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Alternative And Complementary Treatments For Obesity, Diabetes, And More

Alternative and complementary medication are of such concern to the medical community that the National Institutes of Health (NIH) has an entire agency dedicated to scientific research into non-conventional treatments. The National Center for Complementary and Alternative medicine (NCCAM) uses scientificl research to explore complementary and alternative healing practices, including natural cures as well as other practices mentioned below.

The term alternative medicine refers to health care practices that are used in place of conventional medication. For example, using a special diet to treat malignancy instead of undergoing radiation or chemotherapy is alternative medicine. Complementary medication is not the same as alternative medication. Complementary medicine is used together with mainstream medicine. Using dietary supplements for diabetes in addition to mainstream medical treatment is an example of complementary medicine.

Complementary and alternative medicine includes a range of medical systems. Eastern cultures have used long-established Chinese medicine, Ayurveda, and acupuncture for centuries. Homeopathic medication and naturopathic medication are very recent alternative medical practices.

Mind-body medicine uses techniques such as meditation, art, mental curatives, and dance to increase the mind’s ability to affect the functioning and curative ability of the body. Clinical depression at times responds well to such techniques.

Nutritional supplements, herbs, and vitamins are natural remedies utilize in both complementary and alternative therapies. For illustration, research studies indicates that leaves and flowers of the hawthorn tree are safe and helpful for treating mild heart failure. Flaxseed oil is useful in treating arthritis, while ginger eases pregnancy-related queasiness and vomiting. NCCAM continues to study the effect of omega-3 fatty acids on heart disease.

Chiropractic, massage therapy, and osteopathic manipulation involve moving certain parts of the body to re-set alignment, relax the body, and support curing ability. Energy medicine uses invisible energy fields for healing. Reiki, therapeutic touch, and the utilization of electromagnetic fields are examples of energy medicine. Reiki is a 20th century Japanese healing art in which the practitioner places his or her hands just above the body of the individual being treated. In addition to promoting overall health and well being, Reiki can give relief from the side effects of mainstream medical remedies such as radiation and chemotherapy.

NCCAM finances research on complementary and alternative approaches to obesity. Obesity has reached epidemic proportions in the United States, affecting kids as well as adults. A lot of health problems, such as type 2 diabetes, that had formerly been seen typically in adults have now become normal in kids and adolescents. The complexity of obesity warrants a multi-faceted line of attack to prevention and treatment.

The NCCAM urges those who are using complementary, alternative, and natural treatments to tell their doctors. Doctors need to have knowledge about other remedies because of possible conflicts with traditional therapies. As an illustration, certain natural remedies interact with prescribe medicines and can produce unwanted sides effects.

There is another reason to talk about complementary and alternative treatments with MD’s. Increasingly, MD’s educated in conventional medication understand the healing power of other approaches. A lot of them are knowledgeable about complementary and alternative therapies and willing to work with patients who are interested in using natural remedies and treatments and other non-mainstream ways of curing.