See discussions, stats, and author profiles for this publication at: https://www.researchgate.

net/publication/318878024

COMPLEMENTARY AND ALTERNATIVE MEDICINE AN OVERVIEW

Article · August 2016

CITATIONS READS
0 11,221

1 author:

Shankar Mani
Sri Adichunchanagiri College of Pharnacy Sri Adichunchanagiri University Mandya Karnataka India.
77 PUBLICATIONS   105 CITATIONS   

SEE PROFILE

Some of the authors of this publication are also working on these related projects:

synthesis of tetrazole derivatives View project

Other projects View project

All content following this page was uploaded by Shankar Mani on 24 August 2017.

The user has requested enhancement of the downloaded file.

 Narendra Babu P et al. / American Journal of Oral Medicine and Radiology. 2016;3(3):134-145.

e - ISSN - XXXX-XXXX
ISSN - 2394-7721
American Journal of Oral Medicine and
Radiology

Journal homepage: www.mcmed.us/journal/ajomr

COMPLEMENTARY AND ALTERNATIVE MEDICINE AN
OVERVIEW
P. Narendra Babu, M. Shankar*, M. Niranjan Babu
Department of Pharmaceutical Chemistry, Seven Hills College of Pharmacy, Venkataramapuram, Tirupati-517561,
Andhra Pradesh, India.

Article Info ABSTRACT

Received 04/04/2016 Alternative Medicine is defined as a variety of therapeutic or preventive health care
Revised 06/04/2016 practices, such as homeopathy, naturopathy, chiropractic, and herbal medicine that do not
Accepted 12/05/2016 follow generally accepted medical methods and may not have a scientific explanation for
their effectiveness. Complementary and alternative medicine is the term for medical
Key words:- products and practices that are not part of standard care. Standard care is what medical
Alternative, doctors, doctors of osteopathy and allied health professionals, such as registered nurses and
Complementary, physical therapists, practice. Alternative medicine means treatments that you use instead of
Traditional, Safety, standard ones. Complementary medicine means nonstandard treatments that you use along
Efficacy. with standard ones.

INTRODUCTION
Alternative Medicine is a term commonly used to Alternative medicine includes dietary
include all the healing practice that does not fall within the supplements, megadose vitamins, herbal preparations,
realm of conventional medicine. It can be defined as a special teas, massage therapy, magnet therapy, and
variety of therapeutic or preventive health care practices, spiritual healing [2].
such as homeopathy, naturopathy, chiropractic, and herbal
medicine that do not follow generally accepted medical AYURVEDA
methods and may not have a scientific explanation for Ayurveda is the oldest medical system available
their effectiveness. Complementary and alternative on the planet today. It is a science of life, prevention and
medicine is the term for medical products and practices longevity. It was written 5000 years ago in India and is
that are not part of standard care. Standard care is what preserved till date. I contained information of medicinal
medical doctors, doctors of osteopathy and allied health herbs to treat various diseases known to man. The ancient
professionals, such as registered nurses and physical healing techniques were part of the Santana dharma
therapists. Complementary medicine means nonstandard (universal religion), or Vedic religion. Veda Vaasa, the
treatments that you use along with standard ones [1]. famous sage, put into writing the complete knowledge of
Alternative medicine is distinct from Ayurveda, along with the more directly spiritual insights
complementary medicine which is meant to accompany, of self realization into a body of scriptural literature called
not to replace, standard medical practices. Alternative the Vedas and the Vedic literatures. There were originally
medical practices are generally not recognized by the four main books of spirituality, which included among
medical community as standard or conventional medical other topics, health, astrology, spiritual business,
approaches. government, army, poetry and spiritual living and
behavior. These books are known as the four Vedas; Rik,
Corresponding Author Sama, Yajur and Atharva. The Rik Veda contains verses
on the nature of health and disease, pathogenesis and
M. Shankar principles of treatment. The Atreya Samhita is one of the
Email: - [email protected] oldest medical books in the world. Ayurveda makes use of

134 | P a g e
 Narendra Babu P et al. / American Journal of Oral Medicine and Radiology. 2016;3(3):134-145.

