Nearly 1 million Americans suffer from Parkinson’s disease (PD), a progressive neurologic condition that slowly affects the brains ability to control movement. Medical specialists are trying to find the underlying causes of Parkinson’s disease (PD) with an estimated 1.2 million cases projected by 2030. There are approximately 60,000 new diagnoses each year.
The fact that Parkinson’s disease is more common in men than women led to a lot of interest in PD’s gender-specific manifestations. The results aren’t always straightforward.
Parkinson’s Expression in Women
Despite being at lower risk than men, more than 400,000+ US females have PD. This number is derived from the total number PD deaths. It doesn’t account for new diagnoses or don’t always reflect causes of death. Despite the fact that there is not much gender-specific Parkinson’s research, it does provide some insight into its effects on women.
Recent research suggests that estrogen, which is vital in neuroprotection, may also be responsible for promoting dopamine and reducing oxidative stresses that can prevent inflammation common with PD. While Parkinson’s disease is more common in those who are younger and have milder symptoms, such as movement deterioration and symptoms, there is a lower risk of developing it in women with longer periods of fertility and later menopause.
Women with PD face different challenges. They are more likely than men to downplay the severity of symptoms. This can lead to delayed diagnosis and referrals to specialists. Despite the fact that deep brain stimulation is more successful for women with PD than it is for men, there are still some misdiagnoses. They are also more likely to experience psychological distress.
Levodopa remains the best treatment for Parkinson’s. Levodopa is less effective for women due to the fact that it is not as effective as a treatment option for Parkinson’s. Healthcare providers often have to adjust their prescriptions to account for gender-specific factors due to these inconsistencies.
Unregulated Substances increase environmental risks
Exposure to man-made toxic substances is thought to have an adverse effect on Parkinson’s development in both men and women, along with expected biological and genetic factors. Although harmful chemicals such as polychlorinated biphenyls and trichloroethylene are subject to strict restrictions, many other toxic substances used in intensive industries aren’t.
Paraquat is a toxic herbicide that has been banned in more than 60 countries because it is a PD risk factor. Paraquat continues to be used in the US despite international restrictions. The EPA has downplayed its connection with Parkinson’s disease and even reaffirmed it until 2035.
California used 30% of the approximately 4.2 million pounds paraquat that was applied in the US in 2018. California also had 85,100 Parkinson’s cases in 2018, which was the highest reported. This was closely followed by a few other states, which reported an increase in PD diagnoses (Florida – 64,000, Texas – 52,500, New York – 48,000), and also used paraquat extensively.
Overreliance on chemicals like paraquat has led to a rise in toxic herbicide exposure among US farmworkers. The substance is more common to be applied, mixed, and cleaned up by men than it is for women. However, the substance can also be inhaled indirectly during harvesting and planting. Paraquat can also be found on the clothing and skin of agricultural workers.
Awareness Campaign for Women’s Unique Struggles With PD
Because many people believe that Parkinson’s disease is primarily a men-oriented condition, PD-like symptoms in women are often ignored. This may explain why 61% more time it takes to get a diagnosis and to be referred to specialist treatment. It is important to increase the quality of care for women with Parkinson’s, and to dispel harmful beliefs.
Although PD’s symptoms can be severe, early and moderate symptoms in women are more common than those in men. They also tend to experience more pain than their male counterparts. Women who have symptoms of Parkinson’s disease before menopause need to be vigilant about their hormone cycle and the progression of their symptoms.
Gender variables should be considered when diagnosing Parkinson’. This will allow doctors to provide appropriate solutions that take into account women’s characteristics, and offer better access to subspecialty treatment or therapies such as deep brain stimulation. Healthcare specialists will be able to identify and offer better treatments if there is a greater representation of women in Parkinson’s clinical trials. The EPA can help reduce PD-related risk by effectively regulating or restrainting the use of hazardous pesticides that are associated with its development.
Miguel Leyva is a Case Manager at Atraxia Law, helping clients who have been injured by chemical hazards to organize and gather the necessary information to support their claims against liable companies.
