Introduction
As many as 57% of female breast cancer survivors credit their early detection to self-awareness–either through self-examinations or by noticing changes in their bodies accidentally. So regularly checking your breasts for lumps is a proactive and important step toward safeguarding your breast health and longevity.
In this article, we’ll guide you through a detailed breast self-exam how-to, empowering you to take charge of your health and stay one step ahead in the battle against cancer.
Breast Self-Exam How-To: 5 Steps to Early Breast Cancer Detection
Learning how to do your own breast exam is crucial for early cancer detection and treatment–and it’s easy to do. But it’s not just about glancing at and feeling your breasts.
The most effective self-exam covers more than just the breasts themselves. Here are five important steps for a better self-exam, according to breast cancer surgeon Dr. Laura Kruper from the Moffitt Cancer Center in Florida.
Step 1: Check for Differences Between Your Breasts
A comprehensive breast self-exam starts with both observing and feeling your breasts. To begin, stand or sit in front of a mirror without your clothes.
Inspect both breasts and watch for:
– Visible or tangible lumps or bumps
– Differences between breasts, such as lumps or bumps that occur on only one side
– Dimpling, indentations, or sunken areas in the breast tissue
– Skin changes, such as redness, scaliness, or anything else that seems unusual
– Nipple changes, such as scaliness or a new appearance of pulling inward
Step 2: Inspect Again in Different Positions
Now look for similar changes in your breasts mentioned in Step 1, but with your hands on your hips while gently pushing your elbows forward.
This slight change in posture can help reveal lumps that might not be visible otherwise. Keep your hands on your hips and slowly swivel from side to side to inspect your breasts from various angles.
Next, lift your arms above your head. Notice if there’s any puckering or dimpling of the skin when you raise your arms. Dr. Kruper explains that when you elevate your arms, if there’s a mass present, it will stay in place, causing the skin to pull inward.
This step adds another dimension to your breast self-exam, helping you spot any potential irregularities.
Step 3: Lie Down and Use 3 Fingers to Check for Lumps
Lie down comfortably with a pillow to support your head, and place one hand behind it.
With your opposite hand, use your index, middle, and ring fingers to press gently on the breast and surrounding areas. Start at the nipple and go outward, moving fingers in circular motions. Using three fingers–rather than just one–helps prevent mistaking normal breast tissue for lumps.
Gradually increase the pressure with each pass around the breasts to ensure you’re examining deeper tissue and not just the superficial layers. Then repeat on the opposite side.
Step 4: Examine the Areas Surrounding the Breast
After examining your breasts, it’s crucial to inspect the surrounding areas, as well.
Still lying down, continue using the same three fingers in circular motions. Gradually increase the pressure as you move from the collarbone down to the sternum and beneath the breast.
From the lower part of the breast, continue upward towards your underarms to check for any swelling in the lymph nodes.
“What you’re looking for is something that stands out, something that feels like a pea, or a marble or a walnut,” Kruper says. “Something that definitely feels different than the surrounding breast tissue.”
Step 5: Repeat Your Breast Self-Exam the Same Time Each Month
Consistency is key, so try to do your self-exam at the same time every month. Dr. Kruper recommends doing it seven to 10 days after your menstrual cycle ends. This timing minimizes the chances of detecting cycle-related changes in breast tissue.
For postmenopausal women, Dr. Kruper says you can perform the exam at any time during the month–as long as you stick to the same time each month for consistency. By following these guidelines, you ensure a more accurate and reliable self-exam process.
The primary objective of this self-exam is to establish a baseline for what’s normal for your own body. Understanding how your breasts typically look and feel enables you to identify any deviations if they occur.
Do I Really Need to Do a Regular Breast Self-Exam?
There’s an ongoing debate in the medical community regarding the effectiveness and importance of routine self-exams. Some experts have cited concerns about false positives and stated that self-exams don’t improve your chances of survival.
Even so, Dr. Kruper advises that everyone–especially those at higher risk–use self-exams as a way to become familiar with their breast tissue and practice early detection. Doing this monthly can help you detect changes that may indicate infection, breast diseases such as fibrosis or hyperplasia of the breast, or cancer.
“The most important thing about a breast self-examination is to know your breasts,” Dr. Kruper says. “Many women detect breast cancers or lumps themselves and that can be the beginning of an important conversation with your doctor.”
