Individuals dissatisfied with conventional medications sometimes opt for alternative medicines in order to deal with their problems in a better way. Alternative medicines and therapies have also become a part of the standard lifestyle followed by healthy individuals as well. However, one has to note that when compared to conventional medicines, alternative medicines are not tested. Hence, they can be ineffective and dangerous to health. It is always wise to consult the doctor before opting for these remedies. Accordingly, here are six very popular alternative medicines and remedies opted for by patients today.
Homeopathy
Homeopathy works on the belief that the same substances that can affect some individuals can treat the same condition in others. The practice involves prescribing a variety of pills in lieu of the patient's body condition. These pills will help bring back the body balance and get help get rid of the disease.The prescribed doses are small and include plant and herbal based remedies. They would also include a combination of meditation, yoga and traditional practices. This is where the problem lies for researchers who to find it difficult to test the effectiveness of the treatments using these doses. Currently, homeopathy medicines are found to treat allergies, diarrhea, vertigo and asthma, without proper evidence.
Hypnosis
Hypnosis has been used from time immemorial to help treat a variety of conditions in patients, including weight gain, smoke addiction, insomnia, headaches, stress, dental pain and even childbirth. The technique involves guiding a patient to a sub conscious state in order to make subtle changes that would stimulate the nervous system and make the body respond accordingly. Hypnosis may not work for everyone. Those who approach it with an open mind experience better results.
Yoga
Yoga helps improve flexibility and circulation in the body. Studies reveal that it can also help treat conditions like high blood pressure, diabetes, inflammation, stress and depression. It also helps strengthen the body's immune system. Best of all, it comes with a low price tag which is affordable for all. However, not every condition can be cured by yoga and patients would have to ask their doctor for the yoga poses that would help treat specific conditions.
Guided Imagery
Also called as visualization, guided imagery has become an important tool for the treatment of stroke victims and cancer patients. It also helps treat patients suffering from stress and anxiety. The concept involves focusing on a concept or image to strengthen the body-mind connection. Guided imagery helps the brain visualize an activity for the body to follow suit. Hence, the treatment can do wonders for individuals suffering from the conditions mentioned above.
Ayurveda
Very common in India, Ayurveda is an ancient practice that combines the use of herbs, diet, massage, breathing and meditation to treat ailments and restore body balance. Ayurveda works on the principle that an illness can be treated only by restoring the balance between body, mind and spirit.Ayurveda is relatively safe and has been used to treat many issues, including memory problems and lack of focus. However, there is no scientific evidence to back these claims. Some herbal remedies used in Ayurveda may have lethal doses of heavy metal. In some cases, natural herbs may interfere with conventional medications, causing potentially dangerous side effects.
Acupuncture
Dating back to over thousands of years ago, acupuncture is an ancient Asian remedy, which uses several tiny needles (over 400) to tap into specific pressure points in the body. Doing so, these needles would redirect the body's Qi Energy to treat medical conditions. Today, millions of people around the world opt for acupuncture to treat a variety of conditions, including headaches, pain, digestive disorders, respiratory issues, asthma, fibromyalgia, etc.
