Alternative Ways to Get Rid of Pain

Not everybody likes to take painkillers to get rid of routine or chronic pain because of the side effects. It may be simple to pop a pill but the resulting impact on the stomach can cancel out the benefits. So what are the alternatives?

Reflexology is described as a natural therapy that requires the application of pressure by a therapist on specific areas of the feet. Closely aligned with Chinese Acupuncture, it focuses on restoring the body to its natural state of balance by stimulating nerve endings and unblocking energy channels in the body.  It has proved to be an effective therapy for reducing or eradicating many types of pain. You need to engage a reflexologist to work on your feet and this can take many sessions over a period of time to deliver the results you want.

Rolfing is concerned with structural integration of the body. One of the primary objectives of Rolfing is removing discomfort and pain. The elasticity and sliding capacity of the tissue can be restored and the body realigned in such a way that it is can function with more ease. The net effect is often the eradication of chronic pain. A full program can run to 10 sessions and requires execution by a skilled therapist.

Herbal remedies such as Capsaicin, White Willow Bark, Tumeric and Tart Cherry are used for conditions involving inflammation and pain. People in pain are looking for safe, effective alternatives for chronic pain, and herbal remedies have the advantage of producing minimal, if any side effects. There are hundreds of herbal remedies available and choosing the right remedy for your particular problem can be difficult without the guidance of a specialist in this area.

Hypnotherapy can be used to induce deep relaxation in a patient that can be beneficial in diverse situations from the management of cancer pain, to relieving tension headaches, and reducing the effects of irritable bowel syndrome. The advantages of incorporating hypnotherapy in pain management include allowing the patient to begin to regain a sense of control over their well-being, reducing levels of medication and teaching them to do self-hypnosis to independently alleviate their pain.

Chiropractic treatment is the most common non-surgical treatment for back and neck pain. Improvements of people undergoing chiropractic manipulations are quite common. However, the effectiveness of the treatment in treating back and neck pain has not been supported by compelling evidence from the majority of clinical trials. That said, most alternative therapies have their critics despite thousands of people reporting superb results in reducing pain using chiropractic techniques.

Aromatherapy can be beneficial in addressing pain, particularly when combined with massage. The application of anti-inflammatory, local anaesthetic, counter-irritant or analgesic essential oils create positive effects through inhalation during treatment. Once again, it involves attending a specialist in this area as well as the cost of purchasing essential oils for home use between treatments.

Hand Acupuncture and Acupressure have evolved over several thousands of years and stimulation of the hand is now routinely carried out by ordinary people to alleviate a range of medical symptoms including back pain, neck pain, shoulder pain, sciatica, joint pain, chest pain and headaches.

My own personal favourite is hand acupuncture and hand acupressure. It is easy to carry out, you do not have to be a contortionist to practice it and it is not necessary to break the skin with needles. Also, it is free. You simply need to discover where the correct acupoints on the hand are located.

Many acupuncture maps of the hand are readily available on the internet and the application of pressure by a paper clip or a ballpoint pen for 3 minutes on the relevant hand acupoint is reported to eradicate pain for 4 to 6 hours. Hand therapy is simple and easy to practice and safe and reliable for obtaining good therapeutic effects for a wide variety of diseases and ailments. It is particularly suitable for treating children because it is virtually painless.

Low-frequency electromagnetic stimulation of the hand using electronic apparatus can also achieve successful responses for those that prefer to use something more sophisticated than a paperclip to ease their pain.

Foods High in Estrogen Content - Alternative Treatment of Menopause Symptoms

The hormones estrogen and progesterone are the two major hormones that determines the gender of an individual. Estrogen is responsible for the regular menstrual cycle that 

usually results in the menstrual cycle of 28 days that culminates in menstruation taking place. A normal part of the aging process is that your body stops producing estrogen 

(average onset age of menopause is 51 years) and you are said to enter menopause. Menopause is not a disease but rather a natural phase that a woman goes through, and 

unfortunately a large percentage of women experience extreme symptoms of menopause. These symptoms of menopause are mainly due to the lack of or insufficient quantities 

of estrogen, and include hot flashes, night sweats, palpitations, insomnia, etc

When you are experiencing menopause the symptoms can be treated by the use of estrogen replacement therapy but due to negative side-effects a large number of women has to look at alternative treatment of menopause.

