Alternative medicine refers to all systems of theory and practice developed outside of mainstream Western biomedicine, including herbal medicine, acupuncture and naturopathy.
Alternative therapies (AT) and complementary and integrative medicine (CIM) are frequently confused. Unfortunately, stipulative definitions do not adequately distinguish CAM from conventional therapies.
Acupuncture
Acupuncture is an alternative therapy that uses needles inserted at specific points on the body to stimulate nerves, block pain signals from reaching the brain, and release natural chemicals like endorphins that help ease physical and emotional stress. Acupuncture has quickly become one of the fastest-growing fields within integrative medicine; now offered in primary care clinics, hospitals, pain clinics, hospices, massage therapy practices and hospices as well as hospices; it has even been shown to reduce nausea associated with chemotherapy treatment as well as hot flashes and menopausal symptoms – either alone or combined with other therapies.
Researchers believe acupuncture stimulates the central nervous system to release opioids, immune-system cells, neurotransmitters and other chemical messengers which may act to relieve pain, increase blood flow and influence involuntary bodily functions such as blood pressure regulation, blood sugar regulation or body temperature regulation. Acupuncture may also decrease inflammation while increasing effectiveness of certain cancer treatments by modulating release of cytokines which trigger side effects like pain and swelling – but before making any decisions independently regarding alternative therapies it’s wise to discuss any alternative therapy with a health care provider first!
Ayurveda
Ayurveda (from Ayur meaning life and Veda meaning knowledge of life) is one of the world’s oldest healing systems, dating back over 5,000 years ago. Practitioners believe that health comes from living in harmony with nature and universe, while this practice seeks to prevent disease through diet, exercise and herbal remedies.
Ayuvedic practices are founded on the premise that people possess natural energies known as doshas which regulate all bodily processes. Doshas result from interaction among five elements (air, water, earth fire and space/ether). Each individual possesses different combinations of doshas that correspond with various aspects of his or her health and unique needs.
Atharvaveda is one of the earliest forms of Ayurveda found within Vedas and dates back to around 2nd millennium BCE. It’s believed to have come from ancient Indian philosophical systems like vaisheshika’s idea that all physical things consist of individual atoms; nyaya logic school; and samkhya which refers to body and spirit dualism as possible sources for its origins.
Chiropractic
Chiropractic is a noninvasive healthcare discipline that uses manual manipulations of the musculoskeletal (MSK) and nervous systems to enhance overall wellness and quality of life. Chiropractors are primary care practitioners; you don’t require a referral from your GP in order to visit one; their staff have been specially trained in diagnosing and managing MSK conditions, particularly spinal-related ones.
Chiropractic medicine can treat more than back pain; they also specialize in neck and joint stiffness as well as providing exercise, nutritional, and lifestyle advice to improve posture and prevent future pain. Its name, “chiropractic”, is derived from Greek words cheir and praktikos meaning ‘done by hand”. While chiropractors do not possess M.D. degrees themselves, they have studied similarly as medical school students but possess different skill sets than osteopaths.
chiropractors work in private practice or as part of a larger health care team to treat their patients’ symptoms, working in collaboration with physicians, nurse practitioners, physiotherapists, registered massage therapists and midwives. Chiropractors may use soft-tissue therapy to loosen tight muscles and release tension in fascia (connective tissue surrounding each muscle). Furthermore, they will prescribe exercises designed to improve mobility; additionally they’ll collaborate on creating a wellness plan with you that ensures long-term health and wellness.
Herbalism
Herbalism uses natural, plant-based medicines to address various health concerns. Herbalists frequently combine herbs with traditional therapies in order to reduce side effects associated with conventional medication and offer alternative therapies with less side effects than their conventional counterparts. A trained herbalist can work with you to create an integrated herbal wellness program which addresses your diet, lifestyle and health concerns while offering educational resources in support of your health goals.
Herbal medicine is non-toxic and focused on aiding the body to heal itself rather than treating one specific symptom or disease. It can be used both acutely and chronically for acute as well as chronic situations; certain herbs may take effect instantly while others could take weeks before becoming effective.
Herbal medicine dates back to ancient societies. Ancient civilizations in Mesopotamia, Egypt, China and India developed advanced understandings of plants as healing agents; modern pharmaceuticals focus on isolating and synthesizing chemical compounds while herbalists employ entire plants with their myriad compounds (phytochemicals) which work synergistically together for maximum healing effects. Herbalists prioritize product safety and quality as they strive to bridge traditional knowledge with modern research.
Homeopathy
Homeopathy has long been the subject of much contention. While critics maintain it lacks scientific merit, proponents use seemingly rigorous trials to demonstrate its efficacy; however, the evidence supporting homeopathy remains mixed and limited – so much so that Australian National Health and Medical Research Council (NHMRC) warns against using homeopathy to treat serious or life-threatening conditions.
Homeopathic medicines differ from traditional prescription medicines in that they are created using natural substances diluted and mixed together, before being prescribed according to patient symptoms. For instance, if someone complains of throbbing headaches that seem worse on one side than others, their homeopath might suggest belladonna, an extract from deadly nightshade plant that has been highly diluted to create belladonna medicine.
Timing of homeopathic treatments is also crucial, with homeopaths employing three techniques that align with biomedicine: avoid antagonizing patients with dismal news; acknowledge individual variations of illness; and the belief that truth emerges over time through repeated experience (Zerubavel 1987).
Naturopathy
Esther Parker is an established Naturopath and Nutritionist based out of Brisbane with over 16 years’ experience in healthcare. As an advocate of alternative therapies and health education, Esther provides practical resources that empower people to take control of their wellbeing.
Naturopathy (whole-systems medicine) emphasizes the body’s inherent ability to create and sustain health, treating disease as an expression of underlying imbalances which may be corrected using various approaches like diet and clinical nutrition, hydrotherapy, homeopathy, botanical medicine, physical therapy or pharmaceuticals.
Though some small studies indicate naturopathic therapies could benefit patients suffering from anxiety and fatigue, randomized controlled trials remain lacking. Naturopaths could however serve as complementary care providers for chronic musculoskeletal pain as well as conditions like diabetes or asthma.
Naturopaths do not possess the same level of education and training as medical doctors and should not be considered “natural physicians.” Naturopathy is banned or heavily regulated in three states while some U.S. jurisdictions permit them to perform minor surgery and prescribe medication; herbal medicine, acupuncture and chiropractic care appear to have the most evidence of effectiveness for this field of healthcare.
Osteopathy
Osteopathy is an alternative form of medicine which employs manual manipulation to treat disease and injury. Osteopathy’s foundation rests on the principle that structure and function are inextricably linked, as well as on self-regulating mechanisms found within the body itself. Practitioners use touch to palpate bones, muscles, joints and fasciae of their bodies – principles on which Still founded his philosophy of osteopathy.
Conventional medicine refers to any practice where medical practitioners possessing either an M.D. or Doctor of Osteopathy degree are used as practitioners, known as allopathy, biomedicine, Western or mainstream medicine and often called physicians or doctors themselves. Many individuals practice both forms of medicine concurrently.
Many alternative medicine practices are rooted in theories that run contrary to established science, or they rely on testimonials, anecdotes, religion, tradition, superstition, supernatural “energies,” pseudoscience errors in reasoning propaganda and fraud – practices widely considered “quackery.” Still others can have therapeutic value when combined with more established therapies and integrated into mainstream healthcare services; proven-effective complementary and alternative medicines should become part of standard care and help reduce mortality rates due to disease and disability.
