VIJAYA COLLEGE OF NURSING

SUBJECT - ADVANCE NURSING

PRACTICE
UNIT - X
TOPIC - COMPLIMENTARY AND
ALTERNATIVE SYSTEMS OF MEDICINE
HOURS - 2HRS
NAME OF THE EVALUATOR-PROF.RAJI RAJU
NAME OF HOD - PROF.RAJI RAJU
SUBMITTED BY -MRS.LEKSHMY CHANDRAN
SUBMITTED ON -
 INDEX

Sl.no Topics P.no

I INTRODUCTION 1
II DEFINITION 2
III TYPES 3-48
1.ALTERNATIVE MEDICAL
SYSTEM
2.BIOLOGICALLY BASED
TREATMENT
3.MIND BODY TECHNIQUE
4.MANIPULATIVE AND BODY
BASED METHODS
5.ENERGY THERAPIES
6.OTHER THERAPIES
IV SUMMARY 49
V ABSTRACT
VI CONCLUSION 50
VII BIBILIOGRAPHY 51
COMPLIMENTARY AND ALTERNATIVE SYSTEMS OF
MEDICINE
INTRODUCTION
Complementary and alternative medicine (CAM) –
includes various healing approaches and therapies that
originate from around the world and that are not
based on conventional Western medicine. These
therapies are called alternative medicine when they
are used alone and complementary medicine when
they are used with conventional medicine.
Alternative medicine includes therapies and health
care practices not widely taught in most medical
schools; however, many such practices are popular,
and some areused in hospital. Although the distinction
between conventional and alternative medicine is not
always easy to determine, abasic philosophic
difference exists. Alternative medicine often defines
health as a balance of body systems physical,
emotional, and spiritual involving the whole patient; ie,
the approach. Is holistic. Conventional medicine
generally defines health as the absence of disease;
disease is usually thought to result from isolated
factors ( eg, pathogens, biochemical imbalances), and
treatment often involves drugs or surgery. Disease is
thought to result from disharmony and imbalances
between body systems. Treatment often involves
strengthening the body-sown defences and restoring
these balances and energy flows.
Patients are most likely to seek alternative medicine
for conditions such as chronic low back pain, stress,
migraine headaches, menopausal symptoms, cacer ,
and arthritis. Some patients seek alternative medicine
when conventional medicine offers little hope,
especially at the end of life.
DEFINITION
Complementary and alternative medicine is a groun of
diverse medical and health care systems, practices, and
products that are not generally considered part of
conventional medicine.
SHEBEER .P.BASHEER
BASIC CONCEPTS
Several concepts are common to most alternative
practices. These are holism, humanism, balance,
spirituality, energy & healing environments.
Holism: The idea that the whole of the sick person,
their body, mind and way of life, should be considered
when treating them, and not just the symptom of the
disease.
Humanism: A system of thought that considers the
solving of human problems with the help of religious
beliefs. It emphasizes the fact that the basic nature of
humans is good.
Balance: A situation in which different things exist in
equal, correct or good amount.
Energy: The ability to put effort and enthusiasm into an
activity, work etc
Healing: The process of returning to normal function
after a period of disease or injury.
TYPES
1. Alternative medical systems.
2. Biologically based treatments.
3.Mind-body techniques.
4.Manipulative and body-based methods.
5.Energy therapies.
1.ALTERNATIVE MEDICAL SYSTEMS
a)Ayurveda

Ayurveda is a System of healing based on homeopathy

and naturopathy, with an extensive use of herbs.
Ayurveda (devanagari, the ‘science of life) is a system
of traditional medicine native to the Indian
Subcontinent originated > 5000 yr ago and
practiced in other parts of the world as a form of
alternative medicine. In Sanskrit, the word
Ayurveda consists of the words ayus, meaning ‘life’
,and veda, meaning ‘related to knowledge’ or
‘science’. Evolving throughout its history Ayurveda
remains aninfluential system of medicine in South
Asia. The earliest literature of Ayurveda appeared
during the Vedic period in India. The Sushruta
Samhita and the Charaka Samhitawere influential
works on traditional medicine during this era.
Ayurvedic practitioners also identified a number of
medicinal preparations and surgical procedures for
curing various ailments and diseases.
As per Indian heritage and science, “Ayurveda” an
Upaveda or annexure to the four main vedas
(knowledgesystems ). The famous treaties of
Ayurveda ate CharakaSamhita by Sage Charaka,
which details the prevention and treatment of
disease, and Sushruta Samhita of Sage Sushruta,
which deals with Ayurvedic surgical procedures. In
the Ayurvedic system, the prevention of all types
of disease has a prominent place in treatment,
including restructuring a patient’s lifestyle to align
with the course of nature and the – four seasons
to guarantee complete wellness.
The aim is to remove the cause of disorders,
prevent illness and harmonize body, mind and
consciousness. Ayurveda aids in maintaining good
health, increasing longevity and overall quality of
life. Alternative Ayurvedic treatments and self help
regimens include: nutrition, herbal remedies,
aromatherapy, lifestyle recommendations,
massage treatments, colour or soundtherapY,
meditation, Panchakarma (detoxification), Yoga,
meditation and rejuvenation therapies. Ayurveda
empowers the individual to take control of their
own health and wellbeing. A few examples are –
1. Terminalia arjuna is useful in all eviating the
pain of angina pectoris and in treating heart
failure and coronary artery disease.