herbs, foods, aromas, gems, colors, yoga, mantras, pronounced, there is no recourse except to eliminate the
lifestyle and surgery. Three main Ayurvedic texts that are same from the body. The ayurvedic doctor this to find out
still used today are the Charak Samhita, Sushrut Samhita the cause of such disease and eliminate it from the source.
and the Ashtangha Hridaya Samhita. Yoga is widely used The Pacification of the imbalance can be undertaken
now a days, though it is described in ayurvedic text [3]. by the Ayurveda doctor after studying the pulse of the
It focuses on balance of the mind, body, and patient. He looks for intensity, pattern, kind of throbbing
spirit. Hundreds of different herbs are used to: and other complex variations to understand where the
 Protect the body against disease possible cause of the problem can be. The treatment is
 Relieve pain with a combination of natural herbs and minerals ingested
 Improve general health or inhaled and Yoga Asanas. The herbs and minerals are
normally not processed as per modern medicine but
The evidence comparatively raw. These heavy minerals and herbs can
Most studies performed have been small. They be effective in fixing some common ailments but should
cannot provide conclusive evidence that Ayurvedic herbal be taken under supervision or can cause damage to
medicine works. internal organs. Careful monitoring by a trained person
There's also a serious caution to using Ayurvedic products. can give lasting benefits.
One study found that Ayurvedic herbal medicines from The Elimination of the imbalance to get to the root of the
South Asia had dangerously high levels of: problem causing the disease is a complex process. The
 Lead Panchkarma’ treatment is a specialized tool in Ayurveda
 Mercury employed for the purpose of ‘Elimination. As the name
 Arsenic suggests it comprises of five basic steps:
Ayurveda is a part of the Indian system of Yoga. This  Vamana- Emesis
ancient science deals with the healing of the human body  Virechana- Purgation
and mind to achieve optimum balance between the body,  Vasti – Enema
mind and consciousness. The system tries to fix various  Nasya- Enrhine therapy, and
imbalances in the body and makes use of herbs and natural  Rakta Moksha- Bloodletting
products to treat the body. This system is used in This treatment works on the principle of removing
conjunction with the ancient Indian system of Yoga deep seated toxins from the body causing imbalance and is
Asanas and breathing exercises to gain optimum results recommended 3 times a year – at the turn of spring,
[4]. autumn and winter. A healthy person is recommended this
Basic principles of ayurveda and its philosophy states treatment once a year to rejuvenate and revitalize the body
that Human body is made up of five principles. These are by bringing into balance various constituents.
Air (Akasa), Vital Force (Vayu), Minerals, Acids, Alkalies
etc (Tejas), Water (Jala) and Organic substances and Preparatory procedures
Earthy matter ( Prithvi). In Ayurveda, combination of Internal Oleation and Lubrication with various
these principles is classified into three: Vayu – Vata-Mayu herbal oils and clarified butter taken orally. External
or Pitta- Valasa – Kapha. The First is a combination of Air lubrication with massages, oil gargles, Oiling of the ear
and Vital Force, The second is Minerals, acids and alkalies canal etc. Therapeutic heat to induce perspiration and
and the third is a combination of Water and Organic removing impurities through sweat glands.
matter. These three Mega Divisions (Tridhatus) build and
sustain all parts of the body. One Dhatu (Mega Division) Main Treatment
may be more active in one part of the body compared to It consists of Emesis (therapeutic cleaning of the
the other. Ayurveda recognizes this difference and balance upper orifice of the alimentary canal), Purgation (Removal
which keeps the body healthy. When these Mega divisions of waste from lower orifice), Enema (Therapeutic cleaning
are displaced or in imbalance due to factors like food, age, of the large intestine and bladder via medicated enema),
various daily activities, time and place, they cause disease Nasal application of ayurvedic medicines and
[5]. Bloodletting.

There are three kinds of impurities in Ayurveda CHINESE HERBAL MEDICINES

 Vata – Excessively vitiated gasses Chinese herbal medicines include gingko and
 Pitta – Fluids of gall bladder and accumulated wastes. ginseng. They are not used to treat a specific symptom or
 Slesma – Phlegm or mucus in the mouth, throat disease. Instead they are meant to restore balance to the
and a few other impurities like albumen in the urine. body as a whole. These medicines can be taken in many
Disease in the initial stages is treated by alleviation. The forms, including pills, powders, and teas.
imbalances are treated by pacifying them without
eliminating them from the body. When the disease is very The evidence

135 | P a g e
 Narendra Babu P et al. / American Journal of Oral Medicine and Radiology. 2016;3(3):134-145.

