What is complementary and alternative medicine? Complementary and alternative medicine usually refers to practices that are not integrated into conventional medicine. Treatments in the category of complementary and alternative medicine are constantly changing. Treatments change when studies prove them to be effective or not.

Some of the treatments used in complementary and alternative medicine are:
* Homeopathy * Ayurveda * Acupuncture * Herbs

Are the treatments safe and will they work? Educate yourself before starting any new complementary and alternative medicine treatment, and always tell your doctor which ones you are trying.

The two terms complementary and alternative are often grouped together; however, they are not necessarily the same thing. An example of a complementary treatment would be something used along with the conventional therapies your doctor prescribes. Alternative therapies are generally something used instead of conventional methods. An example of an alternative therapy or treatment might be seeing a homeopath or naturopath instead of your regular doctor.

Some complementary and alternative medicine practitioners use similar principles to what your conventional doctor might do. Others might be quite different. The basic philosophies of
complementary and alternative medicine include:

• Your body heals itself
• Prevention is the most important element
• Learning and healing go together.

The complementary and alternative medicine practitioner sees himself or herself as a teacher and mentor to guide you. You are the one who does the healing. There are five broad categories the National Institute of Health uses for classification of therapies used by complementary and alternative medicine practitioners, they are:
* Healing Systems * Mind-Body Connections * Dietary Supplements and Herbs * Manipulation and Touch * Energy Therapies

Contrary to what you might think, most doctors are not opposed to complementary and alternative medicine. About half the doctors in the United States refer people to complementary and alternative practitioners.On the dark side is that some alternative medicine practitioners make exaggerated claims about curing disease. They may ask you to forsake treatment from your conventional doctor to use their unproven treatments. It is true also that some forms of alternative medicine can even hurt you. It is wise to educate yourself before using treatments, and always discuss your plans to use alternative and/or conventional treatments with your personal physician. Your doctor most likely is the best source to help you sort out the good from the bad.

Source: Mayo clinic (2006)Disclaimer: *These statements have not been evaluated by the Food and Drug Administration. This article is not meant to diagnose, treat or cure any kind of a health problem. Always consult with your health care provider about any kind of a health problem.

Author: Connie Limon
About the author:Connie Limon. Please visit us at http://nutritionandhealthhub.com and sign up for our weekly health and nutrition tip. Articles are FREE to publish to your newsletters, website or blog.

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A video primer on reflexology.

The term naturopathic treatment covers a broad range of modalities that come under the umbrella of alternative medicines. All natural therapies aim to work with the body in treating the cause of illness, not just the symptoms. Naturopaths treat people holistically, taking into account not only their physiology, but also psychology and lifestyle.

Some examples of healing methods that come under this umbrella would be acupuncture, both Chinese and western herbal medicine, Indian ayurvedic medicine, chiropractic and massage, macrobiotics and energy work such as reiki and thought field therapies. Some are more accepted by doctors as having something to offer patients in assisting with maintaining their health, while others are frowned upon as being useless scams.

Naturopathy as a label has only been around for about one hundred years, but most alternative healing methods it covers are tradition-based medicines that have been used for much longer than we can prove. Ancient Egyptians, Native American Indians and Aborigines, to name a few, have used what they find in nature to heal their people and some of their recipes are successfully used today.

It is important to remember that all potent and potentially harmful medicines that are pharmaceutically produced have some plant derived ingredients. They are simply concentrated to the point where they are very powerful and sometimes damaging. Naturopaths have a motto that has been used since the 1800’s and that is to “do no harm”. Where prescription medications can have long-term side effects and even cause short-term discomfort, Naturopathic medicines are subtle in assisting. They work with the body, not against it and positive results can be felt quickly.

