Introduction
During the fall and winter seasons, it’s important to take proactive measures to protect your health. While exposure to germs is inevitable, not everyone gets sick. The key lies in how well you stock your medicine cabinet. By ensuring that your immune system is well-nourished and equipped to handle challenges, you can stay healthy and recover quickly if you do fall ill. In this article, we’ll explore the essential items you should include in your winter medicine cabinet makeover.
Hygiene and Immune System
Good hygiene practices, such as regular hand-washing, play a crucial role in preventing the spread of germs. However, the strength of your immune system is equally important. A well-nourished and healthy immune system can withstand challenges and fight off illnesses effectively. To support your immune system, focus on increasing sleep, managing stress, and maintaining a healthy diet.
Increase Sleep, Reduce Stress
Adequate sleep and stress management are just as important as healthy eating when it comes to preventing the flu and other illnesses. Research shows that lack of sleep and increased stress contribute to illness and overall poor health. Here are some recommendations:
- Adults should aim for seven to nine hours of sleep each day, while children need eight to 14 hours, depending on their age.
- Healthy ways to cope with stress include activities like meditation, listening to music, or journaling.
- Engaging in physical activity can also help manage stress and reduce the risk of chronic diseases that can weaken the immune system.
While it’s best to obtain nutrients from food, certain herbal remedies can help fight colds or shorten their duration. However, it’s important to follow the proper guidelines when taking supplements or medications. Additionally, staying hydrated by drinking adequate fluids throughout the day is essential for overall health.
Tips for Organizing Your Medicine Cabinet
Before restocking your medicine cabinet, it’s important to take a few steps to ensure its efficiency and safety:
- Choose a cool, dry storage place for your medications and supplements. Avoid storing them in the bathroom, as humidity and warm temperatures can degrade the products.
- Check expiration dates and discard any expired products. Many pharmacies offer safe medication disposal services.
- If you have young children in the house, make sure to safely secure all medications and supplements by locking them in a high cabinet.
- Review all labels and remind yourself of any precautions. Pay attention to warnings on over-the-counter drugs regarding their use in individuals with serious medical conditions.
- Understand dosing instructions, especially for children. Some products are dosed based on weight or age, while others may not be safe for children.
Essentials for Your Medicine Cabinet Makeover
For Overall Wellness: Stock Up on Garlic
Garlic has been used since ancient times to ward off colds. While wearing it around your neck may not be necessary, supplementing your diet with fresh garlic or garlic extract can help keep germs at bay. When cooking with garlic, make sure to add it towards the end and chop it up thoroughly to release the active ingredient, allicin.
For the Common Cold: Black Elderberry
According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, the common cold causes 22 million school days to be lost annually in the United States. To boost your immune system and combat cold symptoms, consider black elderberry. It contains flavonoids called anthocyanins, which have a remarkable ability to stimulate the body’s immune system. Sambucol, the original black elderberry supplement, is a popular choice for natural immune support during cough and cold season. Sambucol Gummies, which are pectin-based and free of major allergens, are a great option for kids.
For Sore Throats: Soothing Remedies
Throat sprays containing Echinacea, sage, and peppermint can provide relief for sore throats. Additionally, buckwheat honey is known for its soothing properties and can help lubricate the throat. It contains antioxidants and nutrients that aid in healing. Buckwheat honey can be given to children aged one year and older and is readily available in most health food stores.
For Dry Skin: Moisturizing Tips
The fall and winter seasons can be harsh on the skin, leading to dryness. To combat this, consider applying a light layer of coconut oil after showering to trap moisture. Additionally, make sure to have fresh razor blades on hand to avoid causing small scrapes, and never run out of shaving cream or gel.
For Nausea and Upset Stomach: Ginger
Ginger is known for its anti-inflammatory properties and can help relieve motion sickness, dizziness, nausea, and gas. Gingerols, the potent anti-inflammatory compounds found in ginger, soothe the intestinal tract. You can find supplemental ginger in chewables and gummies at pharmacies and health food stores.
Conclusion
By stocking your medicine cabinet with essential items, you can effectively manage common health issues that arise during the fall and winter seasons. Remember to prioritize good hygiene practices, nourish your immune system, and stay prepared to keep yourself and your family healthy throughout the year.
Frequently Asked Questions
What does complementary medicine mean?
Complementary Medicine refers to any medical treatment that works in conjunction with mainstream medicine. This covers treatments like acupuncture, aromatherapy and chiropractic care, homeopathy or hypnosis as well massage therapy, naturopathy, reflexology and traditional Chinese medicine.