Chinese herbal remedies have been studied for counterpart was reported in 1979 in a cystic lymphatic
treating conditions such as cancer, heart disease malformation.
and diabetes. But the research hasn't been well-designed Some authors have suggested the role of trauma
enough to draw any conclusions on effectiveness. as a predisposing factor especially at sites susceptible to
Regarding safety, there have been reports of heavy metals trauma such as lips and tongue. However, such an
and other toxins in certain Chinese herbal remedies [6]. association has been seen in only 4-7% of case of oral
A number of different herbs are grown right here lesions. A female predilection is suggested to be probably
in the U.S. or in Europe that are considered Western or In India, Unani is a popular form of alternative
traditional herbal remedies. Most studies on these herbs medicine and Unani doctors can practice as qualified
have been small. So it's hard to know for sure whether doctors. Like Ayurveda, Unani too is based on the
they work. A few herbs that have shown possible benefit presence of classical elements in the human body.
include: According to the belief, the elements are present in
 Chamomile for relieving stomach upset different fluids and their imbalance leads to ailment. Most
 Cranberry for preventing urinary tract infections medicines are made of herbs and food. The base of most
 Flaxseed, garlic, and soy for lowering cholesterol Unani medicines is honey. Honey is believed to be
 Peppermint oil for preventing heartburn endowed with healing properties [8].
 St. John's wort for relieving mild to Unani medicine is an alternative approach to
moderate depression medical treatment that is practiced largely in India and
Although herbal remedies are considered natural, they whose principles are not dissimilar from those of
can cause side effects. They may also interact with drugs Ayurvedic medicine. The philosophy behind the approach
you're taking for other conditions [6]. is said to be based on the teachings of Hippocrates,
Avicenna and Galen. Unani medicine holds that the
UNANI human body is comprised of four humors that determine
Unani medicine is another old methodology of an individual’s personality, body type and other mental
treatment of diseases. Unani system of medicine was and physical characteristics. These four humors are:
originated in Greece. Aesculapius is said to be the balgham, which corresponds with phlegm; dam, or blood;
originator of this system. Hippocrates (460-377 BC), a safra, or yellow bile and sauda, or black bile. Sickness and
Greek philosopher – Physician formed the theoretical disease are said to result from imbalances in these humors.
framework of Unani Medicine. He is said to be a A Unani practitioner will diagnose a patient’s
descendent of Aesculapius and regarded as ‘father of condition in terms of a surplus or deficit of one or more of
Unani medicine’. Galen (131-210 AD) was another the four humors and attempt to address symptoms and
scholar who worked for developing Unani medicine. ultimately cure a condition by administering herbs capable
Unani system is a science which deals with the preventive of reestablishing harmony between balgham, dam, safra
and promotive aspects of human being and health and sauda. Herbs used are very similar to those used in
problems occurred by the Ecological and Environmental Ayurveda treatment and similarities are often drawn
factors. It teaches to maintain the health and treat the between the concept of the four humors and that of the
disease by bringing back the balance in imbalance tridosha system in Ayurvedic medicine.
humours [7]. Besides the use of herbs for treatment, Unani
Cell proliferation from vein walls. Henschen, medicine employs a variety of other techniques intended
Considered IPEH, as a hyperplastic reaction induced by to cleanse the body and restore humor balance. These
blood stasis and perivascular inflammation and named it techniques include: mushil (purging), taareeq (sweating),
as Thrombopoietic proliferations endovasculasitis. Silver hammam (bath therapy), munzij (ripening), mahajim
and Salyer [3] (1985): Considered IPEH, as atypical (cupping) and riyazat (exercise). Of these, purging is
manifestations of an organizing thrombus, which is more a among the most common as Unani medicine often
pseudotumoral lesion and called it intravascular considers imbalances to be the result of metabolic changes
angiomatosis. Clearkin and Enzinger [4] Supported in the body. Mushil attempts to convert the impurities
Salyer’s theory and suggested the term IPEH. They stated formed from these changes into tangible matter that can be
that the altered blood flow induces formation of thrombus expelled from the body by the purging process.
with a subsequent organization and recanalisation. Mc
Clatchy [5] described that IPEH, was due to a reactive Treatment
proliferation of endothelial cells, associated with  Regimental Therapy: It includes venesection,
exuberant organization and recanalisation of thrombus. cupping, diaphoresis, diuresis, turkish bath, massage,
Lever [6] suggested that the reactive and exaggerated cauterisation, purging, emesis, exercise and leeching.
attempt to recanalise in thrombus to be due to a basic  Dietotherapy: It deals with certain ailments by
fibroblast growth factor. The vasoformative cells of IPEH administration of specific diets or by regulating the
are thought to originate either from blood monocytes or quantity and quality of food.
the thrombosed vessel endothelium. A lymphatic vessel

136 | P a g e
 Narendra Babu P et al. / American Journal of Oral Medicine and Radiology. 2016;3(3):134-145.

 Pharmacotherapy: It deals with the use of naturally aversion to particular weather conditions, or the time of
occurring drugs mostly herbal drugs of animal and mineral day that symptoms appear. Homeopathic medicines,
origin. Single drugs or their combination in raw form are commonly referred to as remedies, may come from the
preferred over compound formulations. plant, mineral, or animal kingdom.
 Unanipathy has shown remarkable results in curing
diseases like Arthritis, Leucoderma, Jaundice, Bronchial Some common remedies include
Asthma, Filariasis and several other acute and chronic Arnica Montana, from the Leopard's bane plant;
diseases where other systems do not give the desired level belladonna, from the deadly nightshade plant; calcarea,
of positive response. The Unani system is a secular system calcium carbonate from oyster shells; sepia, from
in character and is popular among the masses. cuttlefish ink; and the element, sulphur.
Homeopathic remedies are produced using the
HOMEOPATHY dilution principles. In a common dilution of 1:100, one
Homeopathy, another system of medicine was drop of the homeopathic substance is added to 99 drops of
discovered by Samuel Hahnemann (1755-1843) a German water and/or alcohol. The mixture is then potentized by a
physician. Homeopathy is derived from the Greek word process called succession repeated tapping on a hard
homio, meaning like, and pathos, meaning suffering. surface for a specific length of time. Remedies may be
Homeopathic medicines treat illness by going with, rather diluted up to 1000 times, leaving only an infinitesimal
than against, symptoms that are seen as the body's natural trace of the substance. Remedies are typically diluted
defenses. Samuel Hahnemann was experimenting with 10,100, or 1,000 times, which translate into potencies that
cinchona bark as a cure for malaria. When he himself are marked with the Roman numerals X, C, and M.
administered Cinchona, he developed symptoms of Homeopathic remedies range from 6X as the lowest
malaria. But when he gave quinine to the patients potency to 1M or more as the highest potency. The
suffering from malaria like symptoms, it helped to fight dilutions advocated by Hahnemann and those used today
the illness. Besides these developed systems other often reduce the concentration of the initial substance to
techniques like Acupressure, Acupuncture, Aromatherapy infinitesimal levels. Hahnemann himself understood that
and Naturopathy are other alternative medicines available dilutions of the magnitude he used eliminated all of the
to cure diseases [9]. original substance. He believed, however, that the healing
The name, homeopathy, comes from the Greek power of the substance could be preserved and actually
word homio, meaning like, and pathos, meaning suffering. concentrated by the process of dynamization [10].
Homeopathic medicines treat illness by going with, rather Homeopaths generally begin with detailed
than against, symptoms that are seen as the body's natural examinations of their patients' histories, including
defenses. In contrast, "allopathic" or conventional questions regarding their physical, mental and emotional
medicine acts by suppressing the symptoms of states, their life circumstances and any physical or
illness.9The underlying principle of homeopathy is like emotional illnesses. The homeopath then attempts to
may be cured by like. That is, a homeopathic substance translate this information into a complex formula of
will produce symptoms in a healthy person that may be mental and physical symptoms, including likes, dislikes,
used to treat a sick person who has the same symptoms. innate predispositions and even body type. From these
This principle is used to some degree in conventional symptoms, the homeopath chooses how to treat the
therapies, such as immunizations and allergy treatments. patient. A compilation of reports of many homeopathic
The second principle of homeopathy is the minimum dose. provings, supplemented with clinical data, is known as a
In testing the properties of various substances, Hahnemann homeopathic materia medica. But because a practitioner
found that by diluting the substance potentizing it -- the first needs to explore the remedies for a particular
remedy worked more effectively. In fact, the more dilute symptom rather than looking up the symptoms for a
the substance, the greater became its effect or cure, particular remedy, the homeopathic repertory, which is an
without side effects. Hahnemann theorized that the index of symptoms, lists after each symptom those
homeopathic substance, even in infinitesimal amounts, remedies that are associated with it. Repertories are often
worked by stimulating what he termed the vital life force, very extensive and may include data extracted from
a type of energy that he believed animates all living multiple sources of materia medica. There is often lively
things. The third principle of homeopathy is its focus on debate among compilers of repertories and practitioners
the patient as a whole. In addition to physical symptoms, over the veracity of a particular inclusion [11].
Hahnemann's proving included an extensive listing of the
patient's emotional state. Homeopathic doctors consider ACUPRESSURE
the patient's total experience, both mental and physical Chinese medicine has developed acupuncture,
symptoms and the individual's emotional state, in acupressure, herbal remedies, diet, exercise, lifestyle
searching for the appropriate homeopathic substance. A changes, and other remedies as part of its healing methods.
homeopathic practitioner often seeks out what may seem Nearly all of the forms of Oriental medicine that are used
like irrelevant information, such as unusual food cravings, in the West today, including acupuncture, acupressure,