References:
1. PMC9465273
2. CDC Breast Cancer
3. PMC3153870
4. Consumer Health Day
5. PMC4179105
6. ACS Journals
7. National Breast Cancer Foundation
8. BreastCancer.org
9. NCI breast screening
10. PMC1124918
11. BMC Public Health
Frequently Asked Questions
What are alternative medicines?
Alternative medicine is any treatment that isn’t considered medically necessary to treat disease. These include traditional Chinese medicine.
Alternative medicine can also be defined as a practice that is not supported by scientific evidence, but which has been proven effective in clinical practice. Examples of alternative medicine include meditation, yoga and aromatherapy.
How safe is holistic medicine.
Holistic medicines can be safe as they don’t contain harmful drugs and are natural remedies that people have used for centuries.
They have been shown to cure many illnesses, such as arthritis, chronic pain, asthma, cancer, high blood pressure, diabetes, heart disease, obesity, depression, anxiety, stress, insomnia, sexual dysfunction, infertility, etc.
Millions of people across the globe who are suffering from different diseases use holistic medicines. They include homeopathy. It also includes chiropractic care. Herbal treatments. Massage therapy. Yoga. Meditation. Hypnosis. Nutrition. Counseling. Exercise. These therapies target the whole person and not just the symptoms.
What treatments are not included in holistic medicine?
Holistic medicine is a holistic approach to healing. It focuses on the whole person and not just the symptoms. Holistic medicine is a way to help people heal from illness. It also promotes good health and helps prevent disease.
Holistic medicine relies on natural remedies such homeopathy, herbs, and acupuncture to replace drugs and surgery.
Holistic medicine refers to lifestyle changes like exercise, diet and meditation.
Integrative medicine is also known as holistic medicine. It integrates all aspects, including the patient’s spiritual, mental, and physical needs, into a single comprehensive care plan.
Holistic medicine emphasizes prevention and early detection of disease and encourages healthy lifestyles.
Holistic doctors believe that there are many causes for any condition. They look at the whole picture and consider genetic, environmental, lifestyle, and personal factors.
Holistic practitioners place more emphasis on the mind, emotions and spirit than the body.
Holistic doctors work closely with patients to find the best solution for them.
What’s the Difference Between Naturopathic Medicine & Holistic Medicine.
The two main types of medicine are conventional medicine and complementary/alternative medicine. Conventional medicine is based on drugs and surgery. Complementary/Alternative Medicine (CAM) uses natural therapies such as herbs, vitamins, acupuncture, and massage to treat illness and promote health. CAM should not be considered as a replacement for traditional treatment. Instead, CAM can help patients take control of their health by helping them choose the best option.
Naturopathy, on the other hand is used to supplement conventional medical practices. It is a holistic approach to treating the whole body, mind, as well as the spirit. There are many forms of naturopathy: Ayurveda and Traditional Native American Medicine as well as Functional Medicine.
It is important for you to know that some CAM modalities can overlap with conventional medicine. Both doctors and Naturopaths can prescribe herbal remedies. Naturopaths, however, tend to recommend lifestyle changes rather than prescription medication.
Naturopathy is often called “complementary” because it complements conventional medicine, not supplants it. Naturopaths might prescribe medication if necessary.
There are some differences in naturopathic medicine from other CAM modalities.
- Naturopaths are not qualified to prescribe or diagnose medication.
- Naturopaths are able to work closely with patients’ family physicians and refer them to specialists when necessary.
- Naturopathic physicians are licensed by their respective provinces, while CAM practitioners are selfregulated.
- Naturopathy focuses on prevention and wellness and offers education about diet, exercise, and nutrition.
- Naturopaths stress the importance of lifestyle factors. This includes nutrition, exercise and stress management.
- Naturopharmacists focus on the use of minerals and botanicals to treat certain conditions.
- Naturopodists have the ability to offer individualized care that is tailored to each patient’s needs.
- Regulation bodies such as the College of Naturopathic Physicians of Ontario issue licenses to Naturopaths.
- Naturopatrists can be licensed by the provincial regulatory agencies.
- Naturopaticians have been registered with The Canadian Association of Naturopathic Doctors.
- The College of Naturopaths of British Columbia issues licenses to Naturotherapists.
- The United States National Board of Medical Examiners is authorized to license Naturobiotic therapists.
- The Australian Health Practitioner Regulation Agency licenses homeopaths.