Terminalia may also be usefulin treating
hyper cholesterolemia.
2. Black pepper and long pepper are combined
with ginger to form the traditional trikatu.
Mixture in Ayurveda. This mixture increases
appetite, promotes the secretion of digestive
juices, and cures certain gastric disorders
particularly Achlorhydria and Hypo
chlorhydria
b)Siddha
The Siddha medicine is a form of south
Indian Tamil traditional medicine and part of
the trio Indian medicines –ayarveda, siddha
and unani, However Lord Sri Akshunna, a
master of northern siddha tradition, says
there is use of siddha medicine in the north
Indian part or rather in Himalayan region as
jharphuk and siddha buti. (medicine) tantra.
This system of medicine was popular in
ancient India due to the antiquity of this
medical system,the siddha system of
medicine is believed to be the oldest medical
system in the known universe. The system is
believed tobe developed bY the 9 nath and
84 siddhas in the north and 18 siddhas in
the south called siddhar. Tuey are the
ancient supernatural spiritual saints of India
and the Siddha system is believed to be
handed over to the Siddhar by the Hindu
God – Lord Shiva and Goddess Parvathi. So
are the siddhars, the followers of Lord Shiva
(saivam)- Siddhars total numbers which are
eighteen in which the magathiyaris the first
siddhar.
Siddharas were of the concept that a
healthy soul can only be developed through
a healthy body. So they developed methods
and medication that are believed to
strengthen their physical body and there by
their souls. Men and women who dedicated
their lives into developing the system were
called Siddharas. They practiced intense
yogic practices, including Years of fasting
and meditation and believed to have
achieved super natural powers and gained
the supreme wisdom and overall
immortality. It is assumed that when the
normal equilibrium of three humors (vatha,
pitha and kapha) is disturbed, disease is
caused. The factors, which assumed to
affect this equilibrium are environment,
climatic conditions, diet, physical activities,
and stress. According to the siddha medicine
system, diet and life style play a major role
not only in health but also in curing
diseases.
The treatment in siddha medicine is aimed
at keeping the three humors in equilibrium
and maintenance of seven elements. So
proper diet, medicine and a disciplined
regimen of life are advised for a healthy
living and to restore advised for a healthy
living and to restore Thiruvalluvar explains
four requisites of successful treatment.
These are the patient, the attendant,
physician and medicine. When the physician
is well qualified and the other agents
possess the necessary qualities, even severe
diseases can be cured easily. The treatment
should be commenced as early as possible
after assessing the course and cause of the
disease. Treatment is classified into three
categories: devamaruthuvum (Divine
method); manudamaruthuvum (rational
method) and amiramaruthuvum (surgical
method). In Divine method medicines like
parpam, chendooram, guru, kuligai made of
mercury, sulphur and pashanams are used.
In the rational method, medicines made of
herbs like churanam, kudineer, vadagamare
used. In surgical method, incision, excision,
heat application, blood letting, leech
application are used.
According to therapies the treatments of
siddha medicines could be further
categorized into following categories such as
purgative therapy,emetic therapy, fasting
therapy, steam therapy, oleation therapy,
physical therapy, solar therapy and blood
letting therapy, Yogatherapy, etc
c)Unani & Tibbi
As an alternative form of medicine, unani
has found favour in Asia, especially India. In
India, these Unani practitioners can practice
as qualified doctors, as the Indian
government approves their practice. Unani
medicine is very close to Ayurveda. Are
based on theory of the presence of the
elements (in Unani, they are considered to
be fire, water, earth and air) in the human
body· (Theelements, attributed to the
philosopher Empedocles, determined the
way of thinking in Medieval Europe.)
According to followers of Unani medicine,
these elements are present in different fluids
and their balance leads to health and their
imbalance leads to illness. All these
elaborations were built on the basic
Hippocratic theory of the Four Humours. The
theory postulates the presence in the human
body of blood, phlegm, yellow bile and black
bile. Each person’s unique mixture of these
substances determines his temperament: a
 predominance of \,, blood gives a sanguine
temperament; a predominance of phlegm
makes one phlegmatic; Yellow bile, bilious
( or choleric); and black bile, melancholic. As
long as these humours are in balance, the
human system is healthy, it’s imbalance can
result in disease.
d)Homeopathy

It is a system of therapy based on the concept

that disease can be treated with drugs (in minute
doses) which are capable of producing the same
symptoms in healthy people as the disease itself.
Homeopathy. Developed in Germany in the late
1700s, homeopathy is based on the principle that
like cures like. A substance that, when given in
large doses, causes asset of symptoms is believed
to cure the same- symptoms when it is given in
minute doses. Remedies used in homeopathy are
derived from naturally occurring substances, such
as plant extracts and minerals. Extremely low
concentrations are prepared in a specific way. The
more dilute the homeopathic medicine, the
stronger it is considered to be.
Traditional scientists can find no scientific
explanation for how the diluted remedies
used in homeopathy could cure disease.