There are a large number of foods high in estrogen. These foods can be useful during menopause to provide relief from the symptoms of menopause. Please also remember 

that some of these natural estrogens are so close to the real thing that you may experience similar adverse effects as with estrogen therapy. The following lists of the foods high 

in estrogen also contains numerous vitamins, mineral, natural fiber and essential fatty acids. These fatty acids are low in saturated fats so they are healthy to the body. These 

are very nutritious foods aside from supplying your body with an amount of estrogen you need : 

1. Fruits such as apples, cherries, dates, papaya, pomegranates, plums and others;

2. Vegetables such as carrots, cucumbers, eggplant, peas, peppers, potatoes, pumpkin, rhubarb, soybean sprouts, tomatoes, and others;

3. Seeds such as anise seeds, chickpeas, cowpeas (black eyed peas), flaxseeds, red beans, sesame seeds, soybeans, split peas, sunflower seeds, and others; and

4. Other foods such as Alfalfa , garlic,meat products, barley, clover, baker's yeast , beets , dairy products, dates, eggs, fennel, hops, licorice, oats, olive oil, olives, parsley, red 

clover,  rice , sage , wheat , yams , and others.

These are the foods you need to supply your body with natural estrogen. If your body contains less than the required amount of estrogen, eating these foods can help your 

body produce the necessary amount of estrogen.  Women who are experiencing pre-menopausal syndrome are advised to take these foods to regulate the amount of estrogen 

in their bodies.

However, you have to consult your doctor before you start taking the aforementioned foods high in estrogen content. To know more about the different foods and other alternative therapies available that can regulate the amount of estrogen in your body, you can visit our site by clicking here.

An Introduction to Crystal Healing Therapy

Crystal Healing Therapy is performed with crystals which are positioned in various ways on the body. The body is divided in specific areas, also known as chakras on which the crystals are placed. The body is divided into seven major chakras besides which there are several minor chakras as well. The minor chakras are also known as meridians. Each chakra on the body has a specific task to perform in keeping the body, mind and soul in perfect unity for a balanced lifestyle.

Crystal healing was a process that was used in the Eastern cultures since the ancient times. Of late, the art of crystal healing has made its way into the western culture as well. It would not be a matter of surprise if Crystal Healing evolves as one of the major Alternative therapies Australia. 

Beginning the Crystal Healing Therapy

The crystal healing therapy can be performed on the person only if she or he is relaxed, calm and clear headed. It should also be noted that there should not be any outside disturbances and noises in the area. The subject should try breathing exercises to calm. It is also suggested that you should eat something before the commencement of the therapy session to maintain equilibrium.

Different Crystal Healing Options and Their Benefits 

A number of crystals and gemstones are used for crystal healing therapies. Each gemstone or crystal is beneficial in a different way. These days, healing crystal Jewellery is also available in the market. You would just require to purchase and wear it throughout the day or in specific period of the day to benefit from it. 

Some of the problems that are known to be treated with Crystal Healing Therapy are the following:

1.    Headaches: Amethyst unleashes the blocked energy. Amethyst is placed on the forehead and around the neck over the collar bone.

2.    Insomnia: Use of Chrysoprase under the pillow makes it easier for the people to get sleep. Citrine is helpful for those who cannot sleep because of stress and anxiety. If disturbances in the sleep are experienced labrodite and tourmaline might be useful.

3.    Lethargy: People suffering from lack of energy for no reason can benefit from rubies, ambers as well as jasper. The person has to lie with the crystals in hand.

4.    Depression: Kuznite frees from the emotional baggage while Rose Quartz is helpful in calming the person.

Ibogaine- Natural Healing with an Herbal Alternative to Rehab

Ibogaine. Funny word, yes but many people may ask themselves what is Ibogaine, and what does it do, and why is it important, well let's begin with what it is.

Ibogaine is an herbal product made from an indigenous African plant, Tabernanthe iboga, which for centuries has been used by the native tribes for spiritual journeys and introspection. It has a hallucinogenic component but is not addictive whatsoever.

