of this Panchakarma share similarities to early 20th century Naturopathy nutritionists.

Aside from nutrition and health practices designed to promote a balanced health ecosystem, Ayurveda offers a variety of plant-based medicines and ointments that have distinct healing purposes. The world of alternative medicine has benefited greatly from some of these medicines. For example, many Ayurveda ointments are made out of sesame and sunflower oil whose linoliec oil has been found to possess powerful cancer fighting properties. Many followers of Ayurveda supplement their nutrition content with the intake of a variety of minerals.

Aside from the plant-based medicines, minerals and stress of balance in diet and nutrition Ayurveda is known for advocating physical regiments such as head massages, application of facemasks, foot massages and steamboxes in order to shape the body into peak physical condition.

While accepted practice in India, Ayurveda has yet to break into an American market but is slowly becoming more popular as the American and Indian markets become more intertwined.

Filed Under: Alternative Medicine Tagged With: Alternative, Alternative medicine, Ayurveda, Health, Medicine, Naturopathy, Panchakarma, United States

Alternative Medicine and Aromatherapy

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Diagnosing your mental illness has become somewhat of an art form since the late-eighties. As fast as you could say, â€œstress ballâ€ new disorders were being named left and right. From â€œstressâ€ and â€œanxietyâ€ being removed from the realm of every day occurrences into treatable diseases, to newly minted disorders such as â€œSeasonal Affective Disorderâ€ (conveniently called S.A.D) being touted as the new name for normal rainy day melancholy, pharmaceutical corporations were ready to pounce on this new trend by putting out a never ending cavalcade of products designed to relieve stress to pill after pill of behavior changing medicine with scary side effects. It hasnâ€™t been until recently that holistic medicine and alternative medicine have risen into prominence as people realize that perhaps the simplest solution is the best after all.

Holistic medicine seeks to treat an individualâ€™s whole being including their physical, mental, emotional and spiritual well-being. Under the broad wing of holistic medicine is the multi-faceted branch of alternative medicine that seeks to treat the individual and not the symptom. Much of alternative medicine is marked by a turning back to discover ancient and tried and true methods from around the world. One such phenomenon that has caught on is aromatherapy.

Instead of popping synthetic-based medicines whenever life gets too crazy for you, try simply breathing in essential oils such as lavender and rose oils. While these do not â€œcureâ€ anxiety or stress (what can?), the act of simply stopping to smell the roses (literally) helps you unwind and refocus on the task at hand. There seems to be a hard science behind this as well. Research suggests that the oil molecules inhaled influence a variety of neurotransmitters that help the brain regulate stress and anxiety better.

If nothing else the act of slowing down, regrouping, and then doing something pleasurable has an enormous potential to help you regather your thoughts. Aromatherapy, along with a variety of alternative medicine is often logical as well as scientifically sound.

Filed Under: Alternative Medicine Tagged With: Alternative, Alternative medicine, Aromatherapy, Essential oil, Health, Holistic health, Medicine, Shopping

Types of Holistic Medicine Treatments

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Holistic medicine is the practice of treating the human body as a whole, and not just primarily focusing on physical pain. There are many types of holistic medicinal treatments available. Energy healing is just one of the many therapeutic methods available to treat symptoms the body is giving. Holistic healers believe that the body is balanced when your energy is freely flowing. If your body is imbalanced, then that’s when you start experiencing physical and mental symptoms.

Distance healing is one method used to treat the body. Distance healing can be performed anywhere, even miles away, as long as the patient is focused on their prayer. Prayer wheels (a cylinder wheel set on top of a spindle) are often used to keep the patient focused on the task. By spinning the wheel and reciting a mantra, the prayer wheel keeps the patient focused and allows the body and mind to embrace the Four Immeasurables, which are Compassion, Joy, Love and Equanimity.

Breathwork is another technique used in holistic medicine. This method teaches proper breathing techniques in order to heal the body. Buteyko breathing consists of shallow breathing exercises that work to help control asthma symptoms. Yoga is commonly used to control breathing and create good energy in the body. Feathers are also used in breathwork treatments, as it is found useful in cleaning auras. Different feathers are used for different reasons. For example, a turkey feather is used to clean a digestive tract. A cardinal feather gives energy to those suffering anemia, while down feathers are good for treating skin conditions. Dreamcatcher feathers work to pass on good dreams and evoke a peaceful night’s sleep. While many methods are used in holistic medicine, you must find the one that works best for you and be willing to be open to new ideas and treatments.

Filed Under: Alternative Medicine Tagged With: Alternative, Alternative medicine, Health, Holistic health, Medicine

Ancient Holistic Medicine Treatments

Holistic medicine primarily focuses on a person as a whole, and not just one specific area of the body. Holistic practitioners believe that healing the body from the inside is just as important as treating the outside. There were many ancient methods that were used in holistic medicine that continue to be used today.

