Ordinary warts can be cured using home remedies. There are a lot of household items that you could use as an effective home remedy for wart. Here are a few home remedy for wart that might work for you. Just be sure to get your doctor's advice should come first. Don't play with fire unless you want to get burned.

One of the most effective, albeit quaint home remedy for wart is the use of duct tape. Formally known as duct tape occlusion therapy, what this home remedy apparently does is irritate the area affected by the wart and forces your immune system respond and attack the wart and the Human Papillomavirus (that causes warts to grow). To apply this home remedy for wart, place a piece of duct tape (or medical tape, as an alternative), covering the wart. Do this regularly, for a week or so.

Some home remedy for wart may require you use medical techniques using homemade items or over the counter medication. Two of the most effective surgical procedures to kill and clear away your warts are cryosurgery and cauterization. Cryosurgery involves freezing the area affected by the wart and destroy the infected cells. Cauterization, on the other hand burns, or cauterizes, the wart and the infection.

Cryo kits are available over the counter, or you can make one yourself. Get a can of compressed air, turn it upside down and use it to freeze the soft end of a cotton swab, or a piece of cotton. This will take only five or six seconds for the cotton swab to freeze. After freezing the swab, place it directly on the wart for up to seven seconds only. You will feel a kind of numbness and prickling, so be careful. Do this for a several times a day, for up to two to three weeks. Between treatments, keep the affected area clean and dry. You can try this cryo therapy easily, but never ever try duplicating cauterization as a home remedy for wart growth. Try using salicylic acid and silver nitrate-based medications, instead of DIY-ing a cauterizing home remedy for wart growth. They act in the same way by burning and killing the wart growth.

There are also home remedy for warts that would require you to use common kitchen and household things. Bruised garlic, banana skin, and unskinned potatoes may be used. Simply place pieces of these items directly on top of the wart and hold it in place with duct tape or medical tape. Vinegar, hot water and washing liquid, or salt, are useable items for home remedy for wart problems as well. Instructions for any of these home remedies may differ with individual use.

Determine how long you must use a particular home remedy for wart. And because these home remedies often work differently for different people, get advice as to how you long you should apply the particular home remedy you are using. Some household remedies are potentially dangerous. Garlic can burn the skin around the affected area if left for too long. Incense is sometimes used in Asian countries to burn off warts. If you're using the wrong kind of salicylic acid solution, get ready to dial 911.

Home remedies for warts may be effective but these may also have its dangers and risks. Some home remedies can be very painful, and could lead to infection and permanent scarring. Because there are no laboratory tests made to support most household remedies, it is difficult to know whether the warts disappear because the remedies work, or if they disappear because your own immune system is more than capable of killing the wart and fighting off the Human Papillomavirus (HPV).

Another thing you should consider when using home remedy for wart is that these remedies may easily clear them off but there is no guarantee that it won't grow back. Your immune system is your best home remedy for wart growth and viral attack. So while you're continuing treatment with your preferred home remedy, maintain healthy body and a strong immune system. This is THE best and most effective home remedy for wart problems.

More Home Remedies Articles

Technorati Tags: guide, Home, problems, remedy, Using, Wart

Image via Wikipedia

Regular medicine does have a range of treatments for depression. Not everyone believes in them though. There are people who choose to disagree with the kind of approach that treating with chemicals takes. For these people, there is a full spectrum of alternative medicine depression treatments available -  right from herbs like St. John's Wort to methods that are right out there like art therapy. Why do people try to use these when there are so many easily available standard antidepressants available?  Often, it's just because people find that antidepressants, no matter how many they try, just don't work for them. These alternative methods may not work for most people either - but they really are well worth a try.

Let's start with one of the most dependable alternative medicine depression treatments available - the herb St. John's Wort. If you were in Europe, you would need a doctor's prescription to come by any of this stuff (but they do freely sell weed). In America, it's just seen to be a harmless herb and you can get it at any drugstore or general department store. It isn't expensive either - no more than perhaps £12 a package. St. John's Wort isn't that outside of the mainstream either. In Europe, it really is nearly mainstream, so widely is it used. The best thing about it is that it doesn't come with any of the side effects that regular antidepressants come with - it doesn't make you sleepy for instance. Of course, it doesn't work for everyone (just the same as with any expensive approved antidepressant). You could try this for a while to see how it goes. Just make sure that you don't use this alongside of regular mainstream net send if your doctor prescribes.

Did you ever consider the possibility that light could be your ally in your fight against depression? They call it light therapy, and they use it to treat seasonal affective disorder. That's the kind of depression you get when it's constantly raining or when it's constantly in snowing outside in the depths of winter. Light therapy involves treating you with the  full spectrum of light colours so that you may finally cheer up. And for some people, it actually works.

If that seems a little far out, how about art therapy? No, this isn't where they show you art to convince you that life is beautiful. They give you a blank canvas and sign you up for art school. Expressing yourself is supposed to be a great way to feel better about yourself and about life. It actually works out pretty well with some people who are inclined that way. If you don't see yourself with a paintbrush, this last alternative medicine depression treatment may be for you - yoga. The theory goes that the structure offered by exercise gives you mind a reason to hope for better things. And when you actually to get down to exercising, your body releases endorphins that brighten you up. It will certainly work with people who aren't terribly depressed and can at least get out of bed.

Technorati Tags: alternative medicine, depression treatment

consumers should know that herbal remedies is a alternative medicien obtained from plants and their extracts. Mostly herbal remedies having the usage for the treatment of illness and diseases. Herbal remedies too show their importance in the treatment of psychological problems in human life. Herbal remedies conveys the massage of getting relief through various herbs. People can collect or have herbs from home or can shared from their neighbours. There are large proportions of herbal remedies present in various soruces such as in plant leaves, bark, berries, flowers, and roots etc. Herbal remedies are famous across the globe inthe communities of people. In united states people are quite conscious about the usage of herbal remedies as showing their interest to understand the concept of herbal remedies.