Complementary medicines are not used instead of conventional medicine but rather alongside it. Sometimes they’re called “alternative”, or “integrative”, because they combine Western scientific methods along with other therapies that have proven to be effective in healing people.
How safe is holistic medicine?
Holistic remedies are safe, as they are not dangerous drugs, but natural remedies for people who have used them for centuries.
They have been shown in many cases to treat conditions such as arthritis and chronic pain, asthma.
Millions of people across the globe who are suffering from different diseases use holistic medicines. They include homeopathy. It also includes chiropractic care. Herbal treatments. Massage therapy. Yoga. Meditation. Hypnosis. Nutrition. Counseling. Exercise. These therapies address the whole person instead of just the symptoms.
Where can I find more information about holistic medicine?
Holistic medicine is an approach to health care that focuses on treating the whole person rather than just focusing on one part of the body. Holistic medicine considers all aspects a patient’s lives, including their spiritual, emotional, and mental well-being.
Holistic medicine aims to treat the whole person, not just individual symptoms. Holistic medicine isn’t about curing a disease. It is all about healing.
Holistic medicine is a combination of preventive measures like exercise and nutrition, as well as treatments for chronic conditions like arthritis and diabetes.
There are many types of holistic medicine.
- Acupuncture
- Aromatherapy
- Ayurveda
- Chiropractic medicine
- Homeopathy
- Herbalism
- Naturopathy
- Nutrition
- Osteopathic medicine
- Vedic medicine
- Yoga
What are the 5 Alternative medical systems?
These five alternative medicine systems are Ayurveda (acupuncture), Ayurveda (homeopathy), energy healing, aromatherapy, and homeopathy.
Acupuncture involves inserting fine needles into specific points of the body to stimulate the flow (qi) of energy throughout the entire body.
Ayurvedic Medicine is an ancient system of health care based on balancing the three humors – air, fire, and water. It includes diet, exercise as well as herbal remedies, massage and meditation.
Homeopathic Medicine is derived from the Greek words homoios meaning similar and pathos meaning disease. Homeopaths believe in natural causes for all diseases, but not necessarily symptoms. They prescribe small doses of substances to treat symptoms similar to those that are experienced when a person is ill.
Energy Healing is also known by EFT, Rolfing (emotional touch), Reiki, Rolfing, Rolfing, Rolfing, Therapeutic Touch and many other names. This therapy is based upon the belief that all of us are connected to a universal force of life called Ki. If this Ki flows freely though us, it makes us feel well. Energy healers use touch and intention to help restore balance and harmony between our physical, emotional, mental and spiritual selves.
Aromatherapy uses essential oils extracted from plants for therapeutic purposes. Aromatherapists believe scents have the ability to affect mood and behavior. Lavender is the most popular essential oil used for aromatherapy.
What are the benefits of complementary and alternative medicine?
Complementary and Alternative Medicine (CAM) refers to medical practices that are used by patients who do not feel they are receiving adequate care from allopathic medicine. These include herbal medicines, mind and body therapies like acupuncture, massage, homeopathy or traditional Chinese medicine. 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. For example, some forms of acupuncture are performed with needles, while others involve acupressure or moxibustion with heat.
Some CAM therapies can help with anxiety, stress management, pain relief, relaxation, sleep disorders, insomnia, and stress management. These CAM therapies can also increase your overall well-being and decrease fatigue. Some CAM therapies treat specific conditions, such as fibromyalgia, chronic fatigue syndrome, irritable bowel syndrome, rheumatoid arthritis, cancer, and diabetes. Other CAM therapies may simply be enjoyable experiences.
Although there is no one definition of CAM, most definitions include at minimum one of these:
- A holistic perspective that looks at the whole person, including body, mind as well as spirit and environment.
- The belief that the mind and body interact and influence each other
- The belief that illness can be caused by an imbalance in the environment or between the individual and his/her environment
- Focus on the whole person and not just the symptoms.
- Combination Western science and Eastern philosophy
- Treatment methods that integrate mind, body, and spirit
- 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 have potential dangers, as well as their potential benefits. Misuse of CAM therapies can lead to serious injury or even death. Other therapies have potential side effects which must be considered against the perceived benefits. Discuss these concerns with your doctor before you decide to use any CAM.
What is the opposite of holistic medicine?
