Medicine Health

Alternative medicine use is on the rise, according to a survey conducted by the U.S. government in 2002.

The survey polled 31,000 people, asking them about their alternative health use, including yoga, massage, prayer, herbs and diet therapies, such as The Zone, Atkins and Ornish.

The survey, which was the largest survey on alternative health approaches in the U.S., concluded that 62% of American adults used alternative medicine therapies in 2002.

Prayer was the number one alternative therapy used, whether used for one's own health or for the health of another. Forty-three percent of Americans polled use prayer and ten percent participate in prayer groups.

Natural product use, including enzymes, vitamin supplements, herbs and botanicals, was the second most commonly used alternative therapy at nineteen percent, followed by eight percent using deep breathing, meditation, chiropractic care, yoga and massage.

Diet-based therapies, such as Ornish and Atkins, came in last, with only four percent of Americans using them as alternatives to conventional medicine.

The results of the survey show an overall discontent with conventional medicine. The National Center for Complementary and Alternative Medicine, a part of the National Institutes of Health, stated that they believe people are using alternative health practices because they are not getting the desired affects they need from conventional medicine practices.

Concern was expressed by health officials about people using alternative therapies instead of conventional medicine. They fear that people will stop using conventional methods, which are tested and proven to be safe and effective, while natural and alternative methods of healing are still being tested to determine their safety and effectiveness.

Health officials were also concerned that people may believe because something is 'natural', that it is also safe. Two examples of unsafe natural remedies are kava kava, which has been linked to liver disease, and one of the popular herbs Ma Huang, also known as ephedra, which causes undue stress on the heart and has been known to cause stroke and heart failure. Health officials urge people to consult their doctors before using alternative medicine, to make sure they are being safe, especially when mixing alternative therapies with conventional drugs.

The study did not report whether the 31,000 polled were insured or not, which proves to be a very important factor in the survey results. Health officials were troubled to find out that thirteen percent of those polled began using alternative health therapies because conventional medicine was too expensive.

Have you ever tried some form of complementary and/or alternative medicine to assist your own healing process?

It seems that 38 percent of adults and 12 percent of children in the U.S. have used some form of complementary and alternative medicine (CAM), according to a 2007 government study, the 2007 National Health Interview Survey (NHIS). This is a study repeated every year. Thousands of Americans are surveyed about their health and illness experiences and the use of 36 different types of CAM therapies, 10 types that require a provider and 29 types of self-provided therapies, e.g., herbs and aromatherapy.

Definitions of CAM
· Complementary Medicine is any methods and procedures used with together with conventional or traditional medicine
· Alternative Medicine is any methods or procedures used in place of conventional or traditional medicine
· Integrative Medicine combines conventional and CAM methods and procedures, if there is evidence of safety and effectiveness The study reveals that since so many Americans are actually using some form of CAM, it is important to perform adequate research to determine the safety and true value of these methods.

Do they work or are they just placebo, something that helps because we believe it can help or because someone else has told us it can help. It is important for medical professionals and other healthcare providers to discuss the particular CAM methods being used by patients. Especially since some of these products are not FDA approved, the exact dosage may not be accurately listed - and - combining herbal or other products with prescription medications can sometimes cause negative and even deadly interactions.

Who Uses CAM The 2007 survey, as well as an earlier survey in 2002, indicates the following CAM usage:
· Women (42.8%) compared to men (33.5%)
· Men and women aged 30-69
· Those with higher education
· Those who are not poor
· People living in the west coast of the U.S.
· Non-smokers or previous smokers who quit
· Children whose parents also use CAM

If you are currently using some from of CAM, don't just take it blindly. Read the current research provided by the National Center for Complementary and Alternative Medicine (NCCAM) at the NIH and the National Center for Health Statistics (NCHS), part of the CDC (Centers for Disease Control and Prevention). Some of these methods have proven to enhance the healing process while others have not revealed much promising healing potential. For your own health and wellness, isn't it worth doing a bit of personal research to determine the effectiveness of a CAM treatment for your particular health concern? Would you try an experimental type of gas in your car or would you do some research first? which is more important to you, your car or your body?

What is Alternative Medicine? The term "Alternative Medicine" is used to describe herbal medicine. People used to consider practices like these out side the mainstream, which is why they got the name 'Alternative." Complementary and alternative medicine (CAM) is the term for medical products and practices that are not part of the standard care. Standard care is what medical Doctors, therapists, allied health professionals, such as registered nurses and health professionals use. Complementary medicine means non-standard treatments that you use along with standard ones

Alternative Medicine is as old as the human race. In the beginning, when man was created, he was given free access to use the "Herbs" that were created by God for food and medicinal use. Eastern countries have long been using traditional methods of treating their health problems and diseases. Oriental countries like: China and India and far east countries like: Egypt and ancient Babylon have all used alternative herbal medicine to treat health problems.

