Back pain, a pervasive malady that afflicts individuals across age groups and lifestyles, can dramatically impede your daily life. The discomfort can range from a dull, lingering ache to sharp, debilitating pain. Posture, an often-undervalued aspect, plays a significant part in averting and managing back pain.
This article delves into the necessity of cultivating good posture, offering practical advice to help you accomplish it, and in turn, lead a healthier, back pain-free life.
The Detrimental Effects of Poor Posture on Back Health
The spine, a complex assembly of bones, muscles, ligaments, and discs, is your body’s central support. Poor posture imposes undue stress on the spine, triggering a myriad of issues. Here’s how improper posture contributes to back pain:
Pitfalls of Poor Posture
Posture imperfections often include slouching, leaning forward, or hunching over. These positions can throw your spine’s vertebrae out of alignment, leading to discomfort and pain. Prolonged bad posture can also create muscle imbalances, where some muscles are strained while others weaken, further straining the back and enhancing injury risk. Certain postures can compress the back’s blood vessels and nerves, impeding blood flow and causing numbness, tingling, or pain. Poor posture can also amplify pressure on the spinal discs, potentially causing herniated discs, an excruciating condition. Chronic back pain, difficult to treat and manage, can result from sustained poor posture.
Considering these repercussions, it’s clear that correcting and preserving proper posture is a cornerstone of effective back pain management.
Implementing Ergonomics in Daily Life
Given that a large chunk of our day is spent seated, addressing workspace ergonomics is paramount for good posture and back pain prevention. Here are some efficient back pain remedies and strategies to integrate into your day-to-day routine:
Workspace Setup and Posture Maintenance
Your workspace should be set up to facilitate good posture, with your desk and chair at a comfortable height, allowing your feet to rest flat on the floor and your knees at a right angle. The computer monitor should be at eye level to avoid head tilting. Ergonomic keyboards and mice can minimize wrist strain. While sitting, your back should be straight and supported by the chair’s backrest, and your feet flat on the floor or on a footrest if needed. Lumbar cushions or supports can help maintain the lower back’s natural curve.
Investing in Ergonomic Furniture and Accessories
Ergonomic chairs, designed to support your spine, and sit-stand desks, allowing for regular position changes, are worthwhile investments. Ergonomic accessories such as monitor arms, keyboard trays, and laptop stands can optimize your workspace.
Infusing Posture Awareness into Daily Activities
Good posture extends beyond the workspace and should permeate all aspects of daily life, including standing and various activities. Ensure that you distribute your weight evenly between your feet, stand straight with shoulders back and abdomen engaged, and avoid knee locking. When lifting objects, bend at the hips and knees, not the waist, and keep the object close to your body. Avoid twisting your torso during lifting; instead, pivot your feet. Stay mindful of your posture during everyday activities like walking, cooking, or cleaning, and consciously strive to stand or sit upright in all situations.
Posture and Sleep
Your sleeping position also affects your back health. Consider the following tips for enhanced sleep quality and back pain reduction:
Choosing the Right Mattress and Pillow
Invest in a mattress and pillows that offer sufficient support and alignment for your spine. Replace old, unsupportive mattresses.
Optimal Sleeping Positions for Back Health
Sleeping on your back with a pillow under your knees can help maintain the spine’s natural curve. If you prefer side sleeping, place a pillow between your knees to align your hips and lessen strain on your lower back. Avoid stomach sleeping as it can cause neck and back strain.
Pre-Bedtime Exercises and Stretches
Engage in gentle stretching exercises before bedtime to relax your muscles and promote better posture.
Exercises and Stretches for Improved Posture
To enhance and maintain good posture, consider integrating the following exercises and stretches into your daily routine:
Strengthening Core and Back Exercises
Exercises like planks, bridge exercises, bird-dog exercises, and wall angels can strengthen your core and back.
Stretching Routines for Enhanced Flexibility
Neck stretches, chest stretches, hamstring stretches, and hip flexor stretches can improve your flexibility.
Incorporating Yoga and Pilates for Better Posture
Yoga and Pilates, focusing on balance, flexibility, and core strength, are beneficial for maintaining proper posture.
Mindfulness and Posture
The mind-body connection significantly influences posture. Stress and tension can lead to poor posture, making mindfulness practices beneficial:
Stress, Posture, and Mindfulness Techniques
Stress and anxiety can cause muscle tension, leading to poor posture, and chronic stress can contribute to chronic back pain. Practicing mindfulness meditation can alleviate stress and heighten body and posture awareness. Mindful breathing exercises can help relax tense muscles and promote better alignment.