A Naturopathic medicine for a common cold for example will be ingredients to enhance the immune system, to help the body decongest and reduce inflammation, and probably something that is antiviral and antibacterial to eradicate germs more quickly. The medicines they use only encourage the bodies own ability to do all these things itself. If you buy an over the counter pharmaceutical treatment, it may cover your symptoms, but can deplete the immune system, dehydrate you and give you a false impression of health so you don’t allow your body the rest it needs to recover.

If your immune system is able to beat any illness on it’s own, it will be more robust and capable next time it is faced with similar circumstances. Seeing a Naturopath when you are in good health can also be a great idea. You can discuss things like Naturopathic medicines for energy levels, sleeping patterns, moods and even homeopathic mixtures to prevent generic diseases which may run in your family.

There are many different ways they can help with general health, and the less stressed you are and the stronger your immune systems, the less likely you will be to get sick in the first place. Visits to the Naturopathic center are usually covered by health insurance, so you can get similar insurance benefits as you would going to any other doctor.

Disclaimer - The information presented here should not be interpreted as or substituted for medical advice. Please talk to a qualified professional for more information about naturopathic treatment.

Author: Heather Colman
About the author: [Copyright © 2007, Heather Colman. Find more of Heather’s articles at eBook Palace. Her articles are available for syndication. Reprinting individual articles is permissible provided no changes are made.

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Alternative medicines are coming back in a big way. The over dependence on allopathic and surgical methods to cure human maladies, and their corresponding side effects are encouraging patients to take to older and more natural means of cure. In order to relieve themselves of the painful and often futile solutions, which are offered by some of the allopathic procedures, a number of doctors are now prescribing natural treatments.

So, what are natural health therapies? Natural health therapies are as old as humankind and are perhaps the first curative methodologies to be recorded in human history. They depend on natural methods to solve ailments, without overt dependence on external elements. Today, any curative methodology depending on natural elements like herbs, plants and a set of exercises accompanied by naturally produced drugs, differing from the popular allopathic and surgical methodology comes under the purview of natural health therapy.

Also termed as Alternative Therapies in literature, these therapies try and cure the root cause of a problem, prevent the causes from recurring by advising a series of steps, and prescribe naturally available medicine like roots and herbs. Some of the common ones finding favor today are as follows:

Yoga as An Alternative Medicine
Yoga is a way of living. Yoga is a family of ancient spiritual practices that originated in India, where it remains a vibrant living tradition and is seen as a means to enlightenment. Today yoga is also seen as a natural way to keep healthy for prolonged periods by doing a set of asana and meditation. Asanas are the set of exercises, which form an important component in the holistic ways of Yoga. Greater evidence is being rediscovered from practicing gurus, which clearly suggest that Yoga is linked to better health and longevity. The set of exercises keep the body fit and the meditation keeps the mind calm. The perfect recipe for a happy body. Although originated in India, it now finds favor in the west.

Naturopathy and Ayurvedic Medicine
The use of naturally occurring herbs, plants and elements to cure diseases in the body is termed is naturopathy. The essence here is the word natural. The loss of vitamins and minerals in the body lead to its deficiency and naturopathy suggests that such deficiency must be replenished by natural means, or by plants and herbs available in nature. Naturopathy is often subscribed along with yoga and other forms of exercises. Ayurvedic medicines are made from the extract of roots and naturally occurring material like honey and its derivatives, leaves and plant extracts. The use of naturally extracted medicines finds mention in the history of a number of civilizations, but the word finds its roots in Sanskrit, an Indian language.

Homeopathy
The use of poison to cure diseases is the way of homeopathy. It finds increasing popularity in Eastern and South East Asian countries, although it originated in Germany.

Massages and Oil Treatment
This methodology finds mention in almost all the above procedures in some way or the other. Oil based massages are famous for their curative and relaxing properties, both to the mind as well as the body. Oils extracted from trees and roots are used in this therapy.

Acupressure and Acupuncture
The practice of finding pressure points or nerve points in the body and relieving the associated pain in the concerned organs in the body is an age-old therapy. It finds mention in Chinese, Japanese and European culture.