What is Herbal Medicine? "Herbal Medicine" also called Botanicals and. A herb is a plant or plant part used for its scent, flavor or therapeutic properties. Herbal medicine products are dietary food, supplements or properties that people take to improve their health. Many herbs have been used for a long time for claimed health benefits. They are sold as tablets, capsules, teas, extracts and fresh or dried. However, some are not effective and some may interact with other drugs you are taking. It is always wise to consult or inform your Doctor about your use of herbal medicine.

Doctors, health professionals and patients in western countries are becoming more receptive to learning and using alternative and herbal medicine to treat and reverse their health problems. As a result, many western medical schools are now teaching alternative treatments, techniques and theories. Some hospitals and Doctors are now supplementing their regular medical care with alternative and herbal techniques and treatments.

Micronutra alternative herbal medicine made by real Doctors has led the way in producing high quality herbal products to help reverse many known chronic diseases. Many people with long term chronic illnesses have been using Micronutra herbal products with amazing results. These products are effective in reversing the root causes of : diabetes, high blood pressure, gout, menopause, fatigue, asthma, arthritis, stress, sex problems in men and women, acid reflux, lupus, allergies, yeast infection, weight loss, cholesterol and immune system. Micronutra herbal medicine has made a difference in the lives of many people. Why not learn more about Micronutra medicine and see if these products can help you in your health problems?

Going to the doctor is not like it used to be. In olden times doctors visits were more personalized and in depth. Now traditional medicine is very impersonal and doctors send you home with up to 5 prescriptions that you need to start taking right away. The only problem is you will return next week because of all the side affects that you have from all the medicine the doctor prescribed you in the first place and your original problem still won't be solved. Unfortunately, the reason behind all the new prescriptions is because of all the kickbacks that doctors get for prescribing them. Although, these medications don't help the patients and will undoubtedly cause more symptoms. So many Americans have started looking towards complementary and alternative medicine.

Complementary and alternative medicine (CAM) is a group of diverse medical practices that are not generally accepted by conventional medicine, conventional medicine being medicine practiced by an M.D., D.O., psychologist, registered nurse, or physical therapist. This group of medicine is continually changing and types of medicine are very broad, however the ultimate goal of this type of medicine is find whole body health and wellness. The principals and guidelines for each individual type of CAM although diverse are based on holistic properties, whereby treating the body as a whole and resolving the underlying problems are far more important in the long run rather than just reducing the symptoms.

CAM involves the connection between the mind and body and not only relieves symptoms but works to resolve the underlying problems as well. Although, used in conjunction with one another, complementary and alternative medicines are two completely different groups of medicine. Complementary medicine unlike its cohort is used in conjunction with traditional medicine. Therefore the treatment or medicine complements conventional means of resolving pain, disease or illness. Where as alternative medicine, is used in place of conventional medicine to promote self-healing, and preventative medicine.

In the past, CAM was not accepted due to its lack of scientific basis and evidence. However, because many CAM practices are deeply rooted in Eastern history and are based upon traditional medicine, folk knowledge, and spiritual beliefs people are now turning to this type of medicine. Not to mention that patients are seeing and feeling results from CAM. There is no greater influence than someone else's testimonial, which is causing the rise in CAM. Western medicine, although still hesitant, is just beginning to use some alternative medicines as complements to their conventional methods. Additionally insurances have turned the corner and started allowing several alternative medicines as part of their covered benefits. That's not to say that CAM is completely accepted by the medical community, it is a long way off. However it has opened the door for new approaches to healing some of which are old ideas with new methods.

Due to the diversity of available CAM's, it is easier to group them together to understand what type of medicine and treatment is rendered. The categories include natural products, mind-body medicine, and manipulative and body-based practices. Natural products include a variety of herbal medicines, vitamins, minerals and other "natural products". Products considered natural can include dietary supplementation, herbal or botanical, and probiotics. Mind-body medicine focuses on the connection between the mind and the body to heal and promote health. These practices include meditation, yoga, acupuncture, deep-breathing, guided imagery, hypnotherapy, and tai chi. Lastly manipulative and body-based practices focus on the body systems and their structures. Spinal manipulation from chiropractic care and massage therapy are two commonly used body-based practices.

Before you choose a CAM it is best to research and ask your friends and coworkers for suggestions. It is normal to be nervous or apprehensive because it is not mainstream, however with the popularity and growth that it continues to receive, CAM's are the next group of conventional medicine.