Holistic medicine, a method of health care, considers all aspects, including the spiritual, emotional, and environmental aspects. Holistic medicine is based on the idea that every illness has multiple causes. It requires a combination therapy to achieve maximum effectiveness.
Holistic medicine doctors believe that prevention is more effective than treatment. To help patients achieve optimal health, they work closely with them.
They identify the root causes of disease and help prevent it from happening again. Holistic physicians look at the whole person and not just the physical organs. They refer to the whole of being as “the entire body.”
This means that they look beyond the skin and treat the body holistically. The doctor may suggest changes to diet, lifestyle, and exercise. He may also recommend yoga and meditation, herbal supplements or massage, acupuncture treatment, or alternative medicine.
Why is holistic medicine so much better?
Holistic care addresses the whole person rather that individual symptoms. Holistic health care focuses on how people feel, how they eat, where they live and how stressed they are.
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.
Statistics
- category.[111]Edzard Ernst characterized the evidence for many alternative techniques as weak, nonexistent, or negative and in 2011, published his estimate that about 7.4% were based on “sound evidence.” However, he believes that may be an overestimate. (en.wikipedia.org)
- 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 the World Health Organization, 80% of people use herbal medicine worldwide. (webmd.com)
- 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)
External Links
liebertpub.com
- Games for Health Journal by Mary Ann Liebert, Inc., publishers
- The Journal of Alternative and Complementary Medicine.
ncbi.nlm.nih.gov
- BIOFEEDBACK TRAINING, TENSION-TYPEHEADACHE – PubMed
- PubMed: A Randomized Controlled Trial to Determine the Effects of Foot Reflexology on Depression and Hospital Anxiety in Older Females: A Randomized Controlled Study – PubMed
webmd.com
pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov
- A sociological perspective on the rise and fall of complementary and alternate medicine – PubMed
- PubMed: Holistic medicine – PubMed
How To
What are the Advances and Shortcomings of Holistic Medicine.
Holistic medicine is a form of holistic medicine that emphasizes the importance mind, body, spirit and environment in the healing process. The late 19th-century pioneer of holistic medicine was Dr. Edward Bach (1886-1936), the author of The Doctor’s Book of Mind Cure. He used simple techniques, such as visualization, meditation, and even hypnosis. People suffering from anxiety, depression and pain can benefit from this treatment. In addition, this kind of therapy helps patients cope with their problems and improve their quality of life.
Although holistic therapies have been around for a while, the lack of scientific evidence has made them less popular. However, studies show these treatments can help to relieve chronic conditions like diabetes, asthma, arthritis and other ailments.
Holistic medicine has both its strengths and its weaknesses.
- Insufficient scientific evidence. A few carefully designed, randomized controlled trials (RCTs), have evaluated the effectiveness of holistic therapies. Positive results are most common in observational studies.
- Comparable to traditional medicine, alternative medicines are less expensive. Alternative medicines are more affordable than traditional medicine, especially if the patient follows natural eating habits.
- Patients do not feel pressured to comply with the prescribed protocol.
- Many doctors will recommend complementary treatments, even if they are not prescribed.
- Holistic treatments are often combined with conventional medicine. Acupuncture is often combined with medications or surgery.
- Many people believe alternative therapies work better than traditional medicine.
- Alternative medicines can be considered 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 treatment patients are often healthier.
- An increasing number of older adults are turning to holistic treatment.
- Additional research is needed 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 treatment should be part and parcel of our culture as well as our education system.
- Holistic treatments may not be safe for all.
- We must learn how to teach patients about different therapies so that they can make informed decisions.
- Holistic treatments don’t just appeal to hippies.
- Certain diseases cannot be treated with holistic treatments.
- Sometimes holistic treatments can prove dangerous.
- For specific conditions, holistic treatments can be helpful.
- Holistic treatments work.
- Holistic treatments use ancient knowledge.
- It is easy to learn holistic treatments.
- Holistic treatments are difficult to learn.
- It is difficult to learn holistic treatments.
- Holistic therapies are too expensive.
- Holistic therapies can be expensive.
- Holistic treatment is less costly than conventional medicine.
- Holistic therapies are more costly than traditional medicine.
****
Holistic Medicine–A Brief Historical Overview
Holistic medicine focuses on the whole person and not just their symptoms. It includes physical, emotional, mental, social, spiritual, occupational, environmental, cultural, and lifestyle influences. Prevention is more important than treatment and it focuses on preventing disease through diet, exercise and relaxation.
