History of Homeopathy

Homoeopathy, the safest system for all ages, was founded by the once-vexed German orthodox physician Dr. Samuel Hahnemann, M.D (1755-1843). He was very disappointed with the ways of traditional medical treatment and the results. Not only was the treatment procedure painful, but the symptoms were reappearing with more side effects after some time. He observed that most of his cases would have done better if he had left them alone. Eventually, he stopped his medical practice and started translating medical and chemical works.

In 1790, while translating Cullen's Materia Medica, Dr. Hahnemann discovered the fever producing property of cinchona bark (Quinine) which was used to treat malarial fever. He took Cinchona for some days until he developed Malarial symptoms. Then he labeled a new theory "likes cure likes". (Cinchona can treat people with Malaria because it can produce the Malarial symptoms in a healthy person). Referring to this law of similarity, he coined the word "homeopathy" (homoios in Greek means similar, pathos means suffering). Since then, he started experimenting all the drugs on himself, his family and a small, but growing group, of his followers.

Dr. Hahnemann obtained a description of the drug by administering the one drug to a healthy person. (Homeopathic remedies are tested on humans, not on animals). In his new practice, he found that remedies prescribed by using the new law also produced some side effects. Slowly, he started reducing the quantity of remedies administered to the patient. Then he realized that only remedies in minute dosages would bring the desirable change in health without producing any side effects. He formulated basic guidelines for Homeopathic treatment in his book "Organon and philosophy".

To name just a few, Dr. James Tyler Kent, MD (1849-1910), Dr.Constantine Hering, MD (1800-1880), and Dr. Carrol Dunhum, MD (1828-1877) from USA, Dr. Richard Hughes, MD (1836-1902), and Dr. John Henry Clarke, MD (1853-1931) from UK, Dr. Carl Von Boenninghausen, MD( 1785-1864) from Netherlands, Dr. Rajendra Lal Dutt, MD (1818-1889), Dr. Mahendra Lal Sircar, MD (1833-1904), and Dr. Pratap Muzumdar, MD from India, are some of the other eminent homeopaths who have contributed to Homeopathy with their research, new remedies and books. It is surprising to see that most of these doctors were popular allopaths who became homeopaths after they/their family members were cured through the use of Homeopathy after undergoing agony with their health problems.

Despite the significant oppression from the orthodox medical profession, homeopathy has survived and is gradually growing. Homeopathy has attracted support from many of the most respected members of society including Mahatma Gandhi, William cullen Bryant, the famous journalist, and Britain's Royal family since 1830s. The most significant reason why homeopathy has developed immense popularity is its success in treating the various infectious epidemic diseases that raged throughout America and Europe during the 1800s. Statistics indicate that the death rates in homeopathic hospitals from these epidemics were often one-half to as little as one-eighth of those in orthodox medical hospitals.

Homeopathy is very popular in Europe, Asia (especially in India), Sri Lanka and Pakistan. It is also widely practiced in Brazil, Mexico, Greece, Belgium, Italy, Spain, Australia, South Africa, Nigeria and the Soviet Union.

Home Remedies for Seasonal Allergy Symptoms

This is the time of the year that many of us walk around feeling as though we are in a purple haze. Hence, a good reason to share knowledge of home remedies for seasonal allergy symptoms that has worked for many. You develop the symptoms of a stuffy nose, which reverses from being stopped up and then starts dripping, itchy and or watery eyes, and lungs burns or produces a wheezing sound, and or a scratchy throat. Or you may have the misfortune of getting sinusitis or a more serious infection that sends you running to the doctor’s office for assistance in getting well.

Since numerous allergens are inhaled a certain amount of exposure to whatever bothers you is unavoidable. Some people prefer to take allergy shots as a means of avoiding the unpleasant sometimes painful symptoms that comes with seasonal allergies. Today many of the prescription drugs like Claritin, Zyrtec, and other over-the-counter antihistamines, can now be purchased from your local drugstore without a prescription. Some people have to experiment to find out which product works best to stop one’s post nasal drip, and or red and itchy eyes. Such allergy products alone maybe enough to sustain your allergic reactions; however, for those suffering from severe allergy symptoms more assistance will be required.

