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Alternative Medicine

While traditional medical treatments and therapies have a proven record of success, they’re not the only option for ailing people. Alternative medicine includes therapies that lie outside of the mainstream but offer numerous benefits.

In many cases, alternative medicine is used alongside traditional treatments, which can enhance a person’s quality of life exponentially. However, you should consult with a medical doctor to ensure that a specific treatment will not counteract conventional medication or therapy.

Types of Alternative Medicine

Alternative therapies exist in numerous cultures and regions of the world. Some of the most notable types include:

  • Acupuncture – A traditional Chinese therapeutic approach, acupuncture involves placing small needles into a person’s skin at certain points throughout the body.
  • Massage – Massage therapists apply pressure to the body to relieve pain and induce relaxation. Massage techniques range from gentle to intense.
  • Herbal Medicine – Herbal medicine uses plants found in nature to treat a variety of ailments. Different herbs can reduce the effects of medical conditions, relieve symptoms, and enhance mental wellness and cognition.
  • Meditation – Meditating entails focusing your mind to be more present and aware in life. Meditation is often used to relieve stress and anxiety, as well as improve cognition by reducing cluttered thinking.
  • Electromagnetic Therapy – This technology uses electromagnetic fields to reduce physical and mental illness. These therapies are used to treat chronic pain conditions, depression, and many other ailments.
  • Chiropractic Care – Chiropractors manipulate the body to ensure the spine is in proper alignment. It’s believed that this reduces inflammation throughout the body, which then improves back pain and other bodily issues.

Possible Adverse Effects

Most forms of alternative therapy will not cause serious side effects or complications. However, you should discuss specific treatments with a medical doctor to ensure they make sense for you.

For example, some types of herbal medicine can interact poorly with other drugs and cause adverse reactions. When it comes to chiropractic care, people with spinal abnormalities may not benefit from the treatment. Acupuncture also carries a slight risk of infection that may be exacerbated by certain immune disorders. A doctor can assess your current state of health to ensure a certain therapeutic regimen is right for you.

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