Breathing Exercises for Relaxation and Posture Support
Deep breathing exercises can release chest and shoulder tension, facilitating better posture.
When to Seek Professional Help
If you’re struggling with proper posture or persistent back pain, it’s imperative to seek professional help:
Consulting a Healthcare Professional
If you’re experiencing severe, persistent back pain or other concerning symptoms, consult a healthcare provider.
Role of Physical Therapists and Chiropractors
Physical therapists can evaluate your posture, devise a personalized exercise plan, and offer guidance on ergonomic enhancements. Chiropractors can perform adjustments to rectify spinal misalignments contributing to your back pain.
Customized Posture Correction Plans
Healthcare professionals can create personalized posture correction plans tailored to your specific needs and conditions.
Conclusion
Proper posture is not just a preventative measure against back pain; it’s also an essential component of effective back pain management. By addressing workspace ergonomics, practicing good posture throughout daily activities, optimizing sleeping positions, engaging in strengthening exercises and stretches, and incorporating mindfulness techniques, you can substantially minimize back pain risk and boost your overall well-being.
Maintaining proper posture is a lifelong commitment. By conscientiously prioritizing your spinal health, you can relish a healthier, pain-free back and an enhanced quality of life.
Frequently Asked Questions
What are the 5 Alternative Medical Systems?
These five alternative medicine systems are Ayurveda (acupuncture), Ayurveda (homeopathy), energy healing, aromatherapy, and homeopathy.
Acupuncture uses fine needles placed in specific points of the body to stimulate qi flow throughout the body.
Ayurvedic Medicine refers to an ancient system that balances three of the most important elements of health care: water, fire and air. It involves diet, exercise, herbal remedies, massage, and meditation.
Homeopathic Medicine takes its name from the Greek words homoios, similar, and pathos, meaning disease. Homeopaths believe every disease has natural causes. But not all symptoms. They use minute amounts of substances to treat their patients. These symptoms are very similar to what the patient experiences when they are sick.
Energy Healing is also known as Reiki, EFT, Rolfing, Therapeutic Touch, and many others. This therapy is based on a belief that we are all connected to the universal life force known as Ki. Feeling well is possible when the Ki flows freely through you. Energy healers work with touch and intention to restore harmony and balance between our mental, spiritual, and physical selves.
Aromatherapy uses essential oils derived from plants for therapeutic reasons. Aromatherapists believe certain smells can have a positive effect on mood and behavior. The most common essential oil used in aromatherapy is lavender.
What is holistic medical opposite?
Holistic medicine is a way to approach health care that takes into account all aspects of the body, as well as its spiritual, emotional, and social dimensions. It recognizes that each illness must have multiple causes, and therefore requires a combination or several treatments to be most effective.
Doctors who practice holistic medicine believe that prevention is better than cure. To help patients achieve optimal health, they work closely with them.
They seek to identify underlying causes of disease and prevent it from recurring. Holistic doctors consider the whole body and not just the individual organs. They often refer to the entire being as “the body.”
This means they see beyond the skin and treat your body holistically. The doctor may suggest changes to diet, lifestyle, and exercise. The doctor may recommend meditation, yoga, massage, acupuncture or chiropractic treatment.
What is the distinction between holistic medicine, alternative medicine and holistic medicine?
Holistic medicine considers the whole person-mind, body spirit, soul and spirit. It examines all aspects that affect a person’s overall health. These include the psychological, spiritual and environmental factors often overlooked in traditional medicine. Alternative medicine can be used to treat certain conditions like asthma, allergies, arthritis, or other medical issues.
What is the Difference Between Naturopathic & Holistic Medicine?
The two main types of medicine are conventional medicine and complementary/alternative medicine. Conventional medicine relies on drugs and surgery as its primary treatments. Complementary/Alternative Medicine (CAM) uses natural therapies such as herbs, vitamins, acupuncture, and massage to treat illness and promote health. CAM is not considered a substitute for conventional treatment but rather an addition to helping patients who want to take control of their healthcare by choosing what they believe is most appropriate.
On the other hand, naturopathy is used to complement conventional medical practices. It focuses on treating the whole body, mind, and spirit. There are many types of naturopathy. These include Ayurveda (Chinese Medicine), Traditional Native American Medicine (TNAM) and Functional Medicine.
It is important that you note that some CAM modalities may overlap with traditional medicine. Naturopaths and doctors can prescribe herbal remedies. However, naturopaths prefer lifestyle changes to prescription medications.
