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Alternative and complementary medication are of such concern to the medical community that the National Institutes of Health (NIH) has an entire agency dedicated to scientific research into non-conventional treatments. The National Center for Complementary and Alternative medicine (NCCAM) uses scientificl research to explore complementary and alternative healing practices, including natural cures as well as other practices mentioned below.

The term alternative medicine alludes to health care practices that are utilize in lieu of conventional medicine. as an example, using a special diet to treat malignancy in lieu of undergoing radiation or chemotherapy is alternative medication. Complementary medication is different from alternative medication. Complementary medication is used together with conventional medication. Using nutritional supplements for diabetes as well as mainstream medical treatment is an example of complementary medicine.

Complementary and alternative medication includes a variety of medical systems. Eastern societies have used traditional Chinese medication, Ayurveda, and acupuncture for hundreds of years. Homeopathic medication and naturopathic medication are more recent alternative medical systems.

Mind-body medication uses techniques such as meditation, art, mental healing, and dance to enhance the mind’s ability to affect the functioning and curative ability of the body. Clinical depression sometimes responds well to these techniques.

Nutritional supplements, herbs, and vitamins are natural remedies utilize in both complementary and alternative therapies. For illustration, research studies indicates that leaves and flowers of the hawthorn tree are safe and helpful for treating mild heart failure. Flaxseed oil is useful in treating arthritis, while ginger eases pregnancy-related queasiness and vomiting. NCCAM continues to study the effect of omega-3 fatty acids on heart disease.

Chiropractic, massage therapy, and osteopathic manipulating involve moving areas of the body to re-establish alignment, relax the body, and support healing. Energy medication uses invisible energy fields for healing. Reiki, therapeutic touch, and the use of electromagnetic fields are examples of energy medication. Reiki is a twentieth century Japanese healing art in which the practitioner places his or her hands above the body of the person being treated. Besides promoting overall health and well being, Reiki can give relief from the side effects of conventional medical treatments such as chemotherapy.

NCCAM finances research on complementary and alternative approaches to obesity. Obesity has reached epidemic proportions in the United States, affecting kids as well as adults. A lot of health problems, such as type 2 diabetes, that had formerly been seen typically in adults have now become normal in kids and adolescents. The complexity of obesity warrants a multi-faceted line of attack to prevention and treatment.

The NCCAM urges those who are using complementary, alternative, and natural treatments to tell their doctors. Doctors need to have knowledge about other remedies because of possible conflicts with traditional therapies. As an illustration, certain natural remedies interact with prescribe medicines and can produce unwanted sides effects.

There is another reason to talk about complementary and alternative treatments with MD’s. Increasingly, MD’s educated in conventional medication understand the healing power of other approaches. A lot of them are knowledgeable about complementary and alternative therapies and willing to work with patients who are interested in using natural remedies and treatments and other non-mainstream ways of curing.