Alternative Complementary Medicine – A Short GuideThe use of alternative complementary medicine has gained popularity over the years. While the conventional practice and belief of medicine is still more widely used, alternative medicine is catching up and gaining the attention of many people. There are different kinds of alternative complementary medicine practices, each one rooted in different cultures and traditions. Many people have been impressed with the results of these kinds of alternative medicine treatment and there is even a National Center for Complementary and Alternative Medicine (NCCAM) devoted to research and studies into this kind of medicine. What Is Alternative Complementary Medicine?
There are many benefits of alternative health care medicine but still some will always continue to raise questions regarding the safety and usefulness of the different types of complementary medicine. What Are The Different Kinds Of Complementary And Alternative Medicine? There are many kinds of alternative medicine. NCCAM has divided the practice of complementary and alternative medicine into four areas. There is also a study done on whole medical systems, which encompasses all four areas.
These are based on complete systems of both philosophy and actual practice. These systems were developed way before and separately from the standard approach to medicine.
Mind-body medicine entails the use of different techniques that are aimed toward improving the ability of the mind to affect body function and symptoms. It is based on the principle that not only physical health is important for a sense of well being but mental health as well. Examples of mind-body medicine are biofeedback, hypnotherapy, meditation, and prayer. Another area of complementary and alternative medicine includes biologically based practices. This kind of therapy makes use of things that are found in nature such as herbs, plants, vitamins, food, and minerals. Examples of biologically based practices are herbal products, dietary supplements, and orthomolecular therapy. Individuals practicing this type of healing are often called a holistic healer.
Body based practices refer to treatments that are based on manipulation or the movement of one or more parts of the body through stimulation. These are mainly treatments that are hands-on. A couple of examples of body based and manipulative practices are chiropractic or osteopathic manipulation and massage.
The fourth area of complementary and alternative medicine as defined by NCCAM involves energy therapy.
There are two types of energy therapy, namely biofield therapies and bioelectromagnetic-based therapies. Biofield therapies involve the use of hands-on treatments like therapeutic touch, qi gong, and reiki. The second type of energy therapy makes use of electromagnetic fields to treat a variety of conditions, but it is specifically designed for relief of pain.
There are many kinds of complementary alternative medicine available. It is essential that you look for a certified practitioner of whichever type of alternative medicine you are considering to ensure that your safety is not compromised. Get informed about the advantages, disadvantages, possible side effects, and risks associated with the form of alternative complementary medicine you want to try. It can be enticing to try alternative medicine especially when you hear about its different health benefits but it still pays to be careful as you health is something you cannot take lightly.
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