Ear coning, also known as ear candling, was a technique used to heal a person. A hollow candle that is tapered at one end is placed into an ear. The opposite end is lit with a flame and works to vacuum or suction ear wax residue out of the ear. While there is no medical evidence to report the effectiveness of this method, there are many people that use this technique regularly to clean out their ears.

Huna is a technique that originated in Hawaii and involves a person connecting with his or her highest power within themselves. There are seven principles of Huna (IKE, KALA, MAKIA, MANAWA, ALOHA, MANA and PONO) that must be learned in order to bring about healing and harmony within the body. These principles become the key to happiness and health for many when they are learned and accepted by a person.

Speleotherapy is a treatment for respiratory diseases that utilizes the air found in caves. The air in caves is usually quite low in dust, which sometimes causes allergic reactions or asthma in people. The elimination of dust in these areas causes people’s bodies to heal naturally.

Trepanation was an ancient form of healing that involved drilling holes into a person’s head in order to improve or fix problems with the cranium. This technique was mainly used to treat people that had major head trauma. The edges around the hole would become smooth and a spongy kind of bone would grow in between the holes.

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Types of Holistic Healers

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Holistic medicine is quickly becoming a popular form used in treating illnesses. Many people are considering a career in holistic medicine. There are many types of popular careers to choose from that can help heal a person from the inside and outside.

Chiropractors use the musculoskeletal system in order to heal ailments within the body. By focusing on the nervous system, chiropractors manipulate the body to fix common problems people experience in their back, spine or other areas. A professional degree is required to become a chiropractor and an exam is also taken in order to get a license to practice.

Another career to consider in an acupuncturist. These people heal by inserting tiny needles into specific areas of the body that help to reduce pain. Acupuncturists go through very extensive training in order to practice this method of holistic medicine. All acupuncturists need to become certified through the National Certification Commission and of Acupuncture and Oriental Medicine (NCCAOM).

Acupressure is another common technique used in holistic medicine. This involves massaging to put pressure on specific areas of the body that are related to acupuncture points. One needs to become certified to practice acupressure, and it can be related to the area of a career in massage techniques.

Pursuing a career in homeopathy may prove to be difficult, as it involves being a practicing medical physician as well. Homeopathy is a holistic method that uses a system created over 200 years ago. Homeopathic practitioners treat patients with small doses of a substance that would put the same symptoms in a healthy person.

If you are interested in pursuing a career in holistic medicine, make sure to research all the qualifications you need to practice that method. The best choice is one you feel comfortable performing, and with the right schooling, you can become certified in what is quickly becoming a popular way to heal patients.

Filed Under: Acupuncture, Healing Tagged With: Acupuncture, Alternative, Health, Holistic health, Medicine

What is Alternative Medicine?

Alternative medicine is a method of healing that is used without the use of medicinal drugs. Conventional medical training and practices are not used in alternative medicine. There are many types of alternative medicine, those including acupuncture, acupressure, herbalism, massage therapy and meditation.

Acupuncture involves the process of inserting many tiny needles into a person’s body. These needles are precisely placed in specific parts of the body and then manipulated in order to relieve pain in a person. Many believe that by applying pressure to these specific parts of the body, other illnesses and ailments are reduced or removed all together. Acupressure is similar to acupuncture, except that it uses the hands to massage and manipulate the pressure points, instead of needles.

Herbalism is a method of alternative medicine that uses plants and plant extracts to treat illnesses. Healers practicing this method claim that herbalism works better because it has long-term natural effects, instead of the artificial ingredients used in medicinal drugs.

Massage therapy is used in order to relieve stress and pressure on the body. This form of alternative medicine works to activate the nervous system, which then releases endorphins into the body, which improves scar tissue formation and promotes sleep.

Meditation is another method used in order to benefit ones health. Meditation works to open up a person’s mind and energy, and works to reduce stress and improve relaxation. By regularly meditating, a patient can often relieve their body of the stress that causes other physical and mental problems.

The best method for you is one where you can easily achieve relaxation. Alternative medicine works to reduce the body of symptoms instead of using traditional drugs that are man-made. By using nature’s resources, alternative medicine practitioners believe that the body can heal itself once specific areas have been activated.

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Types of Alternative Medicine

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According to The National Center for Complemetary and Alternative Medicne (NCCAM), there are five types of alternative medicine: Energy Therapies, Alternative Medical Systems, Mind-Body Interventions, Manipulative and Body-Based Methods and Biologically-Based Therapies.

