Biofeedback as an Alternative Medicine

Biofeedback is a form of alternative medicine that measures a person’s bodily functions such as; heart rate, blood pressure, temperature, and muscle tension at the moment.  It is believed that this form of alternative medicine helps the person to be aware and conscious of what their body is doing, allowing them to control it.

Most people have used this form of therapy in their lives at one point or another.  Using a thermometer to see a temperature of the body is a form of biofeedback. The person sees their temp has risen and they take steps to lower, thus biofeedback used to make a person act accordingly to the feedback.

People with ADHD or anxiety have been known to use this method to help teach them how to relax.  When a person sees that their levels are elevated they gain more knowledge about their body and mind, this is an invaluable benefit to those who struggle with disorders like anxiety.  Biofeedback has also been used in treatment for strokes, headaches/migraines, high/low blood pressure, and epilepsy. There are many modalities used in biofeedback which include:

An electromyograph is used in biofeedback by using electrodes that measure muscle tension.  A person uses the readings to understand how their muscles react and learn how to control the tension.  This form has been used to relieve tension, headaches, incontinence, and muscle pain.

Electrodermograph therapy uses sensors to measure a person’s sweat gland activity.  It measures electrical resistance through the skin, and the most common use is that of a polygraph.  This form of biofeedback as an alternative medicine has help to heal those with phobias, anxiety, stuttering.

A feedback thermometer is used to measure a person’s temperature.  Many people do not realize that temperature plays a big role in the body. For instance, low temperature is a reaction to stress. When the reading shows an abnormally low temperature it tells the person to try relaxation techniques. This form of biofeedback has proven to help circulatory and stress related diseases such as anxiety or vasoconstriction.

In order to get the most from biofeedback, many practitioners also suggest that person learn certain relaxing techniques.  It is highly recommended that those who want to try biofeedback as a form of alternative medicine should speak with their healthcare professional in order to get the full benefit of this method.

Alternative Medicine Herbs and Supplements

Alternative medicine has expanded exponentially in the 21^st century. There are a variety of alternative medicine treatments such as meditation, reflexology, and message therapy.  But there is more to alternative medicine than just these procedures, which also includes healing through herbs and supplements.  For those who plan to turn to alternative therapies for their conditions and want to use herbs and supplements should become familiar with what they are and what they treat.

Some common herbs and supplements used in alternative medicine include:

Chamomile is used to treat upset stomach, calm nerves, fight infection, and prevent ulcers.  It is usually used in tea form. It is rare but overdose is possible and may cause nausea, allergic reactions, or rashes.  People taking blood thinners should speak with a physician before taking this as a form of alternative medicine.

Garlic is commonly used as alternative medicine and just for plain old taste.  It is used as an antibiotic, lowers cholesterol, and reduces the risk of heart attack and blood clots. The most common side effect is halitosis and the smell can be excreted through sweat.

Ginseng is used to increase stamina, protect the liver, and boost the immune system.  Ginseng usually comes in the form of tablets but can also be ingested as a tea. The most common side effect is having problems sleeping.  It is possible to also get nausea or diarrhea as well.

Ginger is great for handling morning sickness in pregnant women, and is also use to reduce the risk of heart attack.  It comes in the form of capsule, tablet, or tea. The most common side effect is heartburn or gas if taken in powder form.

Ginko Biloba has been used to brain blood flow, prevent dementia, and improve memory.  It is an antioxidant and can be bought in tablet or leaf form.  It can have side effects for those taking anti-coagulants and should not be taken with anti-depressants or by pregnant women without speaking to a doctor.

Valerian is used to treat anxiety, insomnia, and muscle tension. It can be taken in plant or pill form.  It is used as a sedative and generally stays effective with the side effect as drowsiness.  It can cause headaches and night terrors in certain people and should be discussed with a doctor.

Alternative medicine is mostly used as complimentary treatment for conditions.  Those who plan to use herbs and supplements as a form of alternative medicine should consult with their doctor to see if it is the right choice for them.  It is also encouraged to speak with an alternative medicine practitioner for advice and tips.

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Alternative Medicine and At Home Remedies

Many people worry about the effects of certain medicines or treatments for certain common conditions and they have good reason to worry.  Most prescription labels have a simple list of one or two benefits for example, treats headache.  But then there is the mile long list of side effects and risk.  Many people feel that by treating one condition, they are producing many more. This is why alternative medicine and at home remedies have become highly popular in the 21^st century.

Alternative medicine and at home remedies offer a safe way to treat common ailments minus the side effects and high doctor’s bill.  However, alternative medicine is just that, an alternative, some methods work and some do not.  This is why it is important that people speak with their doctors about taking certain alternative routes and definitely if symptoms do not clear up.

Doctors are reluctant to embrace alternative medicine because some people refuse to see a doctor until it is too late, and they tend to blame alternative medicine.  Alternative medicine is a choice and should be consulted and turned to wisely. These methods are not always a cure for serious illnesses, but have been proven effective in minor conditions, like colds, rashes, pain, etc.

