Karen’s Free Health and Fitness Tips

Complementary and Alternative Medicine or CAM are diagnostic or therapeutic techniques that are outside the mainstream of Western medicine. Alternative medicine is used in place of conventional medicine while complementary medicine is used along with conventional medicine though some of the treatments methods are the same. Although most people utilize mainstream medicine for diagnosis and basic information, many are now turning to alternatives for what they believe to be total body health-enhancing measures.

CAM is very popular with people who are terminally ill and has also been used on animals. There have also been sufficient instances of “inexplicable” extension of life and other significant health benefits for people who have pursued these options that the Western health systems are now seriously starting to further assess these systems. Alternative medicine is a fairly broad term which covers many different methods of treatment such as acupuncture, homeopathy, Chinese herbal medicine, Ayurvedic and more.

Over the years, there has been an explosion of interest in learning more about alternative medicine treatment for rheumatoid arthritis. Indeed, there are several different complementary and alternative medicine approaches. As such, we will provide you with information in regards to some natural substances that may be helpful for rheumatoid arthritis. However, keep in mind that what may work for one person may not work for another. In addition, it’s extremely important that you consult your physician before taking any herbal or dietary supplements.

Now, without further adieu, let’s delve into alternative medicine treatment for rheumatoid arthritis in regards to natural substances.

Become acquainted with the fish in the sea. Fish oil has shown favorable effects to help partially relieve the symptoms of rheumatoid arthritis. Fish oil harbors omega-3 fatty acids that have inflammation-fighting actions. However, it’s important to note that positive results can take three months to become evident. On the other hand, fish oil is often recommended by leading experts as one of the natural substances that may help rheumatoid arthritis sufferers and, as such, we have listed it as a consideration for alternative medicine treatment for rheumatoid arthritis. In addition, fish oil harbors many other powerful health enhancing benefits.

Alternative medicine for fibroids has been used by herbalists for many hundreds of years and like alternative treatments for all manner of conditions, is enjoying a resurgence in popularity. Until recently, doctors were all too quick to perform a hysterectomy to get rid of fibroids but it in now realized that this is very rarely the best treatment and can have side effects which are as bad as, if not worse, that the fibroids themselves.

Other surgical treatments for fibroids are rarely successful. Removing the individual fibroids is all well and good if you can stop new ones growing. Unfortunately, once doctors have performed the surgery, women are very rarely given any advice which will help them prevent regrowth.

Alternative medicine for fibroids usually consists of herbal preparations which can be taken which are widely believed to be beneficial for shrinking fibroids. With some medical conditions, it would not necessarily be advisable to try alternative treatment methods as delaying conventional medicine could prove dangerous. As fibroids are very rarely life-threatening, once you have received a diagnosis, trying alternative treatments is most certainly worthwhile as it has been proven that fibroids respond very well to natural treatments.

We live in a busy world, when almost everyone loves to take things within their reach. We live in a world where fast food, remote control, TV, automobiles, gasoline, and electricity are a prerequisite. Modernization has its own conveniences, but it has its own downfalls. It makes us become busy all the time with all the details, so that we don’t have the time to study new things. Take, for instance, the practice of medicine nowadays. A patient comes in, and, after examination and history-taking he is being bombarded with a handful of pills to take with illegible prescription handwriting. The same thing happens to the second patient, then the third patient, and so on. Modern medicine is so monotonous that doctors appear too busy to research on alternative ways on how to promote good health and well-being.

Few of us medical practitioners realize the importance of alternative medicine, and how it opens venues for future research and for the formulation of custom protocols for the individual patient. We think of alternative medicine as “quack” treatments, but do we ever pause to study and examine it in detail so that we can learn from it and apply it to our practice?

Is acid reflux keeping you awake at nights? Is the discomfort and pain of acid reflux and heartburn causing you to feel depressed and anxious because you cannot sleep properly?
Have you sought alternative medicine for acid reflux in Texas or any other state for that matter? Well, there was a time when alternative medicine was considered nothing more than quackery or just completely foolish.

Alternative medicine for acid reflux in Texas was frequently dismissed as nothing more than simply a joke. It was just unheard of that someone would seek an alternative to modern medicine. Well, it is important to note that things have changed drastically. Alternative medicine is now extremely popular, especially in the last ten to fifteen years.

People are embracing many different alternative medicines and it is starting to become more common for regular doctors to refer patients to alternative practitioners such as acupuncturists and aroma therapists along with their own particular treatments. Many people suffering from acid reflux are very serious about finding a cure for their condition. Alternative medicine for acid reflux in Texas and other states is a way sufferers look to solve their problem.

What exactly is this “Bad Cholesterol”?

Cholesterol is categorized under “Lipids” or “Fats”. They form part of the cell membranes and are very important in cellular functions. In the blood the fats are attached to proteins and they form groups of substances called lipoproteins.

