Posts Tagged ‘care’
Alternative Medicine Schools offer a Bright Career in Holistic Health Care
Although, the allopathic medicines have saved a billion lives but they are unable to do it in a healthy way, whereas, the alternative medicine practitioners use natural therapy to maintain and restore your health. Various alternative techniques such as chiropractic, homeopathy, Ayurvedic, naturopathy, acupuncture and many more are in constant demand and rise because people have started taking interest in the benefits of alternative medicines.
Interested students that are looking for the alternative medicine programs such as holistic health care or naturopathic medicine can apply to the reputed natural health schools that are offering professional alternative health course in this particular field of study to get a bright career in holistic health care. An alternative medicine education provides the required training that a student needs to be able to provide proper treatment to the patients through harmonizing modalities of complementary medicine.
Alternative medicine schools instruct the students in diverse natural tricks to encourage the alternate medicine techniques and spiritual health. They practice assorted alternative healing methods to carry forward the insight of the speckled culture and modalities of health care.
Alternative medicine improves physical, emotional and mental health and also supports spiritual and psychic growth and offers complete sense of wellness. With the growing demand of alternative medicine practitioners, taking holistic medicine as a career option can be the most beneficial step for any student. The work of an alternative medicine doctor has the combination of natural medicine along with the conventional western curative practice.
In order to spread this fine technique among today’s generation globally, a lot of alternative medicine schools are conducting various alternative medicine programs. These courses give complete understanding on different fields of holistic medicine by covering diverse disciplines of this technique. During these holistic medicine courses, students practice a large variety of proportions of the natural medicine that help a person suffering from bad health and offer absolute physical and mental wealth.
Various natural medicine schools offer a bright career in holistic health care today. Choose a well known alternative medicine university if you want to build a career as holistic health care specialist and help the needy!
Alternative Medicine And Health Care In India
Alternative medicine is a major enterprise in India. In November 2009, the government’s Ministry of Health and Family Welfare announced the steps it would be taking to promote ‘Indian Systems of Medicine’ in the country, including spending Rs. 922 crore on the promotion of AYUSH (Ayurveda, Yoga & naturopathy, Unani, Siddha and Homoeopathy). Major claims have recently been made for alternative medicine – such as that Ayurveda can be used for anaemia or ano-rectal ailments, and that homeopathy can be used to prevent or cure swine flu, or to treat Aids and malaria.
In an era characterised by evidence-based science and politics, should official endorsement be given to remedies that cannot be scientifically proven? Is alternative medicine a form of quackery, which puts patients at risk? Or is the interest in alternative medicine a positive sign that we are beginning to move beyond a too-narrow approach to disease, towards recognising the more subtle relationship between mind and body and the need to find holistic cures? Do traditional medicines play an important role in preventive medicine, contributing to a more affordable and effective healthcare system than the Western medical model?
The debate in context:
What is complementary and alternative medicine (CAM)?
Many discussions about alternative medicine today take place under the umbrella term ‘complementary and alternative medicine’ (CAM). This implies that alternative medicine should not be seen solely as something that can be used instead of conventional medicine, but can and should be used alongside it. CAM refers to treatments that differ from conventional, or ‘allopathic’, medicine – medicine based on scientific testing that is taught to medical professionals. Systems of CAM have often evolved apart from and earlier than the conventional medical approach used in the Western world. Some such systems, such as homeopathy and naturopathy, have developed in Western cultures; others, such as traditional Chinese medicine and Ayurveda, have developed outside of the West.
Does CAM work – and if so, how?
Critics of CAM argue that the very term is problematic, giving mysticism more scientific credence than it deserves. As the editors of the prestigious Journal of the American Medical Association (JAMA) have argued: ‘there is no alternative medicine. There is only scientifically proven, evidence-based medicine supported by solid data or unproven medicine’. Advocates of CAM, however, argue that the lack of scientific evidence about the efficacy of CAM betrays too narrow an approach to the understanding and treatment of illness. They point to the failure of conventional medicine to cure certain serious diseases, such as cancer, and the extent to which patients suffering from these diseases can be helped by therapies like Ayurveda. They note that conventional medicine has itself moved towards a more holistic appreciation of the treatment of disease, and that some natural remedies or techniques, such as the use of quinine to treat malaria, have been adopted and accepted by practitioners of conventional medicine.