Some solutions are so dilute that they
contain no molecules of the “active”
ingredient. However, homeopathy has few
risks; rarely, an allergic or toxic reaction
occurs.
Homeopathic remedy Rhus toxicodendron,
derived from poison ivy substance prepared
with a particular procedure and intended for
treating patients. Examples include
Arsenicum album (arsenic oxide), Natrum
muriaticum (sodium chloride or table salt)
and Thvroidinum (thyroid hormone).
Homeopaths also use treatments called
nosodes ( from the Greek nosos, disease)
made from diseased or pathological products
such as fecal, urinary, and respiratory
discharges, blood, tissue. Homeopathic
remedies prepared from healthy specimens
are called sarcodes.
e) Naturopathy
It is a system of therapy based on
preventative care, and on the use of heat,
water, light, of the whole patient, and use of
the body’s natural healing abilities. This
system also focuses on finding the cause of
a disease rather than merely treating
symptoms. Some of this system’s principles
are not that different from those of modern
Western medicine.
In treating the whole person the
naturopathic practitioner searches for causes
at many levels, and attempts to eliminate
the fundamental cause of illness, not simply
to remove symptoms.
The following therapies are considered to be
of primary importance in the naturopathic
treatment of disease:
a. Nutrition and Dietetic
 This includes the prescription of a
balanced wholesome, natural diet,
based on the principles advocated by
naturopathic practitioners.
b. Fasting
The controlled abstinence from food has
been used therapeutically for over 2.000
years. It advocated by Hippocrates as a
treatment for many diseases, because it
allowed the bod)’ to concentrate its
resources on dealing with the disease
rather than the processes of digestion.
Although 1argely ridiculed bY orthodoxy
for many years, fasting has recently
begun to gain a reputation as an
excellent and safe treatment for
conditions such as obesity high blood
pressure, arthritis and rheumatism.,
various allergies and some psychiatric
disorders.
c. Structural Adjustment .
By such methods as osteopathy,
chiropractic, neuromuscular technique,
postural re-education and remedial
exercises, the naturopathic practitioner
 seeks to balance and integrate the
spine, muscles, ligaments and joints of
the whole body.
d. Hydrotherapy
This is the use of water, both internally
and externally in the form of baths,
packs, compresses, sprays and douches.
Hydrotherapy is of value in most
conditions and rightly applied can give
remarkable results in the treatment of
both acute and long-standing conditions.
e. Healthy Lifestyle
This includes the general care of one’s
body the use of moderate physical
exercise, the cultivation of a positive
approach to life and health, relaxation
techniques, etc.
f. Education
In naturopathic philosophy it is Just as if
not more so, to explain to the patient
why disease occurs and what the patient
can do for him or herself to maintain the
new, improved level of health given to
them by naturopathic treatment. In this
way the patient is given responsibility
for his or her health.
Naturopathy is based on the belief that
the body is self-healing. The body will
repair itself and recover from illness
spontaneously if it is in a healthy
environment.
Naturopaths have many remedies and
recommendations for creating a health)’
environment so the body can
spontaneously heal itself.
2.BIOLOGICALLY BASED TREATMENTS
a)Herbal Medicine
Herbal medicine has always attracted
some scientific interest and many well
known drugs are plant-derived, for
example digoxin from foxgloves
morphine from poppies. The following
are some of the herbs commonly
thought to be effective:
 St John’s Wort (Hypericum
perforatum) is a safe and effective
treatment (if taken as the onb’
treatment) for mild to moderate
depression. It may also help fatigue
 possibly because fatigue is a
common aspect of depression.
 Ginkgo Biloba may be effective in
relieving the symptoms of dementia
and it may also support memory in
all older people.
 Ginger is an effective remedy for
nausea and vomiting.
 Horse chestnut seed extract can
alleviate the of varicose veins.
 Tea tree oil may be effective against
fungal infections such as athlete’s
foot.
 Vegetables from the allium family
( onions and garlic) may protect
against certain cancers if eaten
regularly, especially cancers of the
digestive tract, though further
studies need to be done.
Remember, some herbal medicines
and prescribed drugs do not mix,
consult your doctor if you are taking
conventional drugs.
b)Nutritional therapy
Nutritional therapy is a system of healing based on
the belief that food, as nature intended, provides
the medicine we need to obtain and maintain a
state of health: our food is our medicine and our
medicine is our food. Although some health
problems require specific medication, many
conditions can be relieved effectively with
nutritional therapy. These include disorders
ranging from chronic fatigue, energy loss,
insomnia and depression, to backache, skin
complaints, asthma, and headaches. Nutritional
therapy will also benefit You if You have no
specific illness, but want to maintain a state of
optimum health. It is safe for babies and children
as well as adults, and the change of eating
patterns that is typically prescribed usually has far
fewer side effects than synthetic medicines.
Nutritional therapy is a holistic discipline; the key
to good health is the all-embracing fundamental
principle used since the time of the famous Greek
doctor and founder of western medicine,
Hippocrates, to help people of all ages to stay at
their personal peak of energy and vitality. Today,
new insights of food scientists play a significant
role in the practice of nutritional therapy as
preventative medicine.
