Alternative Therapies In Health

The use of alternative therapies is becoming more and more popular as more folks recognize that natural methods of curing and treatment have sound medical foundations. These are the folks who remember that aspirin originally -- with the ancient Greeks -- started as a distillation of willow bark. In short, nature often provides the resources to fix what's wrong with you.

How's Your Weight?

Be honest, now. If you're having sleep apnea problems, there's a very good chance that you're overweight by at least 15 pounds. That extra weight often goes to the neck ("double chin" anyone?) and results in a restricted airway. If you're overweight, try losing those extra pounds and see whether that doesn't resolve the problem. There are other benefits to losing the extra weight, too; but you probably already know -- you've already heard way too much from friends and family -- about those benefits, so I won't go into them here.

In addition to losing weight, or while you're in the process of losing weight, you might also try sleeping on your side. This tends to help keep the airway open as it makes it more difficult for the musculature to collapse.

How's Your Diet?

Homeopathy practitioners believe that there is a connection between sleep apnea and loss of energy. Thus, diet is something that you should pay attention to if you're struggling with sleep apnea. You should probably consider reducing the amount of sugar in your diet, along with foods you may be mildly allergic to -- perhaps so mildly allergic that you're unaware of it. A homeopathic practitioner will consider your situation and may recommend other foods and additives that you should stay away from.

The homeopathic practitioner may recommend one or more herbal medicines. These recommendations are often based upon your particular personality. Lachesis is frequently recommended to extroverted individuals. If you're extroverted, charismatic, swift to anger and other mood swings, then you may be the perfect candidate for lachesis. On the other hand, if you're introverted or have a history of pain and discomfort -- either emotional or physical pain -- then you may be susceptible to treatment with homeopathic opium.

How Does the World Smell To You?

Aroma therapy has been shown to be useful in dealing with sleep apnea episodes. Using vervain essence in oils, candles, and atomizers has a tendency to relax you. In addition to helping you deal with your sleep disorder, this relaxation also tends to lower stress and high blood pressure. Vervain and assorted other flower/essence remedies can be found at most health food stores or can be found on-line. If you are not already familiar with aroma therapy, you should investigate this form of non-invasive alternative therapy for yourself.

How's Your Serotonin?

There evidence that sleep apnea is sometimes related to your serotonin levels. The nerves that control your breathing require a certain amount of serotonin in order to be effective. Additionally, your body's serotonin receptors control which hormones are released into your body, and when they're released, and in what amounts. Cortisol is one of those hormones controlled by serotonin -- and cortisol controls, among other things, the muscles that make breathing possible.

Researchers have concluded that sleep apnea often results from failures within the serotonin system. They further contend that the use of a serotonin precursor, such as 5-HTP, can be highly beneficial if you're suffering debilitating sleep apnea. Doctors who recommend 5-HTP suggest that you consume 100 to 300 mg (milligrams) of 5-HTP before you go to bed so that your sleep will be more restful and less disturbed. 5-HTP is also alleged to improve your concentration and productivity throughout the course of the day.

How's Your Skepticism?

There are those who, in their own minds, tend to equate "alternative therapy" with "quack medicine." Hopefully you've come to recognize -- as has much of "the medical establishment" -- that alternative therapies such as acupressure, acupuncture, aroma therapy, and many more have a scientific basis underlying their effectiveness. If you have not yet considered alternative therapies as a potential treatment, perhaps it's now time to do so. Alternative therapies should be an adjunct to traditional medical treatment, not a replacement for consulting your doctor.

Because of the health risks associated with hormone replacement therapy, many women want to know what alternative therapies are available for hot flashes. There are many alternatives available. Some people even recommend supplements like vitamin B for hot flashes. Here we look at some of the herbs and vitamins that may be help relieve hot flashes and night sweats. Not all products work for all women, but there are some products that seem to be more effective than others.

What alternative therapies are available for hot flashes?

Much research has been conducted concerning alternative therapies for hot flashes. Everything from acupuncture to Zoloft has been tried. In this article we focus mainly on herbs and vitamin supplements that have been shown to be effective, but the first place to start is with diet, exercise and lifestyle. Caffeine, nicotine and other stimulants can bring on hot flashes. Regular exercise seems to reduce the number and frequency for some women. Once you are exercising regularly and eating a healthy diet, adding herbs and vitamin supplements should relieve most, if not all of your symptoms.