Music Therapy
Music therapy is known to be a relieving past time since time immemorial. Kings and paupers alike have patronized it and its known curative properties are many. It is primarily a mind relieving therapy.

There are plethoras of alternative natural health therapies existing in the medical domain today. One has to choose it based on ones requirements. There could be many advantages of using a natural therapy as opposed to the current allopathic and surgical ones.

by Isabel Baldry
Isabel Baldry is covering a range of topics for various publications. To get more information about natural health therapies please visit http://www.abcnaturalhealth.com/ .

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Most people are familiar with Holistic Medicine. It is quite likely that a friend or relative of yours has experienced an alternative treatment. Perhaps you have tried to benefit from a complementary therapy and are familiar with a few holistic treatments. Most people do not know the main branches of Holistic Medicine, however. According to web references there are over of 30 types of Holistic Medicine. In this article we will introduce you to 5 main Holistic therapies.

Acupuncture.
Acupuncture is a traditional Chinese medicine that is been practiced for thousands of years. There are more than 350 possible points in the human body where needles are inserted (usually wrists, ankles, feet, back and abdomen). The procedure lasts for approximately 20 minutes while the patient rests and then the needles are removed. Practitioners manipulate and twirl the needles with special techniques, stimulating the energy flows and promoting healing and pain relief.

Aromatherapy.
Aromatherapy is the therapeutic use primarily of essential oils and secondary of other aromatic natural substances such as vegetable (base) oils and scented products such as candles and soaps, in order to heal various diseases and vitalize body, spirit and mind. Aromatherapy is an ancient therapeutic method. There is historical evidence that in all major cultures of antiquity (Egypt,Greece, Persia, Roman), physicians dealt with herbs, aromatic plants and floral water in order to invigorate, cure, stimulate and relax their patients.

Homeopathy.
Homeopathy is a relatively new Holistic Medicine based on the idea, that a natural substance that can produce sick symptoms in a healthy person, can have therapeutic effect in a sick person who suffers from the same symptoms. The term Homeopathy comes from a Greek word meaning similar-suffering and was introduced by the German physician Samuel Hahnemann. The homeopathetic approach to health was first described by Hippocrates 2,500 years ago. Homeopathy treatment is safe for patients as long as the next 2 rules are followed:

1. Remedies should be given in infinitesimal doses, so that unwanted side-effects could not be dangerous.
2. Remedies should be specific to each patient, because illness is specific to the individual.

Meditation.
There are many different, even opposing definitions of Meditation. The most common description says that “Meditation is a state of just being without any interference from the body or mind”. Free of thoughts, feelings and actions, the meditator has the ability to concentrate on the present moment of quiescence, to understand human mind’s nature and to help the awareness of every single aspect of life. Free from any distraction to the mind, the meditator, emphasizes mental activity and achieves personal development. There are many types of Meditation according to their focus and many of them are related to Eastern Religions.

Reflexology.
Reflexology is a therapeutic method of healing and pain relieving by pressuring particular reflex areas in hands and feet. Thousands of nerves end in these areas and link to glands, parts and organs of human body. Therefore, reflexologists by pressing on the reflex areas, induced human body to self-correct, to prevent illness, and generally to reinforce itself reaching holistic health.

About the Author:
George Kakaris is a freelance writer living in an island of Greece. He is very interested in natural health and alternative active life style and owner of an information site about Aromatherapy Essential Oils and Natural Healing.

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Indian massage can be your solution for looking gorgeous, smelling splendid and feeling on top of the world! Read this article to find out how this ancient art of touch can help you in your complete rejuvenation.

Touch is the most basic mode of communication between two human beings. Due to the fact that massage involves this magic touch, massage promotes health—both psychological and emotional.

How?
Massage improves circulation, supports neurological functions, helps in digestion by providing gas relief and strengthens overall immunity.

