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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Understanding Acupuncture as an Alternative Treatment

Understanding Acupuncture as an Alternative Treatment

Originally practiced in Chinese Medicine for many years, acupuncture is regarded as an alternative medical therapy that involves the use of needles in order to stimulate very specific points on your body. Each of these points is said to be connected with meridians, which are specific pathways within the body that are responsible for carrying your vital energy throughout your body.

According to theories regarding acupuncture, it is blockages in your natural flow of energy or “chi” that disrupt your well being and lead to become ill. It is believed that when you stimulate these acupuncture points, blockages can be cleared up that will allow you to return to a healthier and more vital state. Because this type of practice involves needles, it is vitally essential that you only allow a licensed practitioner to practice acupuncture on your body, and that you never do it to your own self.

Acupuncture is commonly used for treating pain, and pain complaints and musculoskeletal complaints actually account for as many as seven of the top ten different conditions that individuals use acupuncture for. According to the National Center of Complementary and Alternative Medicine, acupuncture is appearing to be a truly promising alternative for people with a wide variety of different pain conditions, but it is apparent that further research is going to be needed before any conclusions can be drawn about how effective acupuncture actually is for these conditions.

Acupuncture is commonly used for migraines and regular headaches, arthritis conditions and lower back pain. Acupuncture has also been recommended for people that are suffering from carpal tunnel syndrome, people that have severe menstrual cramps and people that have TMJ which is also known as temporomandibular joint dysfunction. There are a number of other ailments as well that acupuncture may be capable of treating, but the official word is still out as people try to understand how acupuncture can impact the flow of energy in the body, and the health of the body accordingly.

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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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Alternative Medicines and Therapies: Polarity Therapy

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Created in the 1940s by Randolph Stone polarity therapy is an alternative medicine practice that is based in the belief that the humans produce a field of energy that flows from the universe into the body through chakras (force centers of the body).

Polarity therapists seek to restore the balance of energy in the body through touch, verbal interaction, a healthy diet and exercise. As therapists restore the original state of this invisible energy field, then the body is said to go back to its original state of complete health and wellness. People have pain and get sick because their energy field are either out of balance or being blocked in some way.

Those who practice polarity therapy believe that everyone expresses electromagnetic patterns through mental, emotional and physical experiences. These energy fields are expressed in three ways:

• Currents that are long and run north and south through the body,
• Currents that run east and west through the body, and
• Currents that start at the belly button and spiral outward through the body.

While science shows that the world is full of energy fields and currents, there is nothing to scientifically back-up the belief that the human body has an energy field that can be manipulated and adjusted. Evidence from studies is anecdotal at best in most cases, and nothing has been conclusive.

Still, polarity therapists hold that the body has a natural means of maintaining its own health and keeping the body’s energy field free of blockages or fixation will allow the body to function at optimal capacity.

If you’re interested in the alternative medicine of polarity therapy, then make sure that the polarity practitioner you see is at least registered with the American Polarity Therapy Association so that you know they are fully versed in the belief system and practices.

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Alternative Medicines and Therapies: Kampo

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Kampo is the Japanese form of Traditional Chinese Medicine, or, rather, the study and adaptation of the same. Japan was exposed to Traditional Chinese Medicine between the 1600 and 1800s, adhering to some practices like acupuncture and moxibustion, but adapting most of the practices to the Japanese culture.

The main focus of Kampo is the use of herbs as a means of treating and curing ailments, pain and disease. As a basis of comparison, the use of herbs in the United States are seen as dietary supplements – almost like another form of food. Under the alternative medical practice of Kampo, however, the Japanese view herbs in the same since that Americans view pharmaceuticals – as a means of treating and curing disease.

In fact, herbal remedies are regulated throughout the nation. While there are several manufacturers of Kampo medicines throughout the nation, each of them produce the exact same combination of herbs for each medicine, adhering to strict regulations set forth by the Ministry of Health, Labor and Welfare.

Additionally, the national health plan in Japan provides every citizen with access to herbal medicines under the Kampo practice, with currently near 150 Kampo medicines approved by the Ministry of Health for reimbursement. A nationwide survey conducted in 2000 showed that 72 percent of registered Japanese physicians prescribed Kampo medications to their patients.

Among some of the herbal remedies used is the Agaricus blazei mushroom, predominate among cancer patients, which is also the most popular per a 2001 report stating that nearly 500,000 people were or had used the medicine.

