Popular Alternative Medical Careers

Basic Acupuncture.

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The Alternative Medicine Sourcebook describes “alternative medicine” as healing practices that do “not fall within the realm of conventional medicine.” Critics claim that the effectiveness of alternative medicine is negligible, but many turn to it as a practical treatment for their ailments, often in conjunction with conventional medicine. Business is good, and practitioners are in demand. Here are a few fields that those interested in alternative medicine careers can pursue.

  • Acupuncture: Acupuncture treats patients via the insertion or manipulation of needles in the body. The ancient practice originated in China and is used to relieve pain, promote health, and some claim that it can prevent disease and improve fertility.
  • Chiropractics: This field of alternative medicine focuses on diagnosing and treating disorders of the musculoskeletal system. Treatments involve manual therapy of joints or of the spine and certain exercises.
  • Iridology: This somewhat controversial alternative medicine involves diagnosing physical ailments by thoroughly examining the eye. Treatments then generally include homeopathy or herbal medication.
  • Naturopathy: Naturopathy involves encouraging the body’s natural ability to heal and not relying on surgery or medication. Treatments include, but are not limited to, acupuncture, massage, kinesiology, iridology, enemas, vitamins, and a variety of other therapies.

Those interested in careers in medicine alternatives generally need some sort of specific education or training. This can be gained from classes, study, apprenticing or through specialized institutions like chiropractic schools. A lot of people are either wary of chemicals or in favor of more natural treatments and will need professionals in the field of alternative medicine to help them.

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What is Acupressure?

What is Acupressure?

A common practice in alternative medicine is known as acupressure. Acupressure is defined as being the application of the hands or the fingers to the body, creating pressure on the body. These specific points on the body, which are commonly referred to as acupoints by many acupressure practitioners, lie along meridians which are perceived to be invisible lines made up of flowing energy in the body.

Acupressure comes from traditional Chinese medicine. In traditional medicine, the stimulation of these points using acupuncture or acupressure has been thought to restore the proper flow of energy in the body, known as Qi, as well as to treat a number of specific conditions and ailments including headaches, nausea and muscle tension.

Acupressure can either be done on your own self or performed by a practitioner, typically a licensed acupuncturist. There are a number of different acupressure points, but one of the most common ones is known as PC6, and it is located just on the inside of your wrist. Another can be found in the skin between the thumb and the forefinger, and it is believed that placing pressure here for a period of time can relieve nausea as well as chronic headaches.

Acupressure is not for everyone, but if you have a chronic condition and you are looking for a non-conventional way to treat it, then you should consider that alternative medicine practices such as acupressure and acupuncture have shown themselves to be capable of helping in certain situations. Work with a licensed acupuncturist when determining whether or not this type of therapy can benefit you.

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Why are Prescription Drugs Cheaper in Canada?

If you go online, you probably see advertisements for lower-priced prescription drugs from Canada. When you do some “comparison shopping” using Canada 411 resources for your information, you most likely notice a difference, and you may wonder why this is.

There are a number of reasons why prescription drugs are cheaper in Canada. One of the differences is the difference in the economies. If prescription drugs weren’t cheaper, the people in Canada couldn’t afford to buy them.

Canada 411 can give you more information on the differences in their Gross Domestic Product and the U. S. Gross Domestic Product. Prices for other goods besides prescription drugs also tend to be cheaper in Canada. Automobile prices are one example of this. The fact that it’s cheaper to make products in Canada can also account for the lower prices of prescription drugs.

These are just a few reasons why prescription drug prices are lower in Canada. Again, if the difference is rather large, then people in the U. S. may be inclined to either visit Canada if they live close enough to do so, or order their prescription drugs online to take advantage of the cheaper prices.

Canada also has access to Asian and alternative medicines, and some people may use Asian practices such as acupuncture, acupressure, and other alternative medicines considered to be homeopathic; that is, using naturally-occurring drugs in small enough doses to be safe (St. John’s Wart for depression and black cohosh for symptoms of menopause are two examples of homeopathic medications) in conjunction with their prescriptions.

This may allow them to get better results from the prescription medication or even reduce the amount of prescription medication they need. Americans can take advantage of Asian and alternative medicines and treatments available in Canada as well as saving money on prescription drugs. Canada 411 can provide information on places where Asian and alternative medicines and treatments can be obtained.

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Understanding Aromatherapy and Essential Oils

Tea Tree Oil

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Understanding Aromatherapy and Essential Oils

In the alternative medicine known as aromatherapy, specific plants known as essential oils are utilized in order to promote healing and to stimulate well being. If you are suffering from any of a number of different conditions, then the odds are good that aromatherapy may be able to have some kind of an impact. Aromatherapy is often incorporated into other therapies, such as massage for example, because you can apply the essential oils into the skin by way of a carrier oil. Aromatherapy oils can also be inhaled using an aromatherapy diffuser or something similar for example.

You can think of essential oils as being a highly potent substance containing all of the aromatic compounds from within a plant. These oils are capable of being extracted from a wide variety of different parts of the plant, including the roots, the leaves and the flowers.