During the last fifty years, many wonderful
breakthroughs have improved our understanding
of the role of food in our lives. Many ofus are
realizing that food is the cornerstone on which,
our modem lifestyle, has been built. Antioxidants
are also the nutritional suppliments which can
remove the free radicals from human body so as
to prevent severe disease conditions like cancer.
3.MIND BODY TECHNIQUES
Mind-body techniques are based on the theory
that mental and emotional factors can influence
physical health. Behavioral, psychologic, social,
and spiritual methods are used to preserve health
and prevent or cure disease. Because of the
abundance of scientific evidence backing the
benefits of mind-body techniques, many of the
approaches are now considered mainstream.
Methods include the following:
 Meditation
 Hypnotherapy (hypnosis)
 Biofeedback
 Qigong & Tai Chi
 Relaxation techniques
 Guided imagery
Mind-body techniques can be used to treat
anxiety and panic disorders, chronic pain,
coronary artery disease, depression,
headaches, difficulty sleeping (insomnia), and
loss of urinary control (incontinence). Mind-
body methods also are used as an aid in
childbirth, in coping with the disease-related
and treatment-related symptoms of cancer,
and in preparing people before surgery.
a)Meditation
 In meditation, people regulate their
attention or systematically focus on particular
aspects of inner or outer experience.
Meditation usually involves sitting or resting
quietly, often with the eyes closed.
Sometimes it involves the repetitive sounding
of a phrase ( a mantra) meant to help the
person focus. Highly studied forms of
meditation are transcendental meditation and
mindfulness meditation. Meditation has been
shown to have favourable effects on heart
and blood vessel ( cardiovascular) function,
immunity and brain activity, such as
increasing activity in parts of the brain
associated with mental clarity. Meditation
often induces physical relaxation, mental
calmness, and favourable emotional states
such as loving-kindness and even
temperedness. Most meditation practices
were developed within a religious or spiritual
context and held as their ultimate goal some
type of spiritual growth, personal
transformation, or transcendental experience.
As a health care intervention, however,
meditation may be effective regardless of
people’s cultural or religious background.
b)Relaxation Techniques
Relaxation techniques are practices
specifically designed to relieve tension and
strain. The specific technique may be aimed
at reducing activity of the nerves that control
the stress response (sympathetic nervous
system), lowering blood pressure, easing
muscle tension, slowing metabolic processes,
or altering brain wave activity, Relaxation
techniques may be used in combination with
other techniques, such as meditation, guided
imagery, or hypnotherapy.
c)Guided Imagery
Guided imagery involves the use of mental
images to promote relaxation and wellness,
reduce pain, or facilitate healing pf a
particular ailment, such as cancer or
psychological trauma. The images can involve
any of the senses and may be self directed or
guided by a practitioner, sometimes in a
group setting. For example, a person with
cancer might be told to imagine an army of
white blood cells fighting against the cancer
 cells. Guided imagery has not been
thoroughly scientifically studied, but many
people claim to have had success with it.
d)Hypnotherapy
This alternative therapy is derived from
Western practice. In hypnotherapy
(hypnosis), people are guided into an
advanced state of relaxation and heightened
attention. Hypnotized people become
absorbed in the images suggested by the
hypnotherapist and are able to suspend
disbelief. Because their attention is more
focused and they are more open to
suggestion, hypnotherapy can be used to
help people change their behaviour and thus
improve their health. Hypnotherapy can be
thus improve their health. Hypnotherapy also
may be helpful in treating many conditions
and symptoms in which treating many
conditions and symptoms in which
psychological factors can influence physical
symptoms -
 Phobias
 Certain pain syndromes
 Smoking cessation
 Conversion disorders (in which apparent
physical illness actually is caused mainly by
psychological stress and conflict)
 Irritable bowel syndrome
 Headaches
 Asthma
 Some skin disorders (such as warts and
psoriasis)
 High blood pressure
 Nausea and vomiting caused by
chemotherapy, particularly the nausea some
people get before chemotherapy
( anticipatory nausea)
 Anxiety and diminished quality of life in
people who have cancer.
Hypnotherapy has been used with some
success to help people stop smoking and lose
weight. Some people are able to learn to
hypnotize themselves. The mechanism of
hypnotherapy is poorly understood from a
scientific standpoint.
e)Biofeedback
Biofeedback is a method of bringing
unconscious biologic processes under
conscious control. Biofeedback involves the
use of electronic devices to measure and
report back to the conscious mind information
such as heart rate, blood pressure, muscle
tension, and brain surface electrical activity.
With the help of a therapist or with training,
people then can understand why these
functions change and can learn how to
regulate them. Biofeedback typically is used
to treat pain including headache and chronic
abdominal pain, stress, insomnia, faecal or
urinary incontinence attention deficit disorder
and mild cognitive impairment, and tinnitus .
Biofeedback has been shown to be clinically
effective in treating certain problems (for
example, headaches, incontinence, and
attention deficit disorder).
4.MANIPULATIVE AND BODY BASED
METHODS
a)Yoga
The fundamental idea behind the practice of
Yoga is to unite the individual self (Jiva) with
the supreme or pure consciousness (Brahma).
The factual connotation of Yoga is unification.
