Balance is a fundamental concept in many forms of alternative medicine. The goal of acupuncture, tai chi, and other natural healing techniques is to balance the body, which could theoretically lead to health recovery.
While exploring alternative medicine for yourself or a loved one, keeping this balancing concept in mind is crucial.
Defining alternative treatments
Any treatment or medication not included in the traditional medical model is called “alternative medicine.”
It refers to medical practices not widely acknowledged or used by doctors in the United States, particularly those with less scientific evidence to back them up as more conventional approaches.
Some alternative medical practices date back hundreds or even thousands of years. Some are relatively new. There are occasions when a treatment that was once considered “alternative” enters mainstream medicine because there is substantial proof that it is safe and effective. Alternative treatments are famous for their natural healing tendencies.
Alternative treatment categories
Alternative remedies come in a wide variety of forms. Many of these treatments have become part of orthodox medicine over time. Many categories can be used to group alternative therapies. Complementary and alternative therapies are divided into the following categories by the National Center for Complementary and Integrative Health;
Nutritional
This covers all diets, nutritional supplements, probiotics, and herbal remedies used in complementary and alternative medicine.
Physical
This covers procedures like massages and acupuncture.
Physiological
This includes complementary therapy techniques like hypnosis and meditation.
Combination of physiological and physical
These treatments work on both the body and the mind at once. These range widely and include dance therapy, tai chi, and yoga. One of those categories includes the majority of alternative therapeutic modalities.
Here are some of the most popular practices
Homeopathy
Homeopathy treatments involve treating various illnesses, such as asthma, anxiety, eczema, autism and ADHD etc. with extremely diluted medications. Its foundation is that a chemical can cause and alleviate symptoms.
Homeopaths, or those who practice homeopathy, think the more diluted a substance is, the more ability it has to alleviate a condition’s symptoms. The use of homeopathy is viewed with considerable skepticism in the world of conventional medicine.
Massage
Most likely, you’re already accustomed to massages. You may not think of it as a possible course of treatment. Massages mostly treat physical complaints like soreness in certain body parts. These are carried out by massaging your body’s sensitive tissues till you experience alleviation.
Acupuncture
Acupuncture is a traditional Chinese medical procedure that includes placing small needles at predetermined locations on the body known as acupuncture sites. This procedure has long been employed as a natural healing method. The needles are thought to trigger particular muscles and nerves, causing your body to release hormones that reduce pain naturally.
Chiropractor
A chiropractor is someone who practices chiropractic medicine. This alternative therapy seeks to reduce any pain you may be experiencing and enhance how your body works. It helps align your body by manipulating your spine, joints, and skeletal system using particular techniques.
Because chiropractors analyze your medical history, perform tests and interviews, and make an official diagnosis before developing a treatment plan, chiropractic medicine is comparable to traditional medicine.
Reflexology
traditional Chinese medicine, as well as the ancient healing practices of Egypt and India. Today, reflexology is often used as a complementary therapy, alongside other conventional medical treatments, to help manage a range of health conditions.
During a reflexology session, a trained practitioner will use their hands to apply pressure to specific reflex points on the feet, hands, or ears. The pressure is typically applied using a specific technique, such as thumb or finger walking, where the practitioner applies steady pressure while moving their fingers in a particular pattern.
The pressure applied to each reflex point is said to stimulate the corresponding organ or body part, which can help to improve circulation, reduce tension, and promote relaxation. This, in turn, can help to alleviate a range of symptoms, including pain, anxiety, and stress.
Pros and cons of alternative treatments
Using complementary and alternative medicine for various ailments has numerous advantages, but there are also some things to watch out for. It is a good idea to weigh the advantages and disadvantages of any new therapy before implementing it.
Pros
Whole-person treatment
According to conventional medicine, a disease exists independently of the individual who carries it. Medical specialty is on the rise, which has improved therapy but also separated doctors from their patients’ “healthy” organs. Most alternative medical practices emphasize whole-body treatment, a crucial distinction between conventional and alternative medicine.
Alternative medicine practitioners care for their patients’ emotional and spiritual well-being and physical health. The Osher Center for Integrative Medicine claims that an increase in interest in a more holistic approach to health is one of the key factors contributing to the growth of alternative medicine.
Prevention oriented
The emphasis on prevention in alternative medicine is another lure. Several forms of alternative medicine encourage patients to have “well visits,” therapies that concentrate on avoiding disease before it happens and being cared for when sick. In contrast, orthodox medicine tends to intervene after sickness is manifest.
Personal attention
Alternative medicine practitioners frequently provide patients with considerable personal attention due to the focus on whole-body care. Conventional doctors may have time constraints, pressure from insurance companies, and crowded waiting rooms. Because of their varied ideas and payment methods, alternative medicine practitioners often emphasize individualized care more.
Cons
Before experimenting with a novel alternative medication, there are a few important things to consider. The following issues shouldn’t deter you or a loved one from using alternative medicine; rather, they can aid you make a more informed choice.
Confusing marketing
Although some marketers may try to get you to believe otherwise, the terms “natural” and “safe” are not interchangeable. Many natural healing and herbal treatments, which both fall under the category of alternative medicine, are falsely marketed as “natural.” A manufacturer should be taken seriously if they make exaggerated promises about their goods being “wonder cures” or having “hidden ingredients.”
Lack of scientific research
The funding for research studies on alternative medicine is increasing in response to rising consumer demand. Yet, the evidence still needs to be more extensive when compared to conventional medical practices, leaving many concerns unanswered. Many studies are being conducted right now. Many advise speaking with your primary care doctor or another healthcare professional, visiting your local library to look up scientific journals, or looking up studies on alternative medicine online.
Dangerous interaction
Supplements and herbs may nevertheless have the potential to interact with over-the-counter and prescription medications, even when the product has no artificial ingredients. Moreover, some of these natural products have additional adverse effects.