There are a wide variety of different types of aromatherapy practices and essential oils. Some of these essential oils are more advantageous than others in delivering the results that they are meant to. Five essential oils that have been proven to be successful include lemon, lavender, tea tree, rosemary and peppermint.

Breathing in lemon can improve your mood significantly according to a study from 2008. Lavender is believed to have sedative properties, and so it can relieve insomnia and anxiety according to a number of different studies. Tea tree oil has been used in folk medicine for many years for burns, cuts, infections and a number of other skin conditions and it is recommended for use in pets as well as people. Rosemary has a scent that can help you relieve stress because it decreases cortisol levels. Peppermint on the other hand can help to relieve irritable bowel and when breathed in can relieve tension headaches and improve energy. These are all basic essential oils and herbs that can have a profoundly positive impact when you use them properly from day to day.

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Chinese Herbs – Cordyceps

Cordyceps is a mushroom that grows on the backs of caterpillars in the Northern Chinese Plateaus. Chinese studies and extensive research has found that the cordyceps to be among the most effective and potent revitalizing and health herbs in existence. However, there is a great deal of skepticism revolving around these claims due to the fact very little research has been done on it abroad, and American researchers are just getting their hands on this prospective wonder herb. However, Chinese findings are extremely exciting.

After making its way to the Western world, research has been strenuously conducted on the cordyceps, and thus far, many claims from the preceding Chinese studies hold true. Some of the more important findings include that the cordyceps: helps to improve the function of the liver, lungs and kidneys, improve the intake of oxygen for patients who have breathing disorders or lung infections, maximize muscle repair and enhancement, neutralize erectile dysfunction as well as reinforce the immune system. Thus far, the findings have been extremely promising, and research will continue at the excited and rapid pace in which it is currently being carried out.

Due to the current findings of the cordyceps in the important ailments and body health attributes it assists in, it is very difficult to find the herb; and if you can find it, it tends to be extremely expensive due to the difficulty of cultivating it in the wild. Currently, there are unique cultivating methods being conducted in growing the herb in fungus form on the surface of soybeans. Once this cultivation method is complete, it will be much easier to obtain. However, as more results from research is released in terms of just what this wonder herb is capable of, the price may very well continue to rise despite the ease of finding it.

Filed Under: Chinese Medicine, Herbal Tagged With: ,

Curing Acne Naturally

Acne is a problem that affects thousands of people on an annual basis. While in fact this problem tends to be associated more so with teens over other age demographics, it is something that can affect people of all ages, and last throughout a lifetime. Whether a teen has minor outbreaks randomly during the school year and is embarrassed by the blemishes, or a middle aged professional has underlying skin issues as a result, acne is an ailment that can be a big problem when left prolonged.

There are a great deal of treatments available to help in the fight against acne. Popular products that are topical and or ingested can be effective at neutralizing the infections, however, they also come hand in hand with a slew side effects, some of which can be particularly brutal and lead to further problems. As a result of this fact, many people who suffer from acne by no surprise tend to seek alternative solutions before resorting to the more mainstream products.

Fortunately, there are natural, and less extensive ways to help in the fight against acne. Acne is a mixture of many things, some of which include chemical imbalances and toxins within the body. There are newly released and widely accepted treatments that focus on the cause of the problem and help eliminate the toxins through various diet changes and or lifestyle changes. These types of treatments are particularly effective because they are not simply treating the symptoms that come with acne, they are aiming to eliminate the problem completely starting with the root.

In all, the battle against acne is an ongoing battle that can be difficult. However, advances in medicine, and particularly alternative medicines that focus on natural remedies for such ailments will definitely pose as useful tools to help make the battle a bit easier to deal with.

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Chinese Medicine – Herbal Healing

Over the past few years, there have been many advances in the world of medicine; from the seemingly brutal solutions to ailments that were implemented in the middle ages, to the innovative and technological cures being studied today. In conjunction with these leaps and bounds in medicinal advanements, a great deal of emphasis has also been put on natural remedies that exist in nature; as a result of this, Chinese medicine that incorporates herbs has been shoved into the lime light. Herbs that have existed for millions of years, and have been used in the Chinese culture for centuries are now being studied extensively as prospective counter agents to major health provlems including memory loss, chronic energy loss, heart attacks, strokes and obesity.

Ephedra

This herb has played a vital role in the Chinese culture for centures as a weight loss and health sustaining herb. Once it’s potential was discovered, companies in the United States began to distribute this herb as a weight loss solution, delivering it in high doses. As a result of this poor planning and practice, this important herb has recieved a bad reputation initially. However, with proper research and implementation, ephedra is a powerful supplement to utilize for weight loss.

Ginseng

Ginseng is widely known in the United States. This fantastic herb is used as a natural source of energy; as such, there are numerous products on the market today that incorporate this herb. Additionally, this herb is used to boost neurological health and treat conditions pertaining to the nervous system.

Ginkgo Biloba

Ginkgo biloba is an herb that has existed for hundreds of millions of years. Extracted from leaves of ginkgo trees, this increasingly important herb is being studied closely in Europe and the United States for it’s wide array of healing properties. Among the most important of these properties includes vast improvements to mental health and prospective potential in assisting in the decline of mental health as a result of age.

