Complementary and Alternative Medicine (CAM) is quickly gaining popularity with the increased interest in natural, holistic health treatments. CAM is often employed in place of conventional Western medicine. This type of practice has been around for many years, but only recently has it become popular in the United States. The use of herbs and other plant-based substances in the treatment of certain illnesses and conditions has been widespread for many years. However, it was just in the 1980s that widespread use of these substances began to be accepted as a valid form of alternative medicine.
There are many benefits to utilizing CAM as an alternative medicine form. Most CAM therapies focus on restorative healing and symptom management rather than traditional medical approaches. Additionally, alternative medicines can be administered at much lower costs than many other forms of medical care. Additionally, patients have greater access to alternative therapies and can research their own symptoms and diseases.
There are a variety of ways that complementary therapies may be administered. Many practitioners utilize some form of massage therapy. Massage is known to be a great relaxant and can provide relief from common headaches, pain, soreness, and inflammation. Massage can also be used to treat serious conditions such as arthritis and migraine headaches. Some natural products that can be massaged include herbal oils and creams.
Another popular complementary therapy is chiropractic care. Chiropractic is considered an alternative medicine because it focuses on spinal alignment and body mechanics rather than on disease or medical diagnosis. When done properly, chiropractic care can help to alleviate problems that cause pain and other symptoms. Many individuals find that chiropractic care helps them overcome their overall illness and return to a normal and active lifestyle.
Complementary and alternative medicine is becoming less alternative because of the growth of naturopathic medicine. Naturopathy is the practice of treating patients with natural substances in the belief that these substances will improve the health of the patient and prevent future illness or disease. Naturopathy often utilizes plant extracts or food choices to treat patients. A great example would be Echinacea, which is a golden powder that can be added to teas to enhance the healing process. Many other herbs and plant extracts have proven beneficial for alternative or complementary medicine. These include Aloe (Aloe Vera), Indian Ginseng (Ginseng), and Garlic.
In addition to traditional alternative medicine, new, alternative medicines are being developed and introduced into the marketplace each day. One such alternative medicine that is gaining popularity is Complementary and Alternative Medicine (CAM). CAM is becoming more recognized as an effective form of preventive care. Because CAM is designed to complement traditional medicine, it can be used to supplement treatment, not replace it. For instance, camomile tea can be used to help relieve upset stomachs and help control diabetes. It also promotes good health by balancing the acid levels in the body.
Research is also showing the wide variety of benefits that camomile can have for the body. This includes the reduction of blood pressure, cholesterol, and blood sugar levels. It has been shown to improve circulation and may even help prevent cancer. It is also believed to slow the aging process by making the skin more elastic. There have been no negative effects reported by using camomile in conjunction with traditional medicine and alternative medicines.
As time goes on, people are more likely to turn toward Complementary and Alternative Medicine. With this trend, more people are becoming aware of the vast variety of alternative medicines that are available on the market today. CAM is a wonderful way to improve the overall health of a person. It does not have to take over traditional forms of medical treatment. As long as they are used in accordance with the advice of a trained professional, complementary and alternative medicines can help to enhance the quality of life.