Even critics of CAM do not dispute that in many cases, alternative remedies can make patients feel better, despite not curing the disease – so isn’t this a worthwhile goal in itself? The importance of preventive medicine, including lifestyle modification, has been globally acknowledged: it is seen as better and more cost-effective to enable people to avoid physical or mental illnesses in the first place, rather than simply trying to treat the disease when it emerges. Alternative medicine, it is argued, has a crucial role to play in this. Furthermore, in a society like India, for which the affordability of healthcare is a major challenge, different models need to be sought that make the most of the country’s experience and expertise, including in the field of alternative medicine. Advocates argue that the orientation of CAM ‘towards self-healing and health promotion (salutogenesis rather than pathogenesis)’ make ‘alternative medicine approaches to chronic diseases especially attractive and affordable for the developing countries’.
The rise of CAM
One of the key aims of the government scheme the National Rural Health Mission is to ‘encourage a healthy lifestyle and alternative systems of medicine through AYUSH’. In November 2009, Chief Minister, BS Yedyurappa, told a conference that access and awareness of alternative medicines should be spread in rural areas. The officially-recognised status of alternative medicine in India is also indicated by the reach of the Indian Institute of Alternative Medicines, established in 1991 by Dr.Suresh Kumar Agarwal; and the appointment of Smt. S. Jalaja IAS as secretary to the Department of AYUSH.
The growing interest in, and promotion of, alternative medicine by the political and medical authorities is not confined to India. Despite being at the forefront of advances in conventional, ‘Western’ medicine, the USA provides a significant market for traditionally Indian and Chinese remedies. Organisations such as the National Center for Complementary and Alternative Medicine contribute to the official status of alternative medicine in the USA. In the UK, a major debate took place in 2006 about whether CAM should be provided by the National Health Service (NHS). In the USA and UK, affordability of healthcare is also a key issue, raising questions about whether attachment to the Western model of medicine is appropriate even for Western societies, let alone other cultures.
A different kind of medicine?
These developments show that CAM is not an unregulated, maverick market, but is fast becoming subject to official and scientific research and regulation. Advocates of CAM argue that quacks can be weeded out by better training and standard-setting. Some also argue that criticism of alternative medicine arises from a Western bias, which distorts the facts about CAM and refuses to countenance its effectiveness. Critics, however, point to concerns about the safety of certain forms of alternative medicine. Discussions about the affordability of alternative compared to allopathic medicine lead to concerns that patients are being duped by irrational treatments that will not make them better. Shouldn’t a universal healthcare system ultimately seek to provide proven cures for illnesses, rather than taking the cheaper but less effective route of alternative medicine?
Key terms:
Complementary and alternative medicine
Conventional medicine
Preventive medicine
Quackery
AYUSH
Ayurveda
Homeopathy
Placebo effect
Essential reading
Alternative System of Health Care Indian Government
Needed: ‘basic’ doctors of modern medicine Meenakshi Gautham and K.M. Shyamprasad The Hindu 5 November 2009
When East Meets West: Why Consumers Turn to Alternative Medicine ScienceDaily 20 November 2009
In defence of scientific medicine Michael Baum Manifesto Club
Q&A: Complementary therapies BBC News Online 23 May 2006
Interview With Ashis Nandy: ‘Every tradition has its dark side’ Parshuram Ray Humanscape January 2001
For:
‘Alternative’ Medicine Is Mainstream Deepak Chopra, Dean Ornish, Rustum Roy and Andrew Weil Wall Street Journal 9 January 2009
Reflections on Ayurveda Dr Mohana Krishnaswamy The Hindu 4 September 2001
Health Care Reform Should Include Preventive Medicine Navi Radjou Harvard Business Review 7 August 2009
Holistic medicine demystified Dr Hiramalini Seshadri The Hindu Magazine 15 May 2005
Against:
Where doctors fail Dr. Sudha Vidyasagar The Hindu 5 September 2009
Sticking a needle in alternative medicine Stuart Derbyshire spiked 28 November 2007
Ayurveda under the scanner Meera Nanda The Hindu Magazine Vol 23, Issue 07, April 08 – 21, 2006
Book review: Suckers – How alternative medicine makes fools of us all Eisha Sarkar Mumbai Mirror 5 November 2009
Further reading:
An interview with Dr. V. Sukumaran MBBS, MD (ped) health and mind science consultant Malini Suryanarayanan 14 June 2000 The Hindu: Opportunties
Role of Ayurveda in the Management of Cancer Dr. Joban Modha and Dr. Neha Modha Boloji.com 2 December 2007
Focus: Alternatives in holistic healing Pratibha Gadhalay The Hindu: Opportunities 14 June 2000
Skin Deep: Ancient, but How Safe? Abby Ellin New York Times 17 September 2008
Awash in Ancient Hindu Wisdom Peter Jaret New York Times 9 March 2006
Bottling Ancient Secrets Michele Orecklin Time Magazine 31 July 2000
Placebo effect Robert T. Carroll The Skeptic’s Dictionary
Sense About Homeopathy Sense About
Hearing Health Care Practices
Like other senses, the sense of hearing is equally important. It is really a pity witnessing a person struggling to understand a conversation because of poor hearing. Taking care of our hearing is very important.