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 usually do not diagnose or prescribe medication.
- Naturopaths will work with the patient’s family medicine and may refer patients outpatients to specialists, if necessary.
- Naturopathic doctors are licensed by the provincial licensing boards. CAM practitioners, however, are self-regulated.
- Naturopathy emphasizes prevention, wellness, and education about diet & exercise.
- Naturopaths emphasize the importance of lifestyle factors such as nutrition, sleep, stress management and exercise.
- Naturopharmacists can use botanicals and mineral to treat specific conditions.
- Naturopodists receive individualized care according to the unique needs of each patient.
- The College of Naturopathic Physicians of Ontario is responsible for licensing Naturopaths.
- The provincial regulatory bodies issue licenses to naturopatrists.
- Naturopaticians are registered with the Canadian Association of Naturopathic Doctors.
- The College of Naturopaths of British Columbia licenses Naturotherapists.
- The United States National Board of Medical Examiners is authorized to license Naturobiotic therapists.
- The Australian Health Practitioner Regulation Agency grants licenses to homeopaths.
- The term “holistic” refers the belief that all aspects, including physical, spiritual, social, and mental, should be taken into consideration when making decisions about one’s health. Holistic doctors will take into account all aspects of life, rather than focusing on one.
Is holistic medicine considered safe?
Holistic Medicine is not as dangerous as you may think, but several risks are involved when using this treatment. Side effects include nausea, headaches, dizziness. drowsiness. diarrhea. constipation. These side effects must be understood and weighed against the potential benefits of alternative treatments like acupuncture.
There have never been any cases of death related to holistic medicine.
As always, talk to your doctor before starting any new treatment plan.
Statistics
- In the 17% in which they disagreed, a third reader agreed with one of the initial readers to set a rating. (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 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)
- 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)
- An assessment of conventional treatments found that 41.3% concluded positive or possibly positive effects, 20% concluded no effect, 8.1% concluded net harmful effects, and 21.3% concluded insufficient evidence. (en.wikipedia.org)
External Links
doi.org
cam.cancer.gov
ncbi.nlm.nih.gov
- BIOFEEDBACK TRAINING and TENSION-TYPE HeADACHE – PubMed
- PubMed: Randomized controlled trial examining the effects of foot reflexology on hospital anxiety and depression in female older adults.
webmd.com
How To
What are the advances and drawbacks 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 concept was developed by Dr. Edward Bach (1886-1936), in the late 19th century. His first book, The Doctor’s Book of Mind Cure (in 1924), is his first. He used simple techniques like meditation and visualization. People with stress, anxiety, depression or pain experienced this treatment. This therapy is also helpful for patients who want to improve their lives and cope with their issues.
Although holistic therapies are still popular, evidence is lacking to support their effectiveness. Some studies have shown that holistic therapies can reduce the symptoms of chronic conditions like asthma, diabetes, arthritis, headaches, heart disease, hypertension and migraines, as well as other diseases such as cancer, heart disease, hypertension, stroke, bone fractures, and obesity.
The advancements and the shortcomings of holistic medicine can be seen in:
- We lack scientific evidence. There are very few well-designed randomized controlled trials (RCTs), that evaluate holistic therapies’ benefits. Most researches are observational studies that show positive results.
- Low cost compared to conventional medicine. Alternative medicines may be more affordable than traditional medicines, especially if the patient eats a healthy diet.
- Patients do not feel pressured to comply with the prescribed protocol.
- Many doctors recommend complementary therapies without prescribing them.
- Holistic treatments are often combined with conventional medicine. For example, acupuncture is usually done along with medication or surgery.
- Alternative therapies are believed to be more effective than conventional medicine.
- Alternative medicines are considered to be more natural than conventional drugs.
- Many patients seek out complementary therapies to help them adapt their lifestyles. They want to be healthy but also want to enjoy their lives.
- Holistic treatments are more beneficial for patients.
- Older adults are increasingly turning to holistic treatments.
- It is important to conduct more research on complementary therapies.
- Research has shown that many people would prefer to explore alternative treatment options before visiting a doctor.
- Doctors should understand that not every patient will benefit from alternative treatment.
- Holistic treatments should be a part of our culture, education system and society.
- Holistic treatments are not always safe.
- Patients must be taught about various treatments in order to make informed decisions.
- Holistic treatments aren’t only for hippies.
- Certain diseases can’t be treated holistically.
- Sometimes holistic treatments can prove dangerous.
