medicine: 2009

H1N1 Flu (Swine Flu)

>> Thursday, August 20, 2009

Also called: Swine flu

Swine flu is an infection caused by a virus. It's named for a virus that pigs can get. People do not normally get swine flu, but human infections can and do happen. The virus is contagious and can spread from human to human. Symptoms of swine flu in people are similar to the symptoms of regular human flu and include fever, cough, sore throat, body aches, headache, chills and fatigue.

There are antiviral medicines you can take to prevent or treat swine flu. There is no vaccine available right now to protect against swine flu. You can help prevent the spread of germs that cause respiratory illnesses like influenza by

Covering your nose and mouth with a tissue when you cough or sneeze. Throw the tissue in the trash after you use it.
Washing your hands often with soap and water, especially after you cough or sneeze. You can also use alcohol-based hand cleaners.
Avoiding touching your eyes, nose or mouth. Germs spread this way.
Trying to avoid close contact with sick people.
Staying home from work or school if you are sick.

Swine fleu N1H1 vaccination and home treatment remedies

>> Thursday, August 13, 2009

Vaccination

WHO does not expect the swine flu vaccine to be widely available until the end of 2009, noting that current production "yield" was only about half as much as expected and would cause timeline delays.[263] Vaccine producers can normally produce about a billion doses of any single vaccine each year and as a result WHO anticipates a "global shortfall," Keiji Fukuda said in May.[264]
There is also concern that countries which produce vaccines, 70 percent of which are in Europe, may delay sending swine flu vaccines to other countries as they may come under "tremendous pressure to protect their own citizens first," note some experts. Michael Osterholm, director of the Center for Infectious Disease Research and Policy at the University of Minnesota said that as 80 percent of the United States' pandemic vaccine supply will be coming from abroad, he is very concerned about when it might arrive. "Timing could be everything to avoid a vaccine spat."[265]
Although WHO reports that a fully licensed vaccine might not be ready until the end of 2009, some experts feel that with "little or no safety data about a swine flu vaccine," governments that are planning to roll out mass campaigns are "taking a gamble," since any rare side effects won't show up until millions of people start getting the shots.[265] Nonetheless, in late July, some European countries were planning to accelerate the approval process for the vaccine, and countries like Britain, Greece, France and Sweden all say that they will start using the vaccine once it is given approval, which could happen within weeks. Some European officials feel that "the benefit of saving lives is worth the gamble," and are letting companies skip testing large groups of people before the vaccine is approved. The U.S. is taking a more cautious approach, however.[266]
U.S. and local health officials are monitoring the Southern Hemisphere, where the "virus is already on an unstoppable course" and where it's feared it might combine with the seasonal flu strain and develop drug resistance.[267] The U.S. goal of pandemic plans is to make 600 million doses in six months, enough for two doses for each American, according to experts, with an estimated cost of $8 billion.[146]
Although the seasonal flu vaccine provides little or no protection against H1N1 swine flu, health experts recommend immunization to help prevent people from being infected with both at once. "Vaccination against seasonal influenza should begin as soon as vaccine is available and continue throughout the influenza season," the CDC's Anne Schuchat said, and wants 83 percent of the population to get an annual flu vaccine," noting that only 40 percent of the U.S. population received one last year.[268]
Two injections will be required three weeks apart for the swine flu and a third will be needed for seasonal flu to provide maximum immunity. Children younger than 9 years old will need four shots.[269] The CDC plans to administer the vaccine through clinics set up by state health organizations, but some experts feel that health departments are under-funded and could get "fatigued."[269]
Treatment

Home treatment remedies

The Mayo Clinic and Medline list a number of ways to help ease symptoms, including adequate liquid intake and rest, soup to ease congestion, and over-the-counter drugs to relieve pain. Aspirin, for instance, "is very effective for treating fever in adults" in children and adolescents, aspirin is not usually given due to the risk of Reye's syndrome.[ over-the-counter drugs relieve symptoms, they do not kill the virus.[ Most patients were expected to recover without medical attention, although those with pre-existing or underlying medical conditions were more prone to complications.

Antiviral drugs

Recommended usage and availability

According to the CDC, antiviral drugs can be given to treat those who become severely ill, two of which are recommended for swine flu symptoms: oseltamivir (Tamiflu) and zanamivir (Relenza). To be most useful, they must be taken within 2 days of showing symptoms. They work by deactivating an enzyme the virus needs to grow and spread. Therefore, when taken soon after symptoms are noticed, "they may shorten the illness by a day or so," according to the Mayo Clinic. Oseltamivir is an oral medication, but zanamivir is inhaled through a device similar to an asthma inhaler and shouldn't be used by anyone with respiratory conditions, such as asthma and lung disease.[270]
Furthermore, as the flu spreads, there could be temporary shortages of these drugs. The U.S. CDC therefore recommends Tamiflu treatment primarily for people hospitalized with swine flu; people at risk of serious flu complications due to underlying medical conditions; patients at risk of serious flu complications because they are pregnant, under age 5, or over age 65; and to prevent infection of people at risk of serious flu complications who have been exposed to someone with swine flu.

Anti-viral resistance risk

Marie-Paule Kiely, WHO vaccine research director, said that it was "almost a given" that the new strain would undergo reassortment with resistant seasonal flu viruses and acquire resistance, but it was not yet known at what level resistance would appear.[275] If the virus develops oseltamivir resistance, the "world’s Tamiflu stockpiles will be all but worthless," and doctors would have to switch to the more expensive and harder to take, Relenza.[274] [276] At least five recent instances of Tamiflu-resistant viruses were reported in July. There have also been reports of summer camps urging children to bring the antiviral drug Tamiflu and take it as a preventative measure, but that has concerned the CDC since widespread use could also lead to increased resistance. Currently, almost all seasonal flu strains are resistant to the drug and the genes for such resistance could be very easily transmitted to the new virus, the CDC warns.

Possible side effects

Both medications can cause side effects, including lightheadedness, nausea, vomiting, loss of appetite and trouble breathing and it is recommended that patients discuss possible side effects with their doctor before starting any antiviral medication. The Food and Drug Administration (FDA) has required the maker of Tamiflu to include a warning that people with the flu, particularly children, may be at increased risk of self-injury and confusion after taking Tamiflu and that individuals with the flu who take Tamiflu be closely monitored for signs of unusual behavior.[270]
Warnings of online purchasing
When buying these medications, some agencies warn against buying from online sources, with WHO estimating that half the drugs sold by online pharmacies without a physical address are counterfeit.

Swine flue N1H1 Symptoms and expected severity

The signs of infection with swine flu are similar to other forms of influenza, and include a fever, coughing, headaches, pain in the muscles or joints, sore throat, chills, fatigue and runny nose. Diarrhea, vomiting and neurological problems have also been reported in some cases. A study concluded on May 5, published in the New England Journal of Medicine, found that 94% of confirmed patients had fever and 92% had cough.[206] People at higher risk of serious complications included people age 65 years and older, children younger than 5 years old, pregnant women, and people of any age with underlying medical conditions, such as asthma, diabetes, obesity, heart disease, or a weakened immune system (e.g., taking immunosuppressive medications or infected with HIV).[204][207] According to the CDC, more than 70% of hospitalizations in the U.S. have been people with such underlying conditions.[208]
Most cases mild
Evidence mounted through May 2009 that the symptoms were milder than health officials initially feared. As of May 27, 2009, most of the 342 confirmed cases in New York City had been mild and there had been only 23 confirmed deaths from the virus.[209] Similarly, Japan has reported 1,048, mostly mild flu cases, and no deaths,[210] with the government reopening schools as of May 23, stating that the "virus should be considered more like a seasonal flu."[211] In Mexico, where the outbreak began in April, Mexico City officials lowered their swine flu alert level as no new cases had been reported for a week.[212]

Symptoms that may require medical attention

Certain symptoms may require emergency medical attention. In children signs of respiratory distress, for instance, those might include blue lips and skin, dehydration, rapid breathing, excessive sleeping, seizures[213] and significant irritability that includes a lack of desire to be held. In adults, shortness of breath, pain in the chest or abdomen, sudden dizziness or confusion may indicate the need for emergency care. In both children and adults, persistent vomiting or the return of flu-like symptoms that include a fever and cough may require medical attention.

Underlying conditions may worsen symptoms

WHO reported that almost one-half of the patients hospitalized in the United States had underlying conditions.[214] "Among 30 patients hospitalized in California," stated the WHO report, "64 percent had underlying conditions and two of five pregnant women developed complications, including spontaneous abortion and premature rupture of membranes." And on June 5, health officials in six states that reported deaths from swine flu said that all six patients had been diagnosed with other health problems.[215]
However, doctors in New York suggested that people with "underlying conditions" who had flu symptoms should consult their doctors first. "Visiting an emergency room full of sick people may actually put them in more danger," wrote the New York Times. Dr. Steven J. Davidson, the chairman of emergency medicine department at Maimonides Medical Center in Brooklyn commented "Like the asthmatics, we’d really prefer that pregnant women would stay away from the emergency departments." Approximately one-third of New Yorkers have one of the underlying conditions recognized by the city.[207] However, no statistics for people with underlying conditions who die from seasonal flu have been reported by the media thus far.

Pneumonia

Influenza infection can cause pneumonia leading to death. This is typically described as either viral pneumonia, which has a rapid onset, often within one day after infection, or bacterial pneumonia, which often begins a week after infection after symptoms have begun to subside.[216]
Viral pneumonia has sometimes been attributed to "cytokine storm", in which an overly active immune response damages the lungs. Reports of deaths among healthy young people during the first weeks of the 2009 flu pandemic were attributed to this cause.[217]
Bacterial pneumonia is a secondary infection resulting from a weakened ability to clear common bacteria from the lower lungs, combined with reduced alveolar macrophage activity which makes it more difficult for the body to fight infection. Bacteria that cause pneumonia include Pneumococcus, Staphylococcus, and Hemophilus influenzae.[218] Bacterial pneumonia has been credited for a large proportion of deaths in the 1918 flu pandemic.[219]
Recent data has suggested that these two forms of pneumonia are not entirely unrelated. A study of 37,000 children in South Africa who received a pneumococcal vaccine (PncCV) found that they were on average one-third less likely to suffer viral pneumonia following infections with seven different respiratory viruses, as well as being protected from bacterial pneumonia afterward.[220]

Prevention

Personal hygiene

The Mayo Clinic has suggested personal measures to avoid seasonal flu infection which should be applicable to the 2009 pandemic: vaccination when available, thorough and frequent hand-washing, a balanced diet with fresh fruits and vegetables, whole grains, and lean protein, sufficient sleep, regular exercise, and avoiding crowds.