Massage act as stimulant for the skin receptors and the nerves and triggers off the ‘feel-good’ hormones, especially the endorphins. This helps the nerves and muscles relax. Massage also helps alleviating pain simply by refusing to receive pain signals from brain.

The end result is: you get a feeling of complete relaxation—both in your body and mind. With tensions and stresses gone, you gain back the keenness of your senses.

How Indian Massage Therapy is different
Massage takes different approaches in different parts of the world. The Indian massage therapy or the Ayurvedic massage has been practiced since antiquity. Massage has always received a scientific perception in the writing of the Scholars of ancient India. This traditional Indian technique was based on Ayurvedic Doshas and Marmas—the pressure points in the Western reflexology. Here are some basic points:

The focal point in Ayurvedic massage technique is: different pressure points of the body. As a healing agent, Indian massage involves the use of different types of touch and pressure or flowing movements.

Ayurvedic massage is applied to the skin in a way so that the tissues underlying it are relieved of muscular tension and pains. This form of massage may involve either particular parts of body—as for example, Indian head massage—or full body massage. Indian massage often involves the use of different types of aromatherapy oils—hot or cold. All of these result in relaxation of the body and promote a sense of overall well-being.

Indian Massage—an experience of lifetime
In the interior of India, you will get to see people receiving massage in the corners of the streets for a few rupees; although they often lack formal training, they have acquired the art as a part of community tradition.

But for a life changing experience, you should visit a luxury Indian spa where trained and experienced masseurs will offer you traditional Ayurvedic massage for a holistic rejuvenation. Here are some of the varieties of Ayurvedic massage you can experience in the different parts of India, especially in the Spa Resorts in Kerala, in southern fringes of the peninsula.

Panchakarma treatment
The gentle process that promotes deep cleansing without discomfort. This is a massage technique that helps eliminate toxins from the body accumulated in areas like the lymph, circulatory, and immune systems.

Abhyanga Massage
The fastest toxin expelling technique - this is a luxurious full body indulgence with medicated oils containing herbs and ingredients that pacify the unbalanced Vata, Pitta, and Kapha energies.

Ayurvedic Head Massage
The technique that ends mental fatigue - this massage is done with oils containing herbs that pacify the nerves and stimulate the brain for better functioning. This massage can be your ultimate solution for getting rid of emotional fatigue, confusions and for enhanced clarity of mind.

Full Body Steam
Expelling toxins with the help of steam - this is a full body massage technique, much different from ordinary sauna; here the steam contains vapors of detoxifying and balancing herbs. However, the head and neck areas are excluded in this massage. In addition of relieving body from toxins, it also moisturizes and dehydrates the skin giving it a baby soft glow.

Shirodhara
The ultimate stress reliever - this amazing technique involves trickling of a warm stream of mixture of cooling and balancing herbal oils and medicated ghee over the forehead in a continuous flow. To enhance the effect, the treatment is carried on in a quiet, soothing atmosphere. If you happen to suffer from any one of these: chronic neuro-muscular disorders, hypertension, insomnia, depression, anxiety, headaches or restlessness—- Shirodhara is the technique you must give a try to get rid of these menaces for once and for all.

For generations, Indian massage has been trusted for having a powerful effect on the mental and emotional well being of the individuals.

Come and experience the difference yourself!

About the author:
Tania Penwell provides information on Indian massage and other types of massage for Savvy Cafe - your guide to living life to the fullest!

Buy the Book: Indian Head Massage: with Fold-out back cover - the massage routine in full colour photographs

This article is about reaching your heart through the feet - and reaching the brain, sinus cavities, glands, stomach, spinal column, reproductive system, etc…

The human body is a magnificent work and it never ceases to amaze me. As a massage therapist I learn new and wonderful things about the human body almost daily it seems.

Reflexology is an ancient healing art, one that was lost for awhile and then re-discovered. We have areas on our feet that correspond with every area on our body and we can reach those area through a specialized massage of the feet. We also have these points on our hands and to some extent on our ears.