Bastyr University in Seattle established the first holistic medical school 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 schools all over the world, including Bastyr University in Columbia, Columbia College of Physicians & Surgeons and Maharishi Ayurveda Institute.
In 2013, the World Health Organization declared holistic medicine one of the five major trends in healthcare. This trend focuses on integrating traditional care with complementary therapies like acupuncture, homeopathy and herbalism, massage therapy (reiki), yoga, meditation, and even tai-chi. This integration seeks to provide safe, efficient, patient-centered care, while minimizing side effects.
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. Let’s take, for instance:
You become tense and out of balance when your mind is stressed or anxious. Your body responds by producing cortisol, a hormone that increases inflammation throughout your body. You feel weak, tired, and sick as a result.
Anxiety and negative emotions can lead to anxiety, fear, grief, sadness, and other unpleasant feelings. These feelings cause stress in your brain. If left untreated, this stress causes your body to produce adrenaline and cortisol. Adrenaline can increase your heart rate and blood pressure as well as your breathing rate. Cortisol is a hormone that affects your immune, digestive, and nervous systems. Both hormones cause fatigue, muscle tension, headaches, dizziness, insomnia, anxiety, depression, and other health problems.
You can lose your faith and hope in life if you feel depressed. You may also lack self-esteem and confidence. This could result in poor eating habits, unhealthy relationships and low energy. You feel happy, joyful, peaceful, and optimistic when your spirit is healthy.
There are differences between alternative and traditional medicine.
Allopathic medicine is based on the scientific method. To diagnose patients, doctors use x-rays and MRIs as well as CAT scans and other technologies. If needed, they may prescribe medication or perform surgery. Allopathic doctors believe that they have a complete understanding of the human body and can treat any illnesses. Alternative medicine is based on herbs, vitamins and minerals, diet, exercise as well as emotional support and spiritual healing. There is no one standard definition for alternative medicine. Some people call it natural medicine, integrative medicine, and complementary medicine. Some refer to it as traditional, naturopathic, or 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: Winter Medicine Cabinet Essentials: Stock Up on Health
Sourced From: alternativemedicine.com/wellness/winter-medicine-cabinet-essentials/
Published Date: Mon, 27 Nov 2023 02:06:48 +0000
Frequently Asked Questions
What does complementary medicine mean?
Complementary Medicine refers to any medical treatment that works in conjunction with mainstream medicine. This covers treatments like acupuncture, aromatherapy and chiropractic care, homeopathy or hypnosis as well massage therapy, naturopathy, reflexology and traditional Chinese medicine.
Complementary medicines are not used instead of conventional medicine but rather alongside it. Sometimes they’re called “alternative”, or “integrative”, because they combine Western scientific methods along with other therapies that have proven to be effective in healing people.
How safe is holistic medicine?
Holistic remedies are safe, as they are not dangerous drugs, but natural remedies for people who have used them for centuries.
They have been shown in many cases to treat conditions such as arthritis and chronic pain, asthma.
Millions of people across the globe who are suffering from different diseases use holistic medicines. They include homeopathy. It also includes chiropractic care. Herbal treatments. Massage therapy. Yoga. Meditation. Hypnosis. Nutrition. Counseling. Exercise. These therapies address the whole person instead of just the symptoms.
Where can I find more information about holistic medicine?
Holistic medicine is an approach to health care that focuses on treating the whole person rather than just focusing on one part of the body. Holistic medicine considers all aspects a patient’s lives, including their spiritual, emotional, and mental well-being.
Holistic medicine aims to treat the whole person, not just individual symptoms. Holistic medicine isn’t about curing a disease. It is all about healing.
Holistic medicine is a combination of preventive measures like exercise and nutrition, as well as treatments for chronic conditions like arthritis and diabetes.
There are many types of holistic medicine.
- Acupuncture
- Aromatherapy
- Ayurveda
- Chiropractic medicine
- Homeopathy
- Herbalism
- Naturopathy
- Nutrition
- Osteopathic medicine
- Vedic medicine
- Yoga
What are the 5 Alternative medical systems?
These five alternative medicine systems are Ayurveda (acupuncture), Ayurveda (homeopathy), energy healing, aromatherapy, and homeopathy.
Acupuncture involves inserting fine needles into specific points of the body to stimulate the flow (qi) of energy throughout the entire body.
Ayurvedic Medicine is an ancient system of health care based on balancing the three humors – air, fire, and water. It includes diet, exercise as well as herbal remedies, massage and meditation.
