Are you frustrated by fine lines and wrinkles making an appearance as you age? You’re not alone. That’s why botox has exploded in popularity in recent years, with “botox parties” popping up everywhere-and younger individuals seeking injections.
But have you ever wondered about the safety of those injections, or if you could reverse wrinkles naturally without the risk of side effects? Keep reading to learn why botox isn’t all it’s cracked up to be, and discover five natural alternatives to botox that can help you look younger, safely.
What is botox made of?
Botox is actually a protein called botulinum toxin, and as its name suggested, it’s a potent neurotoxin-one of the most poisonous biological substances known to man. It’s produced by a bacteria called Clostridium botulinum and other related species, which are most often found in contaminated home-canned foods.
Botulinum toxin disrupts the normal communication between nerves and muscles by blocking the release of a crucial chemical called acetylcholine, which governs the transmission of signals from nerves to muscles, enabling their proper contraction. Injections into specific muscles cause localized relaxation and paralysis, smoothing the overlying skin and reducing the appearance of wrinkles.
Botox technically is “natural,” but it’s still a known toxic substance. That means it’s risky and could have devastating side effects.
Is botox safe?
Proponents of botox and older studies suggest it’s safe, claiming it stays in only the area injected. However, more recent studies show it may not stay localized and might change the way nerves communicate throughout the body.
Botox risks
On a superficial level, some people experience their lower eyelids drooping, uneven smiles, and other signs their facial muscles aren’t working quite right.
On a deeper level, if the toxin spreads, it’s possible to experience botulism, a serious illness that attacks the body’s nerves. The symptoms of botulism include muscle weakness, difficulty speaking or swallowing, and even respiratory problems-which can be deadly.
It’s up to you whether you want to take the risk. But there are natural, non-toxic alternatives that can rejuvenate and smooth your skin just as quickly as botox-which takes two weeks to produce results-without the risks.
Safe, natural alternatives to botox
- Nutritious foods
The first and, perhaps, best alternative to botox is nutrient-dense food. Here are some of the best ones to slow or reverse the signs of aging:
- Lemons. Lemons are packed with vitamin C, a powerful antioxidant that supports collagen production. Collagen is a key protein that plays an essential role in the structure and function of skin. Try adding fresh lemon to water or herbal teas.
- Apples. These fruits are rich in fiber and vitamin C, both of which have powerful anti-aging effects.
- Papaya. This tropical fruit is rich in enzymes containing alpha hydroxy acids (AHAs). AHAs break down proteins and dissolve dead skin cells to reveal smoother, brighter skin. Enjoy papaya slices as a snack, or put in a blender and apply as a face mask.
- Berries. Packed with antioxidants, berries help reverse age-enhancing oxidative damage and promote healing.
- Leafy greens. Spinach and kale are particularly rich in chlorophyll, enzymes, vitamins, minerals, and phytonutrients that can help give you a smoother, more radiant complexion when consumed. You can also apply the juice of leafy greens topically as a facial treatment. Combine with extra virgin olive or almond oil to create a green moisturizing mask.
- Bone broth and/or gelatin. These foods are packed with collagen, which helps keep the skin soft, supple and more resilient. Bone broth is also loaded with a host of other nutrients like amino acids, glycine and proline, which smooth the skin and promote healing.
Always choose organic foods when possible to ensure you’re not ingesting or applying pesticides to your skin. These harmful chemicals can counteract your nutritious foods’ health benefits.
- Natural, age-defying skincare treatments
Here are some fantastic skincare ideas that make great natural alternatives to botox and fillers.
- AHAs. AHA is an umbrella term for a variety of fruit acids including glycolic, citric, lactic, malic, and tartaric acids, which occur naturally in many fruits. Try making your own DIY face mask in a blender with organic papaya, green apples, and oranges, or find a store-bought variety for a smoothing, firming skin treatment.