The method we use to practice reflexology is as follows:

First we do some really yummy releasing exercises. The only way to send the signals from the gentle touch of reflexology from our feet up to our body is to do it when our feet are relaxed and more alert.

There’s two major methods of performing reflexology, there’s finger walking (where your thumb or forefinger walk along different patterns on the foot, but it looks and feels more like it’s trying to wiggle like a worm, it takes some practice to accomplish, but isn’t too hard.) Then there’s hooking in and pulling back, where you kind of hook your thumb into a point and scoot it down a little towards the heel.

Another quasi-stroke I find that works well is if you find a point that’s really congested, you can rotate counter clockwise, in essence it will feel like you’re sending the congestion back up into the body, and for really loose or lack of congestion you can pull energy down to that spot by rotating clockwise - you can recognize by the way it feels - it usually feels hard and/or may have some urine crystals in (bet you didn’t know that uric acid settles in the foot and when you feel little crunchy things in someone’s feet it’s really those crystals).

If you are interested in practicing on yourself or your partner, then get a good chart of the points on the feet, and also some books for further reading, as there is so much more you can learn about reflexology beyond this starting point.

About the author:
Patrick Curl is a Massage Enthusiast and owner of http://www.aboutbodywork.com Where Massage Enthusiasts Gather. Drop on over for your chance at winning a FREE Massage from a
therapist in your area.

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If our heart, arteries and veins are lined with various waste products such as salts and fatty acids, then the volume of blood which can pass is diminished and the ability of these vessels to expand and contract is severely limited. Thus we have conditions such as arteriosclerosis, high and low blood pressure, heart blood flow deficiency and general circulatory deficiency.

Natural Effective Solutions for Circulatory Problems:

1. Carefully observe guidelines for healthy eating. Avoid cooked oils as much as possible (except for coconut oil), white flour, meat, white sugar, and any foods, which have been over processed or have chemical additives.

2. Eat whole grains, fresh vegetables and fruits and a little raw unheated vegetable oil each day.

3. Occasional fasting helps to purify the blood vessels. One could fast on apples, pears or brown rice or do a juice fast for a few days. If one wants to do a longer fast, consult your doctor. Fasting on grapes is considered one of the most effective ways to purify the blood.

4. Vitamins and antioxidants help with better circulation: A, C, E, and Lecithin, B complex (especially B3, B2).

5. Alternating hot and cold baths help the blood flow to penetrate into all parts of the body. In general finishing with a cold shower helps stimulate circulation. Consult your doctor as to whether this is for your specific case.

6. Dress warmly so as to allow your blood vessels to be relaxed and let blood flow.

7. Swimming in the sea all year long helps to keep the circulation flowing and the body vital. One must be regular. If you cease for a period of time, your body will lose its ability to adapt to the cold water in the winter.

8. Nettle tea and beating the extremities with nettles is a folk remedy for increasing circulation to the extremities. This may be painful while doing it, but it brings results.

9. Reflexology massage can be used to bring circulation to organs, which cannot be affected by other means. By massaging the reflex point on the bottom of the foot we are able to bring blood flow to the various interior organs, so as to revitalize them.

10. Swedish muscular massage can be used to bring better blood flow to the various extremities.

11. All forms of movement and activity are helpful, i.e. running, walking, dancing, swimming, playing, sports and yoga. These are a must for those with poor circulation.

12. Breathing facilitates the return of the blood through the veins to the heart. When we breathe deeply and slowly, we help the blood to return to the heart an also move the lymph through the system. Deep breathing every day is an essential for those with circulatory problems.

13. When we relax the blood vessels, our blood flows freely to the various parts of our body. We tend to obstruct the free flow of blood through unconscious tensing of the various muscles and also the blood vessels themselves. Relaxation is essential for healthy circulation. Perform deep relaxation daily, imagining the blood vessels opening and the blood flowing freely to the parts of the body which have insufficient circulation.