Merging in this static realism liberates the
spirit from all sense of separation. It liberates
the mind from the ignorance of time, space
and causation. However, as Yogic philosophy
says, the human body and mind are parts of
the deceptive world of matter, with a limited
period, whereas the spirit is endless and
passes onto a new world when this body dies.
Therefore, fundamental to Yogic philosophy
are the concepts of Karma- cause and effect
relationship.
In the present view, Yoga is one of the most
helpful healthy forms of experience to
manage the influence of thinking by turning
psychological and physical force into spiritual
energy, Yoga therapy eases oneself from the
cramped tension. Concentration is enhanced
by Yoga. Yoga therapy cures all diseases and
controls the aging process. Its daily practice
is often seen as a way of gaining control over
your health.
Most of the practices of yoga therapy are
used as complementary practices to
conventional medicine. Some of these
practices are exercise, medicine. Some of
these practices are exercise, practitioners of
yoga therapy it is safer and more effective for
the treatment of common medical conditions.
It takes only individual health and physical
limitations into account. The main aim of
Yoga therapy is the mind/body integration,
which strike into the normal healing
properties of the body and helps to restore
functions of your bod)’ and health. Yoga
therapy consists of three basic parts of your
body which work together.
Physical posture
It helps to stretch and strengthen your
muscles. It also improves your mobility,
flexibility and balance. The proper posture
enhances your body’s natural functions of
circulation, elimination, respiration, and
digestion.
 Breathing technique
Mainly focuses on awareness of breath and
helps promote calm, focus the mind and
relieve stress and fatigue.
Relaxation technique
It mainly helps you to recharge and ease
tension.
Benefits of yoga therapy
 Yoga therapy shows positive results in
treating depression.
 Deep breathing associated with yoga is
beneficial in controlling premature ventricular
complexes.
 Yoga therapy is beneficial in post-treating
strategy, breast cancer and other survivors .
 Yoga therapy shows significant benefits that
includes emotional functions, fitness
variations and psychological benefits. It also
shows variations in tension, mood
disturbances, cognitive function and
gastrointestinal disturbances.
 Practice of regular yoga exercise increases
Your body·s ability in using antioxidants. This
is beneficial in the prevention of cancer .
 If you are a diabetic patient then yoga
therapy improves nerve function and lower
blood sugar.
 If you are suffering from rheumatoid arthritis,
the practice of yoga increases your band grip
strength.
 Yoga helps in treating some problems like
asthma,, respiration problems, back pain, etc.
it help in weight reduction.
Criticisms of Yoga Therapy
 The practice of yoga therapy is impossible if
You have limited mobility and flexibility.
 While attempting some of the postures of
Yoga without any pre-exercise preparation
then there is a possibility of getting injured.
b)Chiropractice
In chiropractice, the relationship between the
structure of the spine and function of the
nervous system is thought to be the key in
maintaining or restoring health. The main
method for achieving balance is spinal
manipulation.
Chiropractic is often useful in treating low back
pain, headaches, and nerve impingement
syndromes. Generally, however, the effect of
manipulation on conditions not directly related
to the musculoskeletal system has not been
established. Serious complications resulting
from spinal manipulation ( eg, low back pain,
damage to cervical nerves, damage to arteries
in the neck) are rare.
c)Tai Chi & Qigong
It has recently been considered as an
alternative method for lowering the blood
pressure levels. This discovery has big
implications for patients who are suffering from
chronic hypertension. Knowing this makes it
possible for such people to avoid negative
effects of continuous intake of prescribed anti-
hypertension drugs. Let’s take a Closer look at
some issues surrounding such therapy with
regard to blood pressure monitoring.
The potential of Tai Chi therapy to lower the
higb. Blood pressure is growing, as we are
continuing live in high stress conditions. When
we experience stress, our body elicits a certain
response to the stressful situation. The
prolonged. Periods of stress lead to chronic
blood pressure fluctuations and create physical
changes in your body organs. All of these in
their turn intensify hypertensive conditions.
When we are stressed, our pituitary gland
releases a hormone called. ACTH
(adrenocorticotropic hormone) which is
triggering other glands, including adrenal
glands, to produce enormous amounts of
adrenaline.
Meditation, including Tai Chi therapy, leads to a
relaxation response. This can result in loosening
the walls of the arteries that carrying the blood
to the brain. This way the blood supply to the
brain is increasing. Apart from reducing the
high blood pressure, repetitive activities (i.e.,
Tai Chi, Yoga., and others) can positively affect
metabolic rate, heart and breathing rate, and
other life supporting processes. People
practicing Tai Chi have documented less
frequent headaches, diarhea and are less prone
to anger, anxiety, and frustration. It boosts
their energy level and adds to their daily
activities.
5. ENERGY THERAPIES
 a)Massage Therapy
Body tissues are manipulated to promote
wellness and reduce pain and stress. The
therapeutic value of massage for many
musculoskeletal symptoms and stress is widely
accepted. Massage has been shown to help
relieve muscle soreness, pain due to back
injuries, and fibromyalgia and to help relieve
anxiety in cancer patients. Massage therapy is
also effective in treating low birth weight
infants, preventing injury to the mother’s
genitals during childbirth, relieving chronic
constipation, and controlling asthma .
b)Acupuncture

A. therapy within traditional Chinese medicine, is

one of the most widely accepted alternative
therapies in the Western world. Specific points on
the body are stimulated, usually by inserting thin
needles into the skin and underlying tissues.
