Types of Alternative Medicine

Self-preservation is an innate tendency of human beings. This craving for survival and good health prompts them to experiment and come up with various types of medicines and treatments. It is believed that prehistoric men used plants for therapeutic purposes. Over the centuries, healing methods have evolved through trial and error. Today, there are more than a hundred different treatment options available across the globe.

Even though the conventional medical practice of this era primarily refers to western medicine or allopathy, there are people, who still follow other systems of medicine. These 'non-conventional' methods of treatment, are termed as alternative medicine. They include homeopathy, traditional Chinese medicine, ayurveda, acupuncture, yoga and many more. Alternative medicine is is also known as complementary medicine, when used along with the conventional medical treatment.

The National Center for Complementary and Alternative Medicine (NCCAM), a United States government agency dealing with complementary and alternative medicine, has classified the various forms of alternative medicine into five categories:

• Alternative Medical Systems
• Mind-Body Techniques
• Biologically-based Therapies
• Body-based Therapies
• Energy Therapies

Alternative Medical Systems

Alternative medicines are complete systems of theory and practice. Many of them had developed before the advent of the conventional medicine. Eastern culture had come up with ancient systems like traditional Chinese medicine, ayurveda, etc.; while, systems like naturopathy and homeopathy have their roots in western culture.

Traditional Chinese Medicine: It has its origin in China and includes many treatments like acupuncture, herbal medicine, diet therapy etc. The whole system is based on the philosophy that good health requires balanced flow of chi or energy of life. It also necessitates balance of yin and yang or opposing forces in the body. As per this system, a disease is caused by the imbalance of yin and yang, which in turn hinders the proper flow of chi, through the channels called meridians, which are said to be connected to the various organs of the body.

Acupuncture: It is the most popular among the various therapies under the umbrella of traditional Chinese medicine. It is basically stimulation of specific points of the body using various techniques. The most widely-accepted technique is the insertion of hair-thin metallic needles into the strategic points of the body, either manually or by machines. Acupuncture helps in releasing the chi, (also spelled qi, or ki) which is blocked in the meridians. This is done by stimulating the acupoints on the body by needles, which are connected to the meridians. It is said that there are around 2,000 acupoints and 14 meridians in the human body. Acupuncture is used to treat a variety of diseases. It is said that this mode of treatment gives relief to persons suffering from headaches, menstrual cramps, high blood pressure, lower back pain, etc.

Ayurveda: Ayurveda is more of a lifestyle than a treatment. This system emphasizes on prevention of diseases. Ayurveda, with its roots in India, consists of various modes of treatment, like yoga, diet, massage, herbal medicine, internal cleansing etc. It is based on the theory that the human body is made up of three elements or doshas called vata, pitta and kapha. According to ayurveda, these doshas are responsible for the basic characteristics of a person. The proportion of these elements varies in different individuals. Any imbalance in the proportion results in illness. Ayurveda tries to reach the ideal state of balance for a particular individual through diet, massage, herbal medicine and various other techniques. It is believed that ayurveda can efficiently treat persons with digestion problems, stress and fatigue, joint disorders etc.

Naturopathy: As the name suggests, naturopathy has a natural approach to healing. Although this system is centuries old, modern naturopathy was founded and named by German physician Benedict Lust in the 20th century. Naturopathy focuses on two domains - body's healing power and lifestyle changes for better health. It includes hydrotherapy or water therapy and nature cure i.e. using natural elements like air, water, light, food and herbs to treat diseases. Sometimes, the treatment may be combined with homeopathy, acupuncture or exercises.

Homeopathy: Homeopathy relies on body's healing power. It is based on the principle of 'like cures like'. As a treatment, it uses minute doses of a substance to produce the symptoms of a disease similar to the one experienced by the patient, thus invoking the self-healing power of the body. While administering treatment, the physical and mental conditions of the patient are also taken into consideration. Homeopathy has its origin in Germany and Samuel Hahnemann, a German physician, is considered to be the founder of this system.

Mind-Body Techniques

This category of alternative medicine is based on the principle that both physical and mental health are necessary for wellness. Mind-body techniques consist of meditation, yoga, behavioral therapy, hypnotherapy, biofeedback etc. In the past, these were considered as complementary to other systems. But, now, many of these procedures have come into the mainstream.

Biofeedback: Biofeedback is a procedure, where electronic devices with monitors are used to check the internal physiological processes, like heartbeat, blood pressure etc. This monitor gives feedback to the patient about the internal functions of his/her body. The patient is given training to control the involuntary activities of the bodily organs with the help of this biofeedback. This technique is mainly used in cases of stress-related conditions like migraines, tension headaches, high blood pressure, insomnia, etc.

Hypnotherapy: This type of treatment is administered on a person by putting him into deep relaxation and an altered state of consciousness or a trance. While in a trance, the person absorbs the images intoroduced by the hypnotherapist. This type of treatment is generally used in cases of anxiety, paralysis, joint pain, addiction, blindness etc. It is helpful in cases where the physical illness is due to some mental stress.

Biologically-based Therapies

Another segment of alternative medicine are biologically-based therapies. This type of therapies use elements found in nature for treatment or for general good health. This includes vitamins, herbs, food, minerals, etc.

Herbal Medicine: It is the most widely used therapy under this category. For treatment, herbs are administered in various forms like pills, powders, extracts, decoction, tincture form or in whole. Herbal medicine sometimes includes minerals, animal parts, shells and fungal products. Some herbal medicines may cause complications, if taken with conventional medicine; so, it is better to consult your doctor before using both types of medications together.

Orthomolecular Therapy: Also known as megavitamin therapy, it is based on the principle that diseases are caused due to molecular imbalances in the body. These can be treated by administering the right dose of nutritional molecules. The patient is given high doses of vitamins. However, there is no substantial evidence to show the effectiveness of this type of treatment.

Body-based Therapies

Body-based therapies are mainly 'hands-on' treatment. It is done by manipulating the body parts through stimulation. It includes massage therapy, chiropractic or spinal manipulation, etc.

Massage Therapy: It is the art of eliminating illness through hand strokes or mechanical aids. Massage is found to be effective in muscle soreness, stress or anxiety, back pain, etc.

Chiropractic: This therapy focuses on the musculoskeletal and nervous disorders. It is based on the principle that any disorder in these body systems affects the general health. Treatment includes manipulation of the spine and joints along with exercise. This is found to be effective in treating back pain, neck pain and headaches.

Energy Therapies

Energy therapy is that section of alternative medicine, which relies on the theory that there are energy fields located in and around the human body. So, its focus is on tapping the body's energy field. This segment is again divided into two spheres i.e. biofield therapies and bioelectromagnetic-based therapies.

Biofield Therapies: This therapy claims to influence the energy field in the human body through hands-on applications like reiki and therapeutic touch. The therapist uses his/her energy to influence and repair the imbalances in the energy field of the patient.

Bioelectromagnetic-based Therapies: This therapy uses magnets and electric currents to treat patients. Nowadays, magnets are used in clothing, mattresses and jewelery for treating many ailments, especially pain relief. It is mainly used to treat migraine, joint problems, pain, cancer, etc. Though, there is no scientific evidence regarding the efficacy of this treatment, it is getting popular day by day.

Most systems of alternative medicine have not been scientifically tested or proved. They have been found to be effective and beneficial in curing many illnesses, barring emergency cases. More and more people are getting attracted to the positive effects of alternative medicine. They find these to be a solution for their chronic diseases and are happy with the results of the treatment undertaken. However, it is a good idea to consult your doctor before trying some form of alternative medicine. Always approach a qualified practitioner, rather than a quack. After all, health is wealth!