Allergy Symptoms

Allergy symptoms are categorized as mild, moderate, and severe. The ultimate goal of this blog would be to assist you in keeping your symptoms ranging from mild to moderate whenever possible. Now let’s take a look at what happens within each category of allergy symptoms:

• Mild allergy symptoms – Include rash, itch or watery eyes, and or congestion. These symptoms tend to stay in a localized region usually in an around the area of where the allergen has entered the body. For example a rash would occur on hands if you touched something you were allergic to verses a food allergy might cause the throat to itch.

• Moderate allergy symptoms – Itchiness and or difficulty in breathing are the symptoms of this category and these allergic reactions can include some or all of the mild allergy signs as well as one or both of the moderate symptoms. In addition these symptoms may spread to other parts of the body.

• Severe Allergy Symptoms or (Anaphylaxis) – Anaphylaxis is serious. It happens when the body sets off a “warning, warning, intruder alert signal.” The body’s response to the allergen is sudden and affects the entire body. This is the one that can be potentially life threatening if not taken care of correctly and immediately. The allergic symptoms may begin with a sudden swelling and or itching of the face and or eyes and within minutes symptoms can worsen instead of improving.

• The overall severe allergy symptoms include: varying degrees of swellings that can make swallowing and or breathing difficult. There may be cramps, abdominal pain involved, vomiting, diarrhea, and or mental confusion or dizziness.

Several people have food allergies that cause them to move rapidly into the severe allergy stage. This can be a dangerous place to be in because the allergic response can be marked by swelling hives that ultimately can become severe enough not only to cause difficulty in breathing, lowered blood pressure, and or dilated blood vessels. An individual can go into anaphylactic shock and if not treated immediately, it can be fatal.

Suggestions for Allergy Relief

Here are some of the home remedies that you can use for recovery

Neti Pot - It naturally cleanses, refreshes, and protects the nasal passages, one of our body's first lines of defense against illness.

Multi-Vitamins – Suggestions are that you should make taking multi-vitamins a part of your daily regimen for numerous reasons. Well, add assisting to help provide nutrients that can ease the sneeze to the list. Allergy symptoms occur when your body’s immune system overreacts to allergens in your environment. Vitamin C stops histamine, magnesium may ease breathing, and other nutrients help to protect mucous membranes.

Probiotics - Are live microorganisms (good bacteria and or yeasts) that have been found to improve the immune system. When administered in adequate amounts it confers a health benefit to anyone that takes them on a routine bases.

European herb butterbur (Petasites hybridus) - There’s a lot of buzz about this product now a days. The British Medical Journal, in 2002 published results of a study from a group of Swiss researchers that revealed just one tablet of butterbur four times daily was as effective as a popular antihistamine drug in controlling symptoms of hay fever. The greatest benefit was there was no traditional symptom of drowsiness that sometimes occurs with antihistamines. Butterbur leaves and root extracts are used to treat allergies, as well as bronchial asthma, headache, and pain.

Stinging Nettle (Urtica dioica) - This nettle is one of nature’s best nutraceuticals (combination of nutrition and pharmaceutical) containing vitamins A, C, D, and B complex, beta-carotene, calcium, iron, magnesium, phosphorus, and protein. The stinging comes from the presence of histamine on the hairs of the leaves and stems. An extract from the root of the nettle contains natural antihistamines and anti-inflammatory (including quercetin), that can open up constricted bronchial and nasal passages, helping to ease hay fever, and nose and or sinus type allergies symptoms. It acts as an astringent to mucous membranes. Use for chronic inflammations and excessive mucous discharge.

Indian Board of Alternative Medicines
80, Chowringhee Road
Calcutta - 700020
India
http://www.altmedworld.net

Uncommon Alternative Healing Techniques

CAM, or Complementary and Alternative Medicine is becoming more and more popular. As we seek less invasive and toxin-free medical care, many new healing therapies are being introduced. Some work independently and some are now used in conjunction with other medical practices.

Unlike TCM (Traditional Chinese Medicine), which is thousands of years old, these practices are relatively new but many have similar philosophies and are often based on the ancient therapies.

