Different types of alternative
medicines have been around for centuries, for instance, Ayurveda alternative
medicine treatments have been around for 5,000 years now. According to numerous
review articles, the use of alternative medicine of CAM varies in different
countries.
For example, in developed countries,
the ratio is between 5% to 76^. Likewise, in EU countries, the prevalence rate
varies from 0.3% to 86%. Furthermore, a study conducted by the National Center
for Health Statistics shows that there has been an increase in people using CAM
since 2002.
Now that statistics have established
the importance of alternative medicine. Let us focus on what alternative
medicine is along with its type, Ayurveda alternative medicine.
What is Alternative Medicine?
Initially, people introduced the
term ‘alternative medicine’ for a whole medical system that was not in accord
with conventional medicine. The system uses completely different philosophies
for identifying the medicine, its causes, diagnosis, and treatment.
People see alternative medicine like
a good alternative for conventional healthcare. Alternative medicine tends to
accompany the standard medical practices instead of completely replacing them.
Some common alternative medicines include megadoses, dietary supplements,
herbal preparations, vitamins, massage therapy, special teas, spiritual
healing, and magnet therapy.
What is Ayurveda
Alternative Medicine?
Ayurveda is among the common types
of alternative medicine. It is an ancient health care tradition that people
have been using for 5,000 years now. The word Ayurveda comes from two Sanskrit
terms, Ayur meaning life and Veda meaning knowledge.
Instigated in India, the technique
is still widely used there. According to the University of Minnesota’s Center
for Spirituality and Healing, more than 90% of people in India tend to use some
of Ayurveda medicine.
Main Factors In
alternative Medicine
There are both physiological as well
as cultural reasons behind the appeal of alternative medicines. Below, we have
highlighted some of the common factors that increase the appeal of alternative
medicine.
Reducing Side Effects
There is growing evidence that
alternative therapies can help control symptoms of some diseases. However, not
all types of alternative medicine offer this benefit. For instance, Ayurvedic
medicine tends to focus on the individual’s health instead of the disease.
According to a study in 2011, an
ayurvedic herbal compound was used to treat rheumatoid arthritis and it
acquired the same results as that of Trexall (Methotrexate).
Feeling more in Control
Sometimes the conventional medicine
system leaves you hopeless and less in control of yourself. However, the
alternative medicine provides you with complete control on how to go about
recovering, diagnoses and treating the problem.
People claim that with alternative
medicine, they feel involved. They are able to play a more active role in their
treatment as well as the recovery process.
Healing Therapies
Among the factor factors for using
alternative medicine is that it is natural and toxic-free. People today, are
becoming inclined towards the idea of using treatments that are natural and
close to nature.
Time and again, studies show that
certain techniques help in the healing process and reduction of side effects.
The comfort of Touch
When a person is suffering, he or
she is looking for someone to talk to and the satisfaction of a touch.
Indulging in alternative medicine treatments such as the therapies can improve
the quality of life.
It can help you fight what people
are going through and alleviate their self-esteem and self-confidence.
Stress reduction
Ayurveda alternative medicine treatments offer a wide range of spa as well as treatments. These treatments
focus on different muscles of the body and help the person relax. In addition
to allowing the body to relax, the treatments also help in stress reduction.
They combine modern and conventional
massaging techniques to provide a smooth and relaxing experience to both the
mind and the body. People see a visible difference with just one session.
Boosting your immune System
Alternative medicine techniques are
famous for boosting the immune system as well as for helping stay positive.
When the immune system gets a boost, it is but natural that the person will
feel happy. He or she would have a more positive outlook towards life, thus
helping him/her fight whatever they are strolling in a more effective way.
Cultural Influences
Sometimes a person starts to use
alternative medicine, simply because they are famous in their respective
culture.
Take Away
There is no denying the importance
of alternative medicine. Several studies show that there are numerous
socio-cultural as well as psychological reasons for the increased appeal of
alternative medicines. The common factors including stress reduction, boosting
of the immune system, etc. lead to the increased use of alternative medicine.
