Digestible sensors? Artificial organs? Medical triloscopes? Existe-t-ils, are they being developed, or only in our imagination? Medical innovations are complex, diverse and full of hype and marketing. They also contain promising technologies. We compiled the most relevant digital health trends into an infographic, which also explained at what stage these innovations are delivered and which medical processes and actors they influence. Click here to see the infographic!
What are the digital health trends and how can they be analysed?
The Medical Futurist, in conjunction with the publication of The Guide to the Future of Medicine released an infographic on 40 trends shaping digital healthcare. The infographic analysed the promise of each trend, if it would be beneficial to patients or doctors, and if it would improve prevention or treatment, diagnosis, or long-term effects. It was so popular, we kept updating it. It is currently in its third iteration.
The basis for explaining trends visually has not changed despite the updates. To interpret forces that shape the world of medical innovations, we still use three perspectives and answer three questions. The following are some of the factors that we consider:
- Is the trend affecting patients or professionals in healthcare?
- What stage of healthcare delivery and medicine is affected? It may affect prevention, data input, diagnostics, treatment and follow-up or it could impact the patient outcome and consequences of certain conditions.
- Does the result of the trend exist already, is it in development, or will it take some time before it becomes a reality?
The infographic might say, for example, that DTC artificial intelligence will impact diagnostics and prevention, and it could make a big difference to patients. However, its availability and application are still a few years away. DTC AI will not be available in family doctors’ offices for at least a few years.
The infographic can explain, in a very simple way, where the trends are in digital health innovations at this moment. This is very helpful for regulators, policy makers, healthcare professionals and patients. Our digital health course is a great way to learn more about the digital world and/or to develop the forecasting skills you need to be able to identify real technologies from the hype. You can try out the first chapter for free to see if you like it before you commit.
Let’s look at a few examples in more detail.
In-silico drug testing will revolutionise the industry
The infographic states that in silico trials will have a significant impact on the work of medical professionals, particularly in the areas of patient outcomes and consequences. However, it could take years to reach this point, as fully simulated clinical tests are not possible with the current technology or understanding of biology. This is why they’re marked yellow.
What is an in silico trial? This is a computer simulation that’s been customised to be used for the regulatory assessment or development of a medical product, device or intervention. Imagine being able to test thousands of potential drugs in just minutes on virtual patient models. What would be required to make this a reality? Virtual patients should at least be able to mimic the physiology and all variations of target patients.
HumMod is a simulation that has advanced to a high level. It is a top-down simulation of human physiology, from the whole organs down to individual molecules. It has more than 1,500 variables and over 15,000 equations. These include bodily fluids such as blood, electrolytes and hormones. HumMod is a mathematical model that simulates human physiology. It claims to be the most complex mathematical model ever created. HumMod is still in the development stage and hasn’t been completed for many decades. It could take years to reach the goal.
The blood-borne nanorobots are still a human fantasy
The infographic shows that nanorobots have a red color. This means that one day nanoparticles or nanodevices may be a reality, and could function as precise drug delivery devices, cancer treatment instruments, or tiny surgeons. However, we are still very far away from this. These nanoparticles would have a major impact on the way medical professionals conduct follow-up and would also change how therapies are carried out. However, it is still unclear how they will be implemented.
There are nanorobots that perform various tasks. Researchers at the Max Planck Institute are experimenting with micro-sized robots, smaller than one millimeter. These robots could be used for delivering drugs or medical relief to a specific area. These microbots look like scallops and are designed to move through non-Newtonian liquids such as your bloodstream or around your lymphatic systems. They can also glide across the goo that covers the surface of the eyeballs.
Medical drones for real
Let our feet touch the ground again for a moment. Drones are already delivering medical supplies to areas without infrastructure, remote locations, and in emergency situations. The infographic shows that medical drones are already improving the work of doctors, particularly in the area of treatment and follow-up. They are highlighted with green.
Take the US example of UPS, Matternet and WakeMed Hospital. In March 2019 they announced that UPS would begin delivering medical samples to WakeMed Hospital’s different facilities via unmanned drones. UPS and Matternet fly medical samples every day with the approval of North Carolina’s Department of Transportation and the Federal Aviation Administration. WakeMed previously relied on courier vehicles, which could be subject to delays due to traffic. The introduction of medical drones is likely going optimize transportation processes. We could mention Zipline’s work in Rwanda, Kenya or the United States as other examples.