Following is list of 11 therapies with a brief description/and a separate list with titles only - for your information.

UNCOMMON THERAPIES

Vatsu: Also known as water therapy. This early form of aquatic body work combines muscle stretching, dance, massage and shiatsu - all done in a pool of warm water. Working in a warm water environment helps relieve muscle tension, joint compression, and allows a free fluid movement that would not be possible without the use of warm water.

Raindrop Technique: The techniques combines aromatherapy, reflexology, and massage. It is an 8-step process inspired by the Lakota First People. The aromatic oils are dropped onto the body from a height of 6 inches and then massaged into the back muscles. Oils are also used to perform reflexology on the feet.

Forgiveness Therapy (FT): In 1997, research done at the University of Wisconsin showed that forgiveness could be taught and yield positive results. This therapy has been shown to be beneficial in the treatment of addictions.

Bioresonance Therapy (BRT): BRT uses the body's own electromagnetic frequencies to locate and then eliminate health problems. Using a BRT machine, healthy and unhealthy energies are measured in response to food, bacteria and toxins. The BRT machine is used around the world by dentists, doctors, and veterinarians.

Manual Lymphatic Drainage (MLD) aka Lymph Drainage Therapy (LDT): Created in the early 1930's by a Danish doctor, this therapy involves a series of massaging motions to help relieve chronic sinus congestion and immune disorders. It is also used to manage lymphedema (swelling of arms and legs due to lymphatic fluid accumulation).

Humor Therapy: "Laughter is the best medicine" - and research has shown this to be true. In addition to being an affordable therapy, it is considered a type of Psychoneuroimmunology. The New England Journal of Medicine published the Norman Cousins case study in 1979 where Cousins designed his own therapy to treat ankylosing spondylitis. Cousins found that 15 minutes of laughter could bring him 2 hours of pain-free sleep. Laughter is known to reduce blood pressure, strengthen the immune system, reduce stress hormones, and release the body's natural pain killers - endorphins.

Korean Chi Therapy: This therapy is based on traditional Chinese medicine, but instead of using needles, the therapy is done with sound energy. Using the 360 energy channels in the body, Korean Chi Therapy recognizes when energy flow is restricted - resulting in illness. Generally, the practitioner's fingertips move above the body but slight fingertip pressure may also be used.

Korean Hand Therapy (KHT): Uses acupuncture but only in the hand, to treat the whole body. For those afraid of needles other options are available.

Vega Test Method (VRT): VRT is also based on the principal of acupuncture but uses a machine to measure changes in skin conductivity. In VRT, the patient holds a device in one hand while a probe is placed on acupuncture points.

Therapeutic Eurythmy (TE): Often used to treat children with ADD or ADHD. It uses the principle of Eurythmy (harmonious rhythm). It is known as the 'art of visible speech and song' because it provides a physical element to the sounds of speech and music. In 1919, students in Germany were taught music, poetry and academic subjects using Eurythmy which showed improvements in coordination, and a sense of well-being.

Polarity Therapy: This therapy uses other energy-based processes. These include the ying-yang therapies of TCM (Traditional Chinese Medicine), and the Three Principles and Five Chakras of Ayurvedic Medicine. To measure a client's energy, the practitioner uses palpitation, observation, and interview. Polarity touch can have a variety of intensity levels. The therapy is designed to decrease a client's fixation on negative people, things, and events which reduces ones flexibility, and ability to forgive.

Indian Board of Alternative Medicine
80, Chowringhee Road
Calcutta - 700020.
India
http://www.altmedworld.net

18th International Conference on Alternative Medicine - A Stounding Success

Indian Board of Alternative Medicine held its 18th International Conference, Convocation and Award Presentation Ceremony, on Complementary and Alternative Medicine, on 21st February 2010, at The Hotel Hindustan International, Kolkata, India.