Does taking vitamin B for hot flashes work?

According to a recent report published by the University of California, there are clinical trials that support the effectiveness of vitamin B supplements for painful menstruation, but there are no studies concerned specifically with the effectiveness of taking vitamin B for hot flashes.

The B complex vitamins are important for overall good health. Vitamin B3 or Niacin is found in every cell of the body. One small study at Columbia University in New York demonstrated that estrogen levels rose in obese postmenopausal women after implementing a vitamin regimen including C, B6, B12 and folic acid (another vitamin belonging to the B complex group).

If decreased levels of estrogen cause hot flashes, something no one is sure about, then this study seems to indicate that taking vitamin B for hot flashes could be effective for women who do not get enough in their diet. Generally speaking, a good daily multi-vitamin should be a part of every woman's routine.

What alternative therapies are available for hot flashes and night sweats?

Hot flashes and night sweats are similar, but night sweats can disturb a woman's quality of sleep, which in turn can lead to insomnia, irritability and other emotional issues. Most products that effectively reduce hot flashes, work for night sweats, as well. Additionally, women have found that sleeping in a cooler room, using a fan and wearing lightweight cotton clothing to bed is helpful.

What alternative therapies are available for hot flashes that really work?

As previously mentioned there are many therapies that work for some women. Step one is to eat a healthy diet, get regular exercise, quit smoking and limit caffeinated and alcoholic beverages. The most effective herb for relieving hot flashes, according to clinical research, is black cohosh. Soy isoflavones, which are a type of plant estrogen, is nearly as effective as black cohosh. Red clover isoflavones have been shown to be effective in some studies, but not in others. Some supplement companies have products that contain several different herbs, minerals and other plant components designed to provide the most relief possible for women suffering from symptoms of menopause.

Conventional medical practitioners do not spend enough time with their patient

You may have noticed more and more these days that there are time constraints when you go to see a conventional medical practitioner. This is because of economic reasons. The doctors have to churn patients to make profit. So in this minimal time spent with the patient, the doctor does not have time to look at the patient's problem in a holistic way because our health condition is the product of our lifestyle choices, exercise, diet and environment conditions.

Alternative health practitioner's approach is holistic

Alternative health practitioner's approach, on the other hand, is stark contrast. They look at the physical and spiritual health of the body as a whole. This is imperative when we need to heal the cause of the problem so that it goes away for ever and that too with natural ways.

So how do you select an alternative therapy practitioner who will offer knowledge and understanding of complementary and integrative modalities?

Some tips are below:

1. Trained in Alternative Medicine

When selecting a practitioner keep in mind which personal or professional referral led to that practitioner. What is his area of specialisation and experience of treating patients with similar problems. Do you trust that source, do you have trust in the selected alternative practitioner. Do your homework - research their credentials, their professional organisations or hospital affiliations.

2. A Holistic Approach

Make sure in the content of the appointment sufficient time has been allowed for questions on physical and mental health like diet, exercise, stress levels, lifestyle habits etc. The visit should address you as a whole and not just address the symptom. So find out the number of patients the practitioner sees per day and how much time is spent with each patient.

3. Office Hours

How far in advance you need to make an appointment and typical working time in the office.

4. Office Location

For example accessibility to public transport, parking, etc.

5. Informative and open approach to appointment

It is important that the health practitioner is open and honest and asks relevant questions and offer options and opinions in a considerate manner. This will put your mind at ease and make you more informed and relaxed about your appointment.

6. Just the medicine is not the only solution offered

Because an alternative therapist looks at the cause of the health condition and not the symptoms, that means looks at the body as a whole, he should offer not just the herbal supplement or a therapy session. He should also give additional supportive recommendations as well about particular diet or exercise etc.

7. Recommendation

Only when you trust the health practitioner, believe in him and trust his practice would you ever recommend him to others. So ask yourself,"Would I recommend this practitioner to my family or friends?" If the answer is "yes" then you are on a winner.