With the advancement of technology, there are many gadgets which could give us amusement but, at the same time, give harmful effects to our hearing. It can be also said to mobile phones with radios or music players, car sound systems, computer games listened on headsets and many more. It is not bad listening to music. But what is bad is the level of noise produced.
What you need is protection. The cheapest one available is ear plugs. It is claimed that for musicians and people enjoying sports activities, there are available custom ear plugs which are designed to help prevent any harmful noise levels without hindering the enjoyment of the games. What is nice in this plug is the comfort it brings to the person wearing it even he or she has this for a long period of time.
It is also important to educate people on the dangers of loud sounds. What is necessary is for the producers of these equipments- the mp3 or mp4players or the car audio equipment- is to include information with their products regarding the dangers of excessive noise.
Prolonged listening to hard rock music has devastating negative effects. Tinnitus is the common complaint of rock stars.
The common prescription for Tinnitus treatment is niacin which is Vitamin B3 and nicotinic acid. This supplement can pump more oxygen into the inner ear. However, there are holistic and alternative remedies also available. These are counseling, Tinnitus Retraining Therapy (TRT), nutrition and herbal medicine.
Counseling is essential because with Tinnitus, emotional as well as physical difficulty can be experienced. This counseling might include the Tinnitus Retraining Therapy (TRT) which can teach the patients on how to give their attention to the antagonizing effects of this Tinnitus.
Tinnitus patients should avoid caffeine, alcohol, excessive amounts of refined sugar and the use of salt. Chewing dried fruits on a regular basis can increase ear circulation and this can also be useful to Tinnitus patients. To help reduce inflammation, eating pineapples frequently is very helpful. Besides, including plenty of garlic, sea vegetables and kelp in the diet is also highly recommended.
Moreover, Gingko biloba, bayberry bark, goldenseal, burdock root and hawthorn flowers and leaves are best herbal remedies for Tinnitus. This can prevent the worsening of the situation.
Although there are cures, it is still advised that persons suffering from Tinnitus seek advice from a specialist so that proper medical treatment could be given.
The Wonders Of Herbal Skin Care
If you are going to a party, you may want to put on the costliest dress and use the best makeup to accentuate the features of your face. However, do you think you will be the centre of attention with lacklustre skin?
Obviously not! Only a glowing skin can catch the attention of all eyes. It is not easy to have great skin. This largest organ of the human body needs constant care. Skin care is not just about removing the makeup before going to bed or using an umbrella under the sun. It is a process, wherein you keep nourishing your skin, so that it remains aglow all through the year.
When it’s about skin care, the first thing you need to determine is your skin type. Well, there are basically five types:
* Oily
* Combination
* Dry
* Normal
* Sensitive
Wondering what your skin type is? Just read on. If your face feels greasy all the time, then you have oily skin. If the oil is confined to the ‘T’ area of your face; around your nose, forehead and chin, then you surely have a combination skin. Skin falling in flakes suggests a dry skin. You are a lucky if you have normal skin, which is neither greasy nor dry and is free from spots and blemishes. Those with sensitive skin must double check anything they apply on the face and be wary of the effects of temperature changes on the skin.