The ceremony was Chaired by Hon’ble Mr. Justice Samir Kumar Mookherjee, Former Chief Justice of Calcutta High Court. Dr. Suresh Kumar Agarwal, President of Indian Board of Alternative Medicine, gave Welcome Speech. Special Guests of Honour listed various eminent personalities from through out the globe like, Mahatma Madam Chris Griscom (USA), Dr. Allan Sweeney (UK), Dr. Hassan Abdlhadi Fageih (Saudi Arabia), Dr. Guiseppe Anzillotte (Italy), Mr. Klemens Vogel (Germany), Prof. Dr. Eva Maria Vogel (Germany), Dr. Ramaiah Bandi (Malaysia), Dr. Monjurul Ahasan (Bangladesh), Dr. U San Tin Aung (Mayanmar) and many more. Swami Chetasanandaji Maharaj of Ramkrishna Mission Narendrapur, did the Inaugural Invocation. The occasion was studded with Gems of various fields like Rev. Bishop P. S. P. Raju, Former Bishop of Calcutta, Swami Chetasanandaji Maharaj, Padmashree Dr. Vijay Kumar Shah, Padmashree Dr. S. Raman, Munishree Manikumarji, Dr. S. P Singh, Dr. Sohan Raj Tater, Mrs. Jaya Biswas, Dr. Suman Shah, Swami Athma Chaitanyanandajee, Mr. Vinod Ramchandra Ghosalkar are few to name. Vote of Thanks was addressed by Dr. Mangal Tripathy.

Numbers of registered delegates were more than 500 including participants, speakers, patrons, awardees and advisors. Complete media coverage was done by many local and national electronic and print medias.

This event received blessings and best wishes from various Governors, Chief Ministers, Cabinet Ministers, Ministers of State, Foreign Embassies and High Commissions, WHO and other Non-Governmental Organizations and many other well wishers.

Indian Board of Alternative Medicine
80, Chowringhee Road
Kolkata - 700020
India
http://www.altmedworld.net

Indian Board of Alternative Medicine - Facebook

Indian Board of Alternative Medicine is now on facebook.

http://www.facebook.com/pages/Indian-Board-of-Alternative-Medicine/115756471775596

Thank You

Back Pain Can be Cured Using Alexander Technique

Back pain can be cured using Alexander Technique

Alexander Technique has been used as a part of acting and modelling education. People learn with this method to research their body and get a good performance out of it. Artists, politicans and teachers have used it in order to do their profession in a better way.

Important researchers like Nikko Tinbergen, on being awarded the Nobel Prize for Physiology and Medicine in 1973 recommended it for autism and stress disease. One of the major stress illnesses is back pain. The new British randomly controlled ATEAM - Study had proved that the Alexander Technique is more effective than massage methods.

The leader of the study was Professor Dr. Paul Little Faculty, Medicine, Health and Life Sciences of the University of Southampton. He and his colleques inspected 579 patients with chronical back pains or with recidivism for this illness by consulting rooms in England. The patients had had a value of four or more on the so-called Roland-Morris scale. The Roland-Morris Disability Questionaire (RDQ) was used because this form of test is regarded as useful. The patients were divided in four groups. The first control group was treated with general medical standard methods. The second group got six classical lessons with therapeutical massages. The third group received six hours in teaching Alexander Technique. The last group received a 24 - hour training in Alexander Technique.

After that all groups were divided up in two parts. Four groups were taught sports by the Doctor and advised by a nurse in rules and behaviour of back pains. The rest four groups did not get any advice.
The back pains were proved by the RQD after three and twelve months. Patients of the first group complained about back pains on 21 of 28 days, after the study was finished twelve month before.
The second group had reported that the massage lessons and movements had reduced the days of pains about 33 percent. At the first test they were able to do their movements better than before. At the second test this improvement was lost. The third group managed a 72 per cent improvement of that of the fourth group.

The fourth group had the best results. The patients said that they had back pains only three days in a month. The days of pain were reduced about 86 percent. 42 percent of the third group explained that the movements of their actions were less borded. The result was not improved by sports. This study shows that the Alexander technique is helpful to prevent back pains for a long-term.
The patients learnt how they can help themselves and gain control over their body.
The massages showed a short- term effect. There were no results about a mix of massages and Alexander Technique in order to treat acute forms of back pains. Furthermore it is not stated by the researchers on which massage was used for the study. So the results of the study cannot used to claim effects of massages, if any. But it proves that back pains can be cured by Alexander Technique.