The infographic is a good representation of how we view the evolution of the key trends and innovations that are affecting the delivery of care. It could be an invaluable resource for those in the medical and health care industry who have the power to influence regulations, policies or architectures of medical care at lower levels in years to come.
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The Medical Futurist published the infographic Top 40 Trends in Digital Health.
Frequently Asked Questions
What are some of the benefits of complementary or alternative medicine?
People who feel they do not receive enough help from allopathic medicine may use complementary and alternative medicine (CAM). These include herbal medicines, mind-body therapies such as acupuncture, massage therapy, homeopathy, chiropractic care, traditional Chinese medicine, biofeedback, hypnosis, and spiritual healing. Because they are not compatible with conventional medicine’s treatment and diagnosis, CAM practitioners may use alternative treatments. Many CAM therapies incorporate elements from conventional medicine. For example, some forms of acupuncture are performed with needles, while others involve acupressure or moxibustion with heat.
Some CAM treatments can be used to relieve pain, anxiety, stress, relaxation, sleep disorders, or manage stress. They may also improve your general sense of well-being and reduce fatigue. Some CAM therapies target specific conditions, such fibromyalgia. Others CAM therapies could be simply enjoyable.
There is no definitive definition of CAM. However, most definitions include at a minimum one of the following:
- A holistic perspective that looks at the whole person, including body, mind as well as spirit and environment.
- The belief in mind-body interaction and influence
- An individual’s belief that illness is due to an imbalance in his/her environment.
- The whole person is treated, not just the symptoms
- Combination between Eastern philosophy and Western science
- Mind, body, and spirit-integrated treatment methods
- Use of natural products rather than 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 have potential dangers, as well as their potential benefits. Incorrectly used, certain CAM therapies could cause serious harm and even death. Some have side effects, which should be balanced 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.
Can a holistic doctor prescribe medication?
Holistic medicine is founded on the principle that all diseases can be caused or exacerbated by a variety of factors.
This is a comprehensive approach to treating patients.
To understand how each factor affects a patient, a physician must understand modern science and traditional methods such as herbs and homeopathy.
Many doctors are certified in alternative and complementary medicine (C&A). This allows them offer a wide range of services to patients.
What’s the difference between alternative medicine or complementary medicine?
Alternative medicine refers to treatments not considered conventional by mainstream medical professionals but have been shown to provide benefits for certain conditions. These include homeopathy, acupuncture, aromatherapy and reflexology as well as traditional Chinese medicine (TCM), Ayurveda and naturopathy. Complementary medicines refer to those therapies which complement conventional treatment; they may be used alongside conventional medicine. These include dietary supplements such as vitamins, minerals, herbs, amino acids, enzymes, probiotics, and other natural substances.
Both forms of medicine may be used. However, most conventional doctors will not recommend them due either to insufficient evidence nor safety concerns.
There isn’t consensus among health-care providers on the best way to incorporate CAM into patient treatment.
Many CAM techniques are based in theories that have been around since thousands of years. Clinical trials conducted over the past two decades have shown that some of these treatments might be effective.
Numerous studies have shown that acupuncture can relieve pain. Similarly, preliminary data show that it may reduce nausea and vomiting associated with chemotherapy. Another study suggests that acupuncture can improve symptoms such as irritable intestinal syndrome, fibromyalgia chronic fatigue syndrome and multiple sclerosis.
Some CAM therapies may also be effective in the treatment of diseases like HIV/AIDS/Asthma, diabetes, heart disease (hypertension), Alzheimer’s and Parkinson’s diseases, as well as rheumatoid.
Although there is still much to learn about the effectiveness and safety of CAM, experts are unanimous in their belief that it can be used to treat various conditions.
As a result, CAM practitioners are becoming more popular as a way to treat common illnesses.
Despite this growing popularity, many people remain confused about what exactly constitutes “alternative” or “complementary” medicine.
What are alternative medicines?
Alternative medicine is any treatment that isn’t considered medically necessary to treat disease. These include traditional Chinese medicine, homeopathy, chiropractic, acupuncture, herbal medicines, nutritional therapy, and energy healing techniques such as reiki.
Alternative medicine may also include practices that are not supported by scientific evidence but have been used with great success in clinical practice. You can use meditation, hypnosis and yoga to achieve this.
Is holistic care the same thing?
Holistic Health Care is different from Alternative Medicine in that it treats the whole person and not the symptoms.