137 | P a g e
 Narendra Babu P et al. / American Journal of Oral Medicine and Radiology. 2016;3(3):134-145.

shiatsu, and Chinese herbal medicine, have their roots in  Osteoarthritis of the knee
Chinese medicine. Acupressure is the noninvasive form of Body Aches and Pains, Sinus Problems, Chronic
acupuncture. The goal with Acupressure is to learn the Fatigue & Insomnia, Joint Pain and Sport Injuries, Back
points that will produce the Healing Response for the and Neck Pain/Stiffness, Stress and Anxiety Related
conditions we want to fix.12 Disorders, Digestive Disorders (Acidity, Constipation,
Meridian is a word borrowed from geography Gas, Bloating), Acute and chronic pain relief, Migraine,
indicating a thin line joining a series of ordered points. Tension, cluster and sinus headaches, Trigeminal
There are 12 main meridians, one assigned to each of the neuralgia, Bladder dysfunction, Bed wetting, Cervical
five organs, the six bowels, and the pericardium or heart (neck) pain, Mid-back pain, Low back pain, Shoulder
constrictor. Qi flows through channels located near the pain, Tennis elbow, Post-operative pain relief, Gastric
surface of the body. problems, Asthma, Allergies, Skin conditions,
Another name for channels is meridians, or Hemorrhoids, Abnormal blood pressure, Chronic fatigue
meridian points. There are 12 channels linked to specific syndrome, Anxiety and Neurological syndromes.
organs, such as the liver, heart, and kidneys. Acupoints or
pressure points are located on the channels. When precise NATUROPATHY
pressure is exerted onto an acupoint, the gate is opened Naturopathy deals with the healing power of
and flows through. In our modern lifestyle lack of nature since it believes that all healing powers are within
sufficient muscular activities gives rise to various physical our body. This means that within every human being there
problems. Unbalanced food and abuse of natural routine of is a healing energy, which includes our immune system in
the body add to the problems. Acupressure has beneficial the complete sense of both the physical and the psyche,
effects in curing many diseases. These diseases may which is responsible for our wellness and our ability to
include metabolic disorders, body deformity, heal and maintain health. We fall ill only when we go
inflammation of body tissues, digestion related problems, against Nature. Naturopathy deals with expelling the cause
and heart related problems and problems with nervous of diseases (toxins) from the body to cure it. Fasting is one
system, to name a few. of the best natural methods in which an ailing body can
The acupuncture technique that has been most purify and recoup itself.13It is a drugless healing process
studied scientifically involves penetrating the skin with which propagates ways to stay healthy in accordance to
thin, solid, metallic needles that are manipulated by the the laws of nature. The origin of Indian Naturopathy can
hands or by electrical stimulation. The needles are be traced back to the Vedic period. In the Vedic period
extremely fine, about the size of a thick hair. The needles dietary discipline (Pathya and Ahara) and the principles of
are solid and nothing is injected through them. Over the health (Swastha and Vurtha) described in ayurveda have
centuries, very refined needle insertion techniques have developed into present day Indian Naturopathy. Even
been developed which enable the skilled acupuncture today strictly vegetarian food is served as part of therapy
practitioner to place a needle with little or no sensation. as per the doctor or dietician's prescription. Use of
In some cases, the needles are not used. This may occur Alcohol, smoking, chewing tobacco, and the consumption
during the treatment of sensitive adults or children. The of tea, coffee, and non-vegetarian foods are forbidden in
use of electronic stimulation works with equal this treatment [12]
effectiveness as the needle. Acupuncture has been shown There are various naturopathy centers all over
to stimulate the immune system. It also has affects the India and other countries which require the visitor
circulation, blood pressure, rhythm and stroke volume of (patient) to stay on campus, for a duration that depends
the heart, secretion of the gastric acid and production of upon the nature of his or her complaint. Some naturopathy
red and white cells. It stimulates the release of a variety of centers prescribe a minimum stay of ten days, as they say
hormones that help body to respond to injury and stress. that no significant effect can be observed within a shorter
This traditional Chinese medicine technique uses period [13].
thin needles to stimulate various points around the body. Rishikesh in India is called the yoga capital of the
Each point corresponds to a specific condition. The aim world and there are many ashrams in Rishikesh offering
of acupuncture is to restore a balance of energy and good courses on meditation, yoga and Hindu philosophy. The
health to the body. International Yoga Festival is organized every year from
February 2 to 7 by the state tourism. Kerala, in the
Uses of acupuncture southernmost tip of India, is noted, among many other
More study needs to be done into the benefits of things, for its Ayurvedic resorts that draw a large number
acupuncture. However, evidence suggests that of tourists every year [14].
acupuncture holds promise for relieving vomiting caused
by cancer chemotherapy. It also may help ease Lemon and Naturopathy
some chronic pain conditions, including: 22 For cough, cold and fever, lemon is very
 Headaches effective. Squeeze a lemon in a glass full of water and
 Low back pain drink repeatedly. This will cure all of the three ailments.