Homeopathic Medicine is derived from the Greek words homoios meaning similar and pathos meaning disease. Homeopaths believe in natural causes for all diseases, but not necessarily symptoms. They prescribe small doses of substances to treat symptoms similar to those that are experienced when a person is ill.
Energy Healing is also known by EFT, Rolfing (emotional touch), Reiki, Rolfing, Rolfing, Rolfing, Therapeutic Touch and many other names. This therapy is based upon the belief that all of us are connected to a universal force of life called Ki. If this Ki flows freely though us, it makes us feel well. Energy healers use touch and intention to help restore balance and harmony between our physical, emotional, mental and spiritual selves.
Aromatherapy uses essential oils extracted from plants for therapeutic purposes. Aromatherapists believe scents have the ability to affect mood and behavior. Lavender is the most popular essential oil used for aromatherapy.
What are the benefits of complementary and alternative medicine?
Complementary and Alternative Medicine (CAM) refers to medical practices that are used by patients who do not feel they are receiving adequate care from allopathic medicine. These include herbal medicines, mind and body therapies like acupuncture, massage, homeopathy or traditional Chinese medicine. 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. For example, some forms of acupuncture are performed with needles, while others involve acupressure or moxibustion with heat.
Some CAM therapies can help with anxiety, stress management, pain relief, relaxation, sleep disorders, insomnia, and stress management. These CAM therapies can also increase your overall well-being and decrease fatigue. Some CAM therapies treat specific conditions, such as fibromyalgia, chronic fatigue syndrome, irritable bowel syndrome, rheumatoid arthritis, cancer, and diabetes. Other CAM therapies may simply be enjoyable experiences.
Although there is no one definition of CAM, most definitions include at minimum one of these:
- A holistic perspective that looks at the whole person, including body, mind as well as spirit and environment.
- The belief that the mind and body interact and influence each other
- The belief that illness can be caused by an imbalance in the environment or between the individual and his/her environment
- Focus on the whole person and not just the symptoms.
- Combination Western science and Eastern philosophy
- Treatment methods that integrate mind, body, and spirit
- 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 have potential dangers, as well as their potential benefits. Misuse of CAM therapies can lead to serious injury or even death. Other therapies have potential side effects which must be considered against the perceived benefits. Discuss these concerns with your doctor before you decide to use any CAM.
What is the opposite of holistic medicine?
Holistic medicine, a method of health care, considers all aspects, including the spiritual, emotional, and environmental aspects. Holistic medicine is based on the idea that every illness has multiple causes. It requires a combination therapy to achieve maximum effectiveness.
Holistic medicine doctors believe that prevention is more effective than treatment. To help patients achieve optimal health, they work closely with them.
They identify the root causes of disease and help prevent it from happening again. Holistic physicians look at the whole person and not just the physical organs. They refer to the whole of being as “the entire body.”
This means that they look beyond the skin and treat the body holistically. The doctor may suggest changes to diet, lifestyle, and exercise. He may also recommend yoga and meditation, herbal supplements or massage, acupuncture treatment, or alternative medicine.
Why is holistic medicine so much better?
Holistic care addresses the whole person rather that individual symptoms. Holistic health care focuses on how people feel, how they eat, where they live and how stressed they are.
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.
Statistics
- category.[111]Edzard Ernst characterized the evidence for many alternative techniques as weak, nonexistent, or negative and in 2011, published his estimate that about 7.4% were based on “sound evidence.” However, he believes that may be an overestimate. (en.wikipedia.org)
- 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 the World Health Organization, 80% of people use herbal medicine worldwide. (webmd.com)
- 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)
External Links
liebertpub.com
- Games for Health Journal by Mary Ann Liebert, Inc., publishers
- The Journal of Alternative and Complementary Medicine.
ncbi.nlm.nih.gov
- BIOFEEDBACK TRAINING, TENSION-TYPEHEADACHE – PubMed
- PubMed: A Randomized Controlled Trial to Determine the Effects of Foot Reflexology on Depression and Hospital Anxiety in Older Females: A Randomized Controlled Study – PubMed
webmd.com
pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov
- A sociological perspective on the rise and fall of complementary and alternate medicine – PubMed
- PubMed: Holistic medicine – PubMed
How To
What are the Advances and Shortcomings of Holistic Medicine.