- Cranberry seed oil. This oil contains powerful antioxidants like vitamin E to promote healing and reverse oxidative damage.
- Raspberry seed oil. Raspberry seed is one of nature’s sunscreens, as it can absorb UVB and UVC rays (although not UVA, according to some research). It’s also rich in antioxidants and has excellent anti-inflammatory properties. You can ingest raspberry seed oil as well as applying topically for anti-aging benefits.
- Virgin sea buckthorn. This oil encourages cell turnover and increases the collagen levels of your skin. The high concentration of the “rare” omega 7 concentration in this oil intensely moisturizes and helps prevent fine lines and wrinkles.
- Manuka honey. Known for its antibacterial, antiviral, anti-inflammatory and antioxidant properties, you can apply manuka honey as an anti-aging facial treatment. It helps slough away dead cells, balance the pH of the skin, and even helps heal acne scarring.
- Camelina seed oil. Originating from an ancient healing plant, this nourishing and protective oil contains vitamin E and omega 3 to hydrate, smooth wrinkles, and improve skin elasticity.
- Pullulan. Here’s a natural skincare ingredient that creates more immediate results. Produced by a fungus called Aureobasidium pullulan, this polysaccharide provides an instant skin-tightening effect as it adheres to the skin, forming a sheer film that improves skin’s texture and appearance. It’s temporary and will wash off when you cleanse your face, but it’s a great fast-acting and safe alternative to botox.
- Sunscreen
While this may not technically reverse wrinkles, it’s important to mention. Because while many people use botox to smooth wrinkles, many of those lines could’ve been avoided in the first place with proper protection from sun damage.
If you’re out in the sun, be sure to wear a broad-spectrum, non-toxic sunscreen and perhaps a wide-brimmed hat.
- Water
Staying hydrated is important for skin health. Hydration plays a role in maintaining skin elasticity and plumpness, helping to minimize the appearance of wrinkles. When skin is dehydrated, wrinkles may appear more pronounced and prominent.
Aim to drink at least eight glasses of water a day, or more when you’re physically active.
- Exercise and other healthy habits
Another way to prevent and reverse wrinkles naturally is practicing healthy lifestyle habits like exercising. Exercise gives a boost to the mitochondria in your cells, which act like batteries that provide energy needed for optimal cell function, allowing your skin cells to operate at their best. This increased activity can have a positive impact on your skin and overall health.
Furthermore, limit your sugar intake and avoid habits like smoking and excessive alcohol use. These habits can accelerate the aging process, leading to a loss of collagen and elasticity in the skin.
While it may be tempting to smooth wrinkles quickly by paralyzing your facial muscles, these safer, more natural alternatives to botox can give you great results-and without posing risks to your health. Nutritious foods, natural skincare treatments, sunscreen, hydration, and healthy choices might not provide as dramatic an effect. But you might be surprised how young they make you look…and feel.
References:
https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/33128076/
https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC7874868/
https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/16112345/
https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/33051718/
Botulinum toxin may travel further than expected in nerve cells
https://karger.com/pha/article/95/1-2/65/272312/Serious-and-Long-Term-Adverse-Events-Associated
https://www.accessdata.fda.gov/drugsatfda_docs/label/2011/103000s5236lbl.pdf
https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC5579659/
https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/17921406/
https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/20399614/#:~:text=The%20use%20of%20antioxidants%20is,induced%20aging%20of%20the%20skin.
https://academic.oup.com/biomedgerontology/article/71/10/1335/2198172
https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC3941867/#:~:text=Alpha%20hydroxy%20acid%20(AHA)%20and,pigmentation%2C%20skin%20dryness%20and%20wrinkles.
https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC3583891/
https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC9610014/
https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC7380694/
https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC7827176/
https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC6850038/#:~:text=Prolonged%20pesticides%20exposition%20of%20mesenchymal,metabolic%20profile%20associated%20with%20aging.
