Alternative medicine is defined by the Mayo Clinic as wellness therapies that are not considered part of conventional Western medicine. Some of the alternative treatment methods they list include acupuncture, herbs and dietary supplements. Although many of these alternative methods haven't yet been approved by government agencies such as the Food and Drug Administration (FDA), they have been practiced for hundreds of years.
Herbal Remedies
Herbal remedies include herbal teas, tinctures or herbal extracts, dried herb capsules and tablets. Although very few herbs are FDA approved, some scientific studies provide validation for the use of certain plants as medicinal remedies. For example, a study published in the Cochrane Library from 2009 reported that the extracts of the herb St. John's Wort, used by herbalists to treat depression, appeared to be as effective in treating symptoms of major depression as conventional medicine but without the common side effects of pharmaceuticals. Though doctors are beginning to see the value of herbal remedies, it's important to consult a physician before trying herbs or using them along with prescription medication.
Homeopathy
Homeopathic remedies fall into the category of dietary supplements. They are actually highly diluted extracts of plants, minerals or other substances. The founder of Homeopathy, German physician Samuel Hahnemann, taught that substances that cause certain symptoms in their whole form cure those same symptoms in highly diluted forms. He called this theory the "Law of Similars." As strange as it sounds, this theory has been tested. In a study published in 2005 by the Journal of Alternative and Complementary Medicine, a number of clinical trials of 6,544 patients over a six-year period showed that homeopathic remedies were effective for a wide range of chronic diseases. Studies are ongoing, and homeopathy remains one of the few complementary methods that has accredited, specialized training in Europe and the United States. Others include acupuncture and chiropractic. Those interested in homeopathic treatments should seek professional advice from a licensed homeopathic physician.
Acupuncture
Acupuncture is part of Traditional Chinese Medicine (TCM), which dates back nearly 5,000 years. The method practiced today utilizes fine needles that are inserted into the body to stimulate energy (Qi) along channels in the body called meridians. This is believed to facilitate the body's natural healing abilities. The ancient method is now being studied by the medical community in the United States. The University of Maryland Medical Center conducted 33 studies of more than 2,100 patients with chronic low back pain. In 2005, study director Dr. Eric Manheimer reported that acupuncture is very effective in providing significant pain relief. The studies were scrutinized by both American and British teams. Although acupuncture is still considered an alternative treatment option, it's now found in many medical centers and hospitals that provide integrative and complementary treatment options.
References
- The Mayo Clinic: Complementary and Alternative Medicine
- The Cochrane Library: St. Johns Wort for major depression: Copyright 2009
- Creighton University: History of Homeopathy
- The Journal of Alternative and Complementary Medicine: Homeopathic medicine in the treatment of chronic disease: November 2005.
- The University of Maryland Medical Center: Acupuncture Study: April 2005
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