The roots of Alexander Technique

The Alexander Technique is based on the Australian Shakespeare actor Frederick Matthias Alexander. He had chronic vocal troubles. No practioner was able to help him. It resulted in years of pain taking self-observation and experiementation. During the time he recognized that while acting he tended to stiffen his neck and pull his head back and down. Thereby he had depressed his vocal cords and had shortened his spine. The correct movement pattern could only be achieved by consciously allowing the head to assume its correct orientation in relation to the neck and torso. He had to practise it every day in order to break with his wrong habitual patterns. He began to teach his experiences and discoveries about this new method in Australia.

Encouraged by doctors, he came to London at the turn of the century and taught his technique both in England and America until 1955.

The instruction

The exercises are taught in individual lessons. The pupil is made aware of what he is doing, and how this interferes with the head-neck-torso relationship in rest and acitivity. The teacher conveys through his hands the fact and sense of a new manner of use, and the student is encouraged to think with the teacher so that he learns increasingly to create this co-ordination for himself. There is an experience of lengthening, expansion, and ease in movement, although it almost certainly feels strange at first. A slight touch may be all that is necessary to allow an effortless change from sitting to standing, such being the extraordinary freedom and lightness when the head is allowed to lead the body.

The teacher needs to be careful about correcting specific defects and postural faults.These generally arises out of poor general conditions which must be put in order first. Alexander deprecated breathing exercises, relaxation and other specific cures. He was very concerned about the integrity of psychophysical organism and therefore did not give treatment or promise any instant relief. The range and the application of the Alexander technique is as wide as human activity itself. It has a great potential in all manners of psychosomatic and mechanical disorders, particulary back and neck problems, and in rehabilitation following accidents or injury. The study shows that the Alexander Techniques work at back pain. Alexander Technique can be learnt by all and prevent and cure illnesses and improve body performance.

Courtesy:
Prof. Dr. Eva - Maria Vogel ( Germany )

Visiting Professor
Indian Board of Alternative Medicines
80, Chowringhee Road
Kolkata - 700020
India.
Website - http://www.altmedworld.net

Ten Golden Rules of Health

Ten Golden Rules of Health

Eat healthy, fresh and nutritious food. Seasonal fruits and vegetables, wholesome food and germinated grains. Avoid over cooking. Chew your food well. Organically grown foods should be given preference. Drink at least 8-10 glasses of fresh and pure water daily.

15 minutes of regular exercise for at least 4 days a week is essential. Brisk walking, yoga, surya namaskar etc are good practices. Deep breathing exercises such as prayanam should be practiced daily. Body weight should be maintained through proper diet and regular exercise.

At least 7-8 hours sleep per night is essential for invigorating and refreshing health.

Regular bath and regular habit of defecation should be maintained. Fasting once a week helps the body to recuperate and rejuvenate. Liquids such as warm water, citric fruits juices, fresh buttermilk, coconut water etc can be taken during fasting.

Avoid alcohol, tobacco, drugs, tea, coffee, aerated water, sugar, fatty foods, junks food, processed, canned and frozen foods etc as far as practical.

Laugh, play and have fun often. Avoid negative mental attitudes.

Maintain strong and harmonious relationships with family and friends.

Meditate, pray, contemplate, relax or find time for yourself everyday.

Be thankful to HIGHER POWER who has created the universe.

Love, forgiveness and compassion lead to happiness

Courtesy

Dr. Suresh Kumar Agarwal
President
Indian Board of Alternative Medicines
80, Chowringhee Road
Kolkata - 700020
India
Website- http://www.altmedworld.net

Alternative Medicine to the rescue - Alternative Medicine and Indian Health Care

Alternative Medicine and Indian Healthcare:
“Alternative medicine should be embraced as an essential part of healthcare in India”

Alternative medicine is a major enterprise in India. In November 2009, the government’s Ministry of Health and Family Welfare announced the steps it would be taking to promote ‘Indian Systems of Medicine’ in the country, including spending Rs. 922 crore on the promotion of AYUSH (Ayurveda, Yoga & naturopathy, Unani, Siddha and Homoeopathy). Major claims have recently been made for alternative medicine – such as that Ayurveda can be used for anaemia or ano-rectal ailments, and that homeopathy can be used to prevent or cure swine flu, or to treat Aids and malaria.