In 1962, a New York based heroin addict named Howard Lotsof took Ibogaine believing it to be some new kind of recreational drug. Much to his surprise some 30 hours later Lotsof realized that he was not experiencing heroin withdrawal, and further had no desire to seek drugs. He began to casually experiment and found similar results with other heroin users. Twenty years later Lotsof set about trying to bring Ibogaine to market as a cure for addiction, he formed a company, applied for patents and began conducting more in depth research into the how's and whys of Ibogaine and its potential to be an alternative therapy in the addiction battle.

The next question one may ask is "What does Ibogaine do?"  The answer to this question is a complex one, since addiction and its treatment are complex issues.

In a study conducted in 1994, determined Ibogaine to be a competitive inhibitor of MK-801 binding to the NMDA receptor complex. MK-801 has been shown to attenuate tolerance to opiates and alcohol. MK-801 has also shown a blockade of "reverse tolerance" of stimulants. Ibogaine's effects on dopamine, a substance hypothesized to be responsible for reinforcing pleasurable effects of drug abuse, and the dopamine system were found in subsequent studies. Yet another study conducted in 1992 found that Ibogaine binds to the Kappa opiate receptor. Thus we begin to see a broad spectrum of mechanisms by which, Alternative medicine like Ibogaine may moderate use of substances so diverse as opiate narcotics, stimulants and alcohol.

Now while this may be the scientific reasons, patients that have used this alternative medicine, report that while Ibogaine has a clinical effect on the body, its hallucinogenic constituates allow the patient to enter an "awake dreaming" state, this can allow them to examine the root cause that fuels the need for drugs.  Patients can then receive appropriate counseling and therapy for these issues, which is always a part of the aftercare process.

Ibogaine represents a revolution in treating one of the largest epidemics worldwide, but as with all alternative medicine, the government and the pharmaceutical super machine have done everything in their collective powers to vilify yet another herbal medicine. Most believe that it is because it is in the best interest of big government and big business to do so, if word got out that there were natural products that could cure addiction in mere hours the government (through taxation) and the pharmaceutical giants (through loss of sales) would stand to lose billions, never mind that helping those afflicted with a disease (and yes, addiction is a disease and a lifelong one for most) is the right thing to do.  

Ibogaine is yet another example of how natural products have the potential to cure one of the largest plagues that mankind has ever known.

Alternative Approach to Ease Neck Pain

An aching neck drives millions of sufferers to seek alternative medicine when conventional medicine can't help ease or eliminate neck pain.  So does alternative medicine work? Many people can get relief once they find the right alternative technique for their particular type of pain.

Alternative Medicine for Neck Pain

It is important to note that what works for one person may not work for you. The first step on the road to self-recovery is finding out the cause of your neck pain. Pain can be in any part of the neck, from the muscles and nerves to the spinal bones and disks.

Common Causes of Neck Pain

• Muscle strain or tension- It is caused when you twist your neck in an unexpected way or spent hours hunched over the computer.
• Whiplash - This injury is associated with vehicular accidents, where the neck bones get overly stretched. Other traumatic injuries can cause fracture and even paralysis.
• Slipped disk- This neck pain is associated with the nerves, which may be pressed by a disk bulging between two vertebrae or a muscle spasm.
• Osteoarthritis- This type of arthritis is associated with aging and can affect your spine.
• Rheumatoid arthritis- This type of arthritis can ruin joints in the neck and cause pain, stiffness, and aching.
• Traditional treatments for most neck pain include rest, temporary immobilization, stretching exercises, medication, and in rare case surgery.
  Alternative Therapies for Neck Pain:Acupuncture
  Several studies have shown that acupuncture is helpful for those with chronic neck pain, providing considerable improvements in levels of pain. Patients typically need 8 to 12 sessions. Before you schedule your appointment, check to see if your acupuncture practitioner has a state license and is using single-use sterile needles.
  Massage
  Message therapists use various approaches and gently perform adjustments to align the spine. A practitioner adjusts the patient's neck with his hands to improve mobility, to restore range of motion, and sometimes, to increase muscle movement.  By identifying areas of misalignment in the neck and upper back, the stress on the neck muscles and irritation of the nerves can be naturally eased. When your muscles and nerves are functioning normally, your neck isn't tense or stiff and you don't have a headache.
  Yoga
  Yoga is a mind-body practice that combines specific poses with meditation and breathing techniques. Yoga can help neck pain by relaxing muscle tension and by improving strength and flexibility to make movement easier. Researchers believe yoga enhances your ability to deal with stress, as well as making you aware of the connection between your mind and your body.
  The best outcome occurs when physicians and holistic health practitioners work together. While neck pain isn't pleasant, it's surely a respite to know that you have natural options to get the pain under control.
  Call a natural practitioner today from our directory and you will be joining millions of satisfied patients who have said goodbye to their neck and other chronic problems.