References:
https://www.nature.com/articles/s41531-018-0058-0 https://www.semanticscholar.org/paper/Epidemiology-of-Parkinson’s-disease.-Elbaz-Carcaillon/04e53239e3596afc902025cca11887dced8638e2
https://www.parkinson.org/blog/science-news/women
https://www.ajmc.com/view/large-study-finds-parkinson-disease-us-death-rate-soared-63-over-20-years
https://content.iospress.com/articles/journal-of-parkinsons-disease/jpd191683
https://www.nature.com/articles/s41531-020-0109-1
https://link.springer.com/article/10.1007/s10654-020-00672-x
https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/25685848/
https://www.researchgate.net/publication/362777138_Agriculture_without_paraquat_is_feasible_without_loss_of_productivity_Lessons_learned_from_phasing_out_a_highly_hazardous_herbicide
Click to access pur_2018_subtotals_chemical.pdf
https://www.sciencedirect.com/science/article/abs/pii/S155085791100074X?via%3Dihub
Alternative Medicine Magazine published the article Symptoms Severity, Medical Challenges in Women-Specific Parkinson’s Often Forgotten.
Frequently Asked Questions
Why is alternative medicine important?
Alternative therapies are popular because they can be cheaper and more convenient than traditional treatment. Patients have sometimes died after receiving these treatments. This could be due to allergic reactions or side effects. You may also find that alternative therapies are not as effective.
If you don’t understand enough about alternative medications, it can make your choice difficult. Vitamin supplements, for example, are not regulated like pharmaceuticals. It is easy to overdose on vitamins. To make matters worse, there are alternative remedies that contain toxic chemicals.
What are the advantages of alternative and complementary medicine?
Complementary and alternative medicine (CAM) is an umbrella term for medical practices used by people who believe they are not getting adequate help from allopathic medicine. These include homeopathy, herbal medicine, massage therapy and homeopathy. Traditional Chinese medicine, biofeedback, spiritual healing, chiropractic care, homeopathy, homeopathy, traditional Chinese medicine, traditional Chinese medicine, chiropractic care and other therapies. Because they are not part of the standard medical treatment system, CAM practitioners will often recommend alternative therapies. Many CAM therapies include elements of conventional medicine. Some forms of acupuncture use needles while others use acupressure and moxibustion with heat.
Some CAM therapies may be helpful for anxiety, pain relief, stress management or relaxation. They can improve your well-being, reduce fatigue, and may even help you feel more energetic. Some CAM therapies can treat certain conditions such as fibromyalgia and chronic fatigue syndrome, irritable bowel disorder, rheumatoidarthritis, cancer, diabetes, and irritable bowel syndrome. Other CAM therapies may simply be enjoyable experiences.
Although there is no clear definition of CAM, many definitions include at most one of the following:
- An holistic view that considers body, mind and environment.
- The belief that mind and body interact with each other and have an influence on one another
- An individual’s belief that illness is due to an imbalance in his/her environment.
- Treatments that focus on the whole person rather than just symptoms
- Combination Western science and Eastern philosophy
- Mind, body, and spirit-integrated treatment methods
- Natural products can be used instead of synthetic chemicals
- Touch of healing
- Mindfulness
- Meditation
- Acupuncture
- Yoga
- Herbal remedies
- Homeopathy
- Chiropractic care
- Massage therapy
- Hypnotherapy
- Spiritual healing
- Biofeedback
- Nutritional counseling
- Energy healing
Certain CAM therapies may not offer all the benefits. There are also risks. Misuse of CAM therapies can lead to serious injury or even death. Others pose potential side effects that must be weighed against their perceived benefits. Before you make a decision about whether to try any CAM, it is important that you discuss the issues with your doctor.
What is the Difference between Naturopathic and Holistic Medicines?
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. The CAM is not intended to be a replacement for conventional treatment. It is meant to assist patients who wish to have control over their own healthcare and choose what is best.