Holistic medicine is a form of holistic medicine that emphasizes the importance mind, body, spirit and environment in the healing process. The late 19th-century pioneer of holistic medicine was Dr. Edward Bach (1886-1936), the author of The Doctor’s Book of Mind Cure. He used simple techniques, such as visualization, meditation, and even hypnosis. People suffering from anxiety, depression and pain can benefit from this treatment. In addition, this kind of therapy helps patients cope with their problems and improve their quality of life.
Although holistic therapies have been around for a while, the lack of scientific evidence has made them less popular. However, studies show these treatments can help to relieve chronic conditions like diabetes, asthma, arthritis and other ailments.
Holistic medicine has both its strengths and its weaknesses.
- Insufficient scientific evidence. A few carefully designed, randomized controlled trials (RCTs), have evaluated the effectiveness of holistic therapies. Positive results are most common in observational studies.
- Comparable to traditional medicine, alternative medicines are less expensive. Alternative medicines are more affordable than traditional medicine, especially if the patient follows natural eating habits.
- Patients do not feel pressured to comply with the prescribed protocol.
- Many doctors will recommend complementary treatments, even if they are not prescribed.
- Holistic treatments are often combined with conventional medicine. Acupuncture is often combined with medications or surgery.
- Many people believe alternative therapies work better than traditional medicine.
- Alternative medicines can be considered 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 treatment patients are often healthier.
- An increasing number of older adults are turning to holistic treatment.
- Additional research is needed 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 treatment should be part and parcel of our culture as well as our education system.
- Holistic treatments may not be safe for all.
- We must learn how to teach patients about different therapies so that they can make informed decisions.
- Holistic treatments don’t just appeal to hippies.
- Certain diseases cannot be treated with holistic treatments.
- Sometimes holistic treatments can prove dangerous.
- For specific conditions, holistic treatments can be helpful.
- Holistic treatments work.
- Holistic treatments use ancient knowledge.
- It is easy to learn holistic treatments.
- Holistic treatments are difficult to learn.
- It is difficult to learn holistic treatments.
- Holistic therapies are too expensive.
- Holistic therapies can be expensive.
- Holistic treatment is less costly than conventional medicine.
- Holistic therapies are more costly than traditional medicine.
****
Holistic Medicine–A Brief Historical Overview
Holistic medicine focuses on the whole person and not just their symptoms. It includes physical, emotional, mental, social, spiritual, occupational, environmental, cultural, and lifestyle influences. Prevention is more important than treatment and it focuses on preventing disease through diet, exercise and relaxation.
Bastyr University in Seattle established the first holistic medical school 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 schools all over the world, including Bastyr University in Columbia, Columbia College of Physicians & Surgeons and Maharishi Ayurveda Institute.
In 2013, the World Health Organization declared holistic medicine one of the five major trends in healthcare. This trend focuses on integrating traditional care with complementary therapies like acupuncture, homeopathy and herbalism, massage therapy (reiki), yoga, meditation, and even tai-chi. This integration seeks to provide safe, efficient, patient-centered care, while minimizing side effects.
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. Let’s take, for instance:
You become tense and out of balance when your mind is stressed or anxious. Your body responds by producing cortisol, a hormone that increases inflammation throughout your body. You feel weak, tired, and sick as a result.
Anxiety and negative emotions can lead to anxiety, fear, grief, sadness, and other unpleasant feelings. These feelings cause stress in your brain. If left untreated, this stress causes your body to produce adrenaline and cortisol. Adrenaline can increase your heart rate and blood pressure as well as your breathing rate. Cortisol is a hormone that affects your immune, digestive, and nervous systems. Both hormones cause fatigue, muscle tension, headaches, dizziness, insomnia, anxiety, depression, and other health problems.
You can lose your faith and hope in life if you feel depressed. You may also lack self-esteem and confidence. This could result in poor eating habits, unhealthy relationships and low energy. You feel happy, joyful, peaceful, and optimistic when your spirit is healthy.
There are differences between alternative and traditional medicine.
Allopathic medicine is based on the scientific method. To diagnose patients, doctors use x-rays and MRIs as well as CAT scans and other technologies. If needed, they may prescribe medication or perform surgery. Allopathic doctors believe that they have a complete understanding of the human body and can treat any illnesses. Alternative medicine is based on herbs, vitamins and minerals, diet, exercise as well as emotional support and spiritual healing. There is no one standard definition for alternative medicine. Some people call it natural medicine, integrative medicine, and complementary medicine. Some refer to it as traditional, naturopathic, or CAM.