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HRT is sometimes referred to as estrogen replacement therapy (ERT), because the first medications that were used in the 1960s for female hormone replacement were estrogen compounds.

Alternative therapy for menopause came about because of the concerning risks associated with HRT and ERT.

Advocates assert the use of all natural treatments that are very effective and safe, especially when compared to HRT and ERT.

Many women thinking about about real health matters are looking back to alternative therapy for menopause in an effort to manage menopause symptoms without compromising good health.

Alternative therapy for menopause includes the use of holistic methods to remove or lower perimenopause and menopause symptoms. These include the use of proper vitamins and minerals, food and exercise, and a frequent taking of 100% natural plant based supplements to manage hot flashes, night sweats, and other popular symptoms associated with menopause and perimenopause.

This requires a regular effort and vigilance to be truly effective. A complete change in attitude and possibly life-style is needed to see the best results.

In this way, it requires a specific mind-set and self-confidence combined with assertiveness and follow-through. Half measures won't do.

Many do take for granted that 100% natural plant derivative or herbal menopause supplements are don't have any side effects, especially dangerous ones. Dangerous poisons and toxins are also "natural," and it should not be assumed that "natural" automatically means safe.

This should not infer that all natural plant-based treatments for menopause symptoms are as ineffective or present a high level of risk.

With America spending almost $22 million on alternative therapies this year alone and health care providers clocking in 425 million as opposed to doctors bought in 388 million. Here is a look at the ten most popular forms of alternative therapies.

Acupuncture

Acupuncture dates as early as 1600-1100 BCE and was said to have been discovered in ancient days as a way of healing aches and pains. The Chinese refined and articulately mastered this form of therapy, which is today one of the most popular in the world. Through creating an energy balance in the body through working with the meridians and pathways, acupuncture is often advised to be used on it's own or in conjunction with other therapies.

Reiki

The philosophy of Reiki is that in its name, Re meaning higher power and Ki which translates as Life force energy. This higher life force energy otherwise known as healing energy directed by God and higher beings is then channeled into the body. This energy creates healing, chakra balancing and profound insights for the person experiencing Reiki therapy.

Chiropractic

Chiropractors are excellent in their knowledge of the body and its response to accurate alignment. Seeing a chiropractor is a great alternative as a painless, non-surgical and non-invasive treatment. Many various factors may bring the spine out of alignment therefore affecting health in various ways.

Chinese herbal medicine

Chinese herbal medicine is a practice that uses ancient herbs well known to heal the body and enhance the body functions. However Chinese medicine today looks at other various factors such as eyes, the face and the tongue for signals and clues into a person's health. From there they prescribe the accurate herbs believing that herbs contain certain energy that cannot always be mixed together. See your Chinese herbal practitioner to get a mixture that will work harmoniously for you.

Homeopathy

Homeopathy is becoming one of the fastest and most relied on way to heal various ailments. From coughs and cold, to fatigue and insomnia homeopathy's natural approach allow the body to naturally defend itself against any virus.

Thai massage

Thai massage is believed to have been created by a physician to the Buddha, in India 2500 years ago. This psychical form of massage has been practiced by monks for centuries as a part of Thai medicine.

Hypnosis

Hypnosis is an effective way to dealing with mental blocks, health problems and habits or addictions. Hypnosis will put a person in a deep hypnotic state in which the unconscious mind can be accessed. However all professional clinical hypnotherapies assure, that you are still conscious and have full control over your mind and body. Clinical hypnotherapists have a code of ethical conduct, which they have sworn to in your best interest.

Alexander Technique

It is a renowned form of energy enhancement allowing people to enjoy the benefits of improved concentration, fluidity, balance and support. It is viewed as a re-structuring for the mind and body, strengthening the body by releasing unnecessary tension. Alexander Technique mainly focuses on breathing, posture and relaxation.

DNA Activation

Is a new form of therapy that mystics claim to have been channeled from higher sources. People whom have experienced a full 22 strand DNA activation claims that

Spiritual counseling

Spiritual counseling is a deeper approach to therapy. Addressing issues related to psychical, spiritual and emotional self. Spiritual counseling allows people to gain access to an alternative view any illness or worry, and may find relief in alternative forms as opposed to being a psychiatrist.