Holistic Health Care examines all aspects a person’s health including the mental, emotional, spiritual and occupational factors as well as family factors.
Alternative Medicine doesn’t address these issues. It is solely concerned with the body, mind, and emotions.
Is holistic medicine legitimate?
The answer is both yes and no. Yes. Numerous medicines have been found to be effective in treating various diseases. They won’t cure everyone. It depends on what you mean by “holistic.” It all depends on what you mean by “holistic.”
Some people claim that holistic medicine has been around since ancient times. This is false. Even though some healers from ancient Egypt, Greece, Rome and other countries used natural remedies, this was without any scientific knowledge.
It wasn’t until after the Middle Ages that medical doctors began to study anatomy. Most Western countries have developed public hospitals, where doctors can provide medical care, by the end of the 19th-century.
Conventional medicine is still the most popular form of healthcare today. Many people still prefer alternative and complementary medicine. Many people find that it works better than drugs.
Some people are more comfortable receiving massage therapy than taking tranquilizers. Others enjoy eating healthy foods instead of taking prescription medications. Others find that exercise is essential for peak performance.
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)
- 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)
- 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)
- 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)
- In the 17% in which they disagreed, a third reader agreed with one of the initial readers to set a rating. (en.wikipedia.org)
External Links
liebertpub.com
- Games for Health Journal – Mary Ann Liebert, Inc., publishers
- The Journal of Alternative and Complementary Medicine
cam.cancer.gov
ncbi.nlm.nih.gov
- BIOFEEDBACK TRAINING, TENSION-TYPEHEADACHE – 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 Shortcomings of Holistic Medicine.
Holistic medicine emphasizes mind, body, spirit, environment and social factors in healing. 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 such as meditation, visualization, and hypnosis. This therapy helped patients suffering from stress, anxiety and depression as well as pain, insomnia, and other ailments. This therapy is also helpful for patients who want to improve their lives and cope with their issues.
Although holistic therapies are still practiced today, they have lost popularity because of the lack of evidence supporting their effectiveness. Some studies show that holistic treatments can reduce symptoms such as arthritis, asthma, diabetes and heart disease.
Holistic medicine has both its strengths and its weaknesses.
- Lack of scientific evidence. There are very few well-designed randomized controlled trials (RCTs), that evaluate holistic therapies’ benefits. Positive results are the norm in most observational studies.
- Low cost compared to conventional medicine. Alternative medicines are more affordable than traditional medicine, especially if the patient follows natural eating habits.
- Patients are not under any pressure to adhere to the prescribed protocol.
- Many doctors recommend complementary treatments without prescribing them.
- Many holistic therapies can be used alongside conventional medicine. Acupuncture is often combined with medications or surgery.
- Alternative therapies are believed to be more effective than conventional medicine.
- Alternative medicines are considered more “natural” than conventional drugs.
- Many patients choose complementary treatments to enhance their lifestyle changes. They not only want to live a healthy life but also want to be happy.
- Patients who use holistic treatments are generally healthier.
- The popularity of holistic therapies is growing among seniors.
- More research needs to be conducted on complementary treatments.
- Studies show that most people prefer to try alternative treatments before going to a doctor.
- It is important for doctors to realize that not all patients will benefit equally from alternate treatments.
- Holistic therapies should be part our culture and education system.
- Holistic treatments are not always safe.
- So that patients can make informed decisions, we must be able to communicate with them about the various therapies.
- Holistic treatments aren’t only for hippies.
- Certain diseases cannot be treated by holistic methods.
- Holistic therapies can sometimes prove to be dangerous.
- For specific conditions, holistic treatments can be helpful.
- Holistic therapies are highly effective.
- Holistic treatments use ancient knowledge.
- Holistic treatments can be easy to learn.
- It is difficult to learn holistic treatments.
- Holistic treatments can be difficult to master.
- Holistic therapies are too expensive.
- Holistic treatments can be very costly.
- Holistic treatments are less expensive than conventional medicine.
- Holistic treatments are more expensive than conventional medicine.
****
A Brief History of Holistic Medicine
Holistic medicine focuses on the whole person and not just their symptoms. Holistic medicine includes all aspects of a person’s life, including their physical, emotional, psychological, spiritual, occupational and cultural influences. Prevention is better than treatment. It focuses on prevention and management of disease, such as diet, exercise, relaxation, stress management, and so forth.