138 | P a g e
 Narendra Babu P et al. / American Journal of Oral Medicine and Radiology. 2016;3(3):134-145.

But if the fever is high and makes one thirsty, boil the the skin and take a fistful of salt and rub in circular
water. This will bring down the fever and reduce the thirst. motions and then wash. It is advised to do it once a week
If the cold is severe, it can be added to the required and it will slough off dead skin, thus making it soft. For
amount of honey in the above mixture. Another very cracking heels or rough feet, soak the feet in warm water
beneficial method is as follows: cut a lemon in half, add in by adding some salt to it.
it salt, ground black pepper and powdered molasses. Heat
this and squeeze the juice directly on the tongue. To Soil and Naturopathy
remove the freckles on the face, rub a piece of lemon on Mud is one of five elements of nature having
them and they will lighten considerably. Sprinkling a little immense impact on the body in health as well as in
alum on the lemon works wonders for the complexion. sickness. It can be employed conveniently as a therapeutic
Rubbing half a lemon on the teeth not only makes the agent in Naturopathy treatment as its black color absorbs
teeth shiny and bright but will also cure bad breath. To all the colors of the sun and conveys them to the body.
reduce the body weight add a little salt and one lemon to Secondly, as the mud retains moisture for a long time,
350 ml of lukewarm water and drink daily on an empty when applied over the body part it causes cooling. Thirdly,
stomach. You can also substitute honey to salt [15]. its shape and consistency can be changed easily by adding
water. Moreover, it is cheap and easily available. Mud
Milk and Naturopathy procured for treatment purpose should be black cotton soil
Milk should ideally be consumed in the morning with greasiness and free from pollution and contamination.
since it is believed that the heat of the sun helps in Before use mud should be dried, powdered and sieved to
digestion of milk. Adding sugar to milk is very harmful separate stones, grass particles and other impurities. Today
since it not only induces phlegm, it also destroys the however, naturopathy is very different in its approach. Our
calcium content in it. It should be drunk at room soil and air have been denatured by modern technology
temperature if possible. However, if one prefers warm and war, the processing of food has devitalitised the raw
milk, then do not overheat it. Overheating destroys all its materials given to us by nature and chemicals added to our
beneficial elements. For the sweetening of milk and easy food are often very harmful. Naturopathy has had to
digestion, one can add honey to it. If one is suffering from evolve to deal with this artificial environment that we have
cough, constipation, diarrhea, stomachache, or indigestion, created; so the birth of supplements and nutritional
he/she should avoid consumption of milk. For acidity, products to supplement our diets and to cleanse us from
drink cold milk twice a day. For hiccups, it is advised to the chemicals in our soil,
warm a glass of milk and drink. In addition, for tiredness, Water and air has become essential [17].
a glass of warm milk will prove effective. For wrinkles,
pimples and blemishes, warm milk can be applied. After AROMATHERAPY
half an hour, wash the face with clean water. One has to Aromatherapy is the use of essential oils from
do it regularly before sleeping at night; then it will solve plants for healing purposes. Essential oils have been used
the problem and improve the complexion. Adding a little for therapeutic purposes for nearly 6,000 years. The
saffron to a spoonful of fresh milk and applying it on the ancient Chinese, Indians, Egyptians, Greeks, and Romans
lips will cure their darkness and make them softer. If one used essential oils in cosmetics, perfumes, and drugs.
is suffering from an itchy rash, add a little water to some Essential oils were also commonly used for spiritual,
milk and apply on the rash with cotton wool and then therapeutic, hygienic, and ritualistic purposes. In the last
wash. It will stop the itch and cure the rash [16]. century French chemist Rennee Maurice Gattefosse
developed aroma as a therapy when he discovered the
therapeutic power of essential oils extracted from lavender
Salt and Naturopathy flowers. It includes use of essential oils distilled from
Salt is good only in small quantities and rock salt plants and flowers for healing various disorders especially
is better than sea salt. Eating excessive salt weakens the those causing stress. In this Assessment is done on the
gums and is also the cause of body odor. Due to excessive basis of patient’s physical conditions: digestion, sleep, and
consumption of salt, body cells die, and when these dead support system, are taken into consideration including the
cells come out through the pores with perspiration, the conditions of heart, mind and spirit. Essential oils are
odor is very strong and foul. To help the situation, one can concentrated extracts taken from the roots, leaves, or
consume salt in very small quantities. Salt is very drying; blossoms of plants. Each essential oil contains its own mix
hence, excessive amounts of salt will cause unnatural of active ingredients, and this mix determines the healing
thirst. But it can be very beneficial as well. In a headache properties of the oil. The essential oil derived from orange
keep a pinch of salt on the tongue or smell a mixture of blossom, for example, contains a large amount of ester, an
three grams of salt in one-fourth cup of water. For a active ingredient thought to induce a calming effect.
stomachache, mix half a spoon salt in a glass of hot water Researchers are not entirely clear how aromatherapy
and drink. This will not only cure the pain but will also works, but many experts believe that our sense of smell
remove the cause of the pain. For softening the skin, wet