- Holistic refers to the belief in all aspects of one’s life, including spiritual, physical, and emotional. Holistic doctors will look at all of these aspects rather than just one.
Statistics
- 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)
- A 15-year systematic review published in 2022 on the global acceptance and use of CAM among medical specialists found the overall acceptance of CAM at 52% and the overall use at 45%. (en.wikipedia.org)
- The use of alternative medicine in the US has increased, with a 50 percent increase in expenditures and a 25 percent increase in the use of alternative therapies between 1990 and 1997 in America. (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 the World Health Organization, 80% of people use herbal medicine worldwide. (webmd.com)
External Links
ncbi.nlm.nih.gov
- BIOFEEDBACK TRAINING AND TENSION-TYPE HEADACHE – PubMed
- PubMed: A Randomized Controlled Trial to Determine the Effects of Foot Reflexology on Depression and Hospital Anxiety in Older Females: A Randomized Controlled Study – PubMed
nccih.nih.gov
pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov
- PubMed: The rise of complementary and other medicine: A sociological perspective
- PubMed – Holistic medicine
liebertpub.com
- Games for Health Journal, Mary Ann Liebert, Inc., publishers
- The Journal of Alternative and Complementary Medicine.
How To
What Are The Advances And Shortcomings Of Holistic Medicine?
Holistic medicine, a type of medical practice, emphasizes the importance and interdependence of mind, spirit, environment, social factors, and the healing process. The late 19th-century pioneer of holistic medicine was Dr. Edward Bach (1886-1936), the author of The Doctor’s Book of Mind Cure. He used simple techniques such as meditation, visualization, and hypnosis. People suffering from anxiety, depression and pain can benefit from this treatment. This therapy is also helpful for patients who want to improve their lives and cope with their issues.
While holistic therapies remain popular today, little evidence supports their effectiveness. Some studies show that holistic treatments can reduce symptoms such as arthritis, asthma, diabetes and heart disease.
There are many positives and negatives to holistic medicine.
- Insufficient scientific evidence. A few carefully designed, randomized controlled trials (RCTs), have evaluated the effectiveness of holistic therapies. Positive results are most common in observational studies.
- Traditional medicine has a higher cost. Alternative medicines are more affordable than traditional medicine, especially if the patient follows natural eating habits.
- Patients do not feel pressured to comply with the prescribed protocol.
- Many doctors recommend complementary treatments without prescribing them.
- Holistic treatments are often combined with conventional medicine. Acupuncture is often combined with medications or surgery.
- Many people believe alternative therapies work better than traditional medicine.
- Alternative medicines are more natural than traditional drugs.
- Many patients seek out complementary therapies to help them adapt their lifestyles. They want to be well but still enjoy their lives.
- Patients who follow holistic treatments tend to be healthier.
- The popularity of holistic therapies is growing among seniors.
- Additional research is needed on complementary treatments.
- Research has shown that many people would prefer to explore alternative treatment options before visiting a doctor.
- Doctors need to understand that not all patients will benefit from alternative treatments.
- Holistic therapies should be part our culture and education system.
- Holistic treatments may not always be safe for everyone.
- It is important to learn how to educate patients about the different treatments so they can make informed choices.
- Holistic treatments aren’t only for hippies.
- Certain diseases can’t be treated holistically.
- Holistic treatments can sometimes be dangerous.
- For certain conditions, holistic therapies are beneficial.
- Holistic treatments can be very effective.
- Holistic therapies are based upon ancient wisdom.
- It is easy to learn holistic treatments.
- Holistic treatments are difficult to learn.
- It is difficult to learn holistic treatments.
- Holistic treatments are too expensive.
- Holistic treatments are expensive.
- Holistic treatments are less expensive than conventional medicine.
- Holistic treatment is more expensive than conventional medicine.
****
Holistic Medicine–A Brief History
Holistic medicine refers to a system that treats the whole person rather than just the symptoms. Holistic medicine includes all aspects of a person’s life, including their physical, emotional, psychological, spiritual, occupational and cultural influences. It emphasizes prevention rather than cure and aims to prevent disease through diet, exercise, relaxation, stress management, etc.