Naturopathy, on the other hand is used to supplement conventional medical practices. It focuses on treating the whole body, mind, and spirit. There are many different forms of naturopathy, including Chinese Medicine, Ayurveda, Traditional Native American Medicine, and Functional Medicine.
It is important for you to know that some CAM modalities can overlap with conventional medicine. For example, herbal remedies can be prescribed by doctors and naturopaths alike. However, naturopaths prefer lifestyle changes to prescription medications.
Naturopathy is often called “complementary” because it complements conventional medicine, not supplants it. Naturopaths could prescribe medication, if needed.
There are some differences between naturopathic and other CAM modalities.
- Naturopaths are not qualified to prescribe or diagnose medication.
- Naturopaths will work with the patient’s family medicine and may refer patients outpatients to specialists, if necessary.
- The provincial licensing boards for Naturopathic physicians regulate Naturopathic physicians, while CAM practitioners can be self-regulated.
- Naturopathy emphasizes prevention and well-being while also educating about diet and exercise.
- Naturopaths emphasize the importance of lifestyle factors such as nutrition, sleep, stress management and exercise.
- Naturopharmacists specialize in the use of botanicals and minerals to treat specific conditions.
- Naturopodists receive individualized care according to the unique needs of each patient.
- Naturopaths are licensed by regulatory bodies like the College of Naturopathic Physicians of Ontario.
- Naturopatrists are licensed by provincial regulatory bodies.
- Naturopaticians are registered with the Canadian Association of Naturopathic Doctors.
- Naturotherapists are licensed by the College of Naturopaths of British Columbia.
- The United States National Board of Medical Examiners is authorized to license Naturobiotic therapists.
- The Australian Health Practitioner Regulation Agency entitles homeopaths.
- The term “holistic” refers to the belief that all aspects of life – physical, emotional, spiritual, and social – should be considered when making decisions about one’s health. Holistic doctors will not focus on just one aspect of the equation but consider all elements.
Which treatments are not part of holistic medicine and why?
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 involves lifestyle changes such diet, exercise and yoga.
Holistic medicine is often called integrative medicine because it integrates all aspects of a patient’s physical, mental, emotional, social, and spiritual needs into one comprehensive care plan.
Holistic medicine emphasizes early detection and prevention of disease, and promotes healthy lifestyles.
Holistic doctors believe there is no one cause for every condition. Instead, they look at the entire picture, including genetic factors, environmental influences, lifestyle choices, and personal habits.
Holistic practitioners emphasize the mind and emotions more than the body.
Holistic doctors work closely with patients to find the best solution for them.
Why is holistic medicine more effective?
Holistic care addresses the whole person rather that individual symptoms. This means looking at how someone feels, what they eat, where they live, how much stress they are under etc…
Holistic medicine treats patients as an integrated whole. Although it may sound easy, in practice this is difficult because doctors tend to focus only on the physical aspect of patients.
Is holistic medicine legitimate?
Yes and no. Yes, because many medicines have been proven effective against various ailments. They can’t treat all conditions. It depends on what you mean by “holistic.” It all depends on your definition of “holistic.” If you mean taking into consideration all aspects of a person’s health, then it is true. But if you only mean using natural remedies instead of chemical ones, then it is not.
Some people claim that holistic medicine has been around since ancient times. But this is simply untrue. Even though natural remedies were used in ancient Egypt, Greece and Rome by some healers, it was not scientifically proven.
It was not until the Middle Ages when medical practitioners began to study anatomy & physiology. This led directly to the development surgery, obstetrics, pharmacology, and a host of other medical specialties. Most Western countries have developed public hospitals, where doctors can provide medical care, by the end of the 19th-century.
Today, traditional medicine is the predominant form of healthcare. But, many people still prefer complementary and alternative medicine. Many find that it works better for them than pharmaceutical drugs.
For instance, massage therapy can make people feel more at ease than tranquilizers. Others prefer healthy eating to prescription medication. Still, others find that regular exercise helps their bodies function at peak performance.
What is Alternative Medicine?