Airborne virus prevention

Masks may be of benefit in "crowded settings" or for people who are in "close contact" with infected persons, defined as 1 meter or less by the World Health Organization and 6 feet or less by the U.S. Occupational Safety and Health Administration. In these cases the CDC recommended respirators classified as N95, but it is unknown whether they would prevent swine flu infection.[222] According to mask manufacturer 3M, there are no "established exposure limits for biological agents" such as swine flu virus.
The UK Health Protection Agency considers facial masks unnecessary for the general public[223] and some experts feel it may lead to a false sense of security. Masks are not generally provided by airport security or airlines although the CDC recommends the use of surgical masks in some circumstances.[224] other U.S. officials stated in May that if the flu virus does in fact reach pandemic proportions, "there won't be enough face masks to go around."[225] A recent internal CDC briefing noted, "20,000 people die from novel 2009-H1N1 and everybody wants to wear a mask. 9 million people die from AIDS and no one wants to wear a condom."
Pork safe to eat
The leading international health agencies stressed that the "influenza viruses are not known to be transmissible to people through eating processed pork or other food products derived from pigs."

Airline hygiene precautions

U.S. airlines have made no major changes as of the beginning of June, but continued standing practices that include looking for passengers with symptoms of flu, measles or other infections, and rely on in-flight air filters to ensure that aircraft are sanitized. "We take our guidance from the professionals (such as the CDC)", stated an Air Transport Association spokesman. The CDC has not recommended that airline crews wear face masks or disposable overcoats. Alaska Airlines removed all pillows and blankets from its fleet in late April/early May.[228]

Outside the U.S. however, some airlines have modified hygiene procedures to minimize travel health risks on international flights. Asian carriers have stepped up cabin cleaning, installed state-of-the-art air filters and allowed in-flight staff to wear face masks, with some replacing used pillows, blankets, headset covers and headrest covers, while others have begun disinfecting the cabins of all aircraft. In China, some airline flight attendants are required to wear disposable facial masks, gloves and hats and even disposable overcoats during flights to select destinations.[229]
Singapore has been thermal-screening everyone coming into the country, with Singapore Airlines giving passengers traveling to the United States health kits that include a thermometer, masks and antiseptic towels. Its cabin and flight crews are getting mandatory temperature checks before flights. The government recently quarantined a passenger who was later found to have the flu along with about 60 other people on the same flight who were sitting within three rows.[229] A consultant for the microbiology division at National University Hospital in Singapore, said hygiene practices such as covering the nose and mouth when sneezing or coughing in confined areas may be the best way to limit infection and safety measures such as costly air filters may be of limited use for carriers.[229]
Further information: Influenza prevention and standard personal precautions against influenza
Containment

Chinese inspectors on an airplane, checking passengers for fevers, a common symptom of swine flu
On April 28, 2009, WHO's Dr. Keiji Fukuda said that it was too late to contain the swine flu. "Containment is not a feasible operation. Countries should now focus on mitigating the effect of the virus," he said.[230] He therefore did not recommend closing borders or restricting travel, stating that "with the virus being widespread... closing borders or restricting travel really has very little effects in stopping the movement of this virus."[230] However, on April 28, the U.S. CDC began "recommending that people avoid non-essential travel to Mexico."[231] Many other countries confirmed that inbound international passengers would be screened. Typical airport health screening involves asking passengers which countries they have visited and checking whether they feel or appear particularly unwell. Thermographic equipment was put into use at a number of airports to screen passengers.[232] A number of countries also advised against travel to known affected regions, while experts suggested that if those infected stay at home or seek medical care, public meeting places are closed, and anti-flu medications are made widely available, then in simulations the sickness is reduced by nearly two-thirds.

Quarantines

Some countries began quarantining foreign visitors suspected of having or being in contact with others who may have been infected.

swine fleu n1h1 virus characteristics

Virus characteristics

The virus is a novel strain of influenza. Existing vaccines against seasonal flu provide no protection, and there is no vaccine for this strain. A study at the U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention published in May 2009 found that children had no preexisting immunity to the new strain but that adults, particularly those over 60, had some degree of immunity. Children showed no cross-reactive antibody reaction to the new strain, adults aged 18 to 64 had 6-9%, and older adults 33%.[169][170] It was also determined that the strain contained genes from four different flu viruses: North American swine influenza, North American avian influenza, human influenza, and two swine influenza viruses typically found in Asia and Europe. Further analysis showed that several of the proteins of the virus are most similar to strains that cause mild symptoms in humans, leading virologist Wendy Barclay to suggest on May 1 that the initial indications are that the virus was unlikely to cause severe symptoms for most people.[171] Scientists in Winnipeg completed the first full genetic sequencing of the virus on 6 May.[172]

Virus origins

On June 23, the New York Times reported that U.S. federal agriculture officials, "contrary to the popular assumption that the new swine flu pandemic arose on factory farms in Mexico," now believe that it "most likely emerged in pigs in Asia, but then traveled to North America in a human." They emphasized that there was no way to prove their theory, but stated that there is no evidence that this new virus, which combines Eurasian and North American genes, has ever circulated in North American pigs, "while there is tantalizing evidence that a closely related 'sister virus' has circulated in Asia."[141]
In early June 2009, using computational methods developed over the last ten years at Oxford, Dr Oliver Pybus of Oxford University's Department of Zoology and his team attempted to reconstruct the origins and timescale of the 2009 flu pandemic. He claims "Our results show that this strain has been circulating among pigs, possibly among multiple continents, for many years prior to its transmission to humans." The research team that worked on this report also believe that it was "derived from several viruses circulating in swine," and that the initial transmission to humans occurred several months before recognition of the outbreak. The team concluded that "despite widespread influenza surveillance in humans, the lack of systematic swine surveillance allowed for the undetected persistence and evolution of this potentially pandemic strain for many years."[173]

Structure of the influenza virion. The hemagglutinin (HA) and neuraminidase (NA) proteins are shown on the surface of the particle. The viral RNAs that make up the genome are shown as red coils inside the particle and bound to ribonucleoproteins (RNPs).
According to the researchers, movement of live pigs between Eurasia and North America "seems to have facilitated the mixing of diverse swine influenza viruses, leading to the multiple reassortment events associated with the genesis of the (new H1N1) strain." They also stated that this new pandemic "provides further evidence of the role of domestic pigs in the ecosystem of influenza A."[135] Some experts also suspect that a leading cause of the new virus outbreak is insufficient surveillance by the pork industry and the fact that "animal husbandry now more closely resembles the petrochemical industry than the happy family farm"[174]
Estimates of total cases
On July 24, Keiji Fukuda, WHO's Assistant Director-General for Health Security and Environment said the pandemic was still in its early stages globally and two billion infections over the course of the pandemic was "a reasonable ballpark to be looking at."[175] On the same day, the Anne Schuchat, director of the U.S. CDC's National Center for Immunization and Respiratory Diseases, estimated that without a swine flu vaccine, current trends suggest 12% to 24% of Americans might get swine flu this fall and winter. But if large enough numbers of people get the vaccine before the next waves of the pandemic sweep the nation it would "put a dent in the pandemic," she said. Initial availability of vaccines is expected by mid-October, although healhcare workers and people most at risk would likely get them first.[176]
As for the current totals, in early July WHO officials gave up trying to count the number of cases, saying the best they can do is estimate the spread of the "unstoppable" virus. And the CDC's Schuchat declined even to hazard a guess, saying it was "more than a million." Officials do not have the tools they need to count, she pointed out. "Most people who have respiratory illnesses don't find out exactly what caused it. Even most people with influenza don't know exactly which type of influenza caused their illness."[177]
In late June, the CDC estimated that 1 million Americans had so far contracted the flu. By comparison, an estimated 15 million to 60 million Americans are infected with the seasonal flu each year, leading to roughly 36,000 deaths.[178] According to the CDC, however, only about one in 20 cases was being officially reported in the U.S. in late May.[179] In the U.K., some experts thought the number of cases was potentially 300 times more than early published estimates,[180] warning that case estimates by the U.K. and other governments were "meaningless" and hiding its true extent. There were also estimates that Japan may have had approximately 30,000 cases by late May.[180]

Virulence

The CDC has noted that most infections continue to be mild—similar to seasonal flu—and recovery is extremely quick.[181] Some experts point out that the deaths so far are "a tiny fraction" of people who die every year from seasonal flu - with barely a public murmur." One doctor said that "when there's something that's new and unknown, it scares people."[182] Some medical journalists suggest that the news media may be overreacting to the new virus and have not compared its virulence with that of the regular "seasonal" flu.[183]
Mutation potential
On May 22, 2009, WHO chief Dr. Margaret Chan said that the virus must be closely monitored in the southern hemisphere, as it could mix with ordinary seasonal influenza and change in unpredictable ways. "In cases where the H1N1 virus is widespread and circulating within the general community, countries must expect to see more cases of severe and fatal infections," she said. "[184] Experts writing in the July New England Journal of Medicine note that "historically, pandemic viruses have evolved between seasons, and the current strain may become more severe or transmissible in the coming months." They therefore stress that "international cooperation will be crucial" to engage in proper surveillance to help monitor changes in the virus's behavior, which will aid in both "vaccine targeting" and interpreting illness patterns in the fall of 2009.[143]
Other experts are also concerned that the new virus strain could mutate over the coming months. Guan Yi, a leading virologist from the University of Hong Kong, for instance, described the new H1N1 influenza virus as "very unstable", meaning it could mix and swap genetic material when exposed to other viruses. During an interview he said "Both H1N1 and H5N1 are unstable so the chances of them exchanging genetic material are higher, whereas a stable (seasonal flu) virus is less likely to take on genetic material." The H5N1 virus is mostly limited to birds, but in rare cases when it infects humans it has a mortality rate of between 60% to 70%.[185] Experts worry about the emergence of a hybrid of the more virulent Asian-lineage HPAI (highly pathogenic avian influenza) A/H5N1 strain (media labeled "bird flu") with more human-transmissible Influenza A strains such as this novel 2009 swine-origin A/H1N1 strain (media labeled "swine flu"), especially since the H5N1 strain is and has been for years endemic in birds in countries like China, Indonesia, Vietnam and Egypt.[185][186] (See the suite of H5N1 articles for details.)
Nor had federal health officials in the U.S. dismissed the possibility that the worst was yet to come. "Far from it," Ann Schuchat of the CDC says, noting that the horrific 1918 flu epidemic, which killed hundreds of thousands in the United States alone, was preceded by a mild "herald" wave of cases in the spring, followed by devastating waves of illness in the autumn. "That 1918 experience is in our minds," she said.[187]
As of late July, U.S. health officials said that the swine flu "isn't yet mutating to become more dangerous," but they are closely tracking that as the virus continues to circle the globe.

