Alternative Medicine - Gaining Popularity And Acceptance
Date: Wednesday October 28, 2009Posted in: Alternative Medicine
Alternative medicine has been gaining in both popularity and acceptance in recent years. Many cities now have a plethora of shops where a person interested in buying alternative medicines can go to find whatever they are seeking, in addition to being able to take advantage of many alternative medicine services at local practitioners’ offices.
Alternative medicine is simply a way of referencing a type of treatment that is not officially recognized by the medical establishment as a relief or cure. There are literally thousands of practices that fall under this category, and most people would be surprised to find some of the items that either are or were once considered to be against the grain, or categorized as “alternative” medicine.
Not too far back in medical history, doctors did not wash their hands while helping a woman through child labor. The result was thousands of contracted infections and death due to bacterial transfer. Doctors who advocated the practice of hand-washing or warned of unseen microbes were shunned and mocked by their professional peers, and only in the last century has sterilization been a common and then regulated medical practice. It is hard to believe that something we take so much for granted was once considered alternative medicine, but it was so.
In the 21st century, alternative medicine is not as frowned upon by the medical profession as it once was. Treatments such as acupuncture are common, and many other forms of alternative medicine are gaining acceptance. Even watching weekly magazine shows like Dateline on NBC, observers can see radical alternative medicine practitioners curing patients with terminal illnesses to the wonderment of experts. Some are scams to be sure, but some are simply inexplicable, and professionals who witness the events tend not to endorse them, but neither do they dismiss them.
Part of the reason for the increase in acceptance of alternative medicine is the recognition of the powers of the mind over the body. There is increasing evidence that a patient’s attitude can sometimes shape the physical response, and this in part helps to illustrate why alternative medicine is more well received than it used to be. A patient who believes he or she is doing better, often will.
Before going out to walk on coals or ingest an ear tuft of a koala though, it is important to do some research into the practice or practitioner one is considering for advice. Alternative medicine, by its definition, is not regulated and that leaves a lot of room for quacks to take advantage of people’s ills to make a quick buck. Don’t rush into anything, and if it appears shady, do not partake of it.
Acupressure Fast Facts - Get Pain Relief at Home
Date: Wednesday September 23, 2009Posted in: Alternative Medicine
Acupressure was originated in China thousands of years ago, and evidence has been found that acupressure was practiced in the stone age!
Acupressure has been used to reduce post-operative nausea and vomiting in children.
Acupressure also reduces nausea in cancer patients receiving chemotherapy.
Acupressure can be done anywhere without special equipment.
You can treat yourself safely with acupressure, as long as you follow the guidelines of a professional acupressure practitioner.
Correctly performed, acupressure increases circulation, reduces tension and pain and enables the body to relax.
Acupressure strengthens the immune system and promotes wellness.
Acupressure should be applied slowly and gently. Applying it too quickly or vigorously can do some damage, especially in the abdominal area.
Special care and caution is needed in the case of a pregnant woman or in treating a person with burns, infections and recent injuries.
Acupressure is more effective than physical therapy for the majority of patients with low back pain.
Ear acupressure can be used to reduce stress and anxiety.
Acupressure is used to reduce fear and anxiety in trauma victims and in pre-operative care.
Acupressure can be used to treat all these conditions:
Tension Headaches
Migraine Headaches
Jaw Pain, Toothache, Earache
Neck and Shoulder Pain
Wrist, Hand, Arm pain
Backache, Hip, Knee, Ankle and Foot pain
Colds, Flu, Sore throat, Sinus Infection, Loss of Voice
Allergies
Anxiety Attacks and Nervousness
Depression
Insomnia
Fainting
Hiccoughs
Improve Memory and Concentration
Angina, Heart Palpitations and High Blood Pressure
Constipation, Diarrhea, Heartburn and Stomachache
PMS and Painful Periods, Hot Flashes, Pregnancy Discomfort, Morning Sickness
Bed-wetting, Incontinence, Urinary retention
Nose bleeding, Itching, Asthma, Decreased Libido, Hangover
Here are a couple acupressure tips you can try:
For headaches and muscle or joint pain, press the fleshy part of your hand between your thumb and index finger. Hold for this for one minute, then repeat on the other hand.
For low-back pain, lie on your back, with your feet elevated on a sofa or chair. Place two tennis balls under your lower back on either side of your spine. (I got cheap tennis balls in the dog toy department.) Stay in this position for one minute or sooner if it becomes uncomfortable.
For knee pain, put a tennis ball on a pillow, then place your leg over it so the ball is pushing into the crease behind your knee. Find the sensitive spot just below your kneecap and slightly to the outside of the shinbone. Press into it gently with your fingertips for about one minute.
You can learn to do acupressure at home to supplement professional treatment. This is especially useful when you are stricken with illness or pain and you can’t get to the doctor soon. For more information see my website http://natural-pain-relief-solutions.com.