https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC3941867/
https://www.mdpi.com/2227-9717/10/2/393
https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC4976416/
https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC6339709/
https://academic.oup.com/jn/article/145/8/1793/4585829
https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC5438513/
https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC2686636/
https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/24305429/
https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC6613335/
https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/25448199
https://www.sciencedirect.com/topics/agricultural-and-biological-sciences/camelina
https://www.sciencedirect.com/topics/chemistry/pullulan
https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/23732711/
https://www.acpjournals.org/doi/10.7326/0003-4819-158-11-201306040-00002
https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC4529263/
https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC8110831/
https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/20620757/
https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC6315424/
https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/17951030/
https://www.nature.com/articles/s41380-022-01690-9
https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC6715121/
https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC3745857/
The post 5 Natural Alternatives to Botox appeared first on Alternative Medicine Magazine.
Frequently Asked Questions
Why do people with advanced cancers use alternative methods of treatment?
Cancer patients are often faced with many challenges when they try to find ways to cope with their illnesses. They might have lost all hope for recovery or feel helpless because there is nothing else they can do. Patients may experience pain, nausea, fatigue, lack of appetite, loss of strength, etc.
Additionally, many conventional treatments do not work against cancer cells. Many cancer patients turn to complementary medicine for treatment. Studies show that almost half of them use alternative medicines at least once during treatment.
Patients with cancer may choose to receive complementary medicine rather than chemotherapy. They believe that it is easier to manage side effects. Also, they may prefer it because it costs less.
These are just a few of the reasons why you might want to consider them:
Some patients believe natural remedies can prevent a recurrence.
Many people believe natural remedies can improve their quality of living.
Others believe that natural remedies can reduce the risk of getting cancer again.
People concerned about possible side effects of chemotherapy use natural remedies as first-line therapy.
Who uses alternative medicine and why?
Alternative medicine is often used for many reasons.
- They want to avoid the use of harmful drugs or surgery.
- They believe natural remedies are more effective.
- They prefer noninvasive treatments.
- They want to spend less money.
- They feel safer using natural products.
- They desire greater control over their healthcare decisions.
- They want to take control of their health.
- They want to live in a healthier environment.
- They seek less stress in daily life.
- They desire greater control over their doctors and their healthcare plans.
- They want their child to receive a better educational experience.
- They want healthy food for themselves and their family.
- They want safe, effective drugs.
What is Alternative Medicine?
This approach to healing focuses on prevention and not treatment. It encourages consumers to become educated and active in improving their well-being.
Alternative medicine is any method of diagnosis and treatment that doesn’t use conventional (allopathic) medical methods.
Who uses holistic medicines?
Holistic medicine refers health care that addresses the whole person instead of just treating symptoms. Holistic medicine focuses on both mental and physical well-being.
Holistic medicine encompasses acupuncture and massage therapy, chiropractic treatment as well as nutritional counseling, yoga and other complementary therapies.
Holistic medicine is for people who have been diagnosed as having cancer, heart disease, diabetes, arthritis and depression.
What is the alternative to holistic medicine?
Holistic medicine examines the whole person and all its aspects. Holistic medicine is based upon the belief that all illnesses must have multiple causes. Therefore, it requires a combination treatment to maximize effectiveness.
Holistic medicine practitioners believe prevention is better that cure. They partner with patients to achieve optimal wellness.
They work to find the root cause of disease and prevent it recurring. Holistic physicians treat the entire body, not just its organs. They often refer to the entire being as “the body.”
It means they treat the body holistically and look beyond the skin. The doctor may suggest changes to diet, lifestyle, and exercise. The doctor may recommend meditation, yoga, massage, acupuncture or chiropractic treatment.
Is there any way to find out more about holistic medicine?
Holistic medicine, a form of holistic medicine, focuses on the entire person and not on a single part. It considers all aspects of a patient’s life, including physical, emotional, mental, and spiritual well-being.