Oriental Medicine Programs

>> Friday, April 17, 2009

Ready to earn your degree or certificate in Oriental medicine? Today,
there are several Oriental medicine programs from which to choose.
Whether you decide to pursue training in acupuncture, Tuina, or want
to achieve your Masters or Doctorate in Oriental medicine, candidates
now have the option to do so when they apply and enroll at one of the
growing number of modern acupuncture and Oriental medicine schools.

In comprehensive oriental medicine programs, students learn the
fundamentals of TCM (Traditional Chinese Medicine), including
acupuncture point location and meridian theory, acupuncture needling
techniques (including auricular [ear] acupuncture), Chinese herbology,
nutrition, Chinese medicine philosophies, Tuina (Chinese medical
massage), Qigong, Tai Chi, moxibustion, cupping, anatomy, physiology,
pathology, biomedical sciences, and more.

Oriental medicine programs that result in certification, like the
certificate in Chinese herbal medicine (CCHM), are often offered as a
post-graduate course to licensed acupuncture practitioners interested
in enhancing credentials and education in herbology.

Tuina training, one of the many Oriental medicine programs available
today, is a Chinese medical massage modality that can be completed in
three to six months; however, there are more advanced training
programs that may exceed one year's time. These courses generally
integrate more in-depth studies in Traditional Chinese Medicine, as
well as acupressure/Shiatsu. In addition to Chinese medicine colleges,
Oriental medicine programs in Tuina may be offered at a number of
massage therapy schools.

To earn your doctorate, there are Oriental medicine programs
specifically designed to help you achieve your DAOM (Doctor of
Acupuncture and Oriental Medicine) credentials. These courses often
require standard educational prerequisites (usually a master's degree
in acupuncture and Oriental medicine) and may take up to four years to
complete. Subject matter in these Oriental medicine programs includes
anatomy, biochemistry, physiology, TCM fundamentals and diagnosis,
Chinese Materia Medica, Medical Chinese language, microbiology.
Biophysics, acupuncture therapeutics, pathology, and clinical
internship, and more.

If you (or someone you know) are interested in learning more about
these or other healing arts programs, let professional training within
fast-growing industries like massage therapy, naturopathy,
acupuncture, Chinese medicine, Reiki, and others get you started!
Explore Oriental medicine programs near you.

Oriental Medicine Programs

The CollegeBound Network

NOTICE: Article(s) may be republished free of charge to relevant
websites, as long as Copyright and Author Resource Box are included;
and ALL Hyperlinks REMAIN intact and active.

_By: *CarolAnn Bailey-Lloyd*_

*About the Author:*

*Resource Box:* CarolAnn Bailey-Lloyd - Freelance Writer and Web
Consultant for *HolisticJunction.com* [1], _in association with
CollegeSurfing.com_ - Educational Resources for *Chinese Medicine*
[2], *Oriental medicine programs* [3], and other unique healing arts
programs.

Links:
------
[1] http://www.holisticjunction.com
[2] http://www.holisticjunction.com/categories/HAD/Chinese-medicine.html
[3] http://www.holisticjunction.com/categories/HAD/acupuncture-and-oriental-medicine.html

Back to Nature-southindian Herbals and Their Medicinal Uses

*BACK TO NATURE-SOUTHINDIAN HERBALS AND THEIR MEDICINAL USES*

*INTRODUCTION*

Man has been using plants as medicine from time immemorial. All major
civilization in the past had developed their own system of medicine,
mainly based on herbs of all such system perhaps most comprehensive
and scientific is that of ancient India, known as Ayurvedic
development during the Vedic period by our sages and seers. They had
identified hundreds and hundreds of plant species capable of
functioning as medicine in the human body and curing its maladies.

Green medicine have been proved to be highly effective and a
successful mode of therapy to cure various diseases caused by
microorganisms. Present, *300* plants extracts and tinctures are
utilized in modern medicine. The World Health Organization (WHO) has
estimated that about 90 percent of people in the world rely on
traditional medicine primary health needs chemical investigation and
biological screening of about *300* wild tribal medicinal plants have
been carried out by many researchers.

A survey indicates that *393* medicinal plant species are used in
traditional formulations and are sold in commercial outlets of the
*393* species distributed in *103* families; *Leguminosae* emerges as
the largest family of Pharmacological importance with a total of 41
medicinal Plants used in the traditional formulations. *Asteraceae* is
the second family with respect to ingredients of traditional
formulations (*19* species). *Zingiberaceae* and *Apiaceae* have *13*
species each, followed by *Euphorbiaceae* with *12* species that one
used in various formulations.

Herbs form a major segment of medicinal plants used in traditional
formulations with a total of *158* species. Trees and shrubs from the
next dominant group with *95* and *80* species used in the formulation
of drug respectively.

Based on the factual information, few medicinal Plants were selected
for gain the knowledge of herbs which enrich your health under the
followings.

*�*

*Holy Plants*

*S.No*

*Botanical Name*

*Family*

*Common Name*

*Preparation Method of the Medicine, Uses*

Ocimum sanctum

Laminaceae

Tulasi

Take 10 fresh leaves daily which cures the cold and develop your
immunity power.

Aegle marmelos

Rutaceae

Vilvam

Shade dry the leaves and power. Powder + 5 peppers mixed and add. Take
with milk in empty stomach. It will cure the Asthma.

Ficus religiosa

Moraceae

Arasu

Shades dry the young leaves and power it. Take twice daily with Hot
water. This cures the uterus related problems.

Azadirachta indica

Meliaceae

Vembu

The leaf, seed oil is used as a medicine. Antiviral Tree.

Cynodon datylon

Poaceae

Arugu

Take 150 gm of fresh leaves, make it juice and take it daily. Which
purify the blood and cool your body temperature

Leucas aspera

Laminaceae

Thumbai

Take 150 gm of these flowers Freshly and fry with ghee. Take weekly
once which cures the cold.

Tabernaemontana Coronaria

Apocynaceae

Nanthiyar- -vattam

The flower juice cures the eye problems. Particularly for the reddish
eye

Ficus bengalensis

Moraceae

Àlamaram

Shade dries the young leaves, powder it. Take twice daily, with hot
water which cures the uterus related problems

Santalum album

Santhanum

Anti heat agent which equalize your body temperature.

10.

Ealeocarpus tuberculatus

Elaecocarpaceae

Ruthratsam

Anti – Radiation Effect

*Memory Plus*

*S.No*

*Botanical Name*

*Family and Common name*

*Uses*

Hydrocotyle asiatica

*Apiaceae*

vallarai

Memory generator

Acthyranthus aspera

*Amarantaceae* Naiyooruvi

Extra memory creator

*�*

*Brain Growth and Development*

*S.No*

*Family*

*Botanical name*

*Common Name*

*Preparation method of medicine and uses*

Rutaceae

Aegle marmelos

Vilvum

Take the fruit twice in a month which will help to develop your brain.

Perkankai

Dry the vegetable and powder it. Make it decoction and take it once in
a week which provide stamina (or) power to the brain.

Phyllanthus embilica

Nelli

Take one Nelli daily which helps the brain function.

Coccus nueifera

Coconut

6-10 pieces of coconut in fresh form take daily. It will cure the
wounds which present in the brain.

Amarantaceae

Achyranthus aspera

Naioruvi

Take leaves monthly ones in form of Juice which helps with Nervous
system of the brain. It also cure the brine nervous disorder

*�*

*For Health and Development*

*S.No*

*Diseases*

*Botanical name and common name*

*Paration of the medicine*

Sugar

Gymnema sylvestre

Sarkaraikolli

The leaves were shade dried and powdered. The powder was taken half
teaspoon daily morning in empty stomach, with milk or buttermilk.

Blood pressure

Rauwolfia sarpentina

Sarpaganthi

The leaves were shade dried and powdered. The powder was taken half
teaspoon daily morning with butter milk after food

Heart

Nelumbium speciosum

thamarai

The flowers petals are shade dried and powdered and was used to make
decoction and it was taken twice in a day.

*Herbs for common diseases*

*�*

*S.NO*

*DISEASES*

*PLANTS*

*1*

Cold

Ocimum santum

Solanum trilobatum

Leucas aspera

*2*

Cough

Adatoda vasica

Vitex negundo

Abies webbiana

Oldanlandia umbellate

*3*

Digestion

Zingiber officinalis

Cissus quadrangularis

Cuminum cyminum

*4*

*Gas trouble*

Cuminum cyminum

Ferula asafetida

Cissus quadrangularis

*5*

*Wound healing*

Tridax procubens

Acalypha indica

*6*

*Teeth ache*

Zingiber officinalis

Jussiaea suffruticosa

Pisidium gaujava

*7*

*Rheumatism*

Delonix regia

Dolichos biflorus

*8*

*Reduce the body heat*

Aloe vera

Euphorbia thymifolia

*9*

*To burn the fat*

Solanum malaginella

Dolichos biflorus

*10*

*Head ache*

Brassica nigra

Zingiber officinalis

*�*

* Conclusion*

* �*

* �* Indian system of medicine particularly Ayurvedic,
Siddha and Unani have contributed to development of modern medicine
and are still practiced

To treat and benefit a large number of patients.
Even the world health organization in its meeting held in 1980
considered that for certain diseases like peptic ulcer, diabetes, high
blood pressure, a stone in the kidney and infective jaundice, no
satisfactory treatment is available in modern system of medicine and
suggested deeper study of indigenous system of medicine.