139 | P a g e
 Narendra Babu P et al. / American Journal of Oral Medicine and Radiology. 2016;3(3):134-145.

plays a very important role. This sense is incredibly and we can perceive their effects on our lives in the form
powerful. of pains or pleasures associated with them. It's not that
According to some estimates, it is about 10,000 person's fault if he or she is emotionally imbalanced. Their
times stronger than any other sense. The smell receptors in innate nature and existing hostile circumstances are
our nose communicate with two structures that are equally responsible. Emotional imbalance is not a sign of
embedded deep in our brain and serve as storehouses for weakness. "Emotional imbalance" at times is natural. For
emotions and memories. These structures are called the most of the people, it is the fear, shame, and
amygdala and hippocampus. When essential oil molecules embarrassment that often prevent them from seeking help
are inhaled, they affect these parts of the brain directly. for their emotional imbalances. Most of the people get
Researchers believe that stimulation of these structures surprised to learn that other family members had dealt
influences our physical, emotional, and mental health. For either one or more times in their life with the same
example, lavender is believed to stimulate the activity of problem that they are facing right in present day.
brain cells in the amygdala in the same way that certain
sedative medications work. CHROMOTHERAPY
To take treatment which involves taking essential Chromotherapy, sometimes called color therapy
oils by mouth only from specially trained professionals. colorology or cromatherapy, is an alternative medicine
Pregnant women in their first trimester and patients with method. It is claimed that a therapist trained in
asthma or history of allergy should avoid all types of chromotherapy can use color and light to balance energy
essential oils. Pregnant women as well as people with a wherever a person's body be lacking, be it physical,
history of seizures should avoid hyssop oil. People with emotional, spiritual, or mental. Avicenna (980-1037), who
high blood pressure should avoid use of stimulating viewed color to be of vital importance in diagnosis and
essential oils such as rosemary and spike lavender. Those treatment, discussed chromotherapy in The Canon of
with estrogen-dependent tumors (such as breast or ovarian Medicine. He wrote that "Color is an observable symptom
cancer) should not use oils with estrogen-like compounds of disease" and also developed a chart that related color to
such as fennel, aniseed, sage, and clary-sage [18]. the temperature and physical condition of the body. His
view was that red moved the blood, blue or white cooled
Bach Flower Therapy it, and yellow reduced muscular pain and inflammation.
The Bach Flower therapy (pronounced as He further discussed the properties of colors for healing
‘Batch’) is an innovative healing modality, discovered by and was the first to establish that the wrong color
Dr. Edward Bach between 1930-1936. It is not intended to suggested for therapy would elicit no response in specific
treat, diagnose or cure any illness or disease as on the lines diseases.
of modern medical science, rather it offers a simple system As an example he observed that a person with a
of eliminating behavioral negativities by taking into nosebleed should not gaze at things of a brilliant red color
account your overall nature, personality traits and attitude and should not be exposed to red light because this would
towards life -irrespective of your disease or illhealth stimulate the sanguineous humor, whereas blue would
condition. Reigning behavioral negativities like soothe it and reduce blood flow. In the 19th century,
frustration, guilty feeling or jealousy-- which accumulate healers claimed colored glass filters could treat many
at the core of our psyche over a duration of time as in the diseases including constipation and meningitis.
form of negative emotions and incessantly make us Photobiology, the term for the contemporary scientific
emotionally imbalanced, are considered to be the root study of the effects of light on humans, has replaced the
cause of all our sufferings [19]. term chromotherapy in an effort to separate it from its
According to Bach Flower Therapy, often any roots in Victorian mysticism and to strip it of its
ailment or ill-health condition at most of the time and in associations with symbolism and magic. Light therapy is a
majority of the cases is the result or expression of specific treatment approach using high intensity light to
persistent "emotional imbalance" that takes place at the treat specific sleep, skin and mood disorders.Ayurvedic
core of your psyche and persists over a period of time due medicine describes the body as having seven main
to gradual accumulation of numerous Negative Emotions, chakras, which are spiritual centers located along the spine
those originates either from your mind itself or from your that are associated with a color, function and organ or
surrounding circumstances. As soon as your mental state bodily system. According to this explanation, these colors
improves, the physical trouble disappears. Therefore a can become imbalanced and result in physical diseases but
person who implies his overall nature, his general attitude these imbalances can be corrected through using the
towards life and his inimitable surrounding circumstances appropriate color as a treatment. The purported colors and
is more important than his disease or ill health condition. their associations are described as:
Our mental make-up and overall attitude towards
life are equally important as your symptoms of diseases or HYDROTHERAPY
illness. Although invisible through naked eyes, our Hydrotherapy, formerly called hydropathy
behavioral negativities OR emotional imbalances are real involves the use of water for pain-relief and treating