Alternative Medicine - Avenue for Medical Tourism

The history of alternative medicine is a rather interesting one, and has its
origins in traditional methods of medicine. Alternative medicine has been
in existence since time immemorial. Being a primeval science, this medicinal
system has been known to man since the early days of his time on Earth. Using
natural ingredients to prevent and cure most illnesses has perhaps been man's greatest foray into medical science. Traditional medical practitioners aimed at prevention of diseases associated with an increase in resistance of the human body. As an expert rightly pointed out, "The study of the history of alternative medicine is fascinating on a variety of levels, not just concerning other and often better ways of preserving and restoring health."

Practised for thousands of years, alternative medicine includes systems like
Acupuncture, Ayurveda and traditional Asian medicine. Alternative medicine branches
out from the Complementary and Alternative Medicine (CAM) treatments and
therapies. CAM is often combined with formal, conventional medicine, integrating
both medical practices, in order to give the best results to patients. It can be said that
the earlier methods of medicine were attempted at achieving a balance between bodily
and natural energy. Energies were sought as positive and negative energies, where
positive energies were to bring in happiness and health and negative energies an
incapacitation of resistance to face any ailments. Matters of utmost importance in
deciding therapies or treatments in these earlier medical systems were factors like
one's lifestyle, one's habits of eating and one's occupational pressures.

The earliest use of traditional remedies dates back to 2800 BC in China.
Practised all over the world in more than a hundred disciplines, alternative medicine
has aided medical tourism in an unprecedented manner. Using alternative medicine
and following alternative medical practices not only removes any possible additional
affects of the illness but also increases the resilience of the body. It is generally
claimed that natural remedies are not only less inimical to human physiology
but they also help in retaining body pliancy. Systems of natural, traditional
medicines use a combination of ingredients to restore the bodily constituents. In
fact, natural remedies are considered more as food, given their natural constituents.
Since alternative medicine is based on completely natural methods and there is
no usage of any chemicals, there is no danger of any interference with the organic
system. A holistic approach as opposed to looking at a set of symptoms and a
treatment that delves into the root-cause of an illness are some of the distinct and
highly acknowledged features of alternative medicine. It is also opined that
widespread use of modern medicine has deteriorated the immune system in the
human physiology and has resulted in these modern medicines becoming less
effective. It is also often said that alternative medicine is the only way to cure
some incurable diseases.

A Brief History of Alternative Medicine

The history of alternative medicine can be traced back to some 5000 years, when the Chinese and Indians discovered traditional and Ayurvedic therapies to heal the body and the mind. The real objective was to identify the deterrents in the body system which caused ailments, and
strengthened the body's immunity. The therapies mainly incorporated self-care, lifestyle
changes and various preventive measures. The normal practices that were followed in the early stages of the history of alternative medicine include the extractions of the bark of willow trees. Many kitchen ingredients were also used for treating patients. The treatments were considered as the blessings of God, as it brought immense relief to the writhing bodies and prayer was considered as one of the strongest weapons in waging war against ailments.
Source: "A Brief History of Alternative Medicine", http://www.med-help.net/med-history-of-alternativemedicine.
html