_By: *DR.V.R.BRINDHA SIVAGAMINATHAIYER*_

*About the Author:*

Herbal Medicine Into the Spotlight Once Again

Longtime regarded as ineffective by many contemporary medical
scientists - exclusivist adepts of modern medicine, herbal medicine
(commonly referred to as alternative or parallel medicine) has
recently become unexpectedly popular among many different categories
of people all around the world. The increasing global interest and
trust in traditional herbal medicine come as very good news,
considering that natural remedies are not only very efficient in
curing a wide spectrum of ailments and diseases, but are also very
safe to use compared to most synthetic drugs overused in today's
scientific medicine. With the appearance of so many specialized books
and online resources that educate people on the remarkable benefits
of using medicinal herbs as cures or means of prevention against
disease, everyone will soon realize the advantages offered by
traditional, herbal medicine and become more open-minded and
acceptant towards this form of medicine and its practices.

With the discovery of so many new synthetic drugs in the last century,
some people have forgotten about herbal medicine or have completely
turned away from this traditional form of medicine in favor of
scientific medicine. Even more, some medical scientists have denied
the benefits of medicinal herbs and herbal supplements for a long
time, engaging in an ongoing propaganda for synthetic, pharmaceutical
drugs instead. As presented by the Chinese proverb: "A single untried
popular remedy often throws the scientific doctor into hysterics",
many adepts of modern medicine fought a long and needless war against
traditional herbal medicine.

Fortunately, the situation has changed dramatically over the last few
decades and nowadays herbal medicine is once again respected and
properly valued. However, what many persons still don't realize at
present is that traditional medicine and modern medicine are
complementary concepts which share a common background, not
antithetic, opposing notions. Idealistically, there should be no
contradiction between herbal medicine and modern, scientific medicine,
as they both fight for the same cause: to restore the health and
wellbeing of patients afflicted by disease. On the contrary, both
forms of medicine should compensate for each other's minuses in order
to provide patients with better healthcare.

For thousands of years, herbal medicine has been using natural
remedies with strong curative effects to successfully treat an
extensive series of diseases and disorders. Nature is an infinite
source of natural ingredients which act as antibiotics, analgesics,
sedatives, anti-inflammatory agents and so on, being used either to
alleviate existing symptoms or to fight against the actual cause of
disease. Undoubtedly, herbal medicine has a long and respected history
and numerous studies conducted in the field have clearly revealed that
the therapeutic benefits and the healing ability of various medicinal
herbs and herbal supplements can be very significant if they are used
wisely along with a healthy lifestyle.

Medicinal herbs and herbal supplements are very affordable (sometimes
they can even be directly picked from nature), easy to find, contain
ingredients with strong curative effects and have little or no
side-effects at all! Medicinal herbs and herbal supplements can be
used under the form of tinctures, capsules, pills, ointments and
lotions, or can be used in teas or even cooked with food. Properly
used and corroborated with a proper food regime and a healthy
lifestyle, medicinal herbs and herbal supplements are equally
efficient in fighting against disease and helping you stay
disease-free. By uncovering and exploiting nature's wisdom, one can
substantially improve one's health, ensuring the wellbeing of one's
body, mind and spirit altogether.

If you are looking for great information on herbal supplements or
different medicinal herbs please visit this links.

_By: *Groshan Fabiola*_

*About the Author:*

If you are looking for great information on herbal supplements [1] or
different medicinal herbs [2] please visit this links.

Links:
------
[1] http://www.herbal-supplement-resource.com
[2] http://www.herbal-supplement-resource.com

Alternative Medicine Degree: Yes, you Can Achieve Yours!

Find Alternative Medicine Degree programs in the United States and
Canada. Alternative medicine degree programs are on the rise. Partly
due to the fact that the increasing demand for complementary and
alternative healthcare has steadily grown. Today, patients are
seeking noninvasive and natural therapies to obtain relief from
common and more intricate health issues. Namely because conventional
medicine is sometimes invasive and can present unhealthy side
effects.

Students interested in attaining their alternative medicine degree can
now do so in a variety of natural health fields. One of the more
popular alternative medicine degree programs, such as acupuncture, is
commonly offered through training courses at acupuncture and Oriental
medicine schools. Students participating in this particular program
can anticipate comprehensive studies in the fields of Oriental and
herbal medicine, acupuncture techniques, moxibustion, Chinese medical
massage (Tuina), and a variety of related coursework in physiology,
anatomy, pathology, pharmacology and more. Successful graduates
working toward an alternative medicine degree in this subject can earn
the title of M.Ac. (Master of Acupuncture) or D.O.M. (Doctor of
Oriental Medicine).

Another alternative medicine degree, which may be of interest to
prospective healing arts students, can be achieved through any one of
a number of Ayurvedic schools. Individuals that are drawn to natural
health will find that they can acquire their Bachelor of Ayurvedic
Medicine and Surgery (B.A.M.S.), or Master of Ayurvedic Science
(M.A.Sc.) degrees.

Other alternative medicine degree programs center on natural medicine.
Naturopathy schools, for instance, offer opportunities to earn an N.D.
(Doctor of Naturopathy) degree. This particular alternative medicine
degree program often requires that students have had a minimum of four
years of pre-medical studies prior to enrollment.

A number of alternative medicine degree programs are frequently
extended to students interested in the field of chiropractic. Students
drawn to this unique healing art will find that many chiropractic
schools afford prospects for students to earn their Doctor of
Chiropractic degree; in addition to alternative medicine degree
programs in Human Biology (Bachelor of Science) and BA in Public
Health.

If you (or someone you know) are interested in enrolling in one of
several alternative medicine degree programs to help find your dream
job, let education within fast-growing industries like massage
therapy, cosmetology, acupuncture, oriental medicine, Reiki, and
others get you started! Explore career school programs near you.

Alternative Medicine Degree: Yes, You can achieve yours!

The CollegeBound Network

NOTICE: Article(s) may be republished free of charge to relevant
websites, as long as Copyright and Author Resource Box are included;
and ALL Hyperlinks REMAIN intact and active.

_By: *CarolAnn Bailey-Lloyd*_

*About the Author:*

*Resource Box:* CarolAnn Bailey-Lloyd - Freelance Writer and Web
Consultant for HolisticJunction.com, _in association with
CollegeSurfing.com_ - Educational Resources for Natural Healing
Schools [1], Alternative Medicine Degree [2] Programs, and other
Alternative Healing Schools.

Links:
------
[1] http://www.holisticjunction.com/categories/HAD/natural-healing-schools.html
[2] http://www.holisticjunction.com/categories/HAD/alternative-medicine.html

Alternative Medicine Courses

Find Alternative Medicine Courses in the United States and Canada.
Students searching for unique training programs may be intrigued by
one or several alternative medicine courses offered through a number
of healing arts and holistic schools.

Depending on your career interest, successful completion of one or
more alternative medicine courses can lead to professions in
naturopathy, natural health, homeopathy, massage therapy and Oriental
medicine - to list just a few. Alternative medicine courses in natural
health, for example, can help students achieve required education to
become natural health consultants, educators or natural health
technicians. Naturopathy schools that provide alternative medicine
courses are commonly comprised of comprehensive studies in
naturopathy, phytotherapy, botanical and herbal medicine,
aromatherapy, and other Chinese medicine subjects. In many cases,
alternative medicine courses in this line of work can lead to careers
as Doctors of Naturopathy, Naturopathic Health Practitioners and/or
Natural health advisors.

Some alternative medicine courses, such as the ones offered through
homeopathy schools can teach students necessary skills to become
homeopathic practitioners and herbal medicine practitioners.
Alternative medicine courses that are extended through a variety of
Oriental medicine schools may include training in Tuina (Chinese
Medical Massage), Oriental medicine, herbology and even acupuncture.
While some alternative medicine courses result in certification or
diplomas, some require licensure; as in the case of medical
acupuncture.

The vast majority of healing arts schools frequently afford students
with a wide assortment of alternative medicine courses in acupressure,
Chinese medicine, energy healing therapies, iridology, life coaching,
massage therapy, Neuro linguistic programming, osteopathy,
reflexology, reiki, sports medicine, yoga and many others.

Good examples of the more comprehensive, but longer alternative
medicine courses can be found in chiropractic, naturopathy or
acupuncture schools. Whether you decide to enroll in one or more
alternative medicine courses, it is always wise to carefully review
course prerequisites, tuition and length of program. In some
instances, alternative medicine courses may be as brief as a weekend
seminar, but as long as 4 years.

If you (or someone you know) are interested in enrolling in one of
several alternative medicine courses to help find your dream job, let
education within fast-growing industries like massage therapy,
cosmetology, acupuncture, oriental medicine, Reiki, and others get you
started! Explore career school programs near you.

Alternative Medicine Courses

The CollegeBound Network

NOTICE: Article(s) may be republished free of charge to relevant
websites, as long as Copyright and Author Resource Box are included;
and ALL Hyperlinks REMAIN intact and active.

_By: *CarolAnn Bailey-Lloyd*_

*About the Author:*

Links:
------
[1] http://www.holisticjunction.com/categories/HAD/natural-healing-schools.html
[2] http://www.holisticjunction.com/categories/HAD/alternative-medicine.html

Chinese Medicine Universities: Teaching Ancient Healing Arts

Find Chinese medicine universities in the United States and Canada.
Chinese medicine universities teach healing arts that are derived
from ancient Chinese medicine practices. Today, students enrolled in
any number of Chinese medicine universities will discover exciting
academic prospects through Master's programs, certificate and
diploma programs, and relative continuing education courses.