140 | P a g e
 Narendra Babu P et al. / American Journal of Oral Medicine and Radiology. 2016;3(3):134-145.

illness. The term hydrotherapy itself is synonymous with physical, emotional, mental and spiritual realms of our
the term Water cure as it was originally marketed by lives found in many holistic healing methods. It uses
practitioners and promoters in the 1800s.Water cure has focused healing energy to clear blocks that accumulate in
since come to have two opposing definitions, which can the body hindering the natural flow of physical, emotional,
cause confusion. mental, and spiritual energy. This healing focus promotes
(a) A course of medical treatment by hydrotherapy personal empowerment, self-healing and spiritual growth
(b) A form of torture in which a person is forced to drink [20].
large quantities of water. For many people, feelings of being overwhelmed,
The sense used in this article is the first one, anxious, and tired become a way of life. Living this way
namely 'Water cure (therapy), synonymous with the term can lead to health problems such as headache, digestive
hydrotherapy, and which precedes recorded use of the disorders, back and neck pain tension, and sleeplessness,
second sense. Hydrotherapy in general encompasses a among others. Additionally, situations such as conflict in
range of approaches and their definitions. These range relationships, both personal and professional, being
from approaches and definitions which are either naturally unproductive and unhappy at work, can easily and
distinct, or made so for marketing purposes, to approaches consistently develop. These types of issues, which
and definitions which overlap significantly, and which can originate from physical, emotional, and mental stress often
be difficult to disentangle. involve an unhealthy complex relationship between mind
One such overlap pertains to spas. According to and body, are ideally suited for treatment with energy
the International SPA Association (ISPA), hydrotherapy based bodywork and therapy.
has long been a staple in European spas. It's the generic Energy therapy acknowledges that negative life
term for water therapies using jets, underwater massage experiences create emotions such as anger, fear, stress,
and mineral baths and others. It also can mean a whirlpool resentment, guilt and sadness and that these emotions
bath, hot Roman pool, hot tub, Jacuzzi, cold plunge and become trapped in specific areas of the physical body.
mineral bath. These treatments use physical water Trapped emotions, often called energy blocks, create
properties, such as temperature and pressure, for physical, emotional and mental disharmony.
therapeutic purposes, to stimulate blood circulation and During an energy session, suppressed emotions are
treat the symptoms of certain diseases [19]. released without the client having to remember the actual
stressful event that caused the energy block. It is a safe,
CHIROPRACTIC MEDICINE gentle, supportive method that can be used to release
Chiropractors specialize in adjustments negative patterns of the past and help to empower and
manipulating the spine to put the body into better bring balance to your life. It is an extremely effective
alignment. People typically visit the chiropractor when healing modality that releases stress, feelings of being
they have pain in their lower back, shoulders, and neck. overwhelmed, and negative emotions.
But many chiropractors claim adjustments can also  Releases tension and everyday stress that makes you
improve overall health. feel tired, burned out, and overwhelmed.
The evidence: Chiropractic medicine does seem to  Creates a renewed sense of vitality.
provide some relief for lower back pain. But it may not be  Supports healing on all levels physical, emotional,
any better than other back pain treatments [20]. mental, and spiritual.
Studies have also found the technique effective for:  Brings balance to your life, allowing you to enjoy a
 Migraine and neck-related headaches clear sense of purpose and direction.
 Neck pain  Leaves you with a deeply relaxed and calm state of
 Joint conditions being.
 Whiplash
But there isn't much data on the effectiveness of MAGNETIC FIELD THERAPY
chiropractic medicine for some general medical Magnets are thought by some to have healing
conditions. For example, there's no solid evidence that it abilities. Centuries ago, people believed magnets could
can treat asthma, high blood pressure, menstrual pain, treat everything from gout to baldness. Today, they're
or fibromyalgia. worn inside bracelets, shoes, and other accessories [21].
The evidence: There's no conclusive evidence that
ENERGY THERAPIES magnets are effective pain relievers. A small study has
Energy therapies use magnets and therapeutic shown that a magnet therapy called transcranial magnetic
touch to manipulate the body's energy fields and improve stimulation may aid recovery in certainstroke survivors.
health. The results are preliminary. More study is needed to see if
Energy therapy is the gentle art of clearing the therapy is effective. Repetitive TMS (rTMS) also is a
cellular memory through the human energy field nonexperimental, FDA -approved treatment for major
promoting health, balance and relaxation. Energy therapy depression.
is based on the concept of connection between the

141 | P a g e
 Narendra Babu P et al. / American Journal of Oral Medicine and Radiology. 2016;3(3):134-145.

Magnets are generally safe. But they can disrupt The evidence: There is something to be said for the
the function of pacemakers, defibrillators, healing touch when it comes to bringing about a state of
and insulin pumps. That makes them potentially dangerous calm. One study checked the effect of Reiki on people
for anyone who uses these devices. hospitalized with heart disease. It showed that Reiki was
effective in bringing about an increase in:
REIKI  Happiness
The premise of Reiki is that it accesses the body's  Relaxation
natural energy to speed healing. The practitioner hovers  Feeling of calm
his or her hands over the patient's body. Or he or she
places them lightly on the person's skin [22].

