Thursday, April 26, 2007

A couple of CAM therapies

Acupuncture treatment for pain works either locally by secretion of neurohormones in the tissue adjacent to the needle, or centrally through nervous pathways mediated by neurotransmitters, such as serotonin and norepinephrine (Peters page. 85).
Homeopathy is complementary medicine based on the idea that treating “like with like” will stimulate and direct the body’s self-healing abilities (Peters, page 70). Homeopathy is particularly useful when the disease is “internal” due to an imbalance within the person rather than to an external agent, such as an infection. For instance, homeopathy is very effective for children with eczema and other allergies, and for people with anxiety, depression, sleep problems, recurrent coughs, colds and flu, arthritis, and rheumatism, and for women with PMS and menopausal problems. It can complement other treatments, too. For example, homeopathic medicines are sometimes taken alongside conventional medication to help with the side effects and symptoms of cancer.
Chiropractors use precise hand movements to manipulate the vertebrae of the spine. The therapy is particularly effective in treating low back pain and relieving muscle tension caused by stress. In correcting the alignment of the spine with the head and pelvis, chiropractors help the nervous system work normally. Treatment may involve standing or sitting or lying on a chiropractic couch while the practitioner used her hands to locate the source of the pain and then make the necessary adjustments (Peters, page.62). 
 Dietary supplement is a product (other than tobacco) that is intended to supplement the diet it contains one or more dietary ingredients (including vitamins; minerals; herbs or other botanicals; amino acids; and other substances) or their constituents. They are intended to be taken by mouth as a pill, capsule, tablet, or liquid. They are labeled on the front panel as being a dietary supplement. The FDA regulates dietary supplement, to what goes on the label must be truthful and the dietary supplement the FDA must look over its self. If the label is misleading the FDA can pull if off the market.
Yoga is one of the most known and used CAM therapy for the body. This ancient Indian practice has been practiced for thousands of years in India as part of Ayurveda. It combines physical postures and breathing to train the mind and body. All forms of yoga, such as hatha and astanga, can help relieve mental stress while increasing suppleness and fitness. Yoga therapists teach specific poses to treat medical complaints (Peters, page. 63).

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