Bastyr University was founded in Seattle, in 1972. After the 1996 publication of “Spontaneous Healing,” Dr. Andrew Weil’s book, holistic medicine began to take root. Dr. David Williams and Michael Murray established the American Holistic Medical Association (AHMA). There are hundreds of holistic medicine programs worldwide today, including Bastyr University (Columbia College of Physicians & Surgeons), Maharishi Ayurveda Institute and Pacific School of Oriental Medicine. Traditional Chinese Medicine is also available.
2013 was the year holistic medicine was declared one of the five main trends in healthcare by the World Health Organization. This trend is focused on integrating conventional care with complementary therapies such as acupuncture, homeopathy, herbalism, massage therapy, reiki, yoga, meditation, and tai chi. This integration is designed to deliver safe, effective, patient-centered healthcare while minimising side effects and costs.
Holistic medicine is based on the interconnectedness and harmony of the body, mind, spirit. Instability can result in illness if any of these parts is not in balance. For example:
You become tense and out of balance when your mind is stressed or anxious. Cortisol is a hormone which increases inflammation. This causes you to feel weak and tired.
If your emotions run high, you may experience negative feelings and thoughts like fear, anger, grief, or sadness. These feelings cause stress in your brain. If untreated, these stress hormones can trigger adrenaline and cortisol production. Adrenaline increases your heart rate, blood pressure, breathing rate, and heart rate. Cortisol affects your immune system, digestive tract, and nervous system. Both hormones can cause fatigue and muscle tension, headaches as well as dizziness.
A depressed spirit can lead to a loss of faith and hope. You might also experience low self-esteem, confidence, and lack of self-confidence. This could lead to unhealthy eating habits, low energy, and unhealthy relationships. Your spirit will make you feel happy, cheerful, peaceful, optimistic, and positive.
There are differences between alternative and traditional medicine.
Allopathic medicine is based upon the scientific method. Doctors use laboratory tests, x-rays, MRIs, CAT scans, and other technologies to diagnose patients. They prescribe medications for treatment and surgery when needed. Allopathic doctors believe they understand the human body, and can prescribe medications to treat ailments. Alternative medicine includes herbs, vitamins, minerals and exercise. It also includes spiritual healing, emotional support, and diet. There is no standard definition of 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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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: berci.mesko
Title: Top 40 Trends In Digital Health In One Complex Infographic
Sourced From: medicalfuturist.com/top-40-digital-health-trends-infographic
Published Date: Thu, 04 May 2023 08:00:00 +0000
Frequently Asked Questions
What are some of the benefits of complementary or alternative medicine?
People who feel they do not receive enough help from allopathic medicine may use complementary and alternative medicine (CAM). These include herbal medicines, mind-body therapies such as acupuncture, massage therapy, homeopathy, chiropractic care, traditional Chinese medicine, biofeedback, hypnosis, and spiritual healing. Because they are not compatible with conventional medicine’s treatment and diagnosis, CAM practitioners may use alternative treatments. Many CAM therapies incorporate elements from conventional medicine. For example, some forms of acupuncture are performed with needles, while others involve acupressure or moxibustion with heat.
Some CAM treatments can be used to relieve pain, anxiety, stress, relaxation, sleep disorders, or manage stress. They may also improve your general sense of well-being and reduce fatigue. Some CAM therapies target specific conditions, such fibromyalgia. Others CAM therapies could be simply enjoyable.
There is no definitive definition of CAM. However, most definitions include at a minimum one of the following:
- A holistic perspective that looks at the whole person, including body, mind as well as spirit and environment.
- The belief in mind-body interaction and influence
- An individual’s belief that illness is due to an imbalance in his/her environment.
- The whole person is treated, not just the symptoms
- Combination between Eastern philosophy and Western science
- Mind, body, and spirit-integrated treatment methods
- Use of natural products rather than 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 have potential dangers, as well as their potential benefits. Incorrectly used, certain CAM therapies could cause serious harm and even death. Some have side effects, which should be balanced 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.
Can a holistic doctor prescribe medication?
Holistic medicine is founded on the principle that all diseases can be caused or exacerbated by a variety of factors.
This is a comprehensive approach to treating patients.
To understand how each factor affects a patient, a physician must understand modern science and traditional methods such as herbs and homeopathy.
Many doctors are certified in alternative and complementary medicine (C&A). This allows them offer a wide range of services to patients.
What’s the difference between alternative medicine or complementary medicine?