Table 1. Meaning of colors

Fig 1. Ayurvedic medicine Fig 2. Chinese Herbal medicines

Fig 3. Unani medicine

142 | P a g e
 Narendra Babu P et al. / American Journal of Oral Medicine and Radiology. 2016;3(3):134-145.

Fig 4. Homeopathy medicine Fig 5. Samuel Hahnemann (founder of Homeopathy)

Fig 6. Acupressure therapy

Fig 7. One of the founders of Naturopathic Medicine, Fig 8. Soil / Mud Therapy
Dr.Benedict Lust, summarized the philosophy of
Naturopathy very succinctly in 1918

Fig 9. Aromatherapy (Pt 1:3, 500 BC – 199 AD) Fig 10. Dr. Edward Bach (Founder of Bach Flower
Therapy)

143 | P a g e
 Narendra Babu P et al. / American Journal of Oral Medicine and Radiology. 2016;3(3):134-145.

Fig 11. Essences of Bach Flowers Fig 12. Vincenz Priessnitz, (Initiator of the popular
revival of hydrotherapy at Gräfenberg )

Fig 14. Reiki treatment chart

Fig 13. D.D.Palmer
(Discoverer of Chiroparactic Medicine)

Fig 15. Magnetic Field Therapy

CONCLUSION based assessment of safety and efficacy is either not

Alternative medicine has been used in various available or has not been performed for many of these
countries like India and China much before the practices.
development of present day medical science. These If scientific investigation establishes the safety
include practices which may be based on traditional and effectiveness of an alternative medical practice, it may
medicine, folk knowledge, spiritual beliefs, newly be adopted by conventional practitioners. Now a day’s
conceived approaches to healing. The claims made by many people find complementary and alternative medicine
alternative medicine practitioners are generally not equally effective as the conventional medicine. In India
accepted by the medical community because evidence- various therapies like Ayurveda, meditation, yoga, have

144 | P a g e
 Narendra Babu P et al. / American Journal of Oral Medicine and Radiology. 2016;3(3):134-145.

been used since ancient period to heal the body. While ACKNOWLEDGEMENT
meditation provides relief from mental stress, yoga helps None
to regain mental as well physical well being.
Perhaps it will help to provide optimum treatment CONFLICT OF INTEREST
of patients with diseases which the conventional medicine The authors declare that they have no conflicts of
cannot cure. In Western world, due to the lack of interest.
knowledge about such alternative medicines, these are
mostly criticized or perceived as superstition.

REFERENCES
1. Bratman M, Steven D, Lowell House. (1997). The Alternative Medicine Source book.
2. Acharya D, Shrivastava A. (2008). Indigenous Herbal Medicines: Tribal Formulations and Traditional Herbal Practices.
3. Fontanarosa P, Lundberg G D. (1998). Alternative medicine meets science. The Journal of American Medical
Association, 280(18), 1618-1619.
4. http://www.webmd.com/balance/what-is-alternative-medicine#1
5. Renckens C. (2009). A Dutch view of the science of CAM 1986—2003. Evaluation &Health Professions, 32 (4), 431–50.
6. Risberg T. (2003). Does use of alternative medicine predicts survival from cancer. European Journal of Cancer, 39 (3),
372-377.
7. Linde K, Clausius N, Ramirez G. (1997). Are the clinical effects of homeopathy Placebo effects? A meta-analysis of
placebocontrolledtrials, 350, 834–843.
8. Saxon DW, Tunnicliff G, Brokaw JJ, Raess B. (2002). Status of complementary and Alternative medicine in the
osteopathic medical school curriculum. The Journal of the American Osteopathic Association, 104 (3), 121–126.
9. Eisenberg D. (1993). Unconventional Medicine in the United States - Prevalence,Costs, and Patterns of Use. The New
England J Medicine, 328, 246-252.
10. Cassileth R. (1996). Alternative and Complementary Cancer Treatments. The Oncologist, 1 (3), 173–179.
11. Saber C. (2000). The Biological Basis for Mind Body Interactions. Progress in Brain Research. Elsevier Science, 122,
393-412.
12. Barberis L, Toni E. (2001). Unconventional medicine teaching at the Universities of the European Union. Journal of
Alternative and Complementary Medicine, 7 (4), 337–343.
13. http://www.southbaytotalhealth.com/Naturohistory.htm
14. http://www.medicinenet.com/alternative_medicine/page2.htm
15. Mamtani R. (2005). Ayurveda and yoga in cardiovascular diseases. Cardiol Rev, 13 (3), 155–162.
16. Urmila T, Supriya B. (2008). Pharmacovigilance of ayurvedic medicines in India. Indian Journal of Pharmacology, 40
(1), 10–12.
17. Chakraborti D, Mukherjee S. (2003). Arsenic toxicity from homeopathic treatment. Clin Toxicol, 47 (1), 963–967.
18. Sharma R. (2003). Medicina Alternative. Alpha Science International Ltd, 196–200.
19. Van G, Janca A. (2003). Aromatherapy in nursing and mental health care. Contemporary Nurse, 30(1), 69–75.
20. Urse V. (1937). Alcoholic mental disorders. American Journal of Nursing, 37(3), 225–243.
21. William F. (1988). Natural Law in the Valmiki Ramayan in the Light of Maharishi Vedic Science and Technology.
Modern Science and Vedic Science, 8, 1-6.
22. Azeemi Y, Raza S. (2003). A Critical Analysis of Chromotherapy and Its Scientific Evolution. Evidence-Based
Complementary Alternative Medicine, 2(4), 481–488.

145 | P a g e

View publication stats