People should collect knowledge from books and magazines for making the best usages of herbal remedies in their life. Nothing is wrong in using but over dose leads to side effects. So consumers should be careful while dealing with herbs and its remedies available as herbal remedies. mostly people prefer herbal remedies seeing its long time benefits along with not having any side effects. People can find herbal remedies in sources like herbs, spices, condiments, vegetables, and fruits and also aids in overcoming day to day wounds, burns and scratches.

Now modern medicines do making the usages of herbal remedies to hype their products among the consumers . Now neem form of toothpaste is prudent available in the market. In this way herbal remedies are widely used across the globe seeing its benefits in human life. Most of the creams , lotions, powders, and supplements all are having the sources of herbal remedies in them before getting launched in the market. Previously the true producer of herbal remedies in the form of all these products were himalaya only. After seeing its market outcome other leading and branded companies too do not hesitated in using herbal remedies as a source for enhancing their market value. So consumers should think and read about the effects and benefits of such herbal remedies before opting as a usage on the body.

Technorati Tags: about, Herbal, know, more, Remedies

The history of alternative medicine is a rather interesting one, and has its
origins in traditional methods of medicine. Alternative medicine has been
in existence since time immemorial. Being a primeval science, this medicinal
system has been known to man since the early days of his time on Earth. Using
natural ingredients to prevent and cure most illnesses has perhaps been man’s greatest foray into medical science. Traditional medical practitioners aimed at prevention of diseases associated with an increase in resistance of the human body. As an expert rightly pointed out, “The study of the history of alternative medicine is fascinating on a variety of levels, not just concerning other and often better ways of preserving and restoring health.”

Practised for thousands of years, alternative medicine includes systems like
Acupuncture, Ayurveda and traditional Asian medicine. Alternative medicine branches
out from the Complementary and Alternative Medicine (CAM) treatments and
therapies. CAM is often combined with formal, conventional medicine, integrating
both medical practices, in order to give the best results to patients. It can be said that
the earlier methods of medicine were attempted at achieving a balance between bodily
and natural energy. Energies were sought as positive and negative energies, where
positive energies were to bring in happiness and health and negative energies an
incapacitation of resistance to face any ailments. Matters of utmost importance in
deciding therapies or treatments in these earlier medical systems were factors like
one’s lifestyle, one’s habits of eating and one’s occupational pressures.

The earliest use of traditional remedies dates back to 2800 BC in China.
Practised all over the world in more than a hundred disciplines, alternative medicine
has aided medical tourism in an unprecedented manner. Using alternative medicine
and following alternative medical practices not only removes any possible additional
affects of the illness but also increases the resilience of the body. It is generally
claimed that natural remedies are not only less inimical to human physiology
but they also help in retaining body pliancy. Systems of natural, traditional
medicines use a combination of ingredients to restore the bodily constituents. In
fact, natural remedies are considered more as food, given their natural constituents.
Since alternative medicine is based on completely natural methods and there is
no usage of any chemicals, there is no danger of any interference with the organic
system. A holistic approach as opposed to looking at a set of symptoms and a
treatment that delves into the root-cause of an illness are some of the distinct and
highly acknowledged features of alternative medicine. It is also opined that
widespread use of modern medicine has deteriorated the immune system in the
human physiology and has resulted in these modern medicines becoming less
effective. It is also often said that alternative medicine is the only way to cure
some incurable diseases.

A Brief History of Alternative Medicine

The history of alternative medicine can be traced back to some 5000 years, when the Chinese and Indians discovered traditional and Ayurvedic therapies to heal the body and the mind. The real objective was to identify the deterrents in the body system which caused ailments, and
strengthened the body’s immunity. The therapies mainly incorporated self-care, lifestyle
changes and various preventive measures. The normal practices that were followed in the early stages of the history of alternative medicine include the extractions of the bark of willow trees. Many kitchen ingredients were also used for treating patients. The treatments were considered as the blessings of God, as it brought immense relief to the writhing bodies and prayer was considered as one of the strongest weapons in waging war against ailments.
Source: “A Brief History of Alternative Medicine”, http://www.med-help.net/med-history-of-alternativemedicine.
html

Alternative Medicine and Medical Tourism

Today, alternative medicine holds out immense potential in attracting medical
tourists. For example, India is likely to become a major hub for medical tourism,
with revenues from the industry estimated to grow from US3 million in 2007
to US.2 billion by 2012, says a study by the Confederation of Indian Industry
(CII) and McKinsey.3 The major competitive advantages that India faces are cost
effectiveness and traditional medical systems like Ayurveda and Naturopathy.
The world has witnessed the development of many traditional as well as modern
systems of medicine in the 20th century. Path-breaking discoveries like penicillin,
technological advancements in modern surgery, major research advancement in stem
cell research and genetic structure, and the development of traditional medical systems
like traditional Chinese system of medicine, Acupuncture, Osteopathy, Homeopathy,
Ayurveda, Yoga, Unani and others have all been a part of developments in the
omnipotent territory of global medicine. The major competitive advantages that India
has are cost effectiveness and traditional medical systems like Ayurveda and Naturopathy.
The last few years have seen countries with their own individual expertise attracting
tourists from all over the world and promoting medical tourism like never before.