Alternative Medicine and Medical Tourism

Today, alternative medicine holds out immense potential in attracting medical
tourists. For example, India is likely to become a major hub for medical tourism,
with revenues from the industry estimated to grow from US$333 million in 2007
to US$2.2 billion by 2012, says a study by the Confederation of Indian Industry
(CII) and McKinsey.3 The major competitive advantages that India faces are cost
effectiveness and traditional medical systems like Ayurveda and Naturopathy.
The world has witnessed the development of many traditional as well as modern
systems of medicine in the 20th century. Path-breaking discoveries like penicillin,
technological advancements in modern surgery, major research advancement in stem
cell research and genetic structure, and the development of traditional medical systems
like traditional Chinese system of medicine, Acupuncture, Osteopathy, Homeopathy,
Ayurveda, Yoga, Unani and others have all been a part of developments in the
omnipotent territory of global medicine. The major competitive advantages that India
has are cost effectiveness and traditional medical systems like Ayurveda and Naturopathy.
The last few years have seen countries with their own individual expertise attracting
tourists from all over the world and promoting medical tourism like never before.

India

In India, medical tourism in alternative medicine has its ancestry in South India
and some places in North-Eastern India. Internationally famed for its natural remedies and therapies, Kerala's schools of medicine have embraced Siddha,
Naturopathy and Ayurveda in treating their patients. These traditional medical
practices are estimated to attract high-end medical tourists from Europe and
Middle Eastern countries. The vital advantages that a country like India faces
with regard to medical tourism are its traditional therapies like yoga and Ayurveda
combined with tourist attractions in states like Kerala and north-eastern states.
Naturopathy, a therapeutic system based on natural remedies, trusts natural
elements like air, water and sunlight, combined with therapeutic massages and
conditioning and toning of the human body. Naturopathy believes that the human
body has the capacity to heal on its own, provided it is in a healthy environment.
With a holistic approach to well-being, Naturopathy believes that the three
physical entities – the physical body, the supernatural soul and the mind – must
be integrated through natural energies. "A recent survey shows that 76% of global
drugs are consumed by USA and European countries. We believe that freedom
from diseases and drugs can only be achieved by living a natural life style."4
Ayurveda, the most ancient health care system, takes its ingredients from nature.
The use of herbs, materials like gold and mercury and many household ingredients
make this science easily accessible to common man. Ayurveda claims to cure diseases
like diabetes with the aid of nature. The Siddha medical system, which is a part of
Ayurveda, employs herbs, minerals and advanced scientific techniques under ancient
principles of medical science to cure many chronic diseases. It is named as one of
the most complicated and intricate forms of medicine. Siddha considers nature
and man as one essential entity. It claims that physiological characteristics like
human aging can itself be arrested with natural remedies.

Naturopathy has evolved medical tourism in India in more than one ways.
With its systems of medication using all natural ingredients to restore the holistic
disease-fighting nature of the human body, the medicine has created increased
chances of its own survival through tourists from all parts of the world visiting
India to reap its benefits. As Vitthal Kamat of the Kamat Group of Hotels says,
"With Naturopathy and Ayurveda along with the world renowned tourist attractions
and heritage places, the tourism sector can grow in leaps and bounds."5 Naturopathy
in "KayaKalp", a naturopathy centre in Himachal Pradesh, run by the Vivekananda Medical Research Trust in India has served medical tourists in detoxifying, immunizing and rejuvenating through Yoga, Pranayama, Panchkarma, Meditation and Naturopathy. Its therapies are claimed to be drug-less and extremely natural. Naturopathy takes the help of Ayurvedic preparations for healing processes like Panchkarma and improvement of blood circulation.

India's pioneer in alternative therapy – medical tourism, Kerala, has visitors
from all over the world in the months of June, July and August. These months are
looked upon as the best period for cure of bodily ailments through Ayurveda.
High quality medical facilities provided at low prices are the main tourist attraction
in Kerala. Mr. M Narayanan, head of Poovar Island Resort says that there are
tourists from countries like Australia, Europe and Germany. The packages offered
in these Ayurvedic spas include services like Ayurvedic oil massages, powder
massages, vegetarian diets, detoxification programs and a lifestyle change. In fact
it is little known that Ayurveda includes not just massages, but a whole gamut of
services like herbal and natural diet plans, natural healing therapies, and therefore
a full-fledged medical system.