14. Various forms of heat, such as hot compresses, hot water bottles, and electric heating pads can be used to increase the circulation momentarily to various parts of the body.

15. Physical Exercises

• The abdominal area is considered the furnace of the body, where heat and energy are produced. Sluggishness and tension in this area can impede our general flow of energies and also blood. Thus, you will need to do a number of exercises to stimulate and vitalize the area of the abdomen.
• The endocrine system regulates our overall metabolism. You would do well to learn and employ specific exercises for rejuvenating and harmonizing the endocrine system.
• Add other exercises for the various joints such as the shoulders, elbows, wrists, fingers, hips, knees, ankles and toes according to where you need better circulation. Even if our problems are located at the extremities such as with the fingers and toes, we have to open up all the other joints, which come before them. Although the symptoms may be in the extremities, the cause may be in one of the preceding joints. It is usually at the joints that the circulation gets blocked.
• Ensure good circulation to the brain by lying on your back next to a wall and placing your feet up on the wall, so that the blood flows into the lungs gaining oxygen and then into the brain oxygenating and bringing nutrients to all the cells of the brain. This is essential for the pituitary and hypothalamus and thus for the endocrine and autonomic nervous system and thus for all bodily and mental functions.

16. Observe to see if emotional factors are involved. You may have an unconscious holding and a need for control of feelings or expression, which is also restricting the free flow of blood. If you are suppressing your emotions, learn to express them in effective and positive ways (without hurting others).

When we care for our body and mind, they serve us much more efficiently.

May you be well on all levels of your being.

For more about creating natural health go here http://www.HolisticHarmony.com/archives/health/
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Thai foot massage dates back over hundreds of years, and has been one of the most effective and revered forms of massage in the Orient, and eventually all over the world. Though Thai massage can cover the entire body, the art of Thai foot massage is an art in and of itself. Thai foot massage was developed over the years by incorporating foot massage techniques from some places such as China, Japan, and Korea.

Most people who have experienced a Thai foot massage can attest to its benefits. The foot is probably the most abused part of the body, but not only that, it seems to have a direct connection to every other part of the body. A good Thai foot massage not only makes your feet feel wonderful, it can promote healing and relaxation in many other parts of the body as well. In the ancient Orient, this was discovered rather early, and foot massage was used as a method of healing both the mind and the body. As a holistic treatment, those in the ancient Orient realized that foot massage could relieve stress, help promote restful sleep, increase circulation, and even help promote a better immune system. In the mental sense, it could increase alertness and enhance creativity.

Thai foot massage incorporates elements of what we recognize as reflexology. The foundation of reflexology is that there are certain points on the foot that can affect other areas of the body. Thai foot massage and reflexology can extend to the ankles and legs as well. For this reason, most Thai foot masseuses will ask for a detailed medical history before beginning treatment. In this way they can determine what pressure points can be focused on more than others, and even help patients discover problems early that they may not have been aware of. Thai foot massage usually takes about an hour, and starts not with immediately focusing on pressure points, but on what the masseuse calls “opening the pathways of energy”. In Thai foot massage it is believed that the massage must be done in stages, readying the subject for each successive step so that each step in turn can be most effective.

A reputable Thai foot masseuse also knows when massage can be beneficial and when it can actually be harmful. If there are any serious injuries or illnesses that the subject needs to address, the masseuse will require that they be treated by a physician before trying Thai foot massage. Though Thai foot massage can help in the healing process tremendously, it is not a substitution for medical treatment. During healing, however, and as long as a complete medical history is known, Thai foot massage can have incredible benefits, both for those what are in good health and for those who are suffering several different types of ailments.

About the Author:
Annalisa Zisman, a proficient writer, writes for a few different learn massage techniques sites. The author writes articles about massage techniques. Supplementary editorials that were written by Annalisa Zisman about massage therapist education are accessible on the internet.

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