- Holistic therapies can be beneficial for certain conditions.
- Holistic treatments are effective.
- Holistic therapies are based upon ancient wisdom.
- Holistic therapies are simple to learn.
- Holistic treatments can be hard to understand.
- It is difficult to learn holistic treatments.
- Holistic therapies are too expensive.
- Holistic treatments can be quite expensive.
- Holistic treatments can be less expensive than conventional medicines.
- Holistic therapies are more costly than traditional medicine.
****
Holistic Medicine – A Short History
Holistic medicine is a system of healing that focuses on treating the whole person instead of just their symptoms. It includes physical, emotional, mental, social, spiritual, occupational, environmental, cultural, and lifestyle influences. It promotes prevention over cure.
Bastyr University was founded in Seattle, in 1972. Holistic medicine was born after Dr. Andrew Weil published “Spontaneous Healing” 1996. Dr. David Williams founded the American Holistic Medical Association, Dr. Michael Murray co-founded it in 1997. There are hundreds of holistic medicine schools all over the world, including Bastyr University in Columbia, Columbia College of Physicians & Surgeons and Maharishi Ayurveda Institute.
2013 was the year holistic medicine was declared one of the five main trends in healthcare by the World Health Organization. This trend integrates conventional care with complementary therapies like homeopathy, acupuncture or herbalism, massage, therapy, reiki, yoga and meditation. This integration aims at providing safe, effective, patient centered care while minimizing costs and side effects.
Holistic medicine works because of the interconnectedness of our body, mind, and spirit. Illness can occur when any one of these three components is out of balance. Take, for example:
When your mind is anxious or stressed, you can become tense and out-of-balance. Cortisol, which is a hormone that promotes inflammation throughout the body, is what your body produces. As a result, you feel tired, weak, and sick.
When your emotions run high, you experience negative thoughts and feelings like anger, fear, grief, and 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 has a negative impact on your immune system and digestive tract. Both hormones cause fatigue, muscle tension, headaches, dizziness, insomnia, anxiety, depression, and other health problems.
When your spirit is depressed, you lose hope and faith in life. It is possible to lack self-esteem or confidence. This can lead to poor eating habits, unhealthy relationship patterns, and low energy. Healthy spirits make you happy, positive, joyful, peaceful, and optimistic.
The difference between alternative medicine and allopathic medicine
Allopathic medicine relies on scientific methods. Doctors use xrays to diagnose patients. When necessary, they prescribe medication and perform surgery. Allopathic doctors believe they understand the human body, and can prescribe medications to treat ailments. Alternative medicine can be used for vitamins, minerals, diet and exercise. There is no one standard definition for alternative medicine. Alternative medicine is also known as natural medicine or integrative medicine. Others refer to it as traditional medicine, naturopathic 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: Dick Benson
Title: Embracing Proper Posture: A Powerful Tool for Alleviating Back Pain
Sourced From: alternativemedicine.com/conditions/pain/maintaining-proper-posture-for-effective-back-pain-management/
Published Date: Tue, 10 Oct 2023 19:37:33 +0000
Frequently Asked Questions
What are the 5 Alternative Medical Systems?
These five alternative medicine systems are Ayurveda (acupuncture), Ayurveda (homeopathy), energy healing, aromatherapy, and homeopathy.
Acupuncture uses fine needles placed in specific points of the body to stimulate qi flow throughout the body.
Ayurvedic Medicine refers to an ancient system that balances three of the most important elements of health care: water, fire and air. It involves diet, exercise, herbal remedies, massage, and meditation.
Homeopathic Medicine takes its name from the Greek words homoios, similar, and pathos, meaning disease. Homeopaths believe every disease has natural causes. But not all symptoms. They use minute amounts of substances to treat their patients. These symptoms are very similar to what the patient experiences when they are sick.
Energy Healing is also known as Reiki, EFT, Rolfing, Therapeutic Touch, and many others. This therapy is based on a belief that we are all connected to the universal life force known as Ki. Feeling well is possible when the Ki flows freely through you. Energy healers work with touch and intention to restore harmony and balance between our mental, spiritual, and physical selves.
Aromatherapy uses essential oils derived from plants for therapeutic reasons. Aromatherapists believe certain smells can have a positive effect on mood and behavior. The most common essential oil used in aromatherapy is lavender.
What is holistic medical opposite?
Holistic medicine is a way to approach health care that takes into account all aspects of the body, as well as its spiritual, emotional, and social dimensions. It recognizes that each illness must have multiple causes, and therefore requires a combination or several treatments to be most effective.
