Alternative medicine is the type of medicine that is not scientifically proved to be effective in the treatment of pathology. It is also given other various names such as complementary medicine and holistic medicine. There are slight variations in definitions of these terms. For example, holistic medicine is when the patient as a whole is considered when administering treatment, rather than separate target systems.

Complementary medicine uses both the combination of alternative medicine and functional medical treatment. For example, acupuncture can be used to make the absorption of drug treatment better.  Though their effectiveness is not scientifically proven, alternative medicine is found beneficial in the treatment of disease. This is proven by the experiences of many patients around the world who have found alternative medicine effective.

Types Of Alternative Medicine

There are many types of alternative medicine out there. Some better than others. All these types follow one of the two main mechanisms. They are namely Naturopathy and Homeopathy. Naturopathy is based on the fact that the bodily processes are guided by vital energy, which can be used to lead the body to heal on its own. Homeopathy is based on the fact that a substance that causes the symptoms of a disease in one patient may cause the recovery in another person. Pay a visit to naturopath in Clifton Hill to find out and experience its many healing services.

Alternative medicine is seen in Ayurveda and traditional Chinese medicine. Practices such as acupuncture, herbal medicine, massage, gigong exercises and dietary therapy are found in the traditional Chinese medicine. While in Ayurveda, which is the traditional medicine of India and Sri Lanka, the balance of 3 elemental substances called doshas (Vata, Ptta and Kapha) is used to reverse disease processes. This balance is disrupted when a patient gets sick. In order to bring about balance again, they use herbs, minerals and heavy metals. These are mostly plant based material but some animal and heavy metal compositions are found.

Increasing Use Of Alternative Medicine In The Western World

Though there is no scientific proof that it could work, alternative medicine is increasingly used by many people across the world. This is largely due to the benefits it offers without the adverse outcomes of functional medical treatment. For example, acupuncture is now used for chronic pain management, digestive problems, sleep disorders and even infertility.

The presence of various pressure points in the body being stimulated in an appropriate manner is the basis used here. Some experience comfort from their symptoms immediately. Another popular mode of treatment in alternative medicine is chiropractic. This is found ideal for back pain, neck pain and postural problems. The use of functional medicine requires you to either take drugs which have various adverse outcomes or go for surgery, which is a very invasive process with many risks. If alternative medicine works for an ailment, it should definitely be attempted as it is all natural and non-invasive.

Alternative medicine is becoming more and more popular in the new world due to its great benefits.