Here are some alternative methods and remedies for common conditions:

Acne is a common problem among people and especially adolescents.  A well rounded diet is a great start to curing acne, preferably rich in Vitamin A, Zinc, and Niacin. Rubbing lemon juice or raw garlic regularly has proven to reduce acne.  Toothpaste applied to affected areas before bed has also proven to reduce swelling and irritation in acne.

Treating the common cold with alternative medicine has proven a huge success, which is why there are so many remedies available.  Treating the common cold with lemon with honey or ginger in hot/warm water has been very effect, as well as garlic soup.

Rashes can be treated in a variety of ways, the most popular being an oatmeal bath.  Other methods include applying olive oil, aloe vera, or baking powder to the affected areas.

Dark circles are a common problem that most people experience at one point or another.  The main solutions to dark circles are sleep, proper diet, and plenty of water.  Some other methods available include applying a cucumber to the eye for 15-20 minutes twice daily, or apply almond oil and honey every night to the dark area under the eyes.

These are just a small portion of at home remedies available for these conditions.  It is important to do research and speak with a physician before proceeding if it is a serious illness. most alternative medicine is complimentary to traditional medicine, and should be consulted before becoming a primary source of treatment.

Acupuncture as Alternative Medicine

Acupuncture is the form of alternative medicine that uses needles that are interested along various meridian points in the body.  Acupuncture is believed to balance the flow of energy, qi, which runs through the body. Acupuncture originated from China and has been used as traditional Chinese medicine dating back to 3000 B.C.

In acupuncture the body contains meridians named after an organ or function.  The main meridians are kidney, lung, gall bladder, stomach, spleen, heart, intestines, and pericardium.  The body also contains over 1000 acupuncture points that are labeled by name, number, and meridian they are classified to.  When the needles are inserted across each specified point for a specified amount of time, it begins to increase blood and energy flow.

Acupuncture has proven to stimulate the immune system, control the production of red and white blood cells, and the amount of gastric acid released.  It also helps to balance hormones associated with response the body has due to injury or stress.

Despite its history acupuncture has only started becoming popular over the last 40 years.  According to traditional Chinese medicine, acupuncture is believed to restore health and a sense of well being allowing a person to live a much longer life. Acupuncture has been used as an alternative medicine for chronic pain and mind body disorders.

Acupuncture has many benefits as an alternative medicine. It allows the body, mind, and spirit to heal as one which is a popular theory among alternative medicine practitioners.  Disorders such as anxiety and depression affect both the body and mind, and both are related to stress.  Acupuncture relieves the effects stress has on the body, thus healing these particular disorders.

Research on acupuncture as an alternative medicine is limited but growing over time.  It is believed that acupuncture can help conditions such as:

• Acute or chronic pain
• Constipation/Incontinence
• Anorexia
• Anxiety
• Drug Detoxification
• Headaches/Migraines
• Weight Loss

Doctors have been performing controlled trials to prove that acupuncture as an alternative medicine has been an effective treatment for conditions including;

• Reactions to radiation therapy and chemotherapy
• Depression
• Arthritis
• Muscle pain

There is still a large debate on the effects of acupuncture as an alternative medicine due to the lack of knowledge.  It is best to consult a health care professional or alternative medicine practitioner for advice on treating certain conditions.

Using Meditation as an Alternative Medicine

Meditation has been practiced for over 5000 by many cultures.  It is one of the most popular forms of alternative medicine and is still growing in popularity.  It believed that the act of meditation cures certain ailments. The simple act of clearing the mind and focusing on concentration has proven to be highly beneficial in healing the body, mind, and spirit as a whole, creating a higher sense of well being.

Meditation is a form of mental discipline that allows the mind to go beyond the traditional thinking state to the state total relaxation and awareness. It allows a person to improve their mental state and concentration. Some people still have their dispositions towards holistic methods such as meditation, but research and even science has proven that it is highly beneficial.

As an alternative medicine, meditation is believed to have many psychological and physical benefits. It is used to relieve stress, boost the immune system, and boost moods. It is also proven to reduce blood pressure which reduces the risk of heart problems. Anxiety is a common illness associated with stress.  As an alternative medicine, meditation allows a person to fully relax relieving pain, irritability, and tension caused by anxiety.

Serotonin levels affect mood levels. Meditation is known to boost serotonin levels, in turn boosting moods. That is why meditation is recommended to those who have problems with depression.

Cancer patients have also taken an interest in meditation.  Research has shown that meditation releases certain cells and hormones that help to fight some types of cancers.

Women benefit significantly by using meditation as an alternative medicine.  Pre-menstrual symptoms are a fact of life for most women, but traditional methods such as aspirin have risks.  Meditation helps alleviate the pain associated with PMS, by increasing blood flow and relaxation.

Pregnancy is also a long and grueling process for some women, and more and more women choose holistic methods for the safety of their child.  Relaxation is vital during pregnancy, especially high risk pregnancies.  Meditation reduces blood pressure, increases blood flow, and fights off diseases, which are all essential during pregnancy.

Meditation as an alternative medicine is a great option for those who prefer a more natural approach to life.  Health care professionals and alternative medicine practitioners offer invaluable advice on meditation.  There are also many books that teach this practice.

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