Ayurveda Gram, a unique Ayurvedic Institution in Bangalore offers Ayurveda
in its wellness form to medical tourists. It offers services like Customized Yoga,
Pranayama, Meditation, and a vegetarian diet to boost metabolism. Its sprawling
campus full of medicinal herbs and natural surrounds helps in the processes of
cure for specific ailments like Arthiritis, Spondilytis, Cholesterol, Sinusitis, Peptic
Ulcer and Obesity. Other therapies by Ayurveda Gram include Stress Management
therapies, Panchkarma and rejuvenation therapies.

AYUSH, the department of Ayurveda, Yoga and Naturopathy, Unani, Siddha
and Homeopathy was formed under the Indian Medicine Central Council Act,
1970. One of the most recent awareness activities undertaken by AYUSH was a
health fair organized in parts of Hyderabad, Chennai, Indore and New Delhi.
AYUSH ensured that the major Ayurvedic, Unani and Siddha manufacturers in
India participated in this health fair.

Another famous Ayurvedic centre in India is the C V N Kalari Centre for
Ayurveda. Kalari is one of the approved Ayurvedic centres recognized by the
Kerala Tourism Department.6 Kalari has its customers from many foreign countries. The centre specializes in Marma Chikitsa (the application of pressure on specific
nerve points) and other special practices of healing. Having both therapeutic and
rejuvenative aspects in them, these specialized healing procedures take extensive help
of Ayurveda to treat the ailing.
Some Ayurvedic resorts have formulated Ayurvedic kitchens that help improve
the effectiveness of oil treatments. Diet regimens, detoxification programs and other
processes that give a glowing skin to the customer are very popular. Some of these
Ayurvedic resorts also arrange for cooking classes to help their customers acquire
and maintain the lifestyle that they are introduced to in these spas and resorts.
Ananda, an Ayurvedic Spa in the Himalayas is one of the most famous destination
resorts in India. It offers specialty Ayurvedic packages like Aroma therapy massages,
reflexology programs for rejuvenation, stress release programs, personalized Yoga
sessions, body composition analysis and weight reduction programs through Yoga
and Ayurveda. Ananda claims that its packages and therapies cure many ailments
like headaches, nausea, climatic disorders, facial paralysis, insomnia, asthma, neuralgia
and does general improvement of metabolism.

China

The 3000 year-old method of traditional medicine in China has gained popularity
as the world's most popular medicine, being used by more than a quarter of the
world in treating even chronic diseases like cancer, AIDS, allergies and heart diseases.
Traditional Chinese Medicine (TCM) uses medicinal herbs, therapeutic exercises
and acupuncture to cure ailments. TCM diagnoses illnesses based on the five elements
theory and the yin-yang theory. The five elements theory base their evaluation on the
five elements – wood, fire, earth, metal and water to establish a connection between
human physiology and pathology and the natural environment.7 The movement of
these five elements constantly rules the functioning of the human body and thus
establishes the interdependence of both.

The yin-yang theory calls for comprehending the bright and dark sides of
the universe, in other words, the opposite properties of the universe.8 The relative
nature of yin and yang represents the interrelationship between substance and function. As traditional chinese medical practitioners say "Only with ample
substance can the human body function in a healthy way; and only when the
functional processes are in good condition, can the essential substances be
appropriately refreshed."

Chinese herbal medicine is more known as Chinese materia medica. This includes
Chinese crude medicine, prepared drugs in pieces, traditional Chinese patented
medicines and simplified Chinese medicinal preparations. Chinese herbology, a major
aspect of TCM addresses the art of combining medicinal herbs.10 It visualizes the
entire human body's balance of energies and spirit to treat a medical condition.
Herbs are combined into different potions of various characteristics for the sake of
different individuals being treated by TCM practitioners. Herbs like Astragalus,
Ginkgo, Ginger, Green Tea, Siberian Ginseng and Garlic are used to treat several
ailments. Around 300 mineral and animal extracts and 400 formulae are used to
cure diseases, in Traditional Chinese Medicine.