In any one of several Chinese medicine universities, students will be
introduced to traditional Chinese medicine (TCM) theories and
philosophies, Chinese medical terminology, TCM diagnosis; and Chinese
herbal medicine and acupuncture. Depending on which one of the many
Chinese medicine universities you choose to attend, you will find that
most of these academic institutions extend classes in tuina (Chinese
medical massage), moxibustion (cupping), acupressure, shiatsu and
basic herbal medicine. These sometimes elective subjects are
frequently integrated into main courses of study, such as acupuncture
and Oriental medicine programs; but may also be afforded as separate
certificate and/or diploma programs. In addition, many Chinese
medicine universities will provide continuing education to students
wishing to maintain licensure, and/or to maintain up-to-date skills
and knowledge in the diverse fields of Chinese and Oriental medicine.
Some associated studies taught through Chinese medicine universities
may also include training in Tai Chi, meridian therapies, and related
Oriental massage techniques.

Training programs at Chinese medicine universities cover a broad
spectrum of natural and other healing arts. However, in addition to
traditional Chinese medicine instruction, students enrolled in
acupuncture and Oriental medicine courses will learn about anatomy,
physiology, pharmacology, plant chemistry and a wide assortment of
related subjects of study. Furthermore, many Chinese medicine
universities do require some formal education prior to entry into any
one of their more advanced courses, such as that of Doctor of Oriental
medicine or Acupuncturist.

If you (or someone you know) are interested in finding appropriate
Chinese medicine universities to help attain your dream job, let
education within fast-growing industries like massage therapy,
cosmetology, acupuncture, oriental medicine, Reiki, and others get you
started! Explore career school programs near you.

Chinese Medicine Universities: Teaching Ancient Healing Arts

The CollegeBound Network

NOTICE: Article(s) may be republished free of charge to relevant
websites, as long as Copyright and Author Resource Box are included;
and ALL Hyperlinks REMAIN intact and active.

_By: *CarolAnn Bailey-Lloyd*_

*About the Author:*

*Resource Box:* CarolAnn Bailey-Lloyd - Freelance Writer and Web
Consultant for HolisticJunction.com, _in association with
CollegeSurfing.com_ - Educational Resources for Oriental Medicine
Schools [1], Chinese Medicine Universities [2], and other Alternative
Healing Schools.

Links:
------
[1] http://www.holisticjunction.com/categories/HAD/oriental-medicine.html
[2] http://www.holisticjunction.com/categories/HAD/chinese-medicine.html

Chinese Medicine Diploma: Earn Yours Today

Find Chinese medicine diploma programs in the United States and
Canada. Students searching for ways to earn their Chinese medicine
diploma will discover that there are many acupuncture and Oriental
medicine schools that provide comprehensive Chinese medicine diploma
programs.

Earning your Chinese medicine diploma is an excellent way to become
credentialed in this ancient healing art. Depending on the course of
study in which you choose to enroll, a Chinese medicine diploma can be
achieved in a variety of Oriental medicine studies. For example, if
you are interested in a career as a professional Chinese medicine
practitioner, you will find that a Chinese medicine diploma program
can take up to four or five years to complete.

Students participating in a Chinese medicine diploma program will gain
a wealth of knowledge including in-depth studies in Chinese medicine
history, herbal medicine, and traditional Chinese medicine (TCM)
diagnostics. Additionally, candidates attempting to acquire their TCM
Doctorate diploma will learn about acupuncture, anatomy, physiology,
microbiology, pathology, Tuina (Chinese medical massage),
biochemistry, pharmacology, and a variety of other related subjects.
Most Chinese medicine diploma programs will often encompass an
estimated 4,000 hours of academic and clinical training.

Aside from Chinese medicine diploma programs in Oriental medicine,
students may also opt to attain a diploma in acupuncture. Chinese
medicine diploma courses in this field include a broad variety of
aforementioned instruction, with an emphasis on Acupuncture and its
various needling techniques. Students participating in this course of
study may take up to three years to complete.

In a traditional Chinese medicine diploma (TCM diploma) program,
students will receive training and education in both acupuncture and
herbology. In addition to academic training, students engaged in this
curriculum will learn about herbal formulas, microbiology, traditional
Chinese medicine history and philosophies, and other related studies.

Prospective students should always examine school entrance
requirements, as many Chinese medicine diploma programs have
prerequisites, such as an educational background from a conventional
university or college

If you (or someone you know) are interested in finding Chinese
medicine diploma programs to help attain your dream job, let education
within fast-growing industries like massage therapy, cosmetology,
acupuncture, oriental medicine, Reiki, and others get you started!
Explore career school programs near you.

Chinese Medicine Diploma: Earn Yours Today

The CollegeBound Network

NOTICE: Article(s) may be republished free of charge to relevant
websites, as long as Copyright and Author Resource Box are included;
and ALL Hyperlinks REMAIN intact and active.

_By: *CarolAnn Bailey-Lloyd*_

*About the Author:*

*Resource Box:* CarolAnn Bailey-Lloyd - Freelance Writer and Web
Consultant for HolisticJunction.com, _in association with
CollegeSurfing.com_ - Educational Resources for Oriental Medicine
Schools [1], Chinese Medicine Diploma [2] Programs, and other
Alternative Healing Schools.

Links:
------
[1] http://www.holisticjunction.com/categories/HAD/oriental-medicine.html
[2] http://www.holisticjunction.com/categories/HAD/chinese-medicine.html

Chinese Medicine Studies in the US and Canada

Find Chinese medicine studies in the United States and Canada.
Chinese medicine studies are quickly growing in the West as more and
more students are seeking this complementary education in lieu of
conventional schools and colleges.

Chinese medicine studies encompass a wide variety of in-depth courses
including instruction in acupuncture, acupressure, Asian bodywork,
Chinese herbal medicine, meridian therapy, moxibustion (cupping), Qi
gong, Shiatsu, Tai Chi, and traditional Chinese medicine (TCM).

In many cases, Chinese medicine studies typically range from 3 to 5
years, depending on curriculum and individual oriental medicine
school. In some instances, students engaged in Chinese medicine
studies such as Tuina (Chinese medical massage) or Asian bodywork,
will find that these classes are more brief in nature; and can be
completed in as little as 300-600 hours, often resulting in a diploma
or certificate.

Other, more course-intensive Chinese medicine studies, such as
acupuncture or doctor of Oriental medicine programs will require quite
a bit of dedication on the student's part. Chinese medicine studies
involving these master's programs will not only include practical
training in needling techniques, but will also consist of in-depth
education in anatomy, physiology, pharmacology, pathology,
biochemistry, botanical medicine, herbology, traditional Chinese
medicine (TCM) and philosophies, thereof. Additionally, these Chinese
medicine studies integrate internship programs to better equip
prospective practitioners with the necessary skills and knowledge to
administer this ancient healing art. Students successfully graduating
from these Chinese medicine studies can earn their masters or
doctorate degrees. Word to the wise, most states require certification
and/or licensure to practice in these fields.

Clinical Chinese medicine studies frequently provide practical
training in acupuncture, Chinese herbal medicine treatments, and TCM
diagnosis. This educational portion is critical to students as they
will learn how to proficiently master knowledge and skills to practice
successfully.

Because Chinese medicine is gaining lead way in mainstream medicine,
prospective candidates interested in this personally and
professionally rewarding career will find that there are a growing
number of Chinese medicine studies available not only in Oriental
medicine schools, but in traditional colleges and universities as
well.

If you (or someone you know) are interested in finding Chinese
medicine studies, let education within fast-growing industries like
massage therapy, cosmetology, acupuncture, oriental medicine, Reiki,
and others get you started! Explore career school programs near you.

Chinese Medicine Studies in the US and Canada

The CollegeBound Network

NOTICE: Article(s) may be republished free of charge to relevant
websites, as long as Copyright and Author Resource Box are included;
and ALL Hyperlinks REMAIN intact and active.

_By: *CarolAnn Bailey-Lloyd*_

*About the Author:*

*Resource Box:* CarolAnn Bailey-Lloyd - Freelance Writer and Web
Consultant for HolisticJunction.com, _in association with
CollegeSurfing.com_ - Educational Resources for Oriental Medicine
Schools [1], Chinese Medicine Studies [2], and other Alternative
Healing Schools.

Links:
------
[1] http://www.holisticjunction.com/categories/HAD/oriental-medicine.html
[2] http://www.holisticjunction.com/categories/HAD/chinese-medicine.html

Herbal Medicine Careers Today

Achieve Herbal Medicine Careers in the United States and Canada. With
the demand for alternative and complementary medicine on the rise,
individuals that are interested in pursuing herbal medicine careers
will find it is essential for aspiring healers to acquire appropriate
education and training from one of several natural health schools in
order to land any number of herbal medicine careers.

Herbal medicine careers today offer a variety of professional fields
including positions as herbalists, naturopaths, natural healing
practitioners, Chinese medicine practitioners, homeopathic
practitioners, Ayurvedic practitioners, and related fields in
iridology.

Individuals seeking to fulfill their dreams of entering herbal
medicine careers must first get adequate education. In most herbal
medicine courses, students will study a wide variety of subjects
including but not limited to coursework in Ayurvedic medicine,
botanical medicine, Chinese medicine, phytochemistry, plant compounds,
cell chemistry, and pharmacy (herbal). Depending on which healing
field you wish to engage, herbal medicine careers allow you to become
your own boss in an entrepreneurial healing arts practice; and for
primary healthcare providers, a welcome addition of herbal medicine
education can add to the services already offered to patients.

Herbal medicine careers are often credentialed by certifications. In
most cases, practitioners who have entered herbal medicine careers
will have achieved some level of practical training and knowledge from
an accredited school or learning institution.