Holistic medicine seeks to treat the person as a whole, rather than treating specific symptoms. The focus of holistic medicine is not on curing the disease but on promoting healing.
Holistic medicine includes preventive measures such as exercise and nutrition and treatments for chronic conditions such as arthritis and diabetes.
There are many types of holistic medicine.
- Acupuncture
- Aromatherapy
- Ayurveda
- Chiropractic medicine
- Homeopathy
- Herbalism
- Naturopathy
- Nutrition
- Osteopathic medicine
- Vedic medicine
- Yoga
Complementary and Alternative Healthcare – Does it have Evidence-Based Basis?
The evidence base supporting complementary and alternate medicine is still developing, but there are many factors that people choose to use these therapies. They may have tried conventional treatments but found them ineffective, or they may want to try an alternative therapy because they believe it offers benefits over conventional care. Alternatively, they might seek complementary and alternative medicines as part of a holistic approach to health. It is important for patients to verify that any alternative or complementary medicines they are using have been supported by scientific research. Ask your pharmacist or doctor if you have any doubts about whether the treatment is working. This could save you time and money in the long-term.
Statistics
- category.[111]Edzard Ernst characterized the evidence for many alternative techniques as weak, nonexistent, or negative and in 2011, published his estimate that about 7.4% were based on “sound evidence.” However, he believes that may be an overestimate. (en.wikipedia.org)
- The concept of regression toward the mean implies that an extreme result is more likely to be followed by a less extreme result. (en.wikipedia.org)
- These studies found that 38.4% concluded positive or possibly positive effects for CAM (12.4%), 4.8% concluded no effect, 0.7% concluded harmful effects, and 56.6% concluded insufficient evidence. (en.wikipedia.org)
- According to a 2005 book by a US [116]Institute of Medicine panel, the number of RCTs focused on CAM has risen dramatically. (en.wikipedia.org)
- In the 17% in which they disagreed, a third reader agreed with one of the initial readers to set a rating. (en.wikipedia.org)
External Links
pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov
- The rise and rise of complementary and alternative medicine: a sociological perspective – PubMed
- PubMed – Holistic medicine
nccih.nih.gov
liebertpub.com
- Games for Health Journal – Mary Ann Liebert, Inc., publishers
- Acupuncture for Treatment of Insomnia: A Systematic Review of Randomized Controlled Trials
ncbi.nlm.nih.gov
- BIOFEEDBACK TRAINING AND TENSION-TYPE HEADACHE – PubMed
- The Effect of Foot Reflexology on Hospital Anxiety and Depression in Female Older Adults: a Randomized Controlled Trial – PubMed
How To
What type of products are used for holistic medicine?
These products are best described as “natural” although not necessarily organic. These products may have been grown with natural pesticides and fertilizers, but were also processed in a way that is less harmful to the human body. Some herbs can trigger allergic reactions in certain people, so it is important to make sure that they are prepared according to their requirements. The herbs sold in health food stores are more standard than those found at grocery stores. Higher levels of herbicides or fungicides can be found in these latter products.
Herbal supplements are often made from dried herbs. Many people prefer to buy herbal supplements in liquid form. This is cheaper. However, this doesn’t mean that they are safer. Liquid herbs can lose nutrients during processing. It’s not guaranteed that the product will retain its original strength. A majority of herbal supplements aren’t subject to quality control testing before being sold.
Spices and herbs are usually added to foods after they have been cooked. They can be found in condiments such as ketchup, mustard and salad dressing, as well soup mixes and marinades.
Supplements are generally taken orally (by taking them by mouth). Most vitamins or minerals come in tablet format. Other vitamins and mineral are also available in capsule form.
Homeopathic remedies may be high-diluted substances that have been extracted from either plant, animal, mineral or synthetic sources. They are designed to stimulate the body’s healing systems. They are homeopathic, but do not function like regular medications. They instead activate the body’s immune system and restore balance. Homeopathic remedies have been proven safe and effective. They are commonly used in Europe.