Acupuncture, as part of TCM is used to unblock the flow of vital energy through
the human body.11 One of the oldest healing techniques in the world, this traditional
method aims at "restoring health through simulation of specific points on the body."12
Ailments like nausea, addictions and some kinds of pains are claimed to be treated
with the help of acupuncture.

Taking advantage of its abundant human resources, China is luring medical tourists
into its web of alternative medical therapies. Wellness packages in China come at
low costs and without any side-effects, thanks to proliferated Traditional Chinese
Medicine. Several massages and spas have been set up in recent times that provide
mental health and physical well-being to medical tourists with the help of Chinese
medicinal herbs. Wellness apartments are established for the purpose of serving
senior medical tourists. These wellness apartments facilitate these tourists in
practising their own hobbies and also conducting medical activities like Taiji.

Germany

Germany's alternative medical practices have their origins in Homeopathy, a
medical system that was developed by Samuel Hahnemann, a German physician.
Homeopathy considers symptoms as disturbances of vital forces that have
connection with the human body. Homeopathic advocators believe that this
medical system has the ability to cure acute diseases like flu, cold, pains, depression
and fatigue, constipation, irritability other than chronic diseases. It is claimed to
cure allergies and allergic disorders like Eczema and Asthma. Moreover, this
medical system is child friendly, in the sense, that the medication given by
homeopaths is sweet to the tooth and therefore acceptable. Homeopaths are known
for debonair and their hands free treatment of patients. They concentrate more
on the patient's state of mind and attitude towards life. The preparation of different
potions in Homeopathy is done mostly with the help of herbs, minerals and
animal extracts. Also, it is often reasoned that since the dosage that homeopaths
prescribe is in such minute constitutions and because they come in dilutions of
substances like water and alcohol there is no chance of any side-effects.
Germany also stands famous for its herbal remedies. Regulated by Commission
E14 on the purity and pharmaceutical activity, these herbal medicines in Germany
have come a long way in preventing and curing many diseases like cancer, AIDS and
other serious ailments. Most physicians in Germany are required to be educated in
Alternative therapies, so that it serves complimentary to modern medical treatments.
As Mark Blumenthal, chairman of the American Botanical Council points out, "Most
of the clinical research that's conducted on the leading herbal medicines in the United
States comes from Germany."15

With more than 300 spa towns, Germany has become the premier destination
for health and wellness in Europe.16 One of the most famous resorts in Germany
is the Baltic Spa Resort in Warnemunde. Situated on the shore of the Baltic Sea,
it idealizes the sea as a "homeopathic pharmacy" and claims that "it contains all
important trace elements and has a similar composition to human blood"17 Sea water is said to have revitalizing effects in treating bodily ailments like respiratory
illnesses, sleep disorders and obesity. Other than these, mental disorders like
depression, anxiety and agony are claimed to be cured with the help of the sea.
Sea breeze is said to be specifically effective in treating cardio-vascular as well as
dermatological conditions. Major advantages that Germany faces are in terms of
both cost and quality. As Axel Steller, the CEO of the Arab German Health
Foundation points out, "In the US, operations are four to five times more expensive
as they are in Germany".

Japan

Japanese medicine is known as Kanpo or Kampo, a herbal medicine that forms part
of well-researched modern clinical methods and also traditional methods of
medicine. A Japanese variant of the traditional Chinese medicine or the Oriental
medicine, Kanpo adheres to the body's natural instincts and natural mechanism
of healing. For this purpose, medical treatment involves diagnosis of the tongue,
abdomen and pulse. At each stage of the treatment, different formulae that are
necessary to bring the body back to normalcy, are prepared by the physician.
These herbal medicines are regulated by the Japanese Government. Kanpo
medicine is used to cure many acute and chronic ailments like cardio-vascular,
respiratory, digestive, reproductive and dermatological conditions and immune
system corrections and even disorders like bedwetting, high cholesterol and
hepatitis. Though Kanpo therapies take longer than usual to work, this medical
system uses some very natural diagnosis and treatment methods and concepts
like water, blood and air to identify bodily symptoms. Also, it is claimed that
these herbal medicines produce no side-effects because of their natural
compositions. Japanese therapists of Anma visit countries like India and Singapore
to help in promotion of health tourism. Anma, a traditional Japanese massage, is
said to be a complete form of Shiastu19 that treats the body to release blood flow
in a proper manner to rejuvenate the body.