Sometimes additional stimulation is added by
using a very low voltage electrical current, by
twisting the needle, or by wanning the needle.
Stimulating these specific points is believed to
unblock the flow of qi along energy pathways
(meridians) and thus restore balance between yin
and yang. The procedure is not painful but may
cause a tingling sensation.
A variation of acupuncture, called acupressure,
uses localized massage instead of needles to
stimulate acupuncture points. Acupuncturists
are licensed to practice after receiving 3000
hours of training and passing a state board
examination; some medical doctors, often pain
specialists, perform acupuncture after about
300 hours of training. Licensure varies by state.
Research has training. Licensure vanes by state.
Research nas neurotransmitters ( eg,
endorphins) that act as natural painkillers.
Reasonable evidence supports the effectiveness
of acupuncture as a pain reliever, an anti-
nauseant, and an antiemetic. However,
acupuncture is ineffective for smoking
cessation and weight loss. Adverse effects are
rare if the procedure is done correctly.
Worsening of symptoms (usually temporary)
and fainting are the most common. Infection is
extremely rare; most practitioners use
disposable needles.
c)Reflexology
A variant of massage therapy relies on manual
pressure applied to specific areas of the foot;
these areas are believed to correspond to
different organs or body systems via meridians.
Stimulation of these areas is believed to
eliminate the blockage of energy responsible for
pain or disease in the corresponding body part.
d)Hand Mediated Bio-field Therapies
Therapeutic touch (TI) is a mostly secular
variant of faith healing, started by Dolores
Krieger in the early 1970s. The IT practitioner
moves his hands over the patient’s body,
specifically the affected. Area, without actually
touching the patient. TT adherents claim that
this directs the flow of chi so that the patient
can heal. The practice is based on the belief
that living beings have an energy field or aura
which extends beyond the surface of the body
that can be manipulated by the therapist. No
evidence of effectiveness has been found.
6.OTHER THERAPIES
a)Traditional Chinese Medicine
Traditional Chinese medicine: Originating>
2000 Years ago, traditional Chinese medicine is
based on the theory that disease results from
improper flow of the life force ( qi). Qi is
restored bY balancing the opposing forces of
yin and Yang, which manifest in the body as
heat and cold, external and internal, and
deficiency and excess. Various practices ( eg,
acupuncture, herbal remedies, massage,
meditation) are used to preserve and restore
health remove reflex .
b)Curanderismo
It is a cultural healing tradition found in latin
America and among many latinos in the United
States. Although it is a traditional healing
system, it utilizes western biomedical belief,
treatment and practices. Three levels of care
are practiced among curanderos (man) and
curanderas (women) the material level, the
spiritual level and the mental level. Healers
have the gift for working at only one of this
level. The majority of healer work at the
material level and most combine spiritual
healing, herbal medicine and first aid
techniques.
c)Aroma Therapy
Aromatherapy is based on the healing power of
plant oils which may be massaged into the skin
inhaled or used in the bath. Anecdotally it is
said to induce a feeling of well-being
Aromatherapy massage relieves tension and
improves circulation and can reduce anxiety in
short-term settings such as intensive care. A
trial of ‘melissa (lemon balm) aromatherapy
shows highly significant effects in reducing
agitation and increasing social interaction in
dementia patients
d)Spiritual Therapy
Spiritual therapy is a regimen designed to heal
ones spirit and psyche as well as the body. In
many traditions it is believed if one’s spirit is
ailing one’s whole being suffers. This is where
spiritual therapy comes in. It treats the whole
being, especially the spirit to promote a healthy
whole person.
a. Faith and prayer
Faith is the confident belief or trust in the
truth. Or trustworthiness of a person, idea,
or thing. The word “faith” can refer to a
religion itself or to religion in general. As
with “trust”, faith involves a concept of
future events or outcomes, and is used
conversely for a belief “not resting on
logical proof or material evidence. Informal
usage of the word “faith” can be quite
broad, and may be used in place of “trust’
or “belief.”
Faith is often used in a religious context, as
in theology, where it almost universally
refers to a trusting belief in a transcendent
real it}’, or else in a Supreme Being and/or
this being’s role in the order of
 transcendent, spiritual things. Faith is in
general the persuasion of the mind a
certain statement is true. It is the belief and
the assent of the mind to the truth of what
is declared by another, based on his or her
authority and truthfulness. The English
word faith is dated from 1200-50, from the
Latin fidem, or fides, meaning trust, akin to
fidere, which means to trust.
b. Baha’I Faith
In the Baha’I Faith is ultimately the
acceptance the divine authority of the
Manifestations of God. In the religion’s
view, faith and knowledge are both
required for spiritual Faith involves more
than outward obedience to this authority,
but also must be based on a deep personal
understanding of religious teachings. By
faith is meant, first, conscious knowledge,
and second, the practice of good deeds
c. Prayer
Prayer is the act of addressing a god or
spirit for the purpose of worship or petition.