The first holistic medical school was established at Bastyr University in Seattle in 1972. Holistic medicine was born after Dr. Andrew Weil published “Spontaneous Healing” 1996. Dr. David Williams (AHMA) and Dr. Michael Murray created the American Holistic Medical Association. Today, there are hundreds of holistic medicine schools worldwide, including Bastyr University, Columbia College of Physicians & Surgeons, Maharishi Ayurveda Institute, Pacific School of Oriental Medicine, Traditional Chinese Medicine, and many others.
In 2013, the World Health Organization declared holistic medicine one of the five major trends in healthcare. This trend seeks to integrate conventional healthcare with complementary therapies, such as homeopathy, acupuncture and massage therapy. This integration seeks to provide safe, efficient, patient-centered care, while minimizing side effects.
Holistic medicine works because of the interconnectedness of our body, mind, and spirit. Instability can result in illness if any of these parts is not in balance. Here are some examples:
Stress and anxiety can cause you to become anxious and tense. Cortisol, which is a hormone that promotes inflammation throughout the body, is what your body produces. The result is fatigue, weakness, and sickness.
If your emotions run high, you may experience negative feelings and thoughts like fear, anger, grief, or sadness. These emotions can cause stress in the brain. If you don’t treat this stress, your body can produce adrenaline (and cortisol) if it isn’t addressed. Adrenaline is a stimulant of your heart beat, blood pressure, as well as breathing rate. Cortisol impacts your immune system as well as your digestive tract and nervous system. Both hormones can cause muscle tension, fatigue, headaches (dizziness), insomnia, anxiety and depression, among other health problems.
A depressed spirit can lead to a loss of faith and hope. You may also lack self-esteem and confidence. This can lead to poor eating habits, unhealthy relationships, and low energy. Your spirit will make you feel happy, cheerful, peaceful, optimistic, and positive.
Differentiation between alternative and allopathic medicine
Allopathic medicine uses scientific methods. To diagnose patients, doctors use x-rays and MRIs as well as CAT scans and other technologies. They prescribe medications for treatment and surgery when needed. Allopathic doctors believe they are able to diagnose and treat illness. Alternative medicine uses herbs, vitamins, minerals, diet, exercise, emotional support, spiritual healing, and more. There is no standard definition of alternative medicine. You can call it natural medicine. Others refer to them as traditional medicine, holistic medicine, and CAM.
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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: Andrew Ellis
Title: 5 Steps to a Breast Self-Exam: How to Do Your Own Breast Exam at Home
Sourced From: alternativemedicine.com/womens-health/breast-health/5-steps-better-breast-self-exam/
Published Date: Fri, 29 Sep 2023 15:53:51 +0000
Frequently Asked Questions
What are alternative medicines?
Alternative medicine is any treatment that isn’t considered medically necessary to treat disease. These include traditional Chinese medicine.
Alternative medicine can also be defined as a practice that is not supported by scientific evidence, but which has been proven effective in clinical practice. Examples of alternative medicine include meditation, yoga and aromatherapy.
How safe is holistic medicine.
Holistic medicines can be safe as they don’t contain harmful drugs and are natural remedies that people have used for centuries.
They have been shown to cure many illnesses, such as arthritis, chronic pain, asthma, cancer, high blood pressure, diabetes, heart disease, obesity, depression, anxiety, stress, insomnia, sexual dysfunction, infertility, etc.
Millions of people across the globe who are suffering from different diseases use holistic medicines. They include homeopathy. It also includes chiropractic care. Herbal treatments. Massage therapy. Yoga. Meditation. Hypnosis. Nutrition. Counseling. Exercise. These therapies target the whole person and not just the symptoms.
What treatments are not included in holistic medicine?
Holistic medicine is a holistic approach to healing. It focuses on the whole person and not just the symptoms. Holistic medicine is a way to help people heal from illness. It also promotes good health and helps prevent disease.
Holistic medicine relies on natural remedies such homeopathy, herbs, and acupuncture to replace drugs and surgery.
Holistic medicine refers to lifestyle changes like exercise, diet and meditation.
Integrative medicine is also known as holistic medicine. It integrates all aspects, including the patient’s spiritual, mental, and physical needs, into a single comprehensive care plan.
Holistic medicine emphasizes prevention and early detection of disease and encourages healthy lifestyles.
Holistic doctors believe that there are many causes for any condition. They look at the whole picture and consider genetic, environmental, lifestyle, and personal factors.
Holistic practitioners place more emphasis on the mind, emotions and spirit than the body.
Holistic doctors work closely with patients to find the best solution for them.