Doctors who practice holistic medicine believe that prevention is better than cure. To help patients achieve optimal health, they work closely with them.
They seek to identify underlying causes of disease and prevent it from recurring. Holistic doctors consider the whole body and not just the individual organs. They often refer to the entire being as “the body.”
This means they see beyond the skin and treat your body holistically. The doctor may suggest changes to diet, lifestyle, and exercise. The doctor may recommend meditation, yoga, massage, acupuncture or chiropractic treatment.
What is the distinction between holistic medicine, alternative medicine and holistic medicine?
Holistic medicine considers the whole person-mind, body spirit, soul and spirit. It examines all aspects that affect a person’s overall health. These include the psychological, spiritual and environmental factors often overlooked in traditional medicine. Alternative medicine can be used to treat certain conditions like asthma, allergies, arthritis, or other medical issues.
What is the Difference Between Naturopathic & Holistic Medicine?
The two main types of medicine are conventional medicine and complementary/alternative medicine. Conventional medicine relies on drugs and surgery as its primary treatments. Complementary/Alternative Medicine (CAM) uses natural therapies such as herbs, vitamins, acupuncture, and massage to treat illness and promote health. CAM is not considered a substitute for conventional treatment but rather an addition to helping patients who want to take control of their healthcare by choosing what they believe is most appropriate.
On the other hand, naturopathy is used to complement conventional medical practices. It focuses on treating the whole body, mind, and spirit. There are many types of naturopathy. These include Ayurveda (Chinese Medicine), Traditional Native American Medicine (TNAM) and Functional Medicine.
It is important that you note that some CAM modalities may overlap with traditional medicine. Naturopaths and doctors can prescribe herbal remedies. However, naturopaths prefer lifestyle changes to prescription medications.
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 usually do not diagnose or prescribe medication.
- Naturopaths will work with the patient’s family medicine and may refer patients outpatients to specialists, if necessary.
- Naturopathic doctors are licensed by the provincial licensing boards. CAM practitioners, however, are self-regulated.
- Naturopathy emphasizes prevention, wellness, and education about diet & exercise.
- Naturopaths emphasize the importance of lifestyle factors such as nutrition, sleep, stress management and exercise.
- Naturopharmacists can use botanicals and mineral to treat specific conditions.
- Naturopodists receive individualized care according to the unique needs of each patient.
- The College of Naturopathic Physicians of Ontario is responsible for licensing Naturopaths.
- The provincial regulatory bodies issue licenses to naturopatrists.
- Naturopaticians are registered with the Canadian Association of Naturopathic Doctors.
- The College of Naturopaths of British Columbia licenses Naturotherapists.
- The United States National Board of Medical Examiners is authorized to license Naturobiotic therapists.
- The Australian Health Practitioner Regulation Agency grants licenses to homeopaths.
- The term “holistic” refers the belief that all aspects, including physical, spiritual, social, and mental, should be taken into consideration when making decisions about one’s health. Holistic doctors will take into account all aspects of life, rather than focusing on one.
Is holistic medicine considered safe?
Holistic Medicine is not as dangerous as you may think, but several risks are involved when using this treatment. Side effects include nausea, headaches, dizziness. drowsiness. diarrhea. constipation. These side effects must be understood and weighed against the potential benefits of alternative treatments like acupuncture.
There have never been any cases of death related to holistic medicine.
As always, talk to your doctor before starting any new treatment plan.
Statistics
- In the 17% in which they disagreed, a third reader agreed with one of the initial readers to set a rating. (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 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)
- 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)
- An assessment of conventional treatments found that 41.3% concluded positive or possibly positive effects, 20% concluded no effect, 8.1% concluded net harmful effects, and 21.3% concluded insufficient evidence. (en.wikipedia.org)
External Links
doi.org
cam.cancer.gov
ncbi.nlm.nih.gov
- BIOFEEDBACK TRAINING and TENSION-TYPE HeADACHE – PubMed
- PubMed: Randomized controlled trial examining the effects of foot reflexology on hospital anxiety and depression in female older adults.
webmd.com
How To
What are the advances and drawbacks 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 concept was developed by Dr. Edward Bach (1886-1936), in the late 19th century. His first book, The Doctor’s Book of Mind Cure (in 1924), is his first. He used simple techniques like meditation and visualization. People with stress, anxiety, depression or pain experienced this treatment. This therapy is also helpful for patients who want to improve their lives and cope with their issues.