India

In India, medical tourism in alternative medicine has its ancestry in South India
and some places in North-Eastern India. Internationally famed for its natural remedies and therapies, Kerala’s schools of medicine have embraced Siddha,
Naturopathy and Ayurveda in treating their patients. These traditional medical
practices are estimated to attract high-end medical tourists from Europe and
Middle Eastern countries. The vital advantages that a country like India faces
with regard to medical tourism are its traditional therapies like yoga and Ayurveda
combined with tourist attractions in states like Kerala and north-eastern states.
Naturopathy, a therapeutic system based on natural remedies, trusts natural
elements like air, water and sunlight, combined with therapeutic massages and
conditioning and toning of the human body. Naturopathy believes that the human
body has the capacity to heal on its own, provided it is in a healthy environment.
With a holistic approach to well-being, Naturopathy believes that the three
physical entities – the physical body, the supernatural soul and the mind – must
be integrated through natural energies. “A recent survey shows that 76% of global
drugs are consumed by USA and European countries. We believe that freedom
from diseases and drugs can only be achieved by living a natural life style.”4
Ayurveda, the most ancient health care system, takes its ingredients from nature.
The use of herbs, materials like gold and mercury and many household ingredients
make this science easily accessible to common man. Ayurveda claims to cure diseases
like diabetes with the aid of nature. The Siddha medical system, which is a part of
Ayurveda, employs herbs, minerals and advanced scientific techniques under ancient
principles of medical science to cure many chronic diseases. It is named as one of
the most complicated and intricate forms of medicine. Siddha considers nature
and man as one essential entity. It claims that physiological characteristics like
human aging can itself be arrested with natural remedies.

Naturopathy has evolved medical tourism in India in more than one ways.
With its systems of medication using all natural ingredients to restore the holistic
disease-fighting nature of the human body, the medicine has created increased
chances of its own survival through tourists from all parts of the world visiting
India to reap its benefits. As Vitthal Kamat of the Kamat Group of Hotels says,
“With Naturopathy and Ayurveda along with the world renowned tourist attractions
and heritage places, the tourism sector can grow in leaps and bounds.”5 Naturopathy
in “KayaKalp”, a naturopathy centre in Himachal Pradesh, run by the Vivekananda Medical Research Trust in India has served medical tourists in detoxifying, immunizing and rejuvenating through Yoga, Pranayama, Panchkarma, Meditation and Naturopathy. Its therapies are claimed to be drug-less and extremely natural. Naturopathy takes the help of Ayurvedic preparations for healing processes like Panchkarma and improvement of blood circulation.

India’s pioneer in alternative therapy – medical tourism, Kerala, has visitors
from all over the world in the months of June, July and August. These months are
looked upon as the best period for cure of bodily ailments through Ayurveda.
High quality medical facilities provided at low prices are the main tourist attraction
in Kerala. Mr. M Narayanan, head of Poovar Island Resort says that there are
tourists from countries like Australia, Europe and Germany. The packages offered
in these Ayurvedic spas include services like Ayurvedic oil massages, powder
massages, vegetarian diets, detoxification programs and a lifestyle change. In fact
it is little known that Ayurveda includes not just massages, but a whole gamut of
services like herbal and natural diet plans, natural healing therapies, and therefore
a full-fledged medical system.

Ayurveda Gram, a unique Ayurvedic Institution in Bangalore offers Ayurveda
in its wellness form to medical tourists. It offers services like Customized Yoga,
Pranayama, Meditation, and a vegetarian diet to boost metabolism. Its sprawling
campus full of medicinal herbs and natural surrounds helps in the processes of
cure for specific ailments like Arthiritis, Spondilytis, Cholesterol, Sinusitis, Peptic
Ulcer and Obesity. Other therapies by Ayurveda Gram include Stress Management
therapies, Panchkarma and rejuvenation therapies.

AYUSH, the department of Ayurveda, Yoga and Naturopathy, Unani, Siddha
and Homeopathy was formed under the Indian Medicine Central Council Act,
1970. One of the most recent awareness activities undertaken by AYUSH was a
health fair organized in parts of Hyderabad, Chennai, Indore and New Delhi.
AYUSH ensured that the major Ayurvedic, Unani and Siddha manufacturers in
India participated in this health fair.

Another famous Ayurvedic centre in India is the C V N Kalari Centre for
Ayurveda. Kalari is one of the approved Ayurvedic centres recognized by the
Kerala Tourism Department.6 Kalari has its customers from many foreign countries. The centre specializes in Marma Chikitsa (the application of pressure on specific
nerve points) and other special practices of healing. Having both therapeutic and
rejuvenative aspects in them, these specialized healing procedures take extensive help
of Ayurveda to treat the ailing.
Some Ayurvedic resorts have formulated Ayurvedic kitchens that help improve
the effectiveness of oil treatments. Diet regimens, detoxification programs and other
processes that give a glowing skin to the customer are very popular. Some of these
Ayurvedic resorts also arrange for cooking classes to help their customers acquire
and maintain the lifestyle that they are introduced to in these spas and resorts.
Ananda, an Ayurvedic Spa in the Himalayas is one of the most famous destination
resorts in India. It offers specialty Ayurvedic packages like Aroma therapy massages,
reflexology programs for rejuvenation, stress release programs, personalized Yoga
sessions, body composition analysis and weight reduction programs through Yoga
and Ayurveda. Ananda claims that its packages and therapies cure many ailments
like headaches, nausea, climatic disorders, facial paralysis, insomnia, asthma, neuralgia
and does general improvement of metabolism.

China

The 3000 year-old method of traditional medicine in China has gained popularity
as the world’s most popular medicine, being used by more than a quarter of the
world in treating even chronic diseases like cancer, AIDS, allergies and heart diseases.
Traditional Chinese Medicine (TCM) uses medicinal herbs, therapeutic exercises
and acupuncture to cure ailments. TCM diagnoses illnesses based on the five elements
theory and the yin-yang theory. The five elements theory base their evaluation on the
five elements – wood, fire, earth, metal and water to establish a connection between
human physiology and pathology and the natural environment.7 The movement of
these five elements constantly rules the functioning of the human body and thus
establishes the interdependence of both.

The yin-yang theory calls for comprehending the bright and dark sides of
the universe, in other words, the opposite properties of the universe.8 The relative
nature of yin and yang represents the interrelationship between substance and function. As traditional chinese medical practitioners say “Only with ample
substance can the human body function in a healthy way; and only when the
functional processes are in good condition, can the essential substances be
appropriately refreshed.”