The practices of Kampo are fairly unknown to the western world, since they have only come to light in recent years. Those who do practice Kampo in the United States are likely to be acupuncturists, practitioners of Chinese medicine and others utilizing alternative medicines. Currently, Honso USA, Inc. is the only U.S. manufacturer of Kampo herbal medications.

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Alternative Medicine and Therapies: Naturopathy

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Naturopathy is based firmly in the belief that the body’s natural ability to heal and maintain a healthy condition can be enhanced with the use of nothing more than natural remedies. It is an all encompassing term for a variety of natural healing treatments, including acupuncture and homeopathy.

The term naturopathy became popular in the late 19th century when “the father of naturopathy,  Benedict Lust, became a well-known advocate. The holistic health movement of the 1970s made the naturopathy popular in the United States and Canada.

The healing power of nature is the underlying element of all forms of naturopathy. Many licensed primary care physicians within the United States are also licensed as naturopathy physicians, combining treatment recommendations for illnesses of both pharmaceutical and natural elements.

Unlike most alternative medical approaches, there are accredited schools that offer degrees in the field. A doctor trained in naturopathy within the United States or Canada will have the designation Naturopathic Doctor (ND) or Naturopathic Medical Doctor (NMD) following his or her name. The four year education program must include the study of basic medical sciences, natural remedies, pharmacology and even minor surgery.

Methods used in naturopathy are minimally invasive, which means treatments like radiation, drugs created by man (synthetic) or major surgery are avoided as much as possible. In fact, most naturopathic treatments emphasize stress reduction, a healthy diet/lifestyle and exercise as the core of any healing regimen.

There are six core values that make up the practice of naturopathy, which include:

1. Provide the most effective treatment with the least risk; do not harm.
2. Recognize, promote and respect the body’s natural power to heal.
3. Don’t treat just the symptoms, but find the cause of the illness and remove it.
4. Educate on and promote the benefits of a healthy lifestyle.
5. Treat the person as a whole, considering all health factors and bodily influences.
6. In addition to physical factors during the treatment process, consider a person’s environment.

With the continued increase in health care costs, many patients are first turning to less expensive alternatives, which has resulted in an increased interest in naturopathy.

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Alternative Medicines and Therapies: Ear Candling

Ear Candling 2
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Ear candling is definitely one of those alternative medical practices that is surrounded by controversy. Just the name brings a number of questions to mind, namely, “What in the world…?

Also known as ear coning and thermal-auricular therapy, ear candling is believed to improve someone’s health by drawing toxins out of the body. The patient lies on one side of their body and the practitioner lights a hollow candle and place the unlit end inside the ear canal, with a protective layer (such as an aluminum pan) keeping melted wax from dripping on the patient.

Throughout the process the wick is cut back regularly to reduce the size of the flame. As the candle burns, it is said to create negative pressure, dragging toxins and earwax out of the body through the ear canal. In fact, one might open up the hollow candle to find a variety of material within the candle body. The candle is blown out approximately two to four inches from the patient’s body, with the whole session lasting anywhere from 15 minutes to an hour.

Ear candling is often offered at spas as a part of a massage package and overall body rejuvenating process. Many claim the procedure to be very effective, especially in relieve fluid build-up (often caused by a cold or allergies) within the ear. Some even claim to have relief from tinnitus (ringing in the ears).

The procedure is highly controversial, with doctors and researchers believing it to be ineffective and somewhat dangerous, with reported cases of candle wax getting back into the ear causing pain and damage. Additionally, studies have shown that the residue inside the candle following the procedure is nothing more than remnants from the candle burning, and not anything that came from inside the ear canal.

In 2008, the health editor for MSNBC, Linda Dahlstrom, underwent an ear candling procedure. She claimed that the atmosphere was relaxing. While no harm was done, Dahlstrom noted no changes in her health and, after talking to experts about its effectiveness, stated that she wouldn’t recommend the procedure.

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Benefits of Chinese Medicine

Chinese traditional medicine includes a variety of treatment methods such as acupuncture, dietary therapy and herbal medicine that are used for treating health problems. It includes massage techniques such as Tui Na and Shiatsu through which various ailments can be brought to normal levels.