Acupuncture involves inserting fine needles into specific points along the meridians of your body. It is based on a traditional Chinese medical theory that says there are energy channels through which life force flows. The theory states that illness occurs when blockages occur in these channels. Energy flow can be restored by stimulating certain points along meridian lines with fine needles. This is how the body returns back to normal functioning.
To correct misalignments in the bones, chiropractors manipulate the spine. American doctor Daniel David Palmer developed this technique in 1895. He claimed he could diagnose and treat diseases by manipulating vertebrae. His methods included spinal adjustments as well as muscle tests and percussion.
Chiropractic has grown in popularity over the last few years. Many believe it works better than conventional medicine for back pain.
Massage therapy is a form of massage that involves massaging, kneading or tapping muscles, joints and other body parts. Massage can loosen tight muscles, relax tension and soothe sore muscles. Swedish massage, deep tissues, sports, reflexology, myofascialrelease, trigger point therapy and other methods are used by massage therapists.
Reflexology is an alternative medicine involving pressure applied to specific areas of the feet and hands using thumb pads, fingers, and toes. This treatment stimulates your body’s natural healing abilities, say reflexologists.
Aromatherapy uses essential oils from plants to reduce stress, increase well-being and improve moods. Because of their chemical composition, essential oils can be beneficial for a variety of health conditions such as arthritis treatment and headache relief. Aromatherapy can be used in many ways, including:
Craniosacral Therapy utilizes gentle touch to help alleviate pain and discomfort. Cranial refers to the skull; sacrum means “sac” in Latin, and cranial sacral therapy combines both. In this therapy, the therapist applies light pressure to various spots on the head, face, neck, shoulders, arms, legs, and torso while moving her/his hands across the patient’s body.
Cupping therapy involves placing cups on the skin to create suction. Cupping is often combined with acupuncture or moxibustion (burning herbs) and may be used for detoxification.
Oral or topical supplements can contain vitamins, minerals and herbal extracts as well as amino acids, enzymes. Probiotics, antioxidants and fatty acid are all examples of dietary supplements. Dietary Supplements Health and Education Act of 1992 regulates dietary supplements. To be sold legally, a diet supplement must meet two conditions. First, it must contain a “dietary ingredient,” meaning that it contains more than one percent of a vitamin, mineral, herb, or other botanical listed on the Food and Drug Administration’s Generally Recognized As Safe List. It must also have adhered to Good Manufacturing Practices. This means that its ingredients were properly handled during production.
Electrotherapy uses electrical currents in order to stimulate nerves or muscles. The most widely used form is transcutaneous electronic nerve stimulation (TENS). Low-level electrical pulses are delivered by TENS devices using electrodes that are placed on the skin. These pulses trigger brain receptors that block pain signals. Intermittential current therapy and magnetic field therapy are other forms of electrotherapy.
Energy healing is based on belief that each person has natural healing abilities. Additionally, our thoughts, feelings, and intentions have an effect on our physical and mental health. Although energy healing has been practiced since ancient days, practitioners today accept that there is more than one layer of energy. Emotional energy is one layer. One layer is called emotional energy. Another layer is mental energy. There are many other energy types, including spiritual, physical, chakras, vital and life force, prana. Kundalini, biofield. aura. quantum fields. Some believe that these energies are connected to the universe at large. Some people claim they can heal others with the power of their mind. But, there is limited scientific evidence to support the use of energy medicine.
Energy psychology is the study of how emotions can affect physiological functions. It is sometimes considered an alternative to psychotherapy because it focuses less on discussing past events and more on helping clients change present behavior. Although energy psychology doesn’t require a specific theoretical framework, it draws on many disciplines such as cognitive behavioral therapy and transactional analysis.