Chinese herbal medicine is more known as Chinese materia medica. This includes
Chinese crude medicine, prepared drugs in pieces, traditional Chinese patented
medicines and simplified Chinese medicinal preparations. Chinese herbology, a major
aspect of TCM addresses the art of combining medicinal herbs.10 It visualizes the
entire human body’s balance of energies and spirit to treat a medical condition.
Herbs are combined into different potions of various characteristics for the sake of
different individuals being treated by TCM practitioners. Herbs like Astragalus,
Ginkgo, Ginger, Green Tea, Siberian Ginseng and Garlic are used to treat several
ailments. Around 300 mineral and animal extracts and 400 formulae are used to
cure diseases, in Traditional Chinese Medicine.

Acupuncture, as part of TCM is used to unblock the flow of vital energy through
the human body.11 One of the oldest healing techniques in the world, this traditional
method aims at “restoring health through simulation of specific points on the body.”12
Ailments like nausea, addictions and some kinds of pains are claimed to be treated
with the help of acupuncture.

Taking advantage of its abundant human resources, China is luring medical tourists
into its web of alternative medical therapies. Wellness packages in China come at
low costs and without any side-effects, thanks to proliferated Traditional Chinese
Medicine. Several massages and spas have been set up in recent times that provide
mental health and physical well-being to medical tourists with the help of Chinese
medicinal herbs. Wellness apartments are established for the purpose of serving
senior medical tourists. These wellness apartments facilitate these tourists in
practising their own hobbies and also conducting medical activities like Taiji.

Germany

Germany’s alternative medical practices have their origins in Homeopathy, a
medical system that was developed by Samuel Hahnemann, a German physician.
Homeopathy considers symptoms as disturbances of vital forces that have
connection with the human body. Homeopathic advocators believe that this
medical system has the ability to cure acute diseases like flu, cold, pains, depression
and fatigue, constipation, irritability other than chronic diseases. It is claimed to
cure allergies and allergic disorders like Eczema and Asthma. Moreover, this
medical system is child friendly, in the sense, that the medication given by
homeopaths is sweet to the tooth and therefore acceptable. Homeopaths are known
for debonair and their hands free treatment of patients. They concentrate more
on the patient’s state of mind and attitude towards life. The preparation of different
potions in Homeopathy is done mostly with the help of herbs, minerals and
animal extracts. Also, it is often reasoned that since the dosage that homeopaths
prescribe is in such minute constitutions and because they come in dilutions of
substances like water and alcohol there is no chance of any side-effects.
Germany also stands famous for its herbal remedies. Regulated by Commission
E14 on the purity and pharmaceutical activity, these herbal medicines in Germany
have come a long way in preventing and curing many diseases like cancer, AIDS and
other serious ailments. Most physicians in Germany are required to be educated in
Alternative therapies, so that it serves complimentary to modern medical treatments.
As Mark Blumenthal, chairman of the American Botanical Council points out, “Most
of the clinical research that’s conducted on the leading herbal medicines in the United
States comes from Germany.”15

With more than 300 spa towns, Germany has become the premier destination
for health and wellness in Europe.16 One of the most famous resorts in Germany
is the Baltic Spa Resort in Warnemunde. Situated on the shore of the Baltic Sea,
it idealizes the sea as a “homeopathic pharmacy” and claims that “it contains all
important trace elements and has a similar composition to human blood”17 Sea water is said to have revitalizing effects in treating bodily ailments like respiratory
illnesses, sleep disorders and obesity. Other than these, mental disorders like
depression, anxiety and agony are claimed to be cured with the help of the sea.
Sea breeze is said to be specifically effective in treating cardio-vascular as well as
dermatological conditions. Major advantages that Germany faces are in terms of
both cost and quality. As Axel Steller, the CEO of the Arab German Health
Foundation points out, “In the US, operations are four to five times more expensive
as they are in Germany”.

Japan

Japanese medicine is known as Kanpo or Kampo, a herbal medicine that forms part
of well-researched modern clinical methods and also traditional methods of
medicine. A Japanese variant of the traditional Chinese medicine or the Oriental
medicine, Kanpo adheres to the body’s natural instincts and natural mechanism
of healing. For this purpose, medical treatment involves diagnosis of the tongue,
abdomen and pulse. At each stage of the treatment, different formulae that are
necessary to bring the body back to normalcy, are prepared by the physician.
These herbal medicines are regulated by the Japanese Government. Kanpo
medicine is used to cure many acute and chronic ailments like cardio-vascular,
respiratory, digestive, reproductive and dermatological conditions and immune
system corrections and even disorders like bedwetting, high cholesterol and
hepatitis. Though Kanpo therapies take longer than usual to work, this medical
system uses some very natural diagnosis and treatment methods and concepts
like water, blood and air to identify bodily symptoms. Also, it is claimed that
these herbal medicines produce no side-effects because of their natural
compositions. Japanese therapists of Anma visit countries like India and Singapore
to help in promotion of health tourism. Anma, a traditional Japanese massage, is
said to be a complete form of Shiastu19 that treats the body to release blood flow
in a proper manner to rejuvenate the body.

Apart from attracting tourists for its natural herbal medical treatments, Medical
tourism in Japan has become popular thanks to its volcanic areas that have allowed
the formation of some hot mineral water springs called Onsen. Japanese Onsen serve as places where the ailing can get alternative treatments to modern medical
practices. These have medicinal properties that heal wounds, alleviate pains and
replenish energy levels. Senior tourists and people suffering from many kinds of
aches and pains come flocking to these mineral water springs. The healing
properties of these springs are accentuated by the surrounding volcanic soil that
is composed of many minerals and curative elements.

