NounWikipedia has an article on: Alternative medicineSingular alternative medicine Plural uncountable alternative medicine (uncountable)
From Wiktionary under the GNU Free Documentation License. The term alternative medicine, as used in the modern Western world, encompasses any healing practice "that does not fall within the realm of conventional medicine". Commonly cited examples include naturopathy, chiropractic, herbalism, traditional Chinese medicine, Unani, Ayurveda, meditation, yoga, biofeedback, hypnosis, homeopathy, acupuncture, and diet-based therapies, in addition to a range of other practices. It is frequently grouped with complementary medicine, which generally refers to the same interventions when used in conjunction with mainstream techniques, under the umbrella term complementary and alternative medicine, or CAM. Some significant researchers in alternative medicine oppose this grouping, preferring to emphasize differences of approach, but nevertheless use the term CAM, which has become standard. Alternative medicine practices are as diverse in their foundations as in their methodologies. Practices may incorporate or base themselves on traditional medicine, folk knowledge, spiritual beliefs, or newly conceived approaches to healing. Jurisdictions where alternative medical practices are sufficiently widespread may license and regulate them. The claims made by alternative medicine practitioners are generally not accepted by the medical community because evidence-based assessment of safety and efficacy is either not available or has not been performed for many of these practices. If scientific investigation establishes the safety and effectiveness of an alternative medical practice, it may be adopted by conventional practitioners. Because alternative techniques tend to lack evidence, some have advocated defining it as non-evidence based medicine, or not medicine at all. Some researchers state that the evidence-based approach to defining CAM is problematic because some CAM is tested, and research suggests that many mainstream medical techniques lack solid evidence. A 1998 systematic review of studies assessing its prevalence in 13 countries concluded that about 31% of cancer patients use some form of complementary and alternative medicine. Alternative medicine varies from country to country. Dr. Edzard Ernst believes that in Austria and Germany CAM is mainly in the hands of physicians, while some estimates suggest that at least half of American alternative practitioners are physicians. In Germany, herbs are tightly regulated, with half prescribed by doctors and covered by health insurance based on their Commission E legislation. From Wikipedia under the
GNU Free Documentation License Why do people chose to use alternative medicine? Q. I'm studying alternative medicine for sociology at school and was wondering why people chose to use alternative medicine when modern medicine is available. Even people with cancer, chose to use alternative therapy instead of rely in doctors. I am just very unsure why. Thanks everyone! By the way, I'm not here to bag on you or tell you that what you believe is wrong. I'm just looking to find someone with first hand experience on the matter. People have said that they use them, but have they actually worked for you? Thanks for all of your replies. Asked by Stephanie K - Sat Mar 29 09:22:10 2008 - - 18 Answers - 0 Comments A. Well, it certainly is popular. Lots of people use it as an adjunct to science based medicine. Relatively few people use it exclusively. I am not aware of any people who seek out AltMed when they have an actual medical emergency. It tends to be used for ill defined chronic conditions that tend to have symptoms that wax and wane. Part of it is a backlash against science. People tend to look at sciences' failures (thalidomide, Vioxx) and generalize that "all science" is bad...conveniently forgetting the huge gains in health in the last century as a result of a scientific approach. (cures for polio, many cancers, treatment of diabetes etc etc) The current generation has no idea how lucky they are to be alive in an era of science based… [cont.] Answered by SkepDoc 2.0 - Sat Mar 29 10:27:27 2008 Has anyone successfully treated bipolar disorder with alternative medicine, or know of anyone who has? Q. I am sick of the sugar cravings and weight gain, and would like to try alternative medicine or herbal remedies if possible. I am currently taking an anti-depressant and a mood stabilizer (Seroquel), and it seems to help, but the effectiveness is short lived, and then I have to increase the dosage again. Asked by spunkygirl - Sun Nov 30 15:54:17 2008 - - 3 Answers - 0 Comments A. Here is what you need to do. Strict diet. That means eating all fresh foods, no frozen, bagged, canned, or processed. Good protein (meats), fresh vegetables and fruits. Then you need a good liquid vitamin and mineral supplement. I have ADHD and had terrible mood swings. I started using this liquid vitamin and was using 3 bottles a month (3 ozs a day) and my mood swings went away. I got the minerals and vitamins I needed which made me have mood swings. Changing my diet removed the toxins in the foods and increasing the protein made sure my bloodsugar didn't drop. That is the basics for you. Answered by adhdAwareness.com - Sun Nov 30 21:46:59 2008 How to become self educated in Alternative Medicine?
Q. How can I become self educated in Alternative Medicine? Does anyone recommend any books? Asked by 8319 - Mon May 8 22:14:41 2006 - - 5 Answers - 1 Comments A. Oh there are so many books as well as infon on the internet. But do read alot, and ask questions, not just from an MD but go to a good chiropractor. There is a lot of stuff out there claiming to be 'true' alternative medicine, but it's just junk. Be careful. Herbs can be very potent. Many of our medicines are derived from them(aspirin for one) but plant-derived 'drugs' can also be dangerous(think ephedra, cocaine) Chiropractors are a good source. Midwives too. As well as Homeopaths. Homeopathic Medicine is more widely used in Europe than what is referred to as 'western' or 'American' medicine. Each valid branch of medicine has its good uses. Answered by victorianspices - Mon May 8 23:05:47 2006 From Yahoo Answer Search: "alternative medicine"
See also:
 news.google.com WiredPRNews.com (press release) Wired PR News Alternative medicine is becoming more widely accepted in hospitals and doctors offices today. As reported by the Associated Press (AP), ... and more » news.google.com Business Standard Camlin Fine Chemicals, a part of the de-merged Camlin group, has diversified into the power as well as alternative medicine sectors, besides venturing into ... and more » news.google.com Willits News The institute is a not-for-profit health care organization based in West Virginia that has allopathic doctors working side by side with alternative medicine ... and more » From Google News Search: "alternative medicine"  mediks-bg.com 160px x 161px | 3.90kB [source page]  medicinealternative.net 125px x 700px | 53.80kB [source page] http www medicinealternative net index htm http www medicinealternative net images aaa2 gif http www medicinealternative net images alternative medicine logo1 gif http www medicinealternative net partners Online College Degree Programs html From Yahoo Image Search: "alternative medicine"  howslim.net admin ue, 30 Jun 2009 10:37:27 GM Natural . medicine. dates back to ancient civilizations when people always turned to nature for natural therapies that helped their physical and emotional body.  natural-holistic-health.com Dee Mon, 22 Jun 2009 17:02:13 GM The idea of premenstrual syndrome PMS is sometimes controversial but in the last decade it has become a more accepted diagnosis and researchers have.  healthnews.com unknown Mon, 15 Jun 2009 20:59:08 GM In recent times, an increasing number of people have begun directing their attention toward . alternative medicine. for preventing and treating illnesses and solving their day-to-day health-related issues.herbal remedy composite. From Google Blog Search: "alternative medicine" |