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This blog is a source of general information and discussion on health and related topics. Information and materials on this blog, on the website, or in any of the connected materials are not intended to replace or used as a substitute for the advice of a medical professional, diagnosis, or treatment. This blog does not represent the application of any nursing, medical or other health professional advice or diagnosis. We are unable to diagnose health conditions, offer second opinions or provide specific treatment recommendations via this blog or on our website.
If you or another person is suffering from a medical issue and you are concerned, consult your doctor or seek out other medical professional treatment as soon as possible. Do not disregard medical advice from a professional or delay seeking it due to information you seen on the blog or website or in any of the linked materials. If you’re experiencing an emergency medical situation, dial 911 or seek emergency medical assistance on the closest phone immediately.
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By: Dick Benson
Title: 5 Natural Alternatives to Botox
Sourced From: alternativemedicine.com/conditions/skin/5-natural-alternatives-to-botox/
Published Date: Tue, 13 Jun 2023 13:35:11 +0000
Frequently Asked Questions
Why do people with advanced cancers use alternative methods of treatment?
Cancer patients are often faced with many challenges when they try to find ways to cope with their illnesses. They might have lost all hope for recovery or feel helpless because there is nothing else they can do. Patients may experience pain, nausea, fatigue, lack of appetite, loss of strength, etc.
Additionally, many conventional treatments do not work against cancer cells. Many cancer patients turn to complementary medicine for treatment. Studies show that almost half of them use alternative medicines at least once during treatment.
Patients with cancer may choose to receive complementary medicine rather than chemotherapy. They believe that it is easier to manage side effects. Also, they may prefer it because it costs less.
These are just a few of the reasons why you might want to consider them:
Some patients believe natural remedies can prevent a recurrence.
Many people believe natural remedies can improve their quality of living.
Others believe that natural remedies can reduce the risk of getting cancer again.
People concerned about possible side effects of chemotherapy use natural remedies as first-line therapy.
Who uses alternative medicine and why?
Alternative medicine is often used for many reasons.
- They want to avoid the use of harmful drugs or surgery.
- They believe natural remedies are more effective.
- They prefer noninvasive treatments.
- They want to spend less money.
- They feel safer using natural products.
- They desire greater control over their healthcare decisions.
- They want to take control of their health.
- They want to live in a healthier environment.
- They seek less stress in daily life.
- They desire greater control over their doctors and their healthcare plans.
- They want their child to receive a better educational experience.
- They want healthy food for themselves and their family.
- They want safe, effective drugs.
What is Alternative Medicine?
This approach to healing focuses on prevention and not treatment. It encourages consumers to become educated and active in improving their well-being.
Alternative medicine is any method of diagnosis and treatment that doesn’t use conventional (allopathic) medical methods.
Who uses holistic medicines?
Holistic medicine refers health care that addresses the whole person instead of just treating symptoms. Holistic medicine focuses on both mental and physical well-being.
Holistic medicine encompasses acupuncture and massage therapy, chiropractic treatment as well as nutritional counseling, yoga and other complementary therapies.
Holistic medicine is for people who have been diagnosed as having cancer, heart disease, diabetes, arthritis and depression.
What is the alternative to holistic medicine?
Holistic medicine examines the whole person and all its aspects. Holistic medicine is based upon the belief that all illnesses must have multiple causes. Therefore, it requires a combination treatment to maximize effectiveness.
Holistic medicine practitioners believe prevention is better that cure. They partner with patients to achieve optimal wellness.
They work to find the root cause of disease and prevent it recurring. Holistic physicians treat the entire body, not just its organs. They often refer to the entire being as “the body.”
It means they treat the body holistically and look beyond the skin. The doctor may suggest changes to diet, lifestyle, and exercise. The doctor may recommend meditation, yoga, massage, acupuncture or chiropractic treatment.
Is there any way to find out more about holistic medicine?
Holistic medicine, a form of holistic medicine, focuses on the entire person and not on a single part. It considers all aspects of a patient’s life, including physical, emotional, mental, and spiritual well-being.