Outlook of Medical Tourism in Alternative Medicine

Alternative medicine is here to stay, claim some traditional medical practitioners.
Given its perceived advantages over the modern medical techniques and the expensive
western medicines, alternative medical therapy is gaining ground in many developing
as well as developed countries. Practices like Ayurveda and Homeopathy claim that
surgery may always be the last option in case of treatment of an ailment. Natural
medicines like herbs and minerals can all be partaken as food and not medicines as
such, since their composition is all natural. Alternative medicine is used in conjunction
with modern medicine to treat many chronic ailments like diabetes and AIDS. This
helps modern medical practitioners to evolve a closer relationship with the patient
and cure him to a greater extent, thus giving him a new perspective to life. It follows
that one should never overlook the disposition of the traditional cures suggested by
our ancestors. These provide a standpoint from where one can comprehend the
profundity of traditional and alternative medicine, and gauge the tremendous potential
of alternative medicine in medical tourism.

Please seek author's permission for reprint. Send a reprint request to kirrti82@gmail.com.

References
1. www.hinduonnet.com
2. “Kerala”, www.takekerala.com
3. “Prospects of Medical Tourism in India”, www.mpiweb.org
4. “Medical Tourism push for Penang and Langkawi”, http://thestar.com.my
5. www.wikipedia.com

Technorati Tags: Alternative, Avenue, medical, Medicine, Tourism

Alternative medicine is a major enterprise in India. In November 2009, the government’s Ministry of Health and Family Welfare announced the steps it would be taking to promote ‘Indian Systems of Medicine’ in the country, including spending  Rs. 922 crore on the promotion of AYUSH (Ayurveda, Yoga & naturopathy, Unani, Siddha and Homoeopathy). Major claims have recently been made for alternative medicine – such as that Ayurveda can be used for anaemia or ano-rectal ailments, and that homeopathy can be used to prevent or cure swine flu, or to treat Aids and malaria.

In an era characterised by evidence-based science and politics, should official endorsement be given to remedies that cannot be scientifically proven? Is alternative medicine a form of quackery, which puts patients at risk? Or is the interest in alternative medicine a positive sign that we are beginning to move beyond a too-narrow approach to disease, towards recognising the more subtle relationship between mind and body and the need to find holistic cures? Do traditional medicines play an important role in preventive medicine, contributing to a more affordable and effective healthcare system than the Western medical model?

The debate in context:

What is complementary and alternative medicine (CAM)?

Many discussions about alternative medicine today take place under the umbrella term ‘complementary and alternative medicine’ (CAM). This implies that alternative medicine should not be seen solely as something that can be used instead of conventional medicine, but can and should be used alongside it. CAM refers to treatments that differ from conventional, or ‘allopathic’, medicine – medicine based on scientific testing that is taught to medical professionals. Systems of CAM have often evolved apart from and earlier than the conventional medical approach used in the Western world. Some such systems, such as homeopathy and naturopathy, have developed in Western cultures; others, such as traditional Chinese medicine and Ayurveda, have developed outside of the West. 

Does CAM work – and if so, how?

Critics of CAM argue that the very term is problematic, giving mysticism more scientific credence than it deserves. As the editors of the prestigious Journal of the American Medical Association (JAMA) have argued: ‘there is no alternative medicine. There is only scientifically proven, evidence-based medicine supported by solid data or unproven medicine’. Advocates of CAM, however, argue that the lack of scientific evidence about the efficacy of CAM betrays too narrow an approach to the understanding and treatment of illness. They point to the failure of conventional medicine to cure certain serious diseases, such as cancer, and the extent to which patients suffering from these diseases can be helped by therapies like Ayurveda. They note that conventional medicine has itself moved towards a more holistic appreciation of the treatment of disease, and that some natural remedies or techniques, such as the use of quinine to treat malaria, have been adopted and accepted by practitioners of conventional medicine.

Even critics of CAM do not dispute that in many cases, alternative remedies can make patients feel better, despite not curing the disease – so isn’t this a worthwhile goal in itself? The importance of preventive medicine, including lifestyle modification, has been globally acknowledged: it is seen as better and more cost-effective to enable people to avoid physical or mental illnesses in the first place, rather than simply trying to treat the disease when it emerges. Alternative medicine, it is argued, has a crucial role to play in this. Furthermore, in a society like India, for which the affordability of healthcare is a major challenge, different models need to be sought that make the most of the country’s experience and expertise, including in the field of alternative medicine. Advocates argue that the orientation of CAM ‘towards self-healing and health promotion (salutogenesis rather than pathogenesis)’ make ‘alternative medicine approaches to chronic diseases especially attractive and affordable for the developing countries’.

The rise of CAM

One of the key aims of the government scheme the National Rural Health Mission is to ‘encourage a healthy lifestyle and alternative systems of medicine through AYUSH’. In November 2009, Chief Minister, BS Yedyurappa, told a conference that access and awareness of alternative medicines should be spread in rural areas. The officially-recognised status of alternative medicine in India is also indicated by the reach of the Indian Institute of Alternative Medicines, established in 1991 by Dr.Suresh Kumar Agarwal; and the appointment of Smt. S. Jalaja IAS as secretary to the Department of AYUSH.

The growing interest in, and promotion of, alternative medicine by the political and medical authorities is not confined to India. Despite being at the forefront of advances in conventional, ‘Western’ medicine, the USA provides a significant market for traditionally Indian and Chinese remedies. Organisations such as the National Center for Complementary and Alternative Medicine contribute to the official status of alternative medicine in the USA. In the UK, a major debate took place in 2006 about whether CAM should be provided by the National Health Service (NHS). In the USA and UK, affordability of healthcare is also a key issue, raising questions about whether attachment to the Western model of medicine is appropriate even for Western societies, let alone other cultures.

A different kind of medicine?

These developments show that CAM is not an unregulated, maverick market, but is fast becoming subject to official and scientific research and regulation. Advocates of CAM argue that quacks can be weeded out by better training and standard-setting. Some also argue that criticism of alternative medicine arises from a Western bias, which distorts the facts about CAM and refuses to countenance its effectiveness. Critics, however, point to concerns about the safety of certain forms of alternative medicine. Discussions about the affordability of alternative compared to allopathic medicine lead to concerns that patients are being duped by irrational treatments that will not make them better. Shouldn’t a universal healthcare system ultimately seek to provide proven cures for illnesses, rather than taking the cheaper but less effective route of alternative medicine?