For the serious candidate wanting to gain one of numerous herbal
medicine careers, it is always wise to carefully review school
curriculums, associated costs and diploma, certificate or degree
offerings prior to enrollment. Applicants that are pursuing more
comprehensive herbal medicine careers including fields of naturopathy
and Oriental medicine will learn that most alternative medicine
colleges require formal education prior to entry. In addition, herbal
medicine careers in naturopathy and Oriental medicine also require a
great deal of commitment, as most courses range between 3-4 years, and
result in a degree and/or diploma.

If you (or someone you know) are interested in attaining herbal
medicine careers, let career training within fast-growing industries
like massage therapy, cosmetology, acupuncture, oriental medicine,
Reiki, and others get you started! Explore career school programs near
you.

Herbal Medicine Careers Today

The CollegeBound Network

NOTICE: Article(s) may be republished free of charge to relevant
websites, as long as Copyright and Author Resource Box are included;
and ALL Hyperlinks REMAIN intact and active.

_By: *CarolAnn Bailey-Lloyd*_

*About the Author:*

*Resource Box:* CarolAnn Bailey-Lloyd - Freelance Writer and Web
Consultant for HolisticJunction.com, _in association with
CollegeSurfing.com_ - Educational Resources for Herbal Schools [1],
Herbal Medicine Careers [2], and other Healing Arts Schools.

Links:
------
[1] http://www.holisticjunction.com/categories/HAD/herbal-schools.html
[2] http://www.holisticjunction.com/categories/HAD/herbal-medicine.html

Chinese Medicine and Its Benefits

A Drug Free Alternative.

Whilst thought of, for thousands of years, as the primary medical
system in China, Chinese medicine is considered as alternative
medicine in the Western world. It is becoming increasingly popular in
the Western world as people are attracted by the idea of natural
healing as opposed to modern medicine and synthetically developed
drugs.

Said to have been practised for 5,000 years the history of Chinese
medicine is anything but lucid. Considered 2,000 years old, Hung-Di
Nei-Jing (Cannon of Internal Medicine) is thought to be the first
written document concerning Chinese medicine and is attributed to the
Yellow Emperor. But dates and author are still far from clear.

The primary methods of Chinese medicine, and the ones people are most
familiar with, are herbal medicine and acupuncture with massage, qi
gong, or food therapy playing a secondary role. Through these methods
Chinese medicine aims to restore harmony and regain balance to the
system rather than treat the disease or illness.

Any illness or disease is caused primarily by lack of harmony. The
concept of modern medicine is to treat the illness by the use of
antibiotics and vaccines, whereas Chinese medicine has a holistic
view, the philosophy of which is that a well balanced person will
resist most illness and disease.

While more and more medical schools are including classes on
alternative medicine in their syllabuses, the relationship between
Chinese medicine and Western medicine is still contentious. Older
Western physicians are far more probable than their Chinese
counterparts to view Chinese medicine with misgivings.

This is not to say that the techniques are of no value in the West.
Alternative medicine has been recognised by drug companies and the
value it can give to the world of modern medicine and are employing
scientists to gather information from around the world from
traditional Chinese medical practitioners. T'ai Chi Ch'uan or qigong,
amongst other methods, are being included in classes of hospitals and
clinics as part of their inpatient and health programmes.

Chinese Medicine is not considered alternative medicine to over three
quarters of the worlds population and it is precisely in the areas of
prevention and dealing with physical or emotional illnesses that it
excels. It has been regarded as form of non-intrusive, remedial, risk
free treatment for thousands of years.

Attitudes towards modern medicine and its reliance on synthetic drugs
have influenced many to seek support in alternative medicine and
Chinese medicine in particular. Significantly an increasing percentage
of the population are now depending on Chinese medicine to maintain
good health.

_By: *Alien*_

*About the Author:*

Alien writes for Health tips [1] . He also writes for makeup tricks
[2] and healing herbs [3]

Links:
------
[1] http://www.online-health-doctor.com/
[2] http://www.makeup-artists.org
[3] http://www.natural-medicinal-herbs.com/

Naturopathy Medicine Studies in America

Find Naturopathy Medicine Studies in the United States and Canada. If
you are serious about achieving your career in naturopathy and would
like to become a licensed naturopathic doctor (ND), then signing up
for naturopathy medicine studies would be an ideal option to get your
feet planted firmly in this alternative medicine.

Much like traditional educational programs, naturopathy medicine
studies usually require academic prerequisites prior to enrollment.
Common coursework that would be suitable before entering naturopathy
medicine studies include college algebra, general chemistry and
organic chemistry, physics, humanities, social sciences, anatomy and
physiology, and other relative subject matter.

Naturopathy medicine studies are quite rigorous. In addition to
learning about the history, principles and philosophies of
naturopathic healthcare, naturopathy medicine studies entail in-depth
education and hands-on training in Classical Chinese Medicine,
Oriental bodywork, Qigong, integrative nutrition, Tai chi,
herbal/botanical medicine, homeopathy, classical case studies and
diagnostics. Other versatile coursework included in naturopathy
medicine studies are first aid and emergency medicine, clinical labs,
pathology, pharmacology, diagnostic imaging, environmental medicine
and even exercise training. Additional naturopathy medicine studies
offer energy and spiritual healing therapies such as Reiki, touch
therapy, and spiritual counseling.

Students who have successfully fulfilled all educational requirements
in ND programs, and who have finished all naturopathy medicine studies
will often engage in internship programs will they gain hands-on
experience in case studies with patients in a clinical setting.
Furthermore, depending on the state and/or province, naturopathic
doctors will need to become licensed to practice. (Check individual
States and Provinces for licensing requirements, and practice
regulations.)

While a number of naturopathic colleges and universities offer
naturopathy medicine studies that are primarily geared toward degrees
and/or diplomas, some alternative medicine schools do extend
introductory and continuing education courses to those who would like
to simply learn more about the field of study, or for those who would
like to continue the learning process and engage in more in-depth
naturopathy medicine studies involving specialty fields like sports
medicine, pathology-specific studies, or the like.

Overall, naturopathy medicine studies teach aspiring natural
healthcare practitioners essential skills necessary to meet the
growing alternative and complementary medicine demands of today.
Rather than treating the symptoms of disease, naturopathic
practitioners treat patients from a holistic perspective, and try to
achieve overall wellbeing without invasive procedures.

If you (or someone you know) are interested in finding naturopathy
medicine studies, let professional training within fast-growing
industries like massage therapy, cosmetology, acupuncture, oriental
medicine, Reiki, and others get you started! Explore career school
programs near you.

Naturopathy Medicine Studies in America

The CollegeBound Network

NOTICE: Article(s) may be republished free of charge to relevant
websites, as long as Copyright and Author Resource Box are included;
and ALL Hyperlinks REMAIN intact and active.

_By: *CarolAnn Bailey-Lloyd*_

*About the Author:*

*Resource Box:* CarolAnn Bailey-Lloyd - Freelance Writer and Web
Consultant for HolisticJunction.com, _in association with
CollegeSurfing.com_ - Educational Resources for Naturopathy Medicine
Studies [1], Naturopathic Schools [2], and other Healing Schools.

Links:
------
[1] http://www.holisticjunction.com/categories/HAD/naturopathic-medicine.html
[2] http://www.holisticjunction.com/categories/HAD/naturopathic-schools.html

Integrative Medicine Programs in America

Mind, body and spirit therapies aren't just the latest health craze;
a matter of fact there are several healing arts schools and even
conventional colleges that have begun offering integrative medicine
programs to keep up with the demand for natural and holistic
healthcare.

Today, there are numerous integrative medicine programs in which
individuals can choose to enroll. Botanical medicine, (also known as
herbal medicine) is a great option to those medical professionals
desiring to extend additional, non-invasive, and holistic healthcare
treatments. Nurse practitioners, physicians and other healthcare
providers who enroll in herbal integrative medicine programs gain
education and training in the history of botanical medicine and
pharmacy; herbal nutritional counseling, dosing and formulating;
pathology in relation to botanical medicine, herbal safety and
toxicity, and other related studies.

Many family medical practitioners have discovered that integrative
medicine programs are an excellent way to help and healing. This is
why some universities and colleges have teamed up with accredited
alternative and complementary medicine schools to provide a growing
number of healing arts courses. Common studies offered in these
integrative medicine programs include mind-body medicine, energy
healing therapies, holistic nutrition, massage therapy, herbal
therapeutics and aromatherapy, chiropractic, osteopathy, spiritual
counseling, and environmental medicine, among others.

Depending on which field or fields interest you, it is important to
carefully examine potential integrative medicine programs for its
depth of curricula, and what all is entailed in the course of study.
For example, if you are already a practicing physician and would like
to focus on natural healthcare disciplines like homeopathy, you will
find that there are several continuing professional development
courses in integrative medicine tailored to meet your career goals.
However, as with any academic program, some integrative medicine
programs (i.e., chiropractic, homeopathy, naturopathy, acupuncture,
etc.) may take up to four years to complete; so it is always a wise
decision to review courses and educational prerequisites prior to
applying.

Massage therapy training is probably one of the more popular
integrative medicine programs as this holistic healthcare treatment is
commonly facilitated in chronic and terminal illnesses, and in pain
management. Again, depending on how committed prospective candidates
are to gaining an in-depth education is what will ultimately determine
which natural health course will be best suited to meet professional
needs. Massotherapy training is usually comprised of over 300 hours,
and in many cases, exceeds 500 hours (in order to achieve National
certification status). General studies include anatomy, physiology,
pathology, kinesiology, sports massage, deep tissue massage, and
Swedish massage; however, many healing arts schools and conventional
medicine schools that provide integrative medicine programs will often
extend more advance bodywork therapies like Shiatsu/acupressure, touch
therapy, craniosacral therapy, myofascial release, prenatal/infant
massage, and lymphatic drainage massage, among others.

If you (or someone you know) are interested in finding complementary
and alternative healthcare courses, let professional training within
fast-growing industries like massage therapy, cosmetology,
acupuncture, oriental medicine, Reiki, and others get you started!
Explore integrative medicine programs near you.

Integrative Medicine Programs in America

The CollegeBound Network

NOTICE: Article(s) may be republished free of charge to relevant
websites, as long as Copyright and Author Resource Box are included;
and ALL Hyperlinks REMAIN intact and active.

