Alternative Therapies in Health Medicine
The National Institutes of Health (NIH) reports that as many as 62% of Americans use some form of alternative medicine. With Government funding, medical science is beginning to study the effectiveness of alternative and complementary treatments. Some of the therapies are showing positive results. Of the various categories of treatment “mind-body therapies” seems to have the greatest rate of success. Here are three types of alternative therapies that have documented valid scientific evidence behind them:
Acupuncture - Eastern philosophy says that acupuncture affects the flow of qi (pronounced chee), or energy through the energy meridians in our body. Western medical doctors explain that the needles interact with our nervous system by triggering the release of chemicals that affect our mood, perception of pain and immune response.
Medical research indicates acupuncture has been most successful with reducing pain due to knee arthritis, reducing symptoms of post-traumatic stress disorder and in vitro fertilization.
Meditation - Meditation in its most standard form usually involves focusing on deep breathing and repeating a mantra. This process activates the relaxation response in our bodies which lowers blood pressure and improves hormone balance.
Studies have found that meditation may have positive effects on blood pressure, insulin levels, blood sugar, and heart health. It can improve concentration, reduce anxiety, and help with post-traumatic stress syndrome.
Biofeedback - Biofeedback uses sensors to show you your “automatic” functions such as blood pressure, pulse rate, stress response, skin temperature and brain waves. You are taught how to control these functions with your brain or thoughts.
The technique is helpful for reducing high blood pressure, chronic back pain, incontinence, tension headaches, and stress.
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