Key terms:

Complementary and alternative medicine

Conventional medicine

Preventive medicine

Quackery

AYUSH

Ayurveda

Homeopathy

Placebo effect

Essential reading

Alternative System of Health Care Indian Government

Needed: ‘basic’ doctors of modern medicine Meenakshi Gautham and K.M. Shyamprasad The Hindu 5 November 2009

When East Meets West: Why Consumers Turn to Alternative Medicine ScienceDaily 20 November 2009

In defence of scientific medicine Michael Baum Manifesto Club

Q&A: Complementary therapies BBC News Online 23 May 2006

Interview With Ashis Nandy: ‘Every tradition has its dark side’ Parshuram Ray Humanscape January 2001

For:

'Alternative' Medicine Is Mainstream Deepak Chopra, Dean Ornish, Rustum Roy and Andrew Weil Wall Street Journal 9 January 2009 

Reflections on Ayurveda Dr Mohana Krishnaswamy The Hindu 4 September 2001

Health Care Reform Should Include Preventive Medicine Navi Radjou Harvard Business Review 7 August 2009

Holistic medicine demystified Dr Hiramalini Seshadri The Hindu Magazine 15 May 2005

Against:

Where doctors fail Dr. Sudha Vidyasagar The Hindu 5 September 2009

Sticking a needle in alternative medicine Stuart Derbyshire spiked 28 November 2007

Ayurveda under the scanner Meera Nanda The Hindu Magazine Vol 23, Issue 07, April 08 - 21, 2006

Book review: Suckers – How alternative medicine makes fools of us all Eisha Sarkar Mumbai Mirror 5 November 2009

Further reading:

An interview with Dr. V. Sukumaran MBBS, MD (ped) health and mind science consultant Malini Suryanarayanan 14 June 2000 The Hindu: Opportunties

Role of Ayurveda in the Management of Cancer Dr. Joban Modha and Dr. Neha Modha Boloji.com 2 December 2007

Focus: Alternatives in holistic healing Pratibha Gadhalay The Hindu: Opportunities 14 June 2000

Skin Deep: Ancient, but How Safe? Abby Ellin New York Times 17 September 2008

Awash in Ancient Hindu Wisdom Peter Jaret New York Times 9 March 2006

Bottling Ancient Secrets Michele Orecklin Time Magazine 31 July 2000

Placebo effect Robert T. Carroll The Skeptic’s Dictionary

Sense About Homeopathy Sense About Science September 2006

All in the mind? Anjana Ahuja The Times (London) 24 May 2006

The Use of Complementary and Alternative Medicine in the United States National Center for Complementary and Alternative Medicine December 2008

Kerala's Crisis in Public Health C.R. Sonam Boloji.com 3 February 2007

Complementary and Alternative Medicine May Reduce Risk of Some Diseases US Disease Control Project June 2007

In the news:

Drugs for affordable health care sought The Hindu 21 November 2009

Ayurvedic methods to cure ano-rectal ailments Naveen Kumar Times of India 21 November 2009

Promotion of Alternative Medicine System Press Information Bureau: Government of India 20 November 2009

Anaemia treatment by ayurveda from December 8 Simran Virk Times of India 17 November 2009

CM bats for alternative medicine Expressbuzz 15 November 2009

'Need to combine Ayurveda with modern medicine' Times of India 15 November 2009

Medicine takes an alternative route Nikhila Henry Times of India 26 September 2009

'Homeopathy can prevent, cure swine flu' Times of India 18 August 2009

Alternative medicine to the rescue Chitra Nair Times of India 13 August 2009,

Boost for public healthcare Times of India 9 July 2009

‘Rs. 4,000 crore for alternative medicine’ The Hindu 22 March 2009

Related Alternative Medicine Articles

Technorati Tags: Alternative, Care, health, india, Medicine

An aromatherapy school will teach a modality of complementary therapy that uses herbs and plant oils (essential oils) to relax and heal your body. The oils are applied to the body through massage, but also the sense of smell plays its part in creating a positive change in your mood and illness. Aromatherapy and essential oils can help clients who are suffering from many different illnesses.

A perfume makers discovery:

When first starting in aromatherapy school, students will probably hear the story about how this massage therapy was discovered. In the 1920\'s, a French chemist who was working on new perfumes in his laboratory, accidentally set fire to his arm. He put his arm into some lavender oil to put the fire out.

The French chemist discovered that the lavender oil helped his arm to heal really fast and didn\'t leave a scar. So the chemist spent the rest of his life dedicated to aromatherapy.

Aromatherapy schools teach students about the different types of essential oils and what illness they help to relieve. For instance If the patient is suffering from burns, an aromatherapy student will be taught how they should use lavender oil, and also the quantity and frequency to apply it.

Many aromatherapy schools believe that aromatherapy is a science and should only be practised in a professional manner by aromatherapy school graduates. Although other schools teach the student to open up to there intuition as well. Which is seen by some as being the more balanced way.

Some doctors disapprove of aromatherapy:

There are some doctors who do not approve of aromatherapy and the aromatherapy schools that teach it. They also say that all that an aromatherapy school teaches is the ability to reduce stress. They also state that there reasons are based on the lack of any real facts or figures.

Does aromatherapy only give stress relief:

Some doctors actually agree some patients may have been helped by an aromatherapy treatment, however, they are quick to state, only because aromatherapy helped to ease their stress. For sure, stress can help to create a number of illness\'s and when stress is relieved, the illness is often relieved as well.

However, they also comment that aromatherapy is not as successful as traditional medicine when it comes to serious illness. This is the block aromatherapy experiences in its attempt to reach the public at large.