_By: *CarolAnn Bailey-Lloyd*_

*About the Author:*

*Resource Box:* CarolAnn Bailey-Lloyd - Freelance Writer and Web
Consultant for *HolisticJunction.com* [1], _in association with
CollegeSurfing.com_ - Educational Resources for *Integrative Medicine
Programs* [2], *Alternative Medicine Colleges* [3], and other healing
arts.

Links:
------
[1] http://www.holisticjunction.com
[2] http://www.holisticjunction.com/categories/HAD/complementary-medicine.html
[3] http://www.holisticjunction.com/categories/HAD/alternative-medicine.html

Chinese Medicine: an Overview

Chinese medicine sometimes referred to as TCM (Traditional Chinese
Medicine) or CCM (Classical Chinese Medicine) has a rich history
dating back to thousands of years B.C. Based on the philosophies of
the Tao and classical Chinese beliefs, these two variations of
Chinese medicine differ from each other in that CCM strictly adheres
to roots of the ancient Chinese medicine; and TCM is a more accepted
form of alternative medicine that has become more "Westernized" in
conjunction with modern terms.

Broadly taught throughout China, TCM is also offered through a number
of Chinese medicine or acupuncture schools in North America as well.
Teaching holistic principles that demonstrate how all things are
connected (mind, spirit, and body); future Chinese medicine
practitioners learn how to prescribe herbal prescriptions relative to
the patient. The belief is to treat the "whole person," not the
disease.

Chinese medicine aims to balance the yin (water and earth) and yang
(fire and air) of the body's life force (Chi or Qi); and is a highly
evolved medicine in that it approaches healthcare on the foundation of
the meridian system (energy channels of the body). Unlike conventional
medicine in the West, Chinese medicine places an emphasis on the
body's elements, and their interrelation with the body's individual
systems.

If you visit a Chinese medicine practitioner, you will discover an
entirely different form of diagnostics. In addition to observing a
patient's face, these holistic health practitioners perform a pulse
diagnosis (palpation of the radial artery pulse), body palpation, and
other unique non-invasive diagnostic measures.

Once a Chinese medicine practitioner has formulated his observations,
and has come to a conclusive treatment method, some of the many
holistic medicines that he might offer include Chinese herbal
medicine, acupuncture, holistic nutrition advice, moxibustion,
cupping, Tuina (Chinese medical massage), Qigong, or Tai Chi, among
others. Some specialized practitioners may administer auriculotherapy
(ear acupuncture) as a health treatment.

Licensed Chinese medicine practitioners today have acquired a great
deal of education and training. While there are many acupuncture and
Oriental medicine schools in North America and abroad, no two
curriculums are the same. However, prospective students in the United
States have the option to enroll in a variety of Oriental medicine
programs including Master of Science in Traditional Oriental Medicine
(MSTOM), Doctor of Acupuncture and Oriental Medicine (DAOM), or
Bachelors or Masters in Traditional Oriental medicine and acupuncture,
among others.

If you (or someone you know) are interested in finding educational
programs in Traditional Chinese Medicine, let professional training
within fast-growing industries like massotherapy, cosmetology,
acupuncture, oriental medicine, Reiki, and others get you started!
Explore Chinese medicine programs near you.

Chinese Medicine: An Overview

The CollegeBound Network

NOTICE: Article(s) may be republished free of charge to relevant
websites, as long as Copyright and Author Resource Box are included;
and ALL Hyperlinks REMAIN intact and active.

_By: *CarolAnn Bailey-Lloyd*_

*About the Author:*

*Resource Box:* CarolAnn Bailey-Lloyd - Freelance Writer and Web
Consultant for HolisticJunction.com [1], _in association with
CollegeSurfing.com_ - Educational Resources for Chinese Medicine [2],
Acupuncture [3] Schools, and other Healing Arts Programs.

Links:
------
[1] http://www.holisticjunction.com
[2] http://www.holisticjunction.com/categories/HAD/chinese-medicine.html
[3] http://www.holisticjunction.com/categories/HAD/acupuncture-and-oriental-medicine.html

What is Oriental Medicine?

Oriental medicine is a system of healthcare that seeks to treat the
whole person, as all holistic health methods do. Balancing the mind,
body and spirit, Oriental medicine therapies like acupuncture, herbal
medicine, acupressure, Tuina, and other Traditional Chinese Medicine
(TCM) applications have been in existence before the dawn of modern
civilization. A matter of fact, Oriental medicine predates the birth
of Christ by nearly 5,000 years.

In addition to nutritional counseling, modern Oriental medicine
practitioners commonly use a combined variety of natural healing
therapies including acupuncture, Tai Chi, moxibustion, cupping, and
Chinese herbal medicine, among others, when treating patients.

Acupuncture in Oriental medicine is based on the foundation that the
body contains meridians; also known as energy channels. These
meridians have "acupoints" that control the flow of "chi," or life
energy. The theory behind this Oriental medicine technique is that by
inserting fine, hair-like needles into these acupoints, underlying
pathologies (of health conditions) can be relieved. How? The
philosophy is that needle insertion (at respective acupoints) removes
blockages, and allow the Chi to flow freely and unobstructed
throughout the meridians. This, in part, balances the life force and
is believed to restore health and balance to the body.

A unique form of acupuncture that some Oriental medicine doctors
administer is auriculotherapy. This particular needling technique
involves the insertion of acupuncture needles along the meridians of
the outer ear. Acupuncturists, who provide this treatment are often
specially trained and certified for this procedure.

Oriental medicine practitioners may also treat patients with
moxibustion or cupping therapies. In moxibustion, the herb "mugwort,"
or moxa is used. This herbal medicine is ground and burned, and
applied at acu-points; or at the tips of acupuncture needles. This
Oriental medicine is intended to warm these regions and to stimulate
better circulation of Chi.

Cupping in Oriental medicine is a therapy whereby a cup (or cups) is
applied to the skin as a vacuum. For instance, heat or flames are
often briefly applied to the inside of the cup(s) and quickly placed
upon the skin. This creates a vacuum-like suction upon the skin.
Oriental medicine practitioners may slide the cup from one acu-point
to another to promote healing and pain relief. This technique is known
simply as "gliding."

Oriental medicine doctors may also prescribe Tai Chi and Qigong as a
natural health exercise to patients. As a slow-motion, martial art,
Tai Chi is known for its stress-reducing affects. In addition, it is a
great way to improve balance and to gain increased flexibility and
range of motion in joints and muscles. Qigong is commonly integrated
with Tai Chi as a breathing exercise to improve and maintain health.

As with any health practitioner, it is important to check the
credentials of the prospective Oriental medicine doctor.
Acupuncturists and Oriental medicine practitioners should be licensed
to practice in the State where they reside. To attain licensure, many
States require these practitioners to be certified with the National
Certification Commission for Acupuncture and Oriental Medicine
(NCCAOM).

Interested in learning more about this or other TCM therapies? Let
professional training within fast-growing industries like massage
therapy, holistic health, acupuncture, oriental medicine, Reiki, and
others get you started! Explore Oriental medicine courses near you.

What is Oriental Medicine?

The CollegeBound Network

NOTICE: Article(s) may be republished free of charge to relevant
websites, as long as Copyright and Author Resource Box are included;
and ALL Hyperlinks REMAIN intact and active.

_By: *CarolAnn Bailey-Lloyd*_

*About the Author:*

*Resource Box:* CarolAnn Bailey-Lloyd - Freelance Writer and Web
Consultant for *HolisticJunction.com* [1], _in association with
CollegeSurfing.com_ - Educational Resources for *Oriental Medicine*
[2], *Acupuncture* [3], and other healing arts programs.

Links:
------
[1] http://www.holisticjunction.com
[2] http://www.holisticjunction.com/categories/HAD/oriental-medicine.html
[3] http://www.holisticjunction.com/categories/HAD/acupuncture-and-oriental-medicine.html

Variety of Herbal Medicines Available to Treat Ailments

Medicines are used to eliminate health problems. But if you are
taking them on a regular basis then it is recommended to mull over
any herbal alternative which has lesser or almost no side effects. In
some studies it has been found that there are number of drugs which
make the person addictive to them. And, they have a high ratio of
side effects on the body if not taken properly. Therefore, many
health care specialists suggest herbal medicines for the better
health.

Numerous diseases can be treated though these herbal medicines. The
problems like diabetes, heart disease, blood pressure, thyroid, liver
problems, depression and many more can be easily treated by the proper
intake of herbal medicines and generic medicines. Both types of
medicines – Chinese herbal medicines and herbal alternative
medicines can be used to treat the same ailment. The Chinese herbal
medicines are used to treat all types and forms of ailments. It is
believed in the ancient history that these medicines are best used to
cure the problem before they occur in the body. It is a health care
system which has been used from ancient period. It also referred as
Acronym CHM.

In the recent times, the Chinese hospitals use these herbal medicines
along with the modern improved medicines for the better and fast cure.
It is the most extensively used medicinal system as they give better
result and hardly have any side effect in comparison to the synthetic
pharmaceutical drug. Only the duration and combination of various
medicines differs with the type of disease and its severity. Immune
system disorder, digestive disorder, pains and problems due to
psychological disorders and many more similar ailments are easily
effectively treated by the Chinese herbal medicines and herbal
alternative medicines.

It would be better to consult the doctor first before starting the
intake of herbal medicines. They will suggest you which medicine would
be better for you. And, if you are taking them in combination with the
pharmaceutical drug then consulting the doctor becomes must. Some of
the active agents of herbs make the interaction with the medicine and
can cause risk to your health. However, these medicines provide great
advantages to the consumer. These are very cost effective in
comparison with the prescribed drugs. Herbal medicines and
alternatives are easily available in the herbal drug store. In fact,
many medical health insurance companies have started to give coverage
to herbal treatments.

