Try these different types of complementary and alternative medicine (CAM) to enhance health and control stress!
CAM is a group of various health and medical care interventions, products, and practices that are traditionally excluded from the Conventional Medicine (Western or Allopathic medicine) methodology. Because of recent studies or its effectiveness, these practices are included by various health care providers in treating their patients.
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"Complementary medicine" relates to the simultaneous use of conventional medicine and CAM - such as meditation in addition to routine management to help control stress or anxiety. "Alternative medicine" applies to the use of CAM in lieu of conventional medicine. "Integrated Medicine" deals with the use of both conventional and CAM remedies that have been confirmed to be safe and effective.
1) Traditional Alternative Medicine
Traditional alternative medicine has been practiced for many generations worldwide. This type of comprehensive and alternative medicine includes the more standard and accepted forms of medicine, such as homeopathy, acupuncture, ayurveda, naturopathy and Chinese/Oriental medicine.
2) Mind-Body Interventions
Mind-body interventions focus on the power of interactions between the mind, body and behavior; using the mind to promote physical and mental health. Studies have shown that individuals heal better if they feel good emotionally and mentally. Examples of mind-body practices include: Spinal manipulation and osteopathy, Body Movement Therapy, Massage, Acupuncture, and Yoga. Other mind-body interventions also include qi gong, tai chi, hypnotherapy, deep-breathing exercises, guided imagery, and progressive relaxation.
3) Movement Therapies
Movement therapy refers to a wide range movement techniques used to enhance physical, mental, emotional, and spiritual well-being. Examples include Rolfing Structural Integration, Alexander technique, Feldenkrais method, Pilates, and Trager psychophysical integration.
4) Energy Therapy Techniques
There are those who believe that energies from external forces affect a person's health. These forces are generated from various energy fields of objects or other sources. Examples include magnetic healing, light therapy, and gem healing stone; qi gong, Reiki, and healing touch.
5) Diet, Herbs, and Botanicals
This type of complementary and alternative medicine includes the use of a different herbal medicines or botanicals, vitamins, minerals, probiotic or live bacteria (as in yogurt), and other "natural products” that are sold over the counter as dietary supplements. (Some uses of these supplements are not accepted as CAM, e.g., taking calcium supplement to prevent bone loss or multivitamin to meet minimum daily requirements.)
6) Senses
There are CAM practitioners who believe that senses (sight, hearing, smell, taste, and touch) can enhance overall health. This type of therapy include: art, dance, music, visualization and guided imagery.
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Please Note
All the Information within this site is for reference only with no guarantee of accuracy; it is not intended to diagnose, treat, cure, or prevent any diseases. Statements about the products efficacy have not been evaluated by the U.S. Food & Drug Administration.
It is important to emphasize that you should not reject mainstream medical attention and guidance and the use of recommended products, treatments, and remedies for individual disorder should be approved and monitored by your health care provider. See disclaimer for more!