Apart from attracting tourists for its natural herbal medical treatments, Medical
tourism in Japan has become popular thanks to its volcanic areas that have allowed
the formation of some hot mineral water springs called Onsen. Japanese Onsen serve as places where the ailing can get alternative treatments to modern medical
practices. These have medicinal properties that heal wounds, alleviate pains and
replenish energy levels. Senior tourists and people suffering from many kinds of
aches and pains come flocking to these mineral water springs. The healing
properties of these springs are accentuated by the surrounding volcanic soil that
is composed of many minerals and curative elements.

Outlook of Medical Tourism in Alternative Medicine

Alternative medicine is here to stay, claim some traditional medical practitioners.
Given its perceived advantages over the modern medical techniques and the expensive
western medicines, alternative medical therapy is gaining ground in many developing
as well as developed countries. Practices like Ayurveda and Homeopathy claim that
surgery may always be the last option in case of treatment of an ailment. Natural
medicines like herbs and minerals can all be partaken as food and not medicines as
such, since their composition is all natural. Alternative medicine is used in conjunction
with modern medicine to treat many chronic ailments like diabetes and AIDS. This
helps modern medical practitioners to evolve a closer relationship with the patient
and cure him to a greater extent, thus giving him a new perspective to life. It follows
that one should never overlook the disposition of the traditional cures suggested by
our ancestors. These provide a standpoint from where one can comprehend the
profundity of traditional and alternative medicine, and gauge the tremendous potential
of alternative medicine in medical tourism.

The Effectiveness of Alternative Cancer Therapies

Apart from the standard cancer treatment, there are a number of alternative cancer therapies being practiced today. The word 'Cancer' invokes an unknown fear in the hearts of those who suffer from the disease. It is the general perception that cancer is incurable and those suffering from it die a very painful death. To some extent this perception is true but only because it is so difficult to diagnose cancer in its early stages. By the time the symptoms start appearing, it is too late and the patient cannot be cured by medicines. The cancer therapies often have so many side effects and the patients feel as if their condition is getting worse instead of turning better. Patients suffering from the disease consider a number of alternative cancer therapies.

Do Alternative Cancer Therapies Work?

Alternative cancer therapiesare not considereda substitute of the medical treatments that are usually practiced on the cancer patients.These treatments are not medically approved and might be harmful for the patients. The patients suffering from cancer must consult their doctor before opting for any alternative cancer therapies. These therapies can be taken along with the standard medicine according to the advice of your doctor. However, these therapies do not provide a cure for the disease but only reduce the intensity of symptoms and pain caused by cancer. They are certainly not as strong as the standard medical treatments and practices. 

The most common cancer symptoms are anxiety, fatigue, nausea and vomiting, pain, insomnia, and stress. Alternative cancer therapies can be used to cope with these symptoms and provide some relief to the patient.CAM or Complementary and Alternative Medicine are usedto treat these symptoms and include acupuncture and herbal treatment. Acupuncture is consideredvery effective for symptoms like nausea and pain. Herbal treatment is consideredmild and is mostly harmless. In addition to acupuncture, treatments like aromatherapy, hypnosis, massage and music therapy are also used to relieve pain and nausea. Stress and sleep problems of the patients can be solved by various relaxation techniques, yoga and exercise.Anxiety can be reduced by meditation and hypnosis. 

While there are a number of alternative therapies that would help to relieve the pain, there is an equal chance that you may be ledby desperation and might end up trying the treatments that would do more harm than good. Cancer patients are often told not to go for any alternative treatment unless they have already discussed it over with their doctor. Quacks often exploit the desperate cancer patients looking for a cure to the seemingly incurable illness. 

Cancer is not an incurable disease if it is diagnosed in the nick of time. Even if the disease has advanced andit is no longer curable, you can still get some relief through alternative cancer therapies. It must be kept in mind that alternative cancer therapies are not a substitute of the standard medical care that you are receiving from your doctor.