Holistic medicine seeks to treat the person as a whole, rather than treating specific symptoms. The focus of holistic medicine is not on curing the disease but on promoting healing.
Holistic medicine includes preventive measures such as exercise and nutrition and treatments for chronic conditions such as arthritis and diabetes.
There are many types of holistic medicine.
- Acupuncture
- Aromatherapy
- Ayurveda
- Chiropractic medicine
- Homeopathy
- Herbalism
- Naturopathy
- Nutrition
- Osteopathic medicine
- Vedic medicine
- Yoga
Complementary and Alternative Healthcare – Does it have Evidence-Based Basis?
The evidence base supporting complementary and alternate medicine is still developing, but there are many factors that people choose to use these therapies. They may have tried conventional treatments but found them ineffective, or they may want to try an alternative therapy because they believe it offers benefits over conventional care. Alternatively, they might seek complementary and alternative medicines as part of a holistic approach to health. It is important for patients to verify that any alternative or complementary medicines they are using have been supported by scientific research. Ask your pharmacist or doctor if you have any doubts about whether the treatment is working. This could save you time and money in the long-term.
Statistics
- category.[111]Edzard Ernst characterized the evidence for many alternative techniques as weak, nonexistent, or negative and in 2011, published his estimate that about 7.4% were based on “sound evidence.” However, he believes that may be an overestimate. (en.wikipedia.org)
- The concept of regression toward the mean implies that an extreme result is more likely to be followed by a less extreme result. (en.wikipedia.org)
- These studies found that 38.4% concluded positive or possibly positive effects for CAM (12.4%), 4.8% concluded no effect, 0.7% concluded harmful effects, and 56.6% concluded insufficient evidence. (en.wikipedia.org)
- According to a 2005 book by a US [116]Institute of Medicine panel, the number of RCTs focused on CAM has risen dramatically. (en.wikipedia.org)
- In the 17% in which they disagreed, a third reader agreed with one of the initial readers to set a rating. (en.wikipedia.org)
External Links
pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov
- The rise and rise of complementary and alternative medicine: a sociological perspective – PubMed
- PubMed – Holistic medicine
nccih.nih.gov
liebertpub.com
- Games for Health Journal – Mary Ann Liebert, Inc., publishers
- Acupuncture for Treatment of Insomnia: A Systematic Review of Randomized Controlled Trials
ncbi.nlm.nih.gov
- BIOFEEDBACK TRAINING AND TENSION-TYPE HEADACHE – PubMed
- The Effect of Foot Reflexology on Hospital Anxiety and Depression in Female Older Adults: a Randomized Controlled Trial – PubMed
How To
What type of products are used for holistic medicine?
These products are best described as “natural” although not necessarily organic. These products may have been grown with natural pesticides and fertilizers, but were also processed in a way that is less harmful to the human body. Some herbs can trigger allergic reactions in certain people, so it is important to make sure that they are prepared according to their requirements. The herbs sold in health food stores are more standard than those found at grocery stores. Higher levels of herbicides or fungicides can be found in these latter products.
Herbal supplements are often made from dried herbs. Many people prefer to buy herbal supplements in liquid form. This is cheaper. However, this doesn’t mean that they are safer. Liquid herbs can lose nutrients during processing. It’s not guaranteed that the product will retain its original strength. A majority of herbal supplements aren’t subject to quality control testing before being sold.
Spices and herbs are usually added to foods after they have been cooked. They can be found in condiments such as ketchup, mustard and salad dressing, as well soup mixes and marinades.
Supplements are generally taken orally (by taking them by mouth). Most vitamins or minerals come in tablet format. Other vitamins and mineral are also available in capsule form.