Energy therapies work to produce energy fields in two different way. Biofield therapies work to use energy fields surrounding the body. Examples of this type of alternative medicine include practices like Reiki and Qi gong. The second type of energy therapy used is Bioelectromagnetic-based therapy which involves the use of electromagnetic fields such as pulsed fields or magnetic fields.

Alternative medical systems are based on theory and practice. Acupuncture, Homeopathy, Naturopathic Medicine and traditional Chinese medicine. These methods work to heal a person of a particular ailment by mainly activating another part of the body so that the healing process may begin.

Mind-Body interventions are techniques that focus on the belief that one’s mind has the power to affect the body and the symptoms it is experiencing. Examples of this type of alternative medicine include support groups, art therapy, herbal medicine and energy healing.

Manipulative and body-based methods are forms of alternative medicine that involve manipulating and/or moving one’s body parts in order to heal. Acupressure, chiropractics, massage therapy, osteopathy, reflexology and therapeutic touch (which involves using the hands over the body without making contact) are some of the techniques used in this type of alternative medicine.

Biologically-Based alternative therapies use natural substances such as food, herbs and vitamins. By focusing on diet, diet supplements, herbs and vitamins, the body can then work to heal itself naturally, without any of the artificial ingredients found in traditional medicinal drugs.

The best way to heal yourself through alternative medicine is to find a method that works best for you.

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Holistic and Alternative Approaches to Medicine

The western approach to health medicine is often described as “treating the symptom, not the cause”. There is certainly a lot of ammunition for this idea. Major drug companies make fortunes off of prescribing medicines that treat only the symptoms of mental health problems like depression, anxiety and attention deficit disorders. Holistic medicine, however, takes in consideration both the symptom and the root cause of the illness by looking at a person’s psychological, social and physical needs as a whole. Going beyond this, alternative medicine looks at emotional, physical, spiritual, social and environmental factors that may be contributing factors to the disease. Both holistic and alternative medicine seek to cure the person, not just the disease.

This idea of holistic care has caught on in the medical field. While often viewed as a last resort by many doctors, many people have taken to exploring holistic medicine first before exploring costly and invasive medical procedures. For example, a person suffering from fatigue or depression may inquire a holistic practitioner about changing their diet. The idea is that a systemic shift in what one takes into the body can have profound effect on not only the body but the psychological and emotional well being of the individual. This is a preferred method than taking antibiotics or drugs into the body that only treat the acute symptom but do nothing for the person or their overall health. This also bypasses the risk of harsh side effects from using a drug.

It is becoming more common for a doctor to prescribe an alternative medicine treatment for a patient suffering from physical pain. A growing trend has seen doctors suggesting acupuncture for patients suffering from joint or nerve based injuries. If successful these practices can save money and can save patient from the shock that comes from surgery.

As more and more people and doctors turn to holistic medicine to diagnose and treat common illnesses and injuries, “alternative” medicine will be taken out of the realm of an “alternative” to accepted medical practices and be engrained into the language of medical practices.

Filed Under: Healing, Herbal Treatment Tagged With: Alternative, Alternative medicine, Health, Holistic health, Medicine

Alternative Medicine and Preventative Care

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When we think of the term “medicine” what comes to mind? Doctors in white coats, antibiotics in orange tubes and huge medical bills that make us red in the face? For many these experiences define what we think of when we think of health care. We think of medicine as something we take when we are sick, and only then. There is a strain of thought, however, that stresses that the best form of medicine we take isn’t when we are sick, but something we do to ensure overall health. Holistic medicine is more focused on preventative care that focuses on all the facets of an individuals well being. For example holistic medicine focuses on improving the physical, social, spiritual, environmental and emotional of a person before it becomes imbalanced instead of only treating it when it does.

Holistic health care enlists a variety of alternative medicines to achieve its goal of improving the overall health of an individual. For example yoga may be used to improve a lagging sense of energy or a stiffening body. In many instances alternative medicine is about turning inwards and finding the root of the problem itself instead of leaning solely on a diagnosis by a doctor.

Biofeedback, a form of alternative medicine, certainly speaks to this idea. Practitioners of biofeedback learn how to physically and mentally change routine physiological activity in order to improve their health. For example, instruments measure different areas of output such as brainwaves, muscle activity, heart rate and skin temperature in order to feed this information back to the user. With this information the user can begin to slowly change their emotions, behavior and thinking in order to reduce stress, anxiety and other neurological conditions. This information can also help the user consciously change their posture and positions in order to alleviate the causes of headaches, fatigue and carpal tunnel syndrome.

For those who wish to take control over their health instead of being at the mercy of a doctor whenever they feel sick, holistic health practices and alternative medicine help the individual take the power back.

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