* Low Density Lipoprotein (LDL)

* Very Low Density Lipoproteins (VLDL)

* High Density Lipoproteins (HDL)

Chylomicrons

Of these Low Density Lipoproteins are called “ Bad Cholesterol”. If the blood level of this bad cholesterol increases, it gets deposited along the walls of the blood vessels blocking the flow of blood. If the blood flow to heart is blocked it causes angina and myocardial infarction. If the blood flow to the brain is blocked it results in stroke.

On the contrary, High Density Lipoprotein is called “ Good Cholesterol” and it has protective function.

The Alternative Medicine

Though statins rule the roost when it comes to bring down and controlling the blood levels of bad cholesterol, the option of using alternative medicine is always there – for its effectiveness, lesser cost and minimal side effects.

Before contemplating alternative medical treatment for decreasing cholesterol, one should know the optimum levels and high-risk levels of cholesterol.

Find Alternative Medicine Seminars in the United States and Canada. Much like traditional medicine workshops, alternative medicine seminars typically center on pathology-specific and/or innovative health treatments. In addition, a number of alternative medicine seminars will sometimes offer diplomas of completion, certification and/or continuing education units.

Some excellent examples of alternative medicine seminars may include classes in acupuncture treatment for particular health issues, such as auricular therapy for eye disorders. Other alternative medicine seminars may be strictly for practitioners and health care professionals who would like introductory courses in homeopathy, natural healthcare or other related subjects of study.

A number of alternative medicine seminars may involve integrative medicines that are used in the prevention and treatment of chronic diseases, and other health problems. In addition, there are alternative medicine seminars that have been specifically designed to help professional health care providers to better understand the theories and principles of alternative and complementary medicine, which help to erode stereotypes associated with these natural health modalities.

Some alternative medicine seminars are geared toward promoting healthier lifestyles and better nutritional concepts; while others present advanced and continuing education classes in glyconutrients, massage therapy, yoga, Tai chi, qigong and herbal remedies. Many alternative medicine seminars also include programs in guided imagery, chiropractic, homeopathy, meditation, mind-body medicine, and additional natural therapies.

Along with what we consider regular orthodox medicine, there are a number of therapies such as homeopathy and herbal medicine, commonly referred to as alternative medicine. Many doctors regard these alternative forms of medicine as quack medicine. But are they? And do they have a role to play in the treatment of acne?

The main difference between alternative medicine and regular medicine is the focus on the whole person. Orthodox medicine as we know it today tends to focus on the disease, in this case, acne, and the part of the body affected by it, usually the face. Alternative medicine focuses on the whole person.

So while regular doctors may sometimes be guilty of isolating the patient from the disease - sometimes referring to them as “The Pimple in Bed 6″, or “Acne coming in to see you at three o’clock”, a complementary therapist would never do that. He would spend a lot of time getting to know you, what you eat, where you work, how your family is, whether you have any stress etc. Specific treatment plans are then tailored to the individual. So two people with the same disease like acne, may get completely different treatments.

Alternative medicine is enjoying a boom as people start to take control of their own lives. As an alternative medical practitioner, a homeopath, I am very excited about this. When people take control of their own lives, there is no limit to what becomes possible. The limitations occur when you hand over that control to others. No one else but you, has your own best interests so much to heart.

Once you start taking control of your own life, you start to question what’s best for your family, including your pets.

You might now be asking yourself what could be the best alternative medicine for dogs.

There are many different alternative medicine modalities about and you need to do a bit of research to decide what is most appropriate. There’s homeopathy, reiki, naturopathy, Chinese medicine, osteopathy, chiropractic, flower essences, herbs, acupuncture or pressure, massage, Bowen therapy, to mention just a few. Many of these modalities will only be able to work in a limited way. For instance (and I’m no masseuse, so could be wrong), massage will probably only be good for strained muscles. And, although some can act on a deep level, they can be slow to show results, such as flower essences.

Did you know that there are various practices in alternative medicine that make use of body manipulation and other techniques based on working on certain parts of the body?

Massage is the method by which skin tissues are manipulated with the use of hands or special tools. Chiropractic care is when the joints and other parts of the skeletal system are manipulated. In contrast to these, reflexology is the method of putting pressure on vital points on the feet or hands to heal other parts of the body.

Energy Medicine

What is energy medicine? It is the belief that our body is composed of energy fields that may be utilized to heal body parts that are unwell. Those who treat patients with the use of energy medicine use pressure. They place their hands inside or throughout these energy fields to effect healing. There are several examples of this kind of practice:

Tai Chi makes use of slow, deliberate and gentle movements focusing on concentration and breathing techniques.

Raiki balances energy either from a distance or by laying hands near the patient?s body.

Therapeutic touch is the act of moving hands around the body’s energy fields.