Specific forms of this may include praise,
requesting forms of this may include praise,
 requesting guidance or assistance,
confessing sins, as an thoughts and
emotions. The words used in prayer may
take the form of intercession, a hymn,
incantation, words of gratitude, or a
spontaneous utterance in the person’s
praying words. Praying can be done in
public, as a group, or in private.
Most major religions in the world involve
prayer in one way or another in their
rituals. Although in some cases the act of
prayer is ritualized and must be followed
sometimes through a strict sequence of
actions, many faiths teach. That prayer can
be done spontaneously bY anyone at any
moment.
Scientific studies regarding the use of
prayer have mostly concentrated on its
effect on the healing of sick or injured
people. The efficacy of petition in prayer for
physical healing to a deity has been
evaluated in numerous studies.
e)Music therapy
is an interpersonal process in which a trained
music therapist uses music and all of its facets
physical, emotional, mental, social, aesthetic, and
spiritual to help clients to improve or maintain
their health. In some instances, the client’s needs
are addressed directly through music; in others
they are addressed through the relationships that
develop between the client and therapist. Music
disorders, medical problems, physical handicaps,
sensory impairments, developmental disabilities,
substance abuse, communication disorders,
interpersonal problems, and aging. It is also used
to: improve learning, build self-esteem, reduce
stress, support physical exercise, and facilitate a
host of other health-related activities.
Music therapists are found in nearly evecy area of
the helping professions. Some commonly found
practices include developmental work
( communication, motor skills, etc.) with
individuals With special needs, song writing and
listening in reminiscence/orientation work with the
elderly, processing and relaxation work, and
rhythmic entrainment for physical rehabilitation in
stroke victims. It is considered one of the
expressive therapies.
f)Humour and Laughter
Laughing is found to lower blood pressure, reduce
stress hormones, increase muscle flexion, and
boost immune function by raising levels of
infection-fighting Tcells, disease-fighting proteins
called Gammainterferon and Bcells, which produce
disease destroying antibodies. Laughter also
triggers the release of endorphins, the body’s
natural painkillers, and produces a general sense
of well-being. Laughter is infectious. Hospitals
around the country are incorporating fonnal and
informal laughter therapy programs into their
therapeutic regimens. In countries such as India,
laughing clubs in which participants gather in early
morning for the sole purpose of laughing are
becoming as popular as Rotary Clubs in the United
States.
Benefits of laughter
 Laughter Activates the Immune
System
  Laughter Decreases “Stress”
Hormones
Laughter brings in positive emotions
that can enhance well being but
cannot replace conventional
treatments. Hence it is another tool
available to help fight the disease.
Humour
Humour is the tendency of particular cognitive
experiences to provoke laughter and provide
amusement. Many theories exist about what
humour is and what social function it serves.
People of all ages and cultures respond to humour.
The majority of people are able to be amused, to
laugh or smile at something funny and thus they
are considered to have a “sense of humour ‘’.
The term derives from the humoral medicine of
the ancient Greeks, which stated that a mix of
fluids known as humours (Greek: -:-oiuo, chymos,
literally juice or sap, metaphorically, flavour)
controlled human health and emotion.
A sense of humour is the ability to experience
humour, although the extent to which an
individual will find something humorous depends
on a host of variables,including geographical
location, culture, maturity, level of education,
intelligence and context. For example, Young
children may favour slapstick, such as Punch and
Judy puppet shows or cartoons such as Tom and
Jerry. Satire may rely more on understanding the
target of the humour and thus tends to appeal to
more mature audiences. Nonsatirical humour can
be specifically termed ‘ recreational drollery·.
Humor is a universal language. It’s a contagious
and a natural diversion. It brings other people has
no known side reactions.
g)Bioelectromagnetic Therapy
Bioelectromagnetic therapy (BT) is the application
of electromagnetic fields to treat and prevent
disease and promote health and
longevity.Electromagnetism is a powerful clinical
tool, simple to apply Yet complex in its biological
effects.
Whenever current (I) passes through a wire, it
induces a magnetic field. Although the electricity
itself remains confined within the wire, the
magnetic field induced moves outside.
What makes this treatment so remarkable is that
living tissue is essentially transparent to magnetic
fields. When a varying electromagnetic field is
placed close to a conductive medium such as the
human body, it will induce electrical currents.
BT may be new to the reader, but it has been
applied clinically almost from the moment we
learned to send electricity over wire. It is standard
practice in Eastern Europe, where it has been
studied systematically for many years. Positive
results are documented in a lengthy list of
conditions and thousands of studies have been
performed.
