Alternative Medicine - Your Other Choice

By Richard Ealom

Alternative medicine is a broad term that describes a number of types of treatment, cures and relief that are derived from sources other than traditional medicine. The therapies, medical approaches and philosophies that are encompassed in the term alternative medicine are too abundant to be fully discussed in this article.

There are a number of kinds of alternative medicine which are more extensively used and well recognized than others. Below are more common types of alternative medicine that have been accepted by many individuals and are commonly practiced.

Acupuncture

This kind of alternative medicine is a kind of therapy which is practiced with the use of unique needles. These specially designed needles are thin and long which make it easier to introduce them into the human body. The filiform needles are inserted into specific points in the human body which are designated for pain relief or therapy.

This kind of alternative medicine therapy originated from China. The Chinese developed a system of meridians from which energy is supposed to flow. Tapping into these meridians with the employment of the acupuncture needles can be of assistance to relieve a number of conditions and ailments that he or she may be experiencing in addition to help to relax and even reduce weight.

There are tons of diverse studies about acupuncture since this is one of the more popular types of alternative medicine but the results are basically open to doubt. There are a number of health organizations that do accept the encouraging effects of acupuncture but conventional medicine does not.

a lot of traditional medical practitioners say that while acupuncture may not be effective there is nothing to lose if the patient would really love to try it. The employment of sterile needles in addition to the use of the said practice by conscientious and well qualified specialist is a must for this form of alternative medicine. Whether it has a placebo effect or real effect on individuals may depend wholly on how receptive the individual may be to it.

Chiropractic

This form of alternative medicine involves the treatment of disorders and other conditions through the applying of pressure on the musculoskeletal system. In basic terms, the body, through realignment of the bones and pressure on the muscles is supposed to recover its balance and be relieved or cured from some conditions and disorders. This alternative medicine form of therapy uses the manipulation of the individuals joints, spine and other soft tissues to encompass the all-purpose application of manual therapy. The manipulation and manual therapy is essentially done by the chiropractor but he can also assign a succession of drills and related therapies which the patient can perform in his or her own home.

This alternative medicine therapy was founded in the late 1800s. This practice enjoys much popularity in large areas of the United states and as well as some areas of Asia. Chiropractic medicine is found to be successful in treating back pain and other problems related to the joints and bones. This alternative medicine therapy is acknowledge by many established medicine doctors as treatment for back pain but generally it is still thought of as therapy and not really medicine or cure. There is some controversy concerning the safety of the practice since there are some bogus chiropractors who have "accidents"

Naturopathy

Naturopathy is a kind of relief or treatment which includes several kinds of alternative medicine therapies and treatments. The idea of naturopathy is that the body can treat itself without the need of established medicine through many diverse forms of natural medicine. The utilization of established Chinese medicine, acupuncture, reflexology, botanical medicine, homeopathy, nutrition and even the practice of good sanitation are said to be included in naturopathy. Many people trust in this ideal and strive to heal or treat themselves through the employment of natural kinds of alternative medicine. - 17268

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