This is a holistic approach to healing that emphasizes prevention over treatment. It encourages people become educated consumers who are actively involved in improving their overall health and well-being.
Alternative medicine refers only to any type of treatment and diagnosis that does NOT use allopathic (conventional).
Statistics
- 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 83% of the cases, the readers agreed. (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)
- 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
webmd.com
nccih.nih.gov
pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov
- PubMed: The rise and rise in complementary and alternative medicine: A sociological perspective
- PubMed – Holistic medicine
ncbi.nlm.nih.gov
- BIOFEEDBACK TRAINING, TENSION-TYPEHEADACHE – PubMed
- The Effect of Foot Reflexology on Hospital Anxiety and Depression in Female Older Adults: a Randomized Controlled Trial – PubMed
How To
How to Pursue a Career in Holistic Medicine
The field, known as holistic medicine, is growing at an unparalleled rate. There are many paths you can take to this career. It is best to return home to school if this is what you desire to do if it is a commitment to your chosen profession.
A number of schools offer holistic medicine programs. These include the National College for Complementary Medicines (NCCM), which offers both undergraduate and postgraduate degrees. Many programs are available for medical professionals wishing to enter the field.
There are many online universities that offer holistic health courses. The Institute of Integrative Nutrition (IIN) is an example of such a program. Students can access a variety of holistic health education tools, and resources from this institution.
Another option is to go to a traditional four-year college. Many colleges now offer holistic health courses. For example, the University of California offers a Bachelor of Science in Holistic Health Sciences.
If you’re interested in a career in holistic medical, it is worth taking a nutrition class. The NCCM recommends that students study nutrition before embarking on any professional training. They say that “a good understanding of nutritional science is essential for anyone practicing integrative medicine.”
Because holistic medicine addresses the whole person rather that just treating symptoms, it requires more skills and knowledge than conventional medicine. Holistic medicine also requires understanding of how to evaluate different types and illnesses from a nutritional standpoint.
The NCCM reports that nutritionists often consult with doctors to provide nutritional advice to their patients. Some will even suggest supplements or diets based on the patient’s specific condition.
A holistic practitioner must be familiar with basic nutrition principles. This includes understanding the nutritional content of foods. This includes identifying nutritional deficiencies and other problems that could be causing them.
It is important for holistic practitioners to realize that not all specialize in nutrition. Some focus exclusively on herbal treatments, others only on acupuncture. Some combine the two methods into one.
Holistic practitioners, however, recommend eating a diet rich with fruits, vegetables, nuts and seeds. They recommend eating lots of seafood and fish. They suggest avoiding processed foods and fast food restaurants. Instead, they encourage people to eat organic produce whenever possible.
The one thing holistic practitioners can agree on is the importance of a balanced diet in helping to prevent diseases. There are some things that they disagree on. They disagree with the belief that gluten causes celiac. Rather, they think that a lack of nutrients plays a role in triggering the disorder.
However, they all agree that certain foods can cause allergic reactions. Anaphylaxis can also be caused by peanuts or shellfish. They also warn against consuming too much caffeine.
Many holistic practitioners are able to use herbs to treat many illnesses. They avoid the use of pharmaceutical drugs. These practitioners feel that these drugs mask the problem and do not solve it. As a result, they prefer to rely on natural remedies when possible.
Holistic practitioners are not only able to offer alternative therapies but also employ many complementary methods. These include:
- Acupuncture is a form of Chinese medicine that involves strategically placing needles in the skin. It’s believed that this stimulates the body’s healing mechanism.
- Herbal therapy- Holistic practitioners use herbs to treat many disorders in addition to acupuncture. Ginseng is a common herb used in this area.
- Homeopathy – Another type of traditional Chinese medicine is homeopathy. It’s based on similar cures. Consider a situation in which you experience symptoms similar to those experienced by someone with a certain ailment. In such cases, it’s important to find a remedy with the same ingredients that the original medication.
- Massage therapy – Many holistic practitioners offer massage to promote relaxation and stress reduction. Massage therapy is said to increase blood flow, improve energy levels, and relieve muscle tension.
