Alternative medicine has been practiced for hundreds and even thousands of years in many cultures and societies worldwide. It originates mainly from Eastern countries such as China, India, and Japan, where traditional health care practices have developed alongside their respective spiritual beliefs.
Alternative medicine is typically based on natural substances found in plants, minerals, or animals, while Western medications rely on synthetic chemicals created by pharmaceutical companies. The use of alternative therapies has increased over recent years, with people turning to these types of treatments when they’re unable to find relief from traditional medicine.
There are many forms of alternative medicine, but some of the most popular include:
1. Acupuncture
This is a form of Traditional Chinese Medicine that involves inserting thin needles into specific points on the body to relieve pain and restore balance.
Acupuncture is one of the oldest and most popular forms of alternative medicine. It originated in China over 3,000 years ago and is based on the principle that energy, or qi (pronounced “chee”), flows through the body along pathways called meridians. If this energy becomes blocked, it can lead to pain, illness, and disharmony in the body. Acupuncture is believed to help restore balance by stimulating acupuncture points along these meridians.
Acupuncture is effective for various conditions, including chronic pain, headaches, neck pain, back pain, and menstrual cramps. It has also been found to be helpful for anxiety and relief. One of the benefits of acupuncture is that the side effects are usually minimal. However, it can have some drawbacks compared to traditional medicine in some instances. For example, acupuncture is not effective for weight loss or smoking cessation.
2. Chiropractic Care
This alternative treatment focuses on the relationship between the musculoskeletal system and nervous system to promote wellness within your body’s overall function.
If you have back pain or other joint problems, chiropractic care might help relieve symptoms by manipulating areas of your spine that could cause nerve pressure. Some doctors take special training to perform this alternative therapy called spinal manipulation therapy (SMT). It has also been shown to improve osteoarthritis symptoms, even when used with conventional treatments.
Along with alternative medicine, chiropractic care is also one of America’s most popular alternative forms of health care. According to a 2012 Gallup poll, more than 37 million adults have received alternative medicine therapies from chiropractors within the last 12 months.
3. Organic Food
Organic food has become increasingly popular over the years as people become more aware of what they are consuming and their effect on health long-term.
Many studies have shown that organic foods are lower in pesticides than traditionally grown produce, leading to better health for you and your family. Specific pesticides used on non-organic foods include organophosphate insecticides, synthetic pyrethroids, and carbamate insecticides. Each of these has been categorized as potential neurotoxins, meaning their consumption can lead to adverse effects on your nervous system.
This alternative treatment is not typically used for one particular condition, but it has also been shown to reduce the risk of certain diseases such as heart disease and cancer. Some research suggests that organic foods contain higher antioxidants than conventionally grown food. Antioxidants help fight free radicals in the body, contributing to cellular damage over time.
4. Acupressure
Pressure-point therapy involves applying pressure with your fingers or an object like a cotton ball between acupoints along meridians and throughout the body and massaging them to achieve a therapeutic result.
This alternative medicine technique has been practiced worldwide for thousands of years and is still a popular alternative treatment today. People use acupressure to reduce pain, treat certain health conditions, boost their energy levels, and improve overall well-being.
In terms of alternative medicine therapies, this one is known as a cheap alternative with limited side effects to traditional Western medical treatments. In addition, according to the National Center for Complementary and Integrative Health (NCCIH), there is promising research surrounding acupuncture and other pressure-point therapies that show they may be effective for several types of acute and chronic pain conditions.
5. Yoga Therapy
Also, as yogic meditation or yogic contemplation, Yoga therapy is a form of alternative medicine that uses postures, breathing exercises, and meditation to promote mental, physical, and spiritual health.
This alternative treatment is one of the most popular globally, with 350 million practitioners worldwide. An estimated 20 million people regularly practice yoga for health reasons in the United States alone.
Yoga is helpful for conditions like anxiety, depression, chronic pain, and insomnia. It can also help improve your overall mood and well-being by teaching you to manage stress better. Yoga has even been shown to enhance the quality of life in people living with cancer.
6. IV Infusion Therapy
Intravenous (IV) infusion therapy is a form of alternative medicine that uses vitamins, minerals, or other nutrients to treat conditions like migraines.
Nurses are often the professionals who administer alternative health treatments to patients at alternative treatment centers. These alternative health care providers have advanced training in administering IV therapies and other forms of medication through an IV infusion. Patients will typically receive a series of infusions over several days or weeks depending on their diagnosis and how much they benefit from the alternative treatment.
If you’re interested in alternative health care, consider looking into alternative medicine clinics near you. IV infusion therapy can effectively improve your overall mind and body wellness with minimal side effects compared to traditional medical options.
Alternative medicine is becoming more popular than ever before. As Western culture continues to embrace alternative health care, alternative medicine centers are also rising. If you are interested in alternative medicine, make sure to research alternative treatment centers near you. Ask your primary care physician for recommendations if needed.