No matter what your skin type, regular skin care is essential to keep your skin glittering through all seasons of the year.
When it comes to skin care, there are a numbers of products available in the market. Applying the right product may give you wonderful skin but if it contains some harmful chemicals, this may cause side effects which may permanently damage your skin. To be on the safe side, it is best to use herbal beauty products.
For centuries, herbs, the gifts of nature, have been used in different countries like China, India and Egypt, to treat ailments. Preparing herbal medicine involves ingesting the plants and seeing if some of the elements in the plant palliate the ailments.
The most important benefit of herbal products is that they do not contain any preservatives and are eco-friendly. From acne to wrinkles, herbal medicines are the sure fire way to ease them out.
With the number of herbal products available in the market in the form of tablets, oils, gels, potions and packs it is now easy for you to pamper your skin in the way you like. It does not matter if you live far from the nearest herbal store. Many of the herbal products can be made at home using simple every day ingredients. Products like aloe vera, turmeric, coconut oil, oat meal, almonds, garlic, honey, castor oil are some of the common ingredients used in making herbal remedies. Even fruits like apple, mango, and banana are used to make herbal remedies.
It may take time for you to shop for products in the market but it may be a lot easier for you to maintain your skin with herbal preparations which you can make at home.
Along with treating the skin ailment you are suffering from, herbal care keeps your skin looking healthy and fresh by providing nutrition and stimulation to the skin and other vital organs of the body. The magic of the ancient herbs can help you keep your skin revitalised and make it appear supple.
Ultimate Guide to Acne and Skin Care Alternative Medicine
In alternative medicine acne is not necessarily seen as a disease of the skin. In this world of holistic approaches are the ways to go. By this theory acne is more related to an efficient digestive system does more than just skin. This basic principle means that the skin is seen as a part of the mechanism that helps get rid of harmful toxins from the body. The focus, therefore, changes on the creation of a viable digestive system that will eliminate toxins through the kidneys and liver. Obviously the most important factor here is diet.
There are many voices out there who say that acne is not anything that the body’s reaction to an overdose of carbohydrates and sugar. The basis for this claim lies in the fact that acne is a disease found mainly in the western world. It is clear that the reasons for the sudden outbreak of acne should fit into the lifestyle. Among the culprits diet and sedentary habits are mostly to blame.
In alternative medicine acne treatments are called differently. There is much literature in this area, but most of them depend on the creation of a balanced, low in calories, usually kind of vegetarian diet. It is a custom enough to create a holistic approach that includes some type of psychological treatment or some type of motivational techniques.
To return to alternative medicine diet advice would be a gross understatement though. There are also options that are very similar to those offered by traditional medicine and even some treatments offered by alternative medicine has crossed borders and are now recognized as a viable treatment methods.
Now let’s take a closer look at what exactly the alternative medicine has to offer. It is clear that the priorities are invoked first to create a balance between self organizations. This is achieved by setting the right conditions for the body to heal from the inside out. Carefully designed vitamin increases, the elimination of the slow digestion of food, the definition of an appropriate schedule for meals. All these are part of the treatment. Of course, in addition to diet, there are herbal remedies.
The type of activism and aura surrounding alternative medicine also has another dimension. The politician to be exact, currently a worrying trend can be easily observed. There is a new “management” approach to medicine and patients are now seen as customers. This makes doctors in nothing more than sellers. The truth hits if you look at the problem this way is the fact that pharmaceutical companies have absolutely no reason to study diets as there is an end product sales. Basically drug companies would be bankrupt if everyone were healthy, so the approach is now to eliminate the effects of a disease rather than curing it. A chronic patient is a loyal customer. I’m not the first to make this chain of deduction. This is perhaps the reason why I recommend alternative medicine. They want you healthy, because you see the agenda behind this type of activism is radically different from the pharmaceutical companies. What you’re being sold is not a mere drug, but a lifestyle, a healthy one to be precise.
The activism displayed above is just one wing in the largest vegetarian movement, but there are some other areas, with a little more humble agenda. Herbal medicines are 100% safe and it has absolutely no side effects.
