| MAIN
Health
Alternative
When East meets West in
modern medicine it can often be a source of controversy, but recent studies have
been turning up some very persuasive arguments for incorporating non-Western medicine
and holistic approaches with more traditional views. Non-drug
treatments are an important part of the debate.
The once
controversial use of herbs, vitamin
and mineral therapies, acupuncture,
and chiropractic or chiropathy are now more mainstream than
ever as consumers hear more about the sometimes harmful side-effects
of traditional drug treatments.
Constant
news about the "newly discovered" benefits of dietary supplements point
to a growing trend toward over-the-counter risk prevention and self-care. Scientific
research seems to back up claims of holistic medicine when to comes to supplements
such as
Many doctors
practicing standard western medicine are being converted to
the benefits of the holistic approach and discussing alternative
approaches and supplements with their patients.
More
time-tested cures from mother nature's kitchen:
Rashes
-
Mix oatmeal and water to create a poultice to ease the itch
of eczema, poison ivy, or other common rashes. It's an age-old
remedy, but the key to its effectiveness has only recently
been discovered in a key compound in oatmeal, avenanthramides,
which calms inflamed, itchy skin.
Burns
- Moisten the effected area with aloe vera gel which helps
protect the skin and ease inflamation which aids in healing.
Hangover
- Since alcohol depletes the body's store of B vitamins, a
B-complex
supplement before going to bed will help offset a morning
headache and nausea (see below). A large glass of water taken
with it helps to the body to rehydrate.
Nausea
- Ginger has been proven a very effective defense against
nausea and stomach upset, especially when used in its powdered
form and mixed with hot tea or cold drinks. No ginger in the
spice rack? Try ginger ale.
More
about alternative medicine around the Web:
Elsewhere
on the Web, keep informed at top sites offering information,
results of recent studies, news & updates on the alternative
approach to health & fitness ...
NCCAM
- The National Institutes of Health's National Center for Complementary and Alternative
Medicine has gathered an impressive array of articles, reports on research studies
and related links to help with information on herbs, vitamins, chiropractors,
acupuncture and related therapies. Alternative
Medicine Homepage - An online directory of information-rich pages including
links to clinical studies, lists of practitioners, international government sites
and related resources. American
Association of Naturopathic Physicians - Naturopathic physicians combine
respect for natural processes and products with more traditional Western training. Quackwatch
- Your alternative medicine safety net. Reviews alternative treatments with a
skeptical perspective, but will acknowledge if an herbal remedy, supplement or
treatment seems to work. The
American Botanical Council - ABC is a nonprofit group set up to "educate
the public, health care practitioners, media, and government agencies on the safe
and effective use of medicinal plants and phytomedicines." Also includes
the latest research reports on medicinal properties found in everyday herbs, fruits
and vegetables. The
Herb Research Foundation - This site focuses on medicinal use of herbs.
Their resources include a
botanical picture gallery, publications, herb safety reviews, and much more. Natural
Bloom Adventures in Holistic Health - An extensive list of alternative
therapies and treatments is explained by articles from experts and practitioners.
Forums and other interactive features add to the depth of the site.
also
see -> Alternative
Pain Remedies | Aromatherapy
Vitamins
& Minerals
Related
Chiff.com Feature Articles:
This information is intended
as reference and not as medical advice. All treatment decisions should be
made by medical professionals.
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