Homeopathic remedies may be high-diluted substances that have been extracted from either plant, animal, mineral or synthetic sources. They are designed to stimulate the body’s healing systems. They are homeopathic, but do not function like regular medications. They instead activate the body’s immune system and restore balance. Homeopathic remedies have been proven safe and effective. They are commonly used in Europe.
Acupuncture involves inserting fine needles into specific points along the meridians of your body. It is based on a traditional Chinese medical theory that says there are energy channels through which life force flows. The theory states that illness occurs when blockages occur in these channels. Energy flow can be restored by stimulating certain points along meridian lines with fine needles. This is how the body returns back to normal functioning.
To correct misalignments in the bones, chiropractors manipulate the spine. American doctor Daniel David Palmer developed this technique in 1895. He claimed he could diagnose and treat diseases by manipulating vertebrae. His methods included spinal adjustments as well as muscle tests and percussion.
Chiropractic has grown in popularity over the last few years. Many believe it works better than conventional medicine for back pain.
Massage therapy is a form of massage that involves massaging, kneading or tapping muscles, joints and other body parts. Massage can loosen tight muscles, relax tension and soothe sore muscles. Swedish massage, deep tissues, sports, reflexology, myofascialrelease, trigger point therapy and other methods are used by massage therapists.
Reflexology is an alternative medicine involving pressure applied to specific areas of the feet and hands using thumb pads, fingers, and toes. This treatment stimulates your body’s natural healing abilities, say reflexologists.
Aromatherapy uses essential oils from plants to reduce stress, increase well-being and improve moods. Because of their chemical composition, essential oils can be beneficial for a variety of health conditions such as arthritis treatment and headache relief. Aromatherapy can be used in many ways, including:
Craniosacral Therapy utilizes gentle touch to help alleviate pain and discomfort. Cranial refers to the skull; sacrum means “sac” in Latin, and cranial sacral therapy combines both. In this therapy, the therapist applies light pressure to various spots on the head, face, neck, shoulders, arms, legs, and torso while moving her/his hands across the patient’s body.
Cupping therapy involves placing cups on the skin to create suction. Cupping is often combined with acupuncture or moxibustion (burning herbs) and may be used for detoxification.
Oral or topical supplements can contain vitamins, minerals and herbal extracts as well as amino acids, enzymes. Probiotics, antioxidants and fatty acid are all examples of dietary supplements. Dietary Supplements Health and Education Act of 1992 regulates dietary supplements. To be sold legally, a diet supplement must meet two conditions. First, it must contain a “dietary ingredient,” meaning that it contains more than one percent of a vitamin, mineral, herb, or other botanical listed on the Food and Drug Administration’s Generally Recognized As Safe List. It must also have adhered to Good Manufacturing Practices. This means that its ingredients were properly handled during production.
Electrotherapy uses electrical currents in order to stimulate nerves or muscles. The most widely used form is transcutaneous electronic nerve stimulation (TENS). Low-level electrical pulses are delivered by TENS devices using electrodes that are placed on the skin. These pulses trigger brain receptors that block pain signals. Intermittential current therapy and magnetic field therapy are other forms of electrotherapy.
Energy healing is based on belief that each person has natural healing abilities. Additionally, our thoughts, feelings, and intentions have an effect on our physical and mental health. Although energy healing has been practiced since ancient days, practitioners today accept that there is more than one layer of energy. Emotional energy is one layer. One layer is called emotional energy. Another layer is mental energy. There are many other energy types, including spiritual, physical, chakras, vital and life force, prana. Kundalini, biofield. aura. quantum fields. Some believe that these energies are connected to the universe at large. Some people claim they can heal others with the power of their mind. But, there is limited scientific evidence to support the use of energy medicine.
Energy psychology is the study of how emotions can affect physiological functions. It is sometimes considered an alternative to psychotherapy because it focuses less on discussing past events and more on helping clients change present behavior. Although energy psychology doesn’t require a specific theoretical framework, it draws on many disciplines such as cognitive behavioral therapy and transactional analysis.
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