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Curing Acne The Chinese Way

Acne is widely considered a scourge of the teen years, but some people suffer from it all their lives. Nearly 80% of teenagers have acne in some form or severity, while older acne victims face periodic outbreaks. It is well known that acne is a skin condition characterized by the abnormal functioning of oil glands in the skin. Sebum is prevented from travelling up the hair follicle, and accumulates to form a breeding ground for bacteria. Causes range from heredity to environmental conditions to medications and food habits.

Modern medicine has a variety of treatments for acne, including topical ointments, antibiotics, accutane, corticosteroids, and dermabrasion. Some of these treatments can have severe side effects, and even create new problems of their own. Antibiotics can hinder the effect of other medications, and cause digestive disorders. Accutane is a very controversial mode of treatment, especially for women, since it contributes quite significantly to fetal malformations. Corticosteroids can suppress the immune system and trigger a number of allergies in the user.

Quite understandably, many acne sufferers look for alternative options and health medicines or systems to cure their condition. Traditional Chinese medicine has emerged as a popular choice of treatment for acne. As with all other ailments, Chinese medicine views acne as the result of an internal imbalance. Acne is seen as the outcome of excess heat and toxins in the body, and Chinese therapy tries to cure it by reducing the heat and eliminating toxins.

Treatment is characterized by the search for an underlying factor, as Chinese medicine aims to control the root cause and not the external outcome. Practitioners prescribe herbal medicines in custom doses via pills, tinctures, herbal teas, and powders. This is often supplemented by a controlled diet that aims to eliminate excess heat from the body by cooling the blood. Foods like watermelon, cherries, lettuce, squash, and cabbage are a good supplement to acne medication. When taken in correct doses under supervision, Chinese medicines have virtually no side effects.

Chinese medicine is a good option for anybody seeking a lasting cure from acne, since it promotes a healthy change in lifestyle and food habits.

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Finding the Right Chinese Medicine Practitioner

Making the choice of switching to an alternative medical system is tough; finding the right practitioner who’ll make that choice pay off is even tougher. The limited availability and lack of general awareness is a big deterrent for people who would otherwise gladly try traditional Chinese medicine. Chinese treatments have gained popularity over time as more than just temporary health medicines, but choosing the right doctor is still a big hurdle for many.

How should one go about picking the right Chinese medical doctor? Many American cities have large Chinese populations, so major urban areas are a good starting point for your search. Ensure that the place is at a convenient distance, since most Chinese therapies involve multiple sessions with the doctor.

The next step is to check with the relevant medical associations and councils for a list of accredited, qualified medical practitioners. In case you’re on an insurance plan that reimburses traditional Chinese and herbal treatments, you must cross-check with the insurer’s list of approved doctors to narrow down the list. The best way to vet this list is to call around for referrals, rates, and wait times. Better still, check with friends or relatives who have tried Chinese therapy before to get their opinion.

It is important to remember that the cheapest practitioner is not necessarily the best. Chinese treatments often cost much less than Western ones, but sometimes cheap rates mean that treatments will be done in group sessions. Not only is this incorrect, you would also run the risks of poor hygiene and haste. Another check would be to ensure that the Chinese practitioner is conversant in your language.

Finally, if you’re undergoing Chinese treatment to complement your original therapy, make sure that both your allopathic and Chinese medicine doctors are aware of the medications you take. Some herbal remedies are extremely potent, but capable of side effects if taken with other medicines.

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Chinese Medicine Diagnosis: Tales Your Tongue Tells

“Show me your tongue” is a phrase anybody who has ever visited a physician would have heard. In traditional Chinese medicine however, your doctor would give more than just a passing glance to your tongue. To them, the tongue is seen as a vital indicator of your state of health.Elizabeth tongue

Western science and most health medicines view the tongue primarily as an organ for taste, and occasionally check it to detect symptoms of an already suspected illness. In Chinese medicine, a tongue diagnosis may just end up being used as an alternative to the traditional ‘physical’. The tongue is believed to represent imbalances in the body, and the diagnosis is made by checking the color, coating, and edges of the tongue.

The color of the tongue is the first and most easily visible characteristic. Pink suggests normal health, while red and its deeper shades point to excess heat in the body. Purplish hues are indicative of stagnation, or circulatory issues. A pale tongue, on the other hand, shows that body is not warm enough.

The coating of the tongue is the next important feature. Dirty white to yellowish coatings are a symptom of excess heat in the body. It could be temporary due to an illness or even a hot meal. Extreme cases can point to individual organs that need to cool in order to restore balance in the body. The evenness and consistency of the coating also indicates the adequacy and functioning of digestive juices. Spots and cracks on the surface are other features that are considered for a diagnosis.

If your tongue is hammer-shaped or swollen, it is indicative of a more serious internal disorder. Tongues that are flaccid, with teeth marks along the side are said to show the lack of Chi energy in the body. This causes limpness, or excess dampness and edema.

The science behind a tongue diagnosis is far too extensive to be covered in a single article. But a good physician can unearth many significant findings about your body and its health by looking at the condition of your tongue.

Filed Under: Chinese Medicine, Healthy Tips
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