What’s the Difference Between Naturopathic Medicine & Holistic Medicine.
The two main types of medicine are conventional medicine and complementary/alternative medicine. Conventional medicine is based on drugs and surgery. Complementary/Alternative Medicine (CAM) uses natural therapies such as herbs, vitamins, acupuncture, and massage to treat illness and promote health. CAM should not be considered as a replacement for traditional treatment. Instead, CAM can help patients take control of their health by helping them choose the best option.
Naturopathy, on the other hand is used to supplement conventional medical practices. It is a holistic approach to treating the whole body, mind, as well as the spirit. There are many forms of naturopathy: Ayurveda and Traditional Native American Medicine as well as Functional Medicine.
It is important for you to know that some CAM modalities can overlap with conventional medicine. Both doctors and Naturopaths can prescribe herbal remedies. Naturopaths, however, tend to recommend lifestyle changes rather than prescription medication.
Naturopathy is often called “complementary” because it complements conventional medicine, not supplants it. Naturopaths might prescribe medication if necessary.
There are some differences in naturopathic medicine from other CAM modalities.
- Naturopaths are not qualified to prescribe or diagnose medication.
- Naturopaths are able to work closely with patients’ family physicians and refer them to specialists when necessary.
- Naturopathic physicians are licensed by their respective provinces, while CAM practitioners are selfregulated.
- Naturopathy focuses on prevention and wellness and offers education about diet, exercise, and nutrition.
- Naturopaths stress the importance of lifestyle factors. This includes nutrition, exercise and stress management.
- Naturopharmacists focus on the use of minerals and botanicals to treat certain conditions.
- Naturopodists have the ability to offer individualized care that is tailored to each patient’s needs.
- Regulation bodies such as the College of Naturopathic Physicians of Ontario issue licenses to Naturopaths.
- Naturopatrists can be licensed by the provincial regulatory agencies.
- Naturopaticians have been registered with The Canadian Association of Naturopathic Doctors.
- The College of Naturopaths of British Columbia issues licenses to Naturotherapists.
- The United States National Board of Medical Examiners is authorized to license Naturobiotic therapists.
- The Australian Health Practitioner Regulation Agency licenses homeopaths.
- Holistic refers to the belief in all aspects of one’s life, including spiritual, physical, and emotional. Holistic doctors will look at all of these aspects rather than just one.
Statistics
- 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)
- A 15-year systematic review published in 2022 on the global acceptance and use of CAM among medical specialists found the overall acceptance of CAM at 52% and the overall use at 45%. (en.wikipedia.org)
- The use of alternative medicine in the US has increased, with a 50 percent increase in expenditures and a 25 percent increase in the use of alternative therapies between 1990 and 1997 in America. (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 the World Health Organization, 80% of people use herbal medicine worldwide. (webmd.com)
External Links
ncbi.nlm.nih.gov
- BIOFEEDBACK TRAINING AND TENSION-TYPE HEADACHE – PubMed
- PubMed: A Randomized Controlled Trial to Determine the Effects of Foot Reflexology on Depression and Hospital Anxiety in Older Females: A Randomized Controlled Study – PubMed
nccih.nih.gov
pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov
- PubMed: The rise of complementary and other medicine: A sociological perspective
- PubMed – Holistic medicine
liebertpub.com
- Games for Health Journal, Mary Ann Liebert, Inc., publishers
- The Journal of Alternative and Complementary Medicine.
How To
What Are The Advances And Shortcomings Of Holistic Medicine?
Holistic medicine, a type of medical practice, emphasizes the importance and interdependence of mind, spirit, environment, social factors, and the healing process. The late 19th-century pioneer of holistic medicine was Dr. Edward Bach (1886-1936), the author of The Doctor’s Book of Mind Cure. He used simple techniques such as meditation, visualization, and hypnosis. People suffering from anxiety, depression and pain can benefit from this treatment. This therapy is also helpful for patients who want to improve their lives and cope with their issues.
While holistic therapies remain popular today, little evidence supports their effectiveness. Some studies show that holistic treatments can reduce symptoms such as arthritis, asthma, diabetes and heart disease.
There are many positives and negatives to holistic medicine.
- Insufficient scientific evidence. A few carefully designed, randomized controlled trials (RCTs), have evaluated the effectiveness of holistic therapies. Positive results are most common in observational studies.