The philosophy behind Chinese Medicine is that the human body is made up of a set of systems that are interconnected with one another. Chinese medical practitioners akin the human body to the universe and state that it is ruled by yin and yang energies. Their view of disease or illness is that it arises out of the malfunctioning of interconnected body systems or simply put – an imbalance in yin and yang forces. It is only when there is harmony between these two life forces that a person’s qi or vitality is maintained and they enjoy good health. There are five critical elements in the human body and Chinese medicine aims to balance these elements to heal the body of its various illnesses.

Chinese health medicine is useful for treating a variety of health problems. Here is a look at the conditions that it can treat:

Respiratory problems such as chronic cough, perennial rhinitis, asthma, bronchitis and sinusitis

Gastro-intestinal problems such as chronic constipation, irritable bowel syndrome and ulcerative colitis

Rheumatological problems and urinary problems

Psychological problems such as depression, anxiety and so on

In the west, Chinese alternative medicine is viewed as alternative form of therapy, but in China it is used alongside modern medicine. Its popularity has risen over the years, owing to the fact that it does not cause any side effects since it does not make use of any harmful chemicals. Those who have undergone treatment feel re-energized and vitalized. It has shown positive results for problems such as asthma, bronchitis, arthritis, gastro-intestinal diseases and so on.

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Chinese Alternative Medicine Offers Complete Cure

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Many people are seen to opt for alternative medicines now-a-days because it does not give the kind of side effects experienced with chemical-based drugs. It includes a wide range of practices such as massage therapy, chiropractic, naturopathy, acupuncture, herbal medicine, acupuncture, and naturopathy.

Alternative health medicine has been used to treat a variety of illnesses such as bad breath, insomnia, heart disease, allergies, depression, skin problem, gastrointestinal problems, arthritis and much more. Though in the west, alternate medicine is not used in general hospitals in China, Chinese Medicine in the form of herbal treatment methods or acupuncture is used alongside modern medicines.

Chinese Alternative Medicine is based on the philosophy of yin and yang energies, which must be in the right balance for the body to function normally. The oldest book on Chinese medicine Shen Nong’s Herbal Classic, extensively describes the use of various forms of herbs for treating various health complications. It indicates the use of 365 different species of roots, stones, woods, grass, fur and also animals for curing diseases.

A diagnosis of a problem is based on observation of symptoms rather than the use of laboratory tests. There are four types of observation methods used and these include general observance of sickness symptoms, finding out background of the patient, hearing the patient and also smelling their body odor and finally touching them to understand their body strength and area of ailment.

Chinese alternate treatment methods are extensive. It encompasses auriculotherapy, acupuncture, cupping, moxibustion, Qigong, Tui na and much more. The form of treatment chosen depends on the illnesses and careful observation of what is necessary to cure the problem. It takes a good Chinese alternate medical practitioner a lot of years to understand various health problems and treatment methods and become fully accomplished in handling the treatment process. Today, it is favored by many because they find that it provides effective treatment, without causing undue side effects.

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How can Chinese Health Medicine Offer Treatment

There are so many forms of treatment available today, that at times, one feels lost on what really works. Where modern medicine fails to show positive results and cure, alternate therapy is viewed as the best option. One alternative therapy form that is widely popular now-a-days is Chinese medicine. Chinese health medicine is quite popular all over the world.

Chinese alternative medicine is based on some ancient healing practices that focus on curing illness by restoring the body’s normal energy flow or chi. This allows the body to heal itself in time. A well-known Chinese treatment form is Acupuncture. According to the Chinese treatment philosophy, the body is made up of channels of energy, called meridians. These channels flow through the body and enable the body to perform its various functions. Illnesses are caused when there is an obstruction in them as this causes energy deficiencies, and problem with blood flow and nervous pulses.

In Acupuncture, needles are inserted at certain precise points of the body. These points are located near the skin surface and when acupuncture needles pierce through them, they penetrate skin layer to touch energy channels and this process alters the biochemical and physiological conditions that enable to achieve required effect in healing the body. Heat is also applied alongside for the purpose of healing.

Acupuncture can cure problems such as back pain, arthritis, infertility and P.M.S.

As part of the acupuncture process, the needles stimulate various types of sensory receptors that send impulses to the brain’s hypothalamic-pituitary system which is responsible for sending neurotransmitters and endorphins. Endorphins play a critical role in functioning of the body’s hormonal system. The kinds of substances that are released by using acupuncture enable the whole body to relax and this is one of the main reasons why it is used for treating depression.

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