Although holistic therapies are still popular, evidence is lacking to support their effectiveness. Some studies have shown that holistic therapies can reduce the symptoms of chronic conditions like asthma, diabetes, arthritis, headaches, heart disease, hypertension and migraines, as well as other diseases such as cancer, heart disease, hypertension, stroke, bone fractures, and obesity.
The advancements and the shortcomings of holistic medicine can be seen in:
- We lack scientific evidence. There are very few well-designed randomized controlled trials (RCTs), that evaluate holistic therapies’ benefits. Most researches are observational studies that show positive results.
- Low cost compared to conventional medicine. Alternative medicines may be more affordable than traditional medicines, especially if the patient eats a healthy diet.
- Patients do not feel pressured to comply with the prescribed protocol.
- Many doctors recommend complementary therapies without prescribing them.
- Holistic treatments are often combined with conventional medicine. For example, acupuncture is usually done along with medication or surgery.
- Alternative therapies are believed to be more effective than conventional medicine.
- Alternative medicines are considered to be more natural than conventional drugs.
- Many patients seek out complementary therapies to help them adapt their lifestyles. They want to be healthy but also want to enjoy their lives.
- Holistic treatments are more beneficial for patients.
- Older adults are increasingly turning to holistic treatments.
- It is important to conduct more research on complementary therapies.
- Research has shown that many people would prefer to explore alternative treatment options before visiting a doctor.
- Doctors should understand that not every patient will benefit from alternative treatment.
- Holistic treatments should be a part of our culture, education system and society.
- Holistic treatments are not always safe.
- Patients must be taught about various treatments in order to make informed decisions.
- Holistic treatments aren’t only for hippies.
- Certain diseases can’t be treated holistically.
- Sometimes holistic treatments can prove dangerous.
- Holistic therapies can be beneficial for certain conditions.
- Holistic treatments are effective.
- Holistic therapies are based upon ancient wisdom.
- Holistic therapies are simple to learn.
- Holistic treatments can be hard to understand.
- It is difficult to learn holistic treatments.
- Holistic therapies are too expensive.
- Holistic treatments can be quite expensive.
- Holistic treatments can be less expensive than conventional medicines.
- Holistic therapies are more costly than traditional medicine.
****
Holistic Medicine – A Short History
Holistic medicine is a system of healing that focuses on treating the whole person instead of just their symptoms. It includes physical, emotional, mental, social, spiritual, occupational, environmental, cultural, and lifestyle influences. It promotes prevention over cure.
Bastyr University was founded in Seattle, in 1972. Holistic medicine was born after Dr. Andrew Weil published “Spontaneous Healing” 1996. Dr. David Williams founded the American Holistic Medical Association, Dr. Michael Murray co-founded it in 1997. There are hundreds of holistic medicine schools all over the world, including Bastyr University in Columbia, Columbia College of Physicians & Surgeons and Maharishi Ayurveda Institute.
2013 was the year holistic medicine was declared one of the five main trends in healthcare by the World Health Organization. This trend integrates conventional care with complementary therapies like homeopathy, acupuncture or herbalism, massage, therapy, reiki, yoga and meditation. This integration aims at providing safe, effective, patient centered care while minimizing costs and side effects.
Holistic medicine works because of the interconnectedness of our body, mind, and spirit. Illness can occur when any one of these three components is out of balance. Take, for example:
When your mind is anxious or stressed, you can become tense and out-of-balance. Cortisol, which is a hormone that promotes inflammation throughout the body, is what your body produces. As a result, you feel tired, weak, and sick.
When your emotions run high, you experience negative thoughts and feelings like anger, fear, grief, and 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 has a negative impact on your immune system and digestive tract. Both hormones cause fatigue, muscle tension, headaches, dizziness, insomnia, anxiety, depression, and other health problems.
When your spirit is depressed, you lose hope and faith in life. It is possible to lack self-esteem or confidence. This can lead to poor eating habits, unhealthy relationship patterns, and low energy. Healthy spirits make you happy, positive, joyful, peaceful, and optimistic.
The difference between alternative medicine and allopathic medicine
Allopathic medicine relies on scientific methods. Doctors use xrays to diagnose patients. When necessary, they prescribe medication and perform surgery. Allopathic doctors believe they understand the human body, and can prescribe medications to treat ailments. Alternative medicine can be used for vitamins, minerals, diet and exercise. There is no one standard definition for alternative medicine. Alternative medicine is also known as natural medicine or integrative medicine. Others refer to it as traditional medicine, naturopathic medicine, and CAM.
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