- Traditional medicine has a higher cost. Alternative medicines are more affordable than traditional medicine, especially if the patient follows natural eating habits.
- Patients do not feel pressured to comply with the prescribed protocol.
- Many doctors recommend complementary treatments without prescribing them.
- Holistic treatments are often combined with conventional medicine. Acupuncture is often combined with medications or surgery.
- Many people believe alternative therapies work better than traditional medicine.
- Alternative medicines are more natural than traditional drugs.
- Many patients seek out complementary therapies to help them adapt their lifestyles. They want to be well but still enjoy their lives.
- Patients who follow holistic treatments tend to be healthier.
- The popularity of holistic therapies is growing among seniors.
- Additional research is needed on complementary treatments.
- Research has shown that many people would prefer to explore alternative treatment options before visiting a doctor.
- Doctors need to understand that not all patients will benefit from alternative treatments.
- Holistic therapies should be part our culture and education system.
- Holistic treatments may not always be safe for everyone.
- It is important to learn how to educate patients about the different treatments so they can make informed choices.
- Holistic treatments aren’t only for hippies.
- Certain diseases can’t be treated holistically.
- Holistic treatments can sometimes be dangerous.
- For certain conditions, holistic therapies are beneficial.
- Holistic treatments can be very effective.
- Holistic therapies are based upon ancient wisdom.
- It is easy to learn holistic treatments.
- Holistic treatments are difficult to learn.
- It is difficult to learn holistic treatments.
- Holistic treatments are too expensive.
- Holistic treatments are expensive.
- Holistic treatments are less expensive than conventional medicine.
- Holistic treatment is more expensive than conventional medicine.
****
Holistic Medicine–A Brief History
Holistic medicine refers to a system that treats the whole person rather than just the symptoms. Holistic medicine includes all aspects of a person’s life, including their physical, emotional, psychological, spiritual, occupational and cultural influences. It emphasizes prevention rather than cure and aims to prevent disease through diet, exercise, relaxation, stress management, etc.
The first holistic medical school was established at Bastyr University in Seattle in 1972. Holistic medicine was born after Dr. Andrew Weil published “Spontaneous Healing” 1996. Dr. David Williams (AHMA) and Dr. Michael Murray created the American Holistic Medical Association. Today, there are hundreds of holistic medicine schools worldwide, including Bastyr University, Columbia College of Physicians & Surgeons, Maharishi Ayurveda Institute, Pacific School of Oriental Medicine, Traditional Chinese Medicine, and many others.
In 2013, the World Health Organization declared holistic medicine one of the five major trends in healthcare. This trend seeks to integrate conventional healthcare with complementary therapies, such as homeopathy, acupuncture and massage therapy. This integration seeks to provide safe, efficient, patient-centered care, while minimizing side effects.
Holistic medicine works because of the interconnectedness of our body, mind, and spirit. Instability can result in illness if any of these parts is not in balance. Here are some examples:
Stress and anxiety can cause you to become anxious and tense. Cortisol, which is a hormone that promotes inflammation throughout the body, is what your body produces. The result is fatigue, weakness, and sickness.
If your emotions run high, you may experience negative feelings and thoughts like fear, anger, grief, or sadness. These emotions can cause stress in the brain. If you don’t treat this stress, your body can produce adrenaline (and cortisol) if it isn’t addressed. Adrenaline is a stimulant of your heart beat, blood pressure, as well as breathing rate. Cortisol impacts your immune system as well as your digestive tract and nervous system. Both hormones can cause muscle tension, fatigue, headaches (dizziness), insomnia, anxiety and depression, among other health problems.
A depressed spirit can lead to a loss of faith and hope. You may also lack self-esteem and confidence. This can lead to poor eating habits, unhealthy relationships, and low energy. Your spirit will make you feel happy, cheerful, peaceful, optimistic, and positive.
Differentiation between alternative and allopathic medicine
Allopathic medicine uses scientific methods. To diagnose patients, doctors use x-rays and MRIs as well as CAT scans and other technologies. They prescribe medications for treatment and surgery when needed. Allopathic doctors believe they are able to diagnose and treat illness. Alternative medicine uses herbs, vitamins, minerals, diet, exercise, emotional support, spiritual healing, and more. There is no standard definition of alternative medicine. You can call it natural medicine. Others refer to them as traditional medicine, holistic medicine, and CAM.