Alternative medicine refers to treatments not considered conventional by mainstream medical professionals but have been shown to provide benefits for certain conditions. These include homeopathy, acupuncture, aromatherapy and reflexology as well as traditional Chinese medicine (TCM), Ayurveda and naturopathy. Complementary medicines refer to those therapies which complement conventional treatment; they may be used alongside conventional medicine. These include dietary supplements such as vitamins, minerals, herbs, amino acids, enzymes, probiotics, and other natural substances.
Both forms of medicine may be used. However, most conventional doctors will not recommend them due either to insufficient evidence nor safety concerns.
There isn’t consensus among health-care providers on the best way to incorporate CAM into patient treatment.
Many CAM techniques are based in theories that have been around since thousands of years. Clinical trials conducted over the past two decades have shown that some of these treatments might be effective.
Numerous studies have shown that acupuncture can relieve pain. Similarly, preliminary data show that it may reduce nausea and vomiting associated with chemotherapy. Another study suggests that acupuncture can improve symptoms such as irritable intestinal syndrome, fibromyalgia chronic fatigue syndrome and multiple sclerosis.
Some CAM therapies may also be effective in the treatment of diseases like HIV/AIDS/Asthma, diabetes, heart disease (hypertension), Alzheimer’s and Parkinson’s diseases, as well as rheumatoid.
Although there is still much to learn about the effectiveness and safety of CAM, experts are unanimous in their belief that it can be used to treat various conditions.
As a result, CAM practitioners are becoming more popular as a way to treat common illnesses.
Despite this growing popularity, many people remain confused about what exactly constitutes “alternative” or “complementary” medicine.
What are alternative medicines?
Alternative medicine is any treatment that isn’t considered medically necessary to treat disease. These include traditional Chinese medicine, homeopathy, chiropractic, acupuncture, herbal medicines, nutritional therapy, and energy healing techniques such as reiki.
Alternative medicine may also include practices that are not supported by scientific evidence but have been used with great success in clinical practice. You can use meditation, hypnosis and yoga to achieve this.
Is holistic care the same thing?
Holistic Health Care is different from Alternative Medicine in that it treats the whole person and not the symptoms.
Holistic Health Care examines all aspects a person’s health including the mental, emotional, spiritual and occupational factors as well as family factors.
Alternative Medicine doesn’t address these issues. It is solely concerned with the body, mind, and emotions.
Is holistic medicine legitimate?
The answer is both yes and no. Yes. Numerous medicines have been found to be effective in treating various diseases. They won’t cure everyone. It depends on what you mean by “holistic.” It all depends on what you mean by “holistic.”
Some people claim that holistic medicine has been around since ancient times. This is false. Even though some healers from ancient Egypt, Greece, Rome and other countries used natural remedies, this was without any scientific knowledge.
It wasn’t until after the Middle Ages that medical doctors began to study anatomy. Most Western countries have developed public hospitals, where doctors can provide medical care, by the end of the 19th-century.
Conventional medicine is still the most popular form of healthcare today. Many people still prefer alternative and complementary medicine. Many people find that it works better than drugs.
Some people are more comfortable receiving massage therapy than taking tranquilizers. Others enjoy eating healthy foods instead of taking prescription medications. Others find that exercise is essential for peak performance.
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)
- 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)
- 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)
- 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)
- In the 17% in which they disagreed, a third reader agreed with one of the initial readers to set a rating. (en.wikipedia.org)
External Links
liebertpub.com
- Games for Health Journal – Mary Ann Liebert, Inc., publishers
- The Journal of Alternative and Complementary Medicine
cam.cancer.gov
ncbi.nlm.nih.gov
- BIOFEEDBACK TRAINING, TENSION-TYPEHEADACHE – 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 Shortcomings of Holistic Medicine.
Holistic medicine emphasizes mind, body, spirit, environment and social factors in healing. 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 such as meditation, visualization, and hypnosis. This therapy helped patients suffering from stress, anxiety and depression as well as pain, insomnia, and other ailments. This therapy is also helpful for patients who want to improve their lives and cope with their issues.
Although holistic therapies are still practiced today, they have lost popularity because of the lack of evidence supporting their effectiveness. Some studies show that holistic treatments can reduce symptoms such as arthritis, asthma, diabetes and heart disease.
Holistic medicine has both its strengths and its weaknesses.
