Complementary and alternative medicine (CAM) encompasses a wide array of treatments that don’t fall within traditional Western medical practice, making this area of medicine quite diverse.
As is often the case, it’s wise to inform all your healthcare providers of any complementary and alternative medicine (CAM) techniques you use for treating your illness, as these may interact with traditional treatments or cause unexpected side effects.
Ayurveda
Ayurved medicine is one of the world’s oldest healing traditions. Based on an holistic approach to health and based on the belief that physical and mental wellbeing are inextricably linked, Ayurved medicine utilizes techniques such as herbal medicine, massage therapy and yoga – as well as its philosophy which has had an influence over other practices such as acupuncture or traditional Chinese medicine – with many texts translated into English language from Ayurved.
Diet is an integral component of Ayurved treatments. Practitioners will advise foods suitable to your body type based on your constitution (dosha), which consists of the five elements space, air, fire earth and water. For instance if your constitution includes air and fire elements (Pitta), exercising during cooler times of the day and avoiding hot foods are ideal. Ayurved treatments also aim to cleanse away ama toxins produced through improper or incomplete digestion which can contribute to fatigue as well digestive disorders symptoms such as these.
Some of the primary benefits of Ayurved treatment include improved circulation, decreased muscle tension and anxiety reduction, as well as an increase in energy levels. Regular Ayurved treatments can also aid sleep, digestion and immune function – though it should be noted that while Ayurvedic approaches may be effective treatments in certain instances, they should never take the place of conventional medical care.
Note that Ayurved practices may contain herbs, metals and other substances which could be dangerous in excess. As such, before beginning any Ayurvedic treatment you should first discuss it with your healthcare provider to assess if this approach would be suitable for you and any possible conflicts that might occur with regards to medical history and this treatment modality.
Homeopathy
Homeopathy is an alternative medicine system that seeks to stimulate the body’s own healing response using highly diluted substances. Homeopaths employ this system by prescribing “like cures like” therapies using substances produced from plants (red onion, arnica [mountain herb], belladonna (deadly nightshade), white arsenic minerals or animal sources like crushed whole bees) derived from homeopathic preparations that contain similar symptoms in healthy people or individuals suffering illness with similar symptoms. Their approach involves custom tailored prescriptions taking lifestyle and genetic factors into account as much as possible.
Samuel Hahnemann of Germany introduced this system during the early 1700s as an answer to polypharmacy, where doctors would prescribe many different medicines at once to treat one condition. He wanted to reduce side effects while increasing efficiency and effectiveness.
Homeopathy lacks scientific proof as an effective medicine. Instead, it falls under complementary and alternative medicine (CAM). Homeopathy may also be combined with conventional medical therapies as part of treatment plans.
National Health and Medical Research Council of Australia’s 2015 comprehensive review of homeopathy research concluded there was insufficient evidence supporting its use. Due to low dosages of homeopathic medicines, conducting double-blind, placebo-controlled studies — considered the gold standard in medical research — to test their efficacy is difficult.
The National Cancer Institute (NCI) cautions that no reputable scientific cancer organizations endorse homeopathic products or acupuncture as cancer treatments, and urges all those interested to speak to their physician prior to making any decisions involving complementary and alternative medicine (CAM).
Food and Drug Administration (FDA) does not recognize homeopathic products for any health conditions, and in fact some sold in the United States could contain unapproved ingredients or be contaminated. One product called Calcarea Carbonica contains impure calcium carbonate that may interact with certain medications; other homeopathic products contain active ingredients that could be dangerous, like Eucalyptus Oil or Dilution Powder which should also be avoided as soon as possible.
Reflexology
Reflexology is a form of massage that applies pressure to specific points on the feet, hands, and ears in order to stimulate organs and systems within your body. A reflexologist licensed massage therapist applies gentle pressure in these areas during a session while you lie fully clothed except for shoes and socks – this may help relieve both physical pain and mental stress; more research needs to be conducted before definitive statements about its efficacy can be made.
Reflexologists believe that disease results from an imbalance in energy, and reflexology is designed to restore this balance. Reflexologists also claim it can aid the body’s healing processes; yet there is no scientific proof that reflexology works as promised to relieve pain or treat other medical conditions; though some research shows benefits for those with cancer; specifically decreasing pain and anxiety with short-term results (ie: not long term effects), as well as decreasing premenstrual syndrome symptoms like bloating, breast tenderness and anxiety.
Reflexology may provide multiple advantages, yet it should not be seen as a replacement for traditional treatments; rather it should be used as an adjunct therapy. If you suffer from chronic health conditions it would be prudent to consult with a physician prior to embarking on any kind of reflexology therapy regimen.
Reflexology can boost energy and organ function by stimulating reflex points connected to the brain, which release neurotransmitters that help improve concentration and metabolism, helping reduce physical fatigue and increasing metabolism – an excellent option for those having trouble sleeping or insomnia.
Reflexology can be combined with other forms of healing, like meditation and yoga, for optimal results. Reflexology has proven particularly helpful for people suffering from fibromyalgia – a chronic pain condition affecting muscles and joints – through reduced inflammation and improved circulation, while simultaneously improving sleep patterns and increasing energy levels in those suffering.
Yoga therapy
Yoga is an ancient holistic healing art that connects body and mind through movement, breath work, relaxation techniques, meditation and therapeutic breathing practices. Yoga offers effective alternative medicine treatments for many conditions as well as helping reduce stress and anxiety levels.
Yoga is an ancient practice that can benefit individuals of any age or physical ability. Yoga has been shown to treat various medical conditions, such as fibromyalgia, arthritis and back pain; furthermore it may help boost mood and energy levels. If you suffer from chronic illness it would be advisable to consult your physician prior to beginning any new physical fitness regime.
Yoga therapy involves applying the principles of yoga to an individual client. A trained yoga teacher applies yoga principles directly to them during a session and tailors his or her approach according to each client’s goals and specific physical and mental health needs, such as using chanting, textual study, spiritual counseling sessions or imagery techniques in order to meet them.
Yoga therapy offers numerous health and wellbeing benefits, including decreased symptoms, enhanced mood and an increase in energy. Yoga may also help relieve anxiety and depression as well as promote restful sleep patterns and increase flexibility reducing injury risk. Cancer patients in particular can gain much from yoga therapy as it allows them to maintain an active lifestyle during and post treatment; before beginning any yoga program it’s essential that you consult your healthcare provider about this potential approach to care.
Yoga therapy should be undertaken slowly and gradually increased in intensity to avoid injuries or setbacks. Your yoga therapist will review your medical file, discuss your health condition and determine which poses and techniques would be suitable.
Yoga therapy offers many advantages that can enhance your overall wellness plan, from relieving tension to increasing relaxation and alleviating chemotherapy side effects, strengthening immunity and decreasing risk of relapse post addiction recovery.