Additionally, the herbal medicines have low or no side effects on the
body. Their regular use also does not make the consumer addicted to
them. However, in starting it is difficult to adjust with their odd
taste but later on the person becomes habitual to it. Herbal medicines
have many more advantages over the traditional prescribed drugs. They
can be easily acquired from any drug store or one can also surf the
internet to buy drug online. A number of online sites offers
prescribed herbal medicines and alternatives along with Chinese herbal
medicines at the best possible price.

_By: *Article Manager*_

*About the Author:*

Emedoutlet is an online medicines store [1] that is focusing on online
medicines [2], herbal medicines, because herbal medicines have no side
effects on the body.

Links:
------
[1] http://www.emedoutlet.com
[2] http://www.emedoutlet.com

Herbal Medicine Explained

*Herbal Medicine: What herbal medicine can treat and how safe and
effective is it?*

In part I of this article we looked at what herbal medicine is and
what it uses as its philosophical basis. Part II looks at what herbal
medicine can be used for and its safety and effectiveness.

What can herbal medicine be used for?

Herbal medicine can be used in one of three ways:

As the primary treatment for diseases and general health problems

To preventing disease, and/or

Complementary to other natural therapies or orthodox medicine

Up until about 200 years ago, herbal extracts, teas, baths, etc., were
the primary forms of treatment available to doctors. In fact Pedanius
Dioscorides an ancient Greek physician, pharmacologist and botanist
from Anazarbus, Cilicia, Asia Minor, wrote 'the bible' on herbs and
early medicinal substances extracted from plants in the first century
AD.

To this day, pharmaceutical companies still use herbal medicines in
their drugs (they just don't advertise that fact). He described over
600 medicinal plants, their use and actions with respect to treating
diseases.

In the early 19th century, when methods of chemical analysis first
became available, scientists began extracting and modifying the active
ingredients from plants. Later, chemists began making their own
version of plant compounds, beginning the transition from raw herbs to
synthetic pharmaceuticals. Over time, the use of herbal medicines
declined in favor of pharmaceuticals.ý

A skilled herbalist is able to use medicinal plants to treat any
disease known to man. Granted, some diseases such as cancer for
example, are not treated easily, but are treatable with herbs. The
limit is not the limitations of herbs, but the skill of the physician.
And, let's face it - that's the same for any system of medicine.

In short, herbal medicine has been used since the dawn of man and is
still as effective today as it ever was in treating virtually any
disease safely and effectively.

What forms does herbal medicine come in?

Herbal medicines come in several forms of administration. These
include:

Extracts and tinctures

Creams and ointments (therapeutic creams ointments as well as herbal
skin and personal care products)

Herbal teas

Hand, foot and sits baths

Tables pills

Poultices

Once a herbalist has identified the underlying reasons for the
manifestation of the disease a patient is afflicted by and has worked
out the herbal mixture required to address this disorder, it is then
necessary to establish the best way of administering the herbal
medicines.

One would logically think that taking the herbs in their liquid or
pill form might be the best and easiest way to take the medicine,
however, often it may not be.

Without getting into the details and chemistry of how active
constituents of medicinal herbs are extracted, let's have a quick look
at the ways in which herbs may be used.

Extracts and tinctures are generally made by using a certain amount of
the dried or fresh herb and than mixing this with alcohol. The alcohol
dissolves most of the plant's constituents and suspends them in the
alcohol. This is what is basically known as a tincture.

Alcohol will extract almost all the ingredients contained in the plant
material. Unlike alcohol, water will extract fewer of the ingredients.
Water is a universal solvent and many of the substances contained in
herbs will dissolve into the water. However, alkaloids and fats may
not. If some of the alkaloids are not wanted, then a tea or sits bath
(water extraction) may be preferable.

Poultices are used externally. They are prepared by crushing the
plant, usually the fresh plant or parts thereof, mixing it with a base
cream, honey, yoghurt or similar substance, which is then applied
directly to a specific part of the body. This type of treatment is
particularly effective when treating wounds, bruising, joint and bone
injuries, local infections, localized skin disorders, gangrene, etc.
But can also be used to treat some chronic internal diseases of
organs.

In short, there are different horses for courses. In other words, the
type of application will depend on the specific needs of the
individual patient and their particular type of disease. For example
it might not be wise to treat a patient who suffers from alcoholism
and liver cirrhosis with an alcohol-based herbal mixture...

Is herbal medicine a safe form of treatment?

Herbal medicine in the hands of a qualified, experienced herbalist is
very safe and has minimal risk of side effects. However, just because
herbs are natural does not automatically make them safe. Remember,
Arsenic is natural and deadly.

Opium from the Poppy flower is highly addictive, lead is poisonous and
so are most other heavy metals, yet they are all 100% natural
substances. So don't be fooled - natural is not necessarily harmless.

Having said that, herbal medicine is one of the safest forms of
medicine and is very unlikely to cause harm if used as prescribed by a
qualified herbalist.

Unlike pharmaceutical drugs, which are mainly synthetic, man-made
substances, herbs are easily assimilated in our bodies. They are also
easily eliminated and do not usually accumulate. A herbalist will also
frequently change the herbs in a patient's mix as their health picture
changes.

In short, herbal medicine, if prescribed by a qualified and
experienced herbalist, is one of the safest forms of treatment,
causing few, if any, side effects.

_By: *Dr Danny Siegenthaler*_

*About the Author:*

Danny Siegenthaler is a doctor of traditional Chinese medicine and
together with his wife Susan, a medical herbalist and Aromatherapist,
they have created Natural Skin Care Products [1] by Wildcrafted Herbal
Products to share their 40 years of combined expertise with you.

They practice Herbal and Chinese medicine [2] at their Wildcrafted
Cottage Clinic.

Links:
------
[1] http://www.wildcrafted.com.au
[2] http://www.wildcraftedcottage.com.au

Holistic Medicine As Compared With Other Medical Practices

Holistic medicine is health care that comprises all the aspects of
one' s personality to obtain the optimum state of wellness. It
encompasses the process of looking into the wholeness of the person
including nutritional, physical, environmental, spiritual, lifestyle
and social values. Holistic medicine includes virtually all
treatments and diagnosis known to achieve balance in personality. It
upholds the responsibility of educating one's self to attain the
ideal over-all health and well being.

Holistic medicine and Alternative Medicine

Alternative medicine is commonly associated with holistic medicine. By
definition, alternative medicine is the medical techniques that are
usually not accepted or practiced by conventional medical
practitioners. Most alternative medicines are founded to have rooted
on unscientific, untested and untraditional principles. Often, these
forms of medicine are closely associated with metaphysical components
and anti-scientific stands.

Many of these techniques don't normally have pharmaceutical values
like the acupuncture, herbalism, Reiki, homeopathy and the likes. Yet
the alternative medicine may also be used in experimental non-drug and
drug techniques that are not yet accepted in the medical circles. The
future of alternative medicine holds on the potentiality of
transforming the "alternative medicine" into conventional medicine
since it is now becoming widely appreciated and practiced by medical
doctors. In fact, complementary medicine is the term used for
alternative medicine practiced in combination with conventional
medicine.

Due to these changes in view of the alternative medicine, holistic
medicine has become a more preferable option among those who are quite
doubtful of the alternative medicine.

Alternative medicine may appeal to metaphysical beliefs and so does
the holistic medicine but on milder and more scientifically based
approach. Yet the knowledge applied in holistic medicine still cannot
hide the fact that it tends to cling to non-scientific knowledge.

Simply put holistic medicine claims to cure and treat the whole
person. Holistic medicine stresses out the unification of the mind and
the physical body. Holistic medicine practitioners give credence to
the belief the man is not a pure physical body with systems and parts
that encompass it. Man is also a spiritual being that requires
spiritual healing. Holistic medicine concerns itself to the belief of
the connection between the spirit and emotions and mind.

The gap between holistic medicine and alternative medicine is closed
by the common practice of not using drug treatments and surgeries.
They usually employ meditation, herbs, prayers, vitamins and minerals,
as well as exotic diets in treating certain ailments.

Holistic Medicine and Conventional Medicine

Allopathy or conventional medicine defines individual health as the
non-occurrence of diseases, which appeals to be a negative approach in
defining the condition. Holistic medicine on the other hand concerns
itself on a person's absolute state of physical, social, mental and
spiritual well-being.

As based on the definition given (that is commonly used among medical
practitioners), orthodox medicine remains to deal with one's
susceptibility to diseases instead of the wellness as opposed by
holistic medicine. Based on common observations, conventional medicine
typically doesn't apply to healthy individuals. While holistic
medicine focuses on the quality of living practiced by people. Sick
people normally don't seek medical attention not until the symptoms of
the disease/s are obvious. Thus, there is too little preventive
treatment against sickness.

There are great differences between holistic medicine and the
conventional type both in the diagnosis and treatments. Most of which
are scientifically based. In oppose to this stand, diagnosis in
holistic treatment are conceived through the manifestations of body
imbalance. These are determined through certain procedures distinctive
only to holistic medicine and other related medicinal practices.

People who have already undergone any of these procedures claim that
is not bad trying on or all of these practices. Yet individual
preferences still have the hand on what will be accepted as the ideal
procedure.

_By: *Robert Thatcher*_

*About the Author:*

Robert Thatcher is a freelance publisher based in Cupertino,
California. He publishes articles and reports in various ezines and
provides holistic medicine resources on
www.about-holistic-medicine.info [1].

Links:
------
[1] http://www.about-holistic-medicine.info

medicine

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Back to Nature-southindian Herbals and Their Medicinal Uses

Herbal Medicine Into the Spotlight Once Again

Alternative Medicine Degree: Yes, you Can Achieve Yours!

Alternative Medicine Courses

Chinese Medicine Universities: Teaching Ancient Healing Arts

Chinese Medicine Diploma: Earn Yours Today

Chinese Medicine Studies in the US and Canada

Herbal Medicine Careers Today

Chinese Medicine and Its Benefits

Naturopathy Medicine Studies in America

Integrative Medicine Programs in America

Chinese Medicine: an Overview

What is Oriental Medicine?

Variety of Herbal Medicines Available to Treat Ailments

Herbal Medicine Explained

Holistic Medicine As Compared With Other Medical Practices

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