Make sure you are satisfied with the services provided by your chosen practitioner. You should look for a nutritionist if you need someone who specializes in nutritional counseling. A practitioner who has been certified by American Association of Oriental Medicine will also be able to teach you more about acupuncture.
Before making any decisions about holistic health, consult your doctor. You may also wish to check with your insurance provider to know what services are covered.
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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: Symptoms Severity and Medical Challenges in Women-Specific Parkinson’s Often Overlooked
Sourced From: alternativemedicine.com/conditions/brain-health/parkinsons/symptoms-severity-and-medical-challenges-in-women-specific-parkinsons-often-overlooked/
Published Date: Sun, 05 Mar 2023 15:23:56 +0000
Frequently Asked Questions
Why is alternative medicine important?
Alternative therapies are popular because they can be cheaper and more convenient than traditional treatment. Patients have sometimes died after receiving these treatments. This could be due to allergic reactions or side effects. You may also find that alternative therapies are not as effective.
If you don’t understand enough about alternative medications, it can make your choice difficult. Vitamin supplements, for example, are not regulated like pharmaceuticals. It is easy to overdose on vitamins. To make matters worse, there are alternative remedies that contain toxic chemicals.
What are the advantages of alternative and complementary medicine?
Complementary and alternative medicine (CAM) is an umbrella term for medical practices used by people who believe they are not getting adequate help from allopathic medicine. These include homeopathy, herbal medicine, massage therapy and homeopathy. Traditional Chinese medicine, biofeedback, spiritual healing, chiropractic care, homeopathy, homeopathy, traditional Chinese medicine, traditional Chinese medicine, chiropractic care and other therapies. Because they are not part of the standard medical treatment system, CAM practitioners will often recommend alternative therapies. Many CAM therapies include elements of conventional medicine. Some forms of acupuncture use needles while others use acupressure and moxibustion with heat.
Some CAM therapies may be helpful for anxiety, pain relief, stress management or relaxation. They can improve your well-being, reduce fatigue, and may even help you feel more energetic. Some CAM therapies can treat certain conditions such as fibromyalgia and chronic fatigue syndrome, irritable bowel disorder, rheumatoidarthritis, cancer, diabetes, and irritable bowel syndrome. Other CAM therapies may simply be enjoyable experiences.
Although there is no clear definition of CAM, many definitions include at most one of the following:
- An holistic view that considers body, mind and environment.
- The belief that mind and body interact with each other and have an influence on one another
- An individual’s belief that illness is due to an imbalance in his/her environment.
- Treatments that focus on the whole person rather than just symptoms
- Combination Western science and Eastern philosophy
- Mind, body, and spirit-integrated treatment methods
- Natural products can be used instead of synthetic chemicals
- Touch of healing
- Mindfulness
- Meditation
- Acupuncture
- Yoga
- Herbal remedies
- Homeopathy
- Chiropractic care
- Massage therapy
- Hypnotherapy
- Spiritual healing
- Biofeedback
- Nutritional counseling
- Energy healing
Certain CAM therapies may not offer all the benefits. There are also risks. Misuse of CAM therapies can lead to serious injury or even death. Others pose potential side effects that must be weighed against their perceived benefits. Before you make a decision about whether to try any CAM, it is important that you discuss the issues with your doctor.
What is the Difference between Naturopathic and Holistic Medicines?
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. The CAM is not intended to be a replacement for conventional treatment. It is meant to assist patients who wish to have control over their own healthcare and choose what is best.
Naturopathy, on the other hand is used to supplement conventional medical practices. It focuses on treating the whole body, mind, and spirit. There are many different forms of naturopathy, including Chinese Medicine, Ayurveda, Traditional Native American Medicine, and Functional Medicine.
It is important for you to know that some CAM modalities can overlap with conventional medicine. For example, herbal remedies can be prescribed by doctors and naturopaths alike. However, naturopaths prefer lifestyle changes to prescription medications.
