While there are a number of illnesses and conditions that should depend on traditional medicine, there are plenty of conditions that can rely on alternative medicine alone, or alongside traditional treatments.
Complementary and alternative healthcare and medical practices (CAM) have existed in written form since 200 B.C. Examples include Ayurvedic treatments, Homeopathy, Yoga, Massage, and Diet.
Not only are they safe and effective, according to the International Journal of Health Sciences the use of CAM is growing steadily, and schools of medicine are offering accredited courses in a wide variety of alternative medical therapies.
Alternative medicines replace traditional approaches, while complementary medicines encompass therapies that work alongside traditional medicine, while integrative medicine combined conventional care with the complementary treatments. These holistic treatments focus on treating the total person.
Pharmacy and Therapeutics indicated that 40% of adults rely on CAM and that conventional medical practitioners need to get on board with that growth, in order to advise their patients well.
The American Society of Health-System Pharmacists (ASHP) has issued guidelines for pharmacists to understand the use of alternative medicine, which include:
- Understanding the typical uses for common supplements and their safety for certain conditions
- The potential, and proven, interactions between conventional medications and common supplements
- The safety of dietary supplements before and after surgery
Doctors should also be aware of these medicines, rather than dismissing them immediately. While there are those that may find them irrelevant, patients are disagreeing and turning to alternative practices more and more.
What conditions can benefit from alternative medicine?
According to WebMD, and the Mayo Clinic, there are many, but here are just a few:
- Cancer– this would be in conjunction with traditional medical treatments, the case here is that alternative medicine can help to relieve symptoms.
- Anxiety– consider meditation, massage, or hypnosis
- Fatigue– try massage, relaxation techniques or yoga
- Nausea & Vomiting– hypnosis, acupuncture, aromatherapy, or Reiki
- Stress– yoga, meditation, exercise, massage, or aromatherapy
- Pain– hypnosis, acupuncture, acupressure, yoga, massage, and Reiki
- Sleep– yoga, meditation, Reiki, acupressure, exercise
- Depression– if you are on medication for depression this should not replace it, and you should work with your doctor on what potential alternatives could be right for you. There are many that work in conjunction with traditional medication.
- Irritable Bowel Conditions– unfortunately, bowl disorders are more common now than they ever have been, whether it is colitis or IBS.
For example, here are some of the commonly used alternative therapies used in treating anxiety, stress, and depression:
- Yoga– gentle stretching is a whole body exercise that requires a yogi to shut out the surrounding world. The focus becomes on breathing through each posture and offers a much needed respite from the stresses of the modern world.
- Meditation– it offers the same benefits as yoga.
- Massage Therapy– an excellent way to reduce stress levels, which frequently have an impact on depression and anxiety.
- Aerobic Exercise– while it can be difficult to face while depressed, exercise is beneficial to the body and to the mind.
- Omega 3, Fatty Acids– known to be found in fish, flaxseed oil and nuts, omega 3 supplements could relieve symptoms of depression. It is generally safe, however, in high doses it can interact with other medications, which why it is important to discuss with your doctor whether you can take them alongside other medications.
Here are some therapies that are commonly used in helping with stomach and bowel issues:
- Probiotics– to improve gut health and ensure your bowels are healthy.
- Supplements– like milk thistle, peppermint capsules, licorice root and artichoke leaf extract, can restore balance to your gut.
- Yoga– flexibility and stretching can improve the movement of your bowels. In addition, stress can frequently play a part in those who suffer from irritable bowel conditions, thus yoga can play an important part.
Despite detractors, it is difficult to overlook the benefits of alternative medicine with the many possibilities it offers and the many conditions that can find from it.