While many doctor\'s don\'t agree, there are lots of aromatherapy teachers who do, and there are lots of potential students applying to get into an aromatherapy school. There more than likely be a aromatherapy school near you, because as aromatherapy becomes more popular schools seem to be appearing in most cities in the US and Europe. Even if you are not sure about the use of aromatherapy to help illness, going to an aromatherapy massage school will most certainly open you up to its true potential.

Find More Aromatherapy Articles

Technorati Tags: aromatherapy diffuser, aromatherapy recipes, aromatherapy scents, learn french, learn to type, learn4good, massage therapist salary, school uniforms

Acupuncture for infertility is probably the most popular and commonly recognized alternative treatment for those trying to get pregnant. The media seems to report on research related to acupuncture and fertility every few months, and more and more fertility clinics offer or recommend acupuncture services along with conventional fertility treatments like IVF and IUI.

Acupuncture is a form of traditional Chinese medicine, sometimes abbreviated as TCM. Acupuncture involves placing hair-thin needles into particular points on the body. These points, according to the Chinese tradition, run along lines of energy, or meridians. From the TCM perspective, the idea is that an imbalance of these energies in the body can lead to illness, including infertility. Correcting the imbalance by stimulating particular points along the meridians is thought to improve health.

To read more about how acupuncture may work, from both the Eastern perspective, and the medical perspective, read this article.

Given all the hype and excitement over acupuncture and infertility, you might think that the benefits have been well documented. However, that's not exactly so. Some studies have shown improved pregnancy rates for those who try acupuncture, while other studies have shown no or non-statistically significant results.

Latest Developments

Fuss

Researchers on either side of the issue agree that acupuncture is generally harmless, and just about everyone agrees it enhances relaxation, lowers stress levels, and increases beta-endorphins - the feel good, pain-busting hormones.

If it can't do any harm, why invest so much time and research into the issue? Why not send everyone for acupuncture treatment?

Well, if acupuncture really can improve pregnancy rates, then acupuncture treatment should be included as a matter of protocol when treating infertility. Doctors should encourage patients to see an acupuncturist for treatments, and insurance companies should also be willing to foot some of the bill (if they cover fertility treatments at all).

While not inexpensive, acupuncture is certainly less expensive than many fertility treatments. If acupuncture could help couples get pregnant, while spending less money, less time, and risking less side effects (assuming they'd need less help from conventional medicine), then of course acupuncture should be moved out from the "alternative" realm and into the mainstream.

However, if acupuncture cannot be shown to improve fertility rates, then the treatment shouldn't be automatically incorporated into Western medicine's approach to infertility.

Acupuncture isn't the only method of achieving relaxation, and while doctors should help their patients when it comes to stress reduction, pushing acupuncture over other methods would be uncalled for. Meditation, yoga, guided imagery, and basic relaxation training can help those with infertility beat stress, and for far less cost than acupuncture treatments.

Plus, when a fertility doctor - or any doctor, for that matter - recommends a treatment, the patient assumes the recommendation is backed up by evidence-based research. Before recommending acupuncture to patients, doctors want to be sure they are suggesting a treatment that will really help, and not just waste time, money, or provide a false sense of increased hope.

In Support of Acupuncture

Researchers at the Center for Integrative Medicine, at the University of Maryland's School of Medicine, conducted a meta-analysis of several research studies on the effects of acupuncture on IVF outcomes. (A meta-analysis is a research study that gathers information from several studies and evaluates them together.) The meta-analysis considered seven trials, which all together included 1,366 women.

The researchers found that when acupuncture took place on the day of embryo transfer, statistically significant improvements were found in the rates of clinical pregnancies, ongoing pregnancy, and live births. They also found that 10 woman would need to be treated with IVF and acupuncture to see one additional pregnancy.

In another study, often referred to as the "German study," a German fertility clinic offered 160 IVF patients who had good-quality embryos an opportunity to participate in a study on acupuncture and IVF outcomes. Half of the patients received acupuncture treatment, 25 minutes before and after embryo transfer. The control group did not receive any supportive therapy.

In the acupuncture group, 34 of the 80 patients got pregnant. In the control group, 21 out of 80 got pregnant.

There have been a number of other, smaller sized research studies on acupuncture and fertility. Because of their small size, the results of these studies are controversial. Just a few of the possible connections between acupuncture and fertility found in the smaller studies:

Acupuncture may improve sperm quality and counts in infertile men.
Acupuncture may improve the lining of the endometrium, including increased the blood flow to the uterus.
Acupuncture may help regulate hormone levels, specifically gonadotropin-releasing hormone, which in turn may improve ovulation rates.
Acupuncture may help women with PCOS and anovulatory cycles.
Acupuncture may help those with thyroid problems. (And problems with the thyroid can lead to problems with fertility.)
Acupuncture may increase the number of follicles produced during an IVF treatment.

Controversy and Ambiguity

While the supportive research looks great, critics claim that the studies are less than sufficient to show a true connection between acupuncture and improved pregnancy rates. None of the studies have used the so-called Gold Standard for research - randomized, double-blind placebo trials.

Also, many of these studies were too small to be considered definitive. For example, all the research studies on male infertility and acupuncture involved anywhere from 10 to 20 patients. Not nearly enough to judge the effectiveness of the results.

Perhaps most importantly, other research studies have failed to achieve similar results. A research study led by Alice Domar, a big proponent of the mind-body fertility connection, looked at the effect of acupuncture on IVF outcomes. In this study, 150 IVF patients awaiting embryo transfer were included. Subjects were randomly assigned into the control group or acupuncture group, and the IVF staff was "blind" to who was receiving the acupuncture treatments.

The acupuncture group received treatment 25 minutes before and after embryo transfer. They also filled out forms asking about their anxiety and feelings of optimism. The acupuncture group reported feeling less anxious and more optimistic than the control group. However, unlike the "German Study," this study did not find any improvement of pregnancy rates.