Some of the documented effects of
electromagnetic fields include accelerated healing,
greater cellular energy (increased ATP),
vasodilatation/increased blood flow, reduced
inflammation and edema, muscle relaxation, cell
membrane changes, enhanced movement of
calcium, sodium and other ions, bone formation,
improved oxygenation, better sleep, lysis of clots,
reduction in platelet adhesion, increased fertility,
enhanced cognitive ability, improved central and
peripheral nerve function, reduced stress and
better mood
h)Photo Energy Therapy
photo Energy Therapy devices emit near infrared
light (NIR Therapy) typically at a wavelength Of
880 run. This wavelength is believed to stimulate
the release of Nitric Oxide, an Endothelium derived
relaxing factor into the bloodstream, thus
vasodilating the capillaries and venuoles in the
microcirculatory system. This increase in
circulation has been shown effective in various
clinical studies to decrease pain in diabetic and
non-diabetic patients. Photo Energy Therapy
devices seem to address the underlying problem of
neuropathies, poor microcirculation, which leads to
pain and numbness in the extremities .
i)Detoxification Therapy
Detoxification Therapy involves the removal of
toxic substances. Our body naturally eliminates or
neutralizes toxins. But due to industrial revolution
the accumulation of toxins (food additives,
chemicals, anesthetics and residue of pharma
drugs, pesticides and heavy metals) surpasses its
elimination.
Detoxification Therapy Treatment
 There are a number of methods of
detoxification.
 Firstly a brief physical checkup is made, X-Ray
is taken; urine and blood samples are sent for
analysis sometimes sweat and hair maybe
analysed.
 Colonic irrigation, fasting, special diets,
hyperthermia, other hydrotherapy treatments,
lymphatic stimulation and nutritional
supplements are some methods of
detoxification.
 Nutritional Supplements – Intake of massive
quantities of Vitamin C are recommended for
people undergoing detoxification treatment.
Vitamin A, Vitamin Band Vitamin E and
minerals like Magnesium, Potassium,
Selenium and Zinc are also suggested. Herbs
such as cayenne, Echinacea and garlic are
also included.
Benefits of Detoxification Therapy
 Food additives, preservatives, environmental
pollutants and many synthetic chemicals have
bad effects and interfere with normal
functioning of our bodies and cause serious
damage to adrenal glands, liver, kidney and
thyroid.
 A chemical free home and workplace and
healthy diet is insufficient to fully undo the
damage caused by years of toxic build up.
 And only detoxification programs are found
beneficial in these cases. But some experts
argue that many of the recommended
treatments are ineffective and dangerous as
well.
Avoid Detoxification Therapy When;
 Weak or underweight, elderly, pregnant and
nursing mothers; people suffering from ulcers
and. Diabetes should avoid all forms of
detoxification.
 Ulcerative colitis, crohn’s disease, any other
type of bowel inflammation or haemorrhoids,
diverticulitis, tumor of the large intestine or
rectum.
 Liver or kidney problems
  High or low B.P., heart disease, epilepsy,
multiple sclerosis or asthma.
 Lung problems or tuberculosis, heart
problems, advanced cancer or diabetes.
 People with history of blood clots.
j)Animal-Assisted Therapy
(AAT) is a type of therapy that involves an animal
with specific characteristics becoming a
fundamental part of a person’s treatment.Animal
assisted therapy is designed to improve the
physical, social, emotional, and/or cognitive
functioning of the patient, as well as provide
educational and motivational effectiveness for
educational ano monvanonal effectiveness for
participants. Ml can be proviceo on an mruV1oua1
records and evaluate the participant’s progress.
Many kinds of animals are used in therapy,
including dogs, cats, elephants, birds, insects like
bees, dolphins, rabbits, lizards, and other small
animals. Such animals are often referred to as
comfort animals. AAT with horses is known
specifically as equine-assisted psychotherapy
(EAP),equine assisted creative living (EACL),
equine-assisted personal development (EAPD) or
hippotherapy.
Benefits
People who have pets benefit in various ways, for
example, the comfort of physical contact with
animals, reducing loneliness, and increased
opportunities for meeting others, via the pets. In
addition, caring for pets encourages nurturance,
responsibility, and adherence to a daily schedule.
Physical
 Improve fine motor skills .
 Improve wheelchair skills
 Improve standing equilibrioception (balance).
May lower blood pressure, risk for stroke or
heart and decrease depression.
Mental
 Increase attention skills
 Develop leisure/recreation skills.
 Increase self-esteem.
 Reduce anxiety
 Reduce loneliness.
Criticism
The practice of capturing dolphins can leave more
injured or even dead.
k)Horticultural therapy
It is the practice of horticulture as therapy to
improve human well-being.
According to the American Horticultural Therapy
Association
It is defined as ‘’a process utilizing plants and
horticultural activities to improve social,
educational, psychological and physical adjustment
of persons thus improving their body, mind, and
spirit.’’ Horticultural therapists are specially
educated and trained members of rehabilitation
teams ( with doctors, psychiatrists , psychologists,
occupational therapists and other) who involve the
client in all phases of gardening – from
propagation to selling products- as a means of
bringing about improvement in their life.
SUMMARY
Patients are most likely to seek alternative
medicine for conditions such as chronic low back
pain, stress, migraine headaches, meuopausal
symptoms, cancer, when conventional medicine
offers little hope, especially at the end of life.
CONCLUSION
A lot of research is being done in this field and
sew drugs for treating more illness, are being
explore the effect and the resistance to allopathy,
drug is becoming a human concern, so people are
turning to alternative approaches. So the
prospects of alternative approach in the future are
bright.
BIBILIOGRAPHY
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3.A. H. Suryakantha; Community Medicine with
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5. www.healthknowledge.org.uk

6. www.europepmc.org