In an era characterised by evidence-based science and politics, should official endorsement be given to remedies that cannot be scientifically proven? Is alternative medicine a form of quackery, which puts patients at risk? Or is the interest in alternative medicine a positive sign that we are beginning to move beyond a too-narrow approach to disease, towards recognising the more subtle relationship between mind and body and the need to find holistic cures? Do traditional medicines play an important role in preventive medicine, contributing to a more affordable and effective healthcare system than the Western medical model?

The debate in context:

What is complementary and alternative medicine (CAM)?
Many discussions about alternative medicine today take place under the umbrella term ‘complementary and alternative medicine’ (CAM). This implies that alternative medicine should not be seen solely as something that can be used instead of conventional medicine, but can and should be used alongside it. CAM refers to treatments that differ from conventional, or ‘allopathic’, medicine – medicine based on scientific testing that is taught to medical professionals. Systems of CAM have often evolved apart from and earlier than the conventional medical approach used in the Western world. Some such systems, such as homeopathy and naturopathy, have developed in Western cultures; others, such as traditional Chinese medicine and Ayurveda, have developed outside of the West.

Does CAM work – and if so, how?

Critics of CAM argue that the very term is problematic, giving mysticism more scientific credence than it deserves. As the editors of the prestigious Journal of the American Medical Association (JAMA) have argued: ‘there is no alternative medicine. There is only scientifically proven, evidence-based medicine supported by solid data or unproven medicine’. Advocates of CAM, however, argue that the lack of scientific evidence about the efficacy of CAM betrays too narrow an approach to the understanding and treatment of illness. They point to the failure of conventional medicine to cure certain serious diseases, such as cancer, and the extent to which patients suffering from these diseases can be helped by therapies like Ayurveda. They note that conventional medicine has itself moved towards a more holistic appreciation of the treatment of disease, and that some natural remedies or techniques, such as the use of quinine to treat malaria, have been adopted and accepted by practitioners of conventional medicine.

Even critics of CAM do not dispute that in many cases, alternative remedies can make patients feel better, despite not curing the disease – so isn’t this a worthwhile goal in itself? The importance of preventive medicine, including lifestyle modification, has been globally acknowledged: it is seen as better and more cost-effective to enable people to avoid physical or mental illnesses in the first place, rather than simply trying to treat the disease when it emerges. Alternative medicine, it is argued, has a crucial role to play in this. Furthermore, in a society like India, for which the affordability of healthcare is a major challenge, different models need to be sought that make the most of the country’s experience and expertise, including in the field of alternative medicine. Advocates argue that the orientation of CAM ‘towards self-healing and health promotion (salutogenesis rather than pathogenesis)’ make ‘alternative medicine approaches to chronic diseases especially attractive and affordable for the developing countries’.

The rise of CAM

One of the key aims of the government scheme the National Rural Health Mission is to ‘encourage a healthy lifestyle and alternative systems of medicine through AYUSH’. In November 2009, Chief Minister, BS Yedyurappa, told a conference that access and awareness of alternative medicines should be spread in rural areas. The officially-recognised status of alternative medicine in India is also indicated by the reach of the Indian Board of Alternative Medicine, established in 1991 by Dr.Suresh Kumar Agarwal; and the appointment of Smt. S. Jalaja IAS as secretary to the Department of AYUSH.

The growing interest in, and promotion of, alternative medicine by the political and medical authorities is not confined to India. Despite being at the forefront of advances in conventional, ‘Western’ medicine, the USA provides a significant market for traditionally Indian and Chinese remedies. Organisations such as the National Center for Complementary and Alternative Medicine contribute to the official status of alternative medicine in the USA. In the UK, a major debate took place in 2006 about whether CAM should be provided by the National Health Service (NHS). In the USA and UK, affordability of healthcare is also a key issue, raising questions about whether attachment to the Western model of medicine is appropriate even for Western societies, let alone other cultures.