Another study, this one conducted by Dr. LaTasha B. Craig while she was with University of Washington, found that acupuncture treatment on the day of embryo transfer actually decreased the rate of pregnancy. In this study, high embryo quality was not required for inclusion in the study.

The acupuncture method was the same one used during the German Study, with treatment 25 minutes before and after embryo transfer. However, unlike the German Study, acupuncture treatment took place somewhere besides the fertility clinic. This is more realistic, considering that few fertility clinics offer acupuncture treatment onsite.

In this study, those who received acupuncture treatment had a 46% clinical pregnancy rate, compared to 76% rate for those who did not receive treatment. The live birth rate for the acupuncture treated patients was 39%, compared to a 65% live birth rate those not treated with acupuncture. Dr. Craig theorizes that driving to and from the acupuncturist may have increased the levels of stress, leading to the lower pregnancy rates.

Where It Stands

There does seem to be evidence that acupuncture performed on the day of embryo transfer may improve your chances of success. Maybe, if you don't get stressed driving to and from the acupuncturist.

However, acupuncture performed at other times during treatment, and acupuncture performed without IVF treatment, may or may not make a difference. The research is conflicting and unclear.

But that doesn't mean acupuncture is without merit. Further research is needed, and no one is saying that acupuncture absolutely makes a difference, or definitely doesn't. Not yet, anyway.

Plus, the relaxation response to acupuncture treatment is undisputed. Even in studies where acupuncture didn't improve pregnancy rates, researchers noted that the patients were more relaxed and more optimistic after treatments. Given the high levels of stress couples go through during fertility treatments, a little relaxation and lowered stress brought on by acupuncture treatment probably won't hurt, and it may even help.

For infertility Patients:

There are several methods of reversing infertility in couples. The first resort I always give to my patients and has worked wonderfully for nearly 80% of them is the Pregnancy Miracle System. Pregnancy Miracle is an all natural holistic solution for infertility patients. Read more about it here.

Find More Acupuncture Articles

Technorati Tags: about, acupuncture, infertility, medical, Research

Specifically, homeopathy or ANY type of alternative treatment which is effective.
The neuropathy began following a root canal in December. The symptoms are tingling, prickling, itching, extreme skin sensitivity.

Neuropathy can be a very difficult thing to treat. I have seen some success with acupuncture but results are widely varied. It is not only dependant on the skill of the acupuncturist but also on the neuropathy of the patient.

Good clinical success has been documented with the use of amitriptyline and TENs in combination. Much better than either used alone. As you might have already found though, what works for one person wont work for everyone.

Good luck.

any alternate medicine or substance, even fruits or herbs if it may work the same way as listerine.

There are many natural alternatives to using listerine. here are a few that I know of:

Tom's of Maine
Natural Baking Soda Mouthwash, Peppermint

Desert Essence
Naturally Refreshing Tea Tree Oil Mouthwash

Dr. Ken's
Antibacterial Mouthwash, Spearmint Cool

Kiss My Face
AloeDyne FreshBreath Mouthwash

The Natural Dentist
Herbal Mouth and Gum Therapy Daily Oral Rinse & Demulcent, Mint Flavor

Natural health and home remedies have been around for ages. They were all our many of our ancestors had for health care. Most of them lived in areas where doctors were few and far between. So they learned how to care for their family's health with what they had on hand. Many of these old home remedies are still in use today, and many more are becoming popular. In fact, using home remedies is becoming something that many people are beginning to embrace.

Using home remedies began to fall out of style as new medicines were discovered and health care advanced. People started to rely more and more on the knowledge of medical doctors and less on the tried and true remedies of the past. But this is starting to change and more people are turning to natural methods of healing. They are learning that many of the home remedies are just as effective as the synthetic drugs that have replaced them. Why spend a lot of money on an expensive wart removal procedure when a cotton ball soaked in apple cider vinegar will take care of the wart just as effectively? Of course the apple cider vinegar method will take longer to work, but in the long run you will get the same result for less money!

There needs to be a balance between scientific medical knowledge and the home remedies that have been used for generations. Knowledge is power, and you need to know when it is time to stop trying to heal at home and let the trained professionals help. So here are a few do's and don'ts for using home remedies.

Do use a salt water rinse to promote good oral health. This is a good practice that dentists recommend. Gargling with salt water will kill the germs in your mouth and can help prevent you from getting sick or suffer from gum disease.
Do use hydrogen peroxide to disinfect toothbrushes and help promote good oral health. Hydrogen peroxide is something that everyone needs to keep in their home because of its many uses. For oral health, peroxide will kill the germs on your toothbrush, help whiten your teeth and keep your mouth clean and fresh!
Do use baking soda to help calm an acidic stomach or help prevent acne. Make a paste from baking soda and use it as a facial scrub. It will kill bacteria that can lead to breakouts and leave your skin feeling smooth.

There are many other 'do's' for home remedies. If something works for you, then keep on using it! However, there comes a time when home remedies need to be supplemented with standard medical care. When the remedy is no longer helping or the problem gets worse is one reason to call a medical professional. Here are a few others:

Don't try to cure cancer or other serious illness with home remedies alone. True, many natural medicines and treatments can help your body fight these illnesses. But you need to be closely supervised by a medical professional. If you really want to stick with natural methods, find a naturopathic medical doctor. These professionals are trained to use the body and natural healing agents to fight disease.
Don't continue using a home remedy if you have an adverse reaction. Even if the remedy worked great for Uncle Bobby, there may be something in your body that is allergic. Stop using it and see a medical professional if the reaction doesn't clear up on its own.

For the most part, home remedies are safe and helpful. They are definitely worth trying, but you need to know when it is time to seek professional advice. Let the nature and science work together to keep your family as healthy as possible.

how you can turn everyday ordinary products into beauty remedies!
Video Rating: 0 / 5

Find More Home Remedies Articles

Technorati Tags: about, Home, know, Need, Remedies