Naturopathy is often called “complementary” because it complements conventional medicine, not supplants it. Naturopaths could prescribe medication, if needed.
There are some differences between naturopathic and other CAM modalities.
- Naturopaths are not qualified to prescribe or diagnose medication.
- Naturopaths will work with the patient’s family medicine and may refer patients outpatients to specialists, if necessary.
- The provincial licensing boards for Naturopathic physicians regulate Naturopathic physicians, while CAM practitioners can be self-regulated.
- Naturopathy emphasizes prevention and well-being while also educating about diet and exercise.
- Naturopaths emphasize the importance of lifestyle factors such as nutrition, sleep, stress management and exercise.
- Naturopharmacists specialize in the use of botanicals and minerals to treat specific conditions.
- Naturopodists receive individualized care according to the unique needs of each patient.
- Naturopaths are licensed by regulatory bodies like the College of Naturopathic Physicians of Ontario.
- Naturopatrists are licensed by provincial regulatory bodies.
- Naturopaticians are registered with the Canadian Association of Naturopathic Doctors.
- Naturotherapists are licensed by the College of Naturopaths of British Columbia.
- The United States National Board of Medical Examiners is authorized to license Naturobiotic therapists.
- The Australian Health Practitioner Regulation Agency entitles homeopaths.
- The term “holistic” refers to the belief that all aspects of life – physical, emotional, spiritual, and social – should be considered when making decisions about one’s health. Holistic doctors will not focus on just one aspect of the equation but consider all elements.
Which treatments are not part of holistic medicine and why?
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 involves lifestyle changes such diet, exercise and yoga.
Holistic medicine is often called integrative medicine because it integrates all aspects of a patient’s physical, mental, emotional, social, and spiritual needs into one comprehensive care plan.
Holistic medicine emphasizes early detection and prevention of disease, and promotes healthy lifestyles.
Holistic doctors believe there is no one cause for every condition. Instead, they look at the entire picture, including genetic factors, environmental influences, lifestyle choices, and personal habits.
Holistic practitioners emphasize the mind and emotions more than the body.
Holistic doctors work closely with patients to find the best solution for them.
Why is holistic medicine more effective?
Holistic care addresses the whole person rather that individual symptoms. This means looking at how someone feels, what they eat, where they live, how much stress they are under etc…
Holistic medicine treats patients as an integrated whole. Although it may sound easy, in practice this is difficult because doctors tend to focus only on the physical aspect of patients.
Is holistic medicine legitimate?
Yes and no. Yes, because many medicines have been proven effective against various ailments. They can’t treat all conditions. It depends on what you mean by “holistic.” It all depends on your definition of “holistic.” If you mean taking into consideration all aspects of a person’s health, then it is true. But if you only mean using natural remedies instead of chemical ones, then it is not.
Some people claim that holistic medicine has been around since ancient times. But this is simply untrue. Even though natural remedies were used in ancient Egypt, Greece and Rome by some healers, it was not scientifically proven.
It was not until the Middle Ages when medical practitioners began to study anatomy & physiology. This led directly to the development surgery, obstetrics, pharmacology, and a host of other medical specialties. Most Western countries have developed public hospitals, where doctors can provide medical care, by the end of the 19th-century.
Today, traditional medicine is the predominant form of healthcare. But, many people still prefer complementary and alternative medicine. Many find that it works better for them than pharmaceutical drugs.
For instance, massage therapy can make people feel more at ease than tranquilizers. Others prefer healthy eating to prescription medication. Still, others find that regular exercise helps their bodies function at peak performance.
What is Alternative Medicine?
This is a holistic approach to healing that emphasizes prevention over treatment. It encourages people become educated consumers who are actively involved in improving their overall health and well-being.
Alternative medicine refers only to any type of treatment and diagnosis that does NOT use allopathic (conventional).