- Lack of scientific evidence. There are very few well-designed randomized controlled trials (RCTs), that evaluate holistic therapies’ benefits. Positive results are the norm in most observational studies.
- Low cost compared to conventional medicine. Alternative medicines are more affordable than traditional medicine, especially if the patient follows natural eating habits.
- Patients are not under any pressure to adhere to the prescribed protocol.
- Many doctors recommend complementary treatments without prescribing them.
- Many holistic therapies can be used alongside conventional medicine. Acupuncture is often combined with medications or surgery.
- Alternative therapies are believed to be more effective than conventional medicine.
- Alternative medicines are considered more “natural” than conventional drugs.
- Many patients choose complementary treatments to enhance their lifestyle changes. They not only want to live a healthy life but also want to be happy.
- Patients who use holistic treatments are generally healthier.
- The popularity of holistic therapies is growing among seniors.
- More research needs to be conducted on complementary treatments.
- Studies show that most people prefer to try alternative treatments before going to a doctor.
- It is important for doctors to realize that not all patients will benefit equally from alternate treatments.
- Holistic therapies should be part our culture and education system.
- Holistic treatments are not always safe.
- So that patients can make informed decisions, we must be able to communicate with them about the various therapies.
- Holistic treatments aren’t only for hippies.
- Certain diseases cannot be treated by holistic methods.
- Holistic therapies can sometimes prove to be dangerous.
- For specific conditions, holistic treatments can be helpful.
- Holistic therapies are highly effective.
- Holistic treatments use ancient knowledge.
- Holistic treatments can be easy to learn.
- It is difficult to learn holistic treatments.
- Holistic treatments can be difficult to master.
- Holistic therapies are too expensive.
- Holistic treatments can be very costly.
- Holistic treatments are less expensive than conventional medicine.
- Holistic treatments are more expensive than conventional medicine.
****
A Brief History of Holistic Medicine
Holistic medicine focuses on the whole person and not just their symptoms. Holistic medicine includes all aspects of a person’s life, including their physical, emotional, psychological, spiritual, occupational and cultural influences. Prevention is better than treatment. It focuses on prevention and management of disease, such as diet, exercise, relaxation, stress management, and so forth.
Bastyr University was founded in Seattle, in 1972. After the 1996 publication of “Spontaneous Healing,” Dr. Andrew Weil’s book, holistic medicine began to take root. Dr. David Williams and Michael Murray established the American Holistic Medical Association (AHMA). There are hundreds of holistic medicine programs worldwide today, including Bastyr University (Columbia College of Physicians & Surgeons), Maharishi Ayurveda Institute and Pacific School of Oriental Medicine. Traditional Chinese Medicine is also available.
2013 was the year holistic medicine was declared one of the five main trends in healthcare by the World Health Organization. This trend is focused on integrating conventional care with complementary therapies such as acupuncture, homeopathy, herbalism, massage therapy, reiki, yoga, meditation, and tai chi. This integration is designed to deliver safe, effective, patient-centered healthcare while minimising side effects and costs.
Holistic medicine is based on the interconnectedness and harmony of the body, mind, spirit. Instability can result in illness if any of these parts is not in balance. For example:
You become tense and out of balance when your mind is stressed or anxious. Cortisol is a hormone which increases inflammation. This causes you to feel weak and tired.
If your emotions run high, you may experience negative feelings and thoughts like fear, anger, grief, or sadness. These feelings cause stress in your brain. If untreated, these stress hormones can trigger adrenaline and cortisol production. Adrenaline increases your heart rate, blood pressure, breathing rate, and heart rate. Cortisol affects your immune system, digestive tract, and nervous system. Both hormones can cause fatigue and muscle tension, headaches as well as dizziness.
A depressed spirit can lead to a loss of faith and hope. You might also experience low self-esteem, confidence, and lack of self-confidence. This could lead to unhealthy eating habits, low energy, and unhealthy relationships. Your spirit will make you feel happy, cheerful, peaceful, optimistic, and positive.
There are differences between alternative and traditional medicine.
Allopathic medicine is based upon the scientific method. Doctors use laboratory tests, x-rays, MRIs, CAT scans, and other technologies to diagnose patients. They prescribe medications for treatment and surgery when needed. Allopathic doctors believe they understand the human body, and can prescribe medications to treat ailments. Alternative medicine includes herbs, vitamins, minerals and exercise. It also includes spiritual healing, emotional support, and diet. There is no standard definition of 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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