A different kind of medicine?

These developments show that CAM is not an unregulated, maverick market, but is fast becoming subject to official and scientific research and regulation. Advocates of CAM argue that quacks can be weeded out by better training and standard-setting. Some also argue that criticism of alternative medicine arises from a Western bias, which distorts the facts about CAM and refuses to countenance its effectiveness. Critics, however, point to concerns about the safety of certain forms of alternative medicine. Discussions about the affordability of alternative compared to allopathic medicine lead to concerns that patients are being duped by irrational treatments that will not make them better. Shouldn’t a universal healthcare system ultimately seek to provide proven cures for illnesses, rather than taking the cheaper but less effective route of alternative medicine?

Courtesy : British Council

Indian Board of Alternative Medicine
80, Chowringhee Road
Kolkata - 700020
India

Alternative Medicine - Emerging Career Opportunities

If we look at the current scenario, the method of treating different diseases by making the best use of alternative medical science has greatly increased. In recent times, very large populations of people have started using alternative medicine for curing their disease. Here we explain about the various fields of alternative medicine and career opportunities available for study in alternative medicine through different distance learning or correspondence education programs.

The use of plants for healing and curing different diseases is not new. It is an ancient medical science, popularly known as complementary medicine and counted among the most widely known therapies. Today alternative medicine is considered safer, natural, and inexpensive. It is one of its own kinds of medical science that is primarily based on the medical traditions and focus on curing based on capabilities of herbs and different other natural elements. In addition to this, the key feature that makes this medical science different is that it empowers a patient to prevent diseases through the Whole Healing, instead of having to rely exclusively on medical professionals for treatment of specified diseases. Alternative Medicine emphasizes on the patient's entire internal condition, along with the state of mind and emotional balance.

Today if we look at the current scenario the methods of treating different diseases by making the best use of alternative medicine science has increased. In recent times, many people have started using alternative medicine for curing their disease. In fact, as per the recent survey conducted by the National Center for Complementary & Alternative Medicine of the United States, it has been revealed that near about 36% of Americans are using alternative medicine science for healing and treatment. As a result, in the last few years many career fields in alternative medicine science have emerged at a phenomenal pace. Today there are many fields of alternative medicine and career opportunities available for study in alternative medicine through distance learning or correspondence education programs. These mainly include:

• Acupuncture - In alternative medicine science acupuncture is truly a very rewarding career. Its effectiveness has been proved in many treatments and today it is practiced in many parts of the world. It is a thousand year old treatment procedure and has a very good career growth potential. In fact, today it is one of the most requested forms of treatment in the fast-growing field of alternative medicine science and holds promise as one of the key modalities to be used in current and future integrative medical settings.
• Massage therapy - Massage therapy is another field of alternative medicine science that too offers enormous growth opportunities. It is one of the few professions in alternative medicine science that too offers lucrative income and rewarding career growth opportunities. This career field is expected to grow at a faster than average rate over the next several years.
• Herbal medicine - With the demand for alternative medicine on the rise, herbal medicine is another field that further provides a variety of opportunities in different professional fields including positions such as herbalists, natural healing practitioners, Ayurvedic practitioners, and related fields in iridology.
• Naturopathic medicine - Naturopathic medicine covers every aspects of family health from prenatal to geriatric care, with a special focus on whole-patient wellness. The prospect for making a prosperous living in this field is extremely very excellent for the foreseeable future. The key feature is that making a career in this field is different from others as is it focuses on getting at the cause of diseases, instead of merely treating the symptoms of disease.
• Traditional Chinese medicine - Careers in Chinese medicine are much diverse and include various healing arts professions like Chinese medical massage therapists, acupuncturists and Chinese herbalists.

These are some of the top emerging career options in alternative medicine science that have gained wide popularity and in the next few years each of them are going to gain more reputation and open new doors for career development.

Courtesy:
Indian Board of Alternative Medicines
80, Chowringhee Road
Calcutta ( Kolkata ) - 700020.
India
http://www.altmedworld.net