Statistics
- 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 83% of the cases, the readers agreed. (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)
- 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
webmd.com
nccih.nih.gov
pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov
- PubMed: The rise and rise in complementary and alternative medicine: A sociological perspective
- PubMed – Holistic medicine
ncbi.nlm.nih.gov
- BIOFEEDBACK TRAINING, TENSION-TYPEHEADACHE – PubMed
- The Effect of Foot Reflexology on Hospital Anxiety and Depression in Female Older Adults: a Randomized Controlled Trial – PubMed
How To
How to Pursue a Career in Holistic Medicine
The field, known as holistic medicine, is growing at an unparalleled rate. There are many paths you can take to this career. It is best to return home to school if this is what you desire to do if it is a commitment to your chosen profession.
A number of schools offer holistic medicine programs. These include the National College for Complementary Medicines (NCCM), which offers both undergraduate and postgraduate degrees. Many programs are available for medical professionals wishing to enter the field.
There are many online universities that offer holistic health courses. The Institute of Integrative Nutrition (IIN) is an example of such a program. Students can access a variety of holistic health education tools, and resources from this institution.
Another option is to go to a traditional four-year college. Many colleges now offer holistic health courses. For example, the University of California offers a Bachelor of Science in Holistic Health Sciences.
If you’re interested in a career in holistic medical, it is worth taking a nutrition class. The NCCM recommends that students study nutrition before embarking on any professional training. They say that “a good understanding of nutritional science is essential for anyone practicing integrative medicine.”
Because holistic medicine addresses the whole person rather that just treating symptoms, it requires more skills and knowledge than conventional medicine. Holistic medicine also requires understanding of how to evaluate different types and illnesses from a nutritional standpoint.
The NCCM reports that nutritionists often consult with doctors to provide nutritional advice to their patients. Some will even suggest supplements or diets based on the patient’s specific condition.
A holistic practitioner must be familiar with basic nutrition principles. This includes understanding the nutritional content of foods. This includes identifying nutritional deficiencies and other problems that could be causing them.
It is important for holistic practitioners to realize that not all specialize in nutrition. Some focus exclusively on herbal treatments, others only on acupuncture. Some combine the two methods into one.
Holistic practitioners, however, recommend eating a diet rich with fruits, vegetables, nuts and seeds. They recommend eating lots of seafood and fish. They suggest avoiding processed foods and fast food restaurants. Instead, they encourage people to eat organic produce whenever possible.
The one thing holistic practitioners can agree on is the importance of a balanced diet in helping to prevent diseases. There are some things that they disagree on. They disagree with the belief that gluten causes celiac. Rather, they think that a lack of nutrients plays a role in triggering the disorder.
However, they all agree that certain foods can cause allergic reactions. Anaphylaxis can also be caused by peanuts or shellfish. They also warn against consuming too much caffeine.
Many holistic practitioners are able to use herbs to treat many illnesses. They avoid the use of pharmaceutical drugs. These practitioners feel that these drugs mask the problem and do not solve it. As a result, they prefer to rely on natural remedies when possible.
Holistic practitioners are not only able to offer alternative therapies but also employ many complementary methods. These include:
- Acupuncture is a form of Chinese medicine that involves strategically placing needles in the skin. It’s believed that this stimulates the body’s healing mechanism.
- Herbal therapy- Holistic practitioners use herbs to treat many disorders in addition to acupuncture. Ginseng is a common herb used in this area.
- Homeopathy – Another type of traditional Chinese medicine is homeopathy. It’s based on similar cures. Consider a situation in which you experience symptoms similar to those experienced by someone with a certain ailment. In such cases, it’s important to find a remedy with the same ingredients that the original medication.
- Massage therapy – Many holistic practitioners offer massage to promote relaxation and stress reduction. Massage therapy is said to increase blood flow, improve energy levels, and relieve muscle tension.
Make sure you are satisfied with the services provided by your chosen practitioner. You should look for a nutritionist if you need someone who specializes in nutritional counseling. A practitioner who has been certified by American Association of Oriental Medicine will also be able to teach you more about acupuncture.
Before making any decisions about holistic health, consult your doctor. You may also wish to check with your insurance provider to know what services are covered.
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