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Doctor of Oriental Medicine (OMD) – A Growing Profession in Traditional Chinese Medicine

Oriental Medicine (OM) is a traditional Chinese medical practice that is based on the concept of balanced flow of energy through human bodies. Practiced for more than 2,500 years, it is one of the traditional forms of Chinese medicines that primarily include some of the traditional therapies like acupuncture, herbal medicine, and oriental massage. In fact, it is one of its kinds of medicine system that generally categorizes body patterns into the particular types of diagnoses with corresponding treatment plans.

For many years, this form of traditional Chinese medicine has been practiced in many regions of China, Korea, Vietnam, Tibet and India, but in recent years the this medical theory and practice has even spread to other countries like England, France, Germany, and much of Middle and South America as well. It has gained worldwide recognition as an effective medical treatment. Adding to this, because of the pure weight of evidence, today this form of medicine has taken serious clinical approach of considerable value. Millions of Americans have turned to it, and many students are taking it as the new complementary treatment procedure and making a career as oriental medicine doctor.

An oriental or Chinese medicine doctor majorly uses healthcare therapies like acupuncture and moxibustion and tries to find out the energy imbalance in a patient’s body and if diagnosed, treat it is through acupuncture cupping, needling, and other Chinese herbal remedies. Today it is counted among few alternative medicines that are completely free of side effects and deliver numerous benefits.

If you are planning to make a career in this field then enroll yourself in an oriental medicine program. A proper education honors and supports the integrity of this medicine and gives you training in addition to vast practical exposure. You can also select this course through distance education program as theses days there are various alternative medicine institutes that are offering oriental medicine distance education programs. Nevertheless, whether it is a correspondence program or an on-campus program, the main goal of this course is to help you understand the philosophies of this form of medicine and develop your instinctive healing skills.

The key benefit of this traditional Chinese medicine course is once you complete the program, you acquire through knowledge on anatomy, pharmacology, physiology, pathology and other traditional Chinese medicine theory and practices. Adding to this, on the completion of this course you also become eligible to acquire national certification from the National Certification Commission for Acupuncture and Oriental Medicine (NCCAOM), which is a prerequisite for all doctors prior to attain license in oriental medicine.

Since this form of medicine is counted among Chinese medical studies, it is not that easy to understand. Therefore, the best thing that you can do is, you must possess a formal education before entering an oriental medicine program. A comprehensive career in this field is a complex medicine system. It takes many years of training before you can have a command on this Traditional Chinese medicine and so it requires a lot of commitment. Thus, if you want to have a career in this field, it is advisable that you wisely review the curriculum, associated costs and other offerings of programs prior to enrolling in one of them.

As Traditional Chinese Medicine train you effectively about alternative medical approaches that work in harmony with a human body’s natural ability to heal, enroll yourself in oriental medicine course and fulfill your dream of becoming a Doctor of Oriental Medicine (O.M.D.), which is considered as a growing profession in Traditional Chinese Medicine.

Find more information about best oriental medicine courses and programs to start career in Oriental Medicine at AltmedWorld.net. Indian Institutes of Alternative Medicines offers distance learning and correspondence courses in various alternative medicine programs, therapies, practical / clinical training programs, short term courses and more. Visit the site for more details.

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Complementary & Alternative Medicine (CAM)

Going to the doctor is not like it used to be. In olden times doctors visits were more personalized and in depth. Now traditional medicine is very impersonal and doctors send you home with up to 5 prescriptions that you need to start taking right away. The only problem is you will return next week because of all the side affects that you have from all the medicine the doctor prescribed you in the first place and your original problem still won’t be solved. Unfortunately, the reason behind all the new prescriptions is because of all the kickbacks that doctors get for prescribing them. Although, these medications don’t help the patients and will undoubtedly cause more symptoms. So many Americans have started looking towards complementary and alternative medicine.

Complementary and alternative medicine (CAM) is a group of diverse medical practices that are not generally accepted by conventional medicine, conventional medicine being medicine practiced by an M.D., D.O., psychologist, registered nurse, or physical therapist. This group of medicine is continually changing and types of medicine are very broad, however the ultimate goal of this type of medicine is find whole body health and wellness. The principals and guidelines for each individual type of CAM although diverse are based on holistic properties, whereby treating the body as a whole and resolving the underlying problems are far more important in the long run rather than just reducing the symptoms.

CAM involves the connection between the mind and body and not only relieves symptoms but works to resolve the underlying problems as well. Although, used in conjunction with one another, complementary and alternative medicines are two completely different groups of medicine. Complementary medicine unlike its cohort is used in conjunction with traditional medicine. Therefore the treatment or medicine complements conventional means of resolving pain, disease or illness. Where as alternative medicine, is used in place of conventional medicine to promote self-healing, and preventative medicine.

In the past, CAM was not accepted due to its lack of scientific basis and evidence. However, because many CAM practices are deeply rooted in Eastern history and are based upon traditional medicine, folk knowledge, and spiritual beliefs people are now turning to this type of medicine. Not to mention that patients are seeing and feeling results from CAM. There is no greater influence than someone else’s testimonial, which is causing the rise in CAM. Western medicine, although still hesitant, is just beginning to use some alternative medicines as complements to their conventional methods. Additionally insurances have turned the corner and started allowing several alternative medicines as part of their covered benefits. That’s not to say that CAM is completely accepted by the medical community, it is a long way off. However it has opened the door for new approaches to healing some of which are old ideas with new methods.

Due to the diversity of available CAM’s, it is easier to group them together to understand what type of medicine and treatment is rendered. The categories include natural products, mind-body medicine, and manipulative and body-based practices. Natural products include a variety of herbal medicines, vitamins, minerals and other “natural products”. Products considered natural can include dietary supplementation, herbal or botanical, and probiotics. Mind-body medicine focuses on the connection between the mind and the body to heal and promote health. These practices include meditation, yoga, acupuncture, deep-breathing, guided imagery, hypnotherapy, and tai chi. Lastly manipulative and body-based practices focus on the body systems and their structures. Spinal manipulation from chiropractic care and massage therapy are two commonly used body-based practices.

Before you choose a CAM it is best to research and ask your friends and coworkers for suggestions. It is normal to be nervous or apprehensive because it is not mainstream, however with the popularity and growth that it continues to receive, CAM’s are the next group of conventional medicine.

Graduated with a BA in exercise science and have worked in the medical field since. My focus is alternative medicine however all aspects of health interest me.

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Holistic Medicine As Compared With Other Medical Practices

Holistic medicine is health care that comprises all the aspects of one’ s personality to obtain the optimum state of wellness. It encompasses the process of looking into the wholeness of the person including nutritional, physical, environmental, spiritual, lifestyle and social values. Holistic medicine includes virtually all treatments and diagnosis known to achieve balance in personality. It upholds the responsibility of educating one’s self to attain the ideal over-all health and well being.

Holistic medicine and Alternative Medicine

Alternative medicine is commonly associated with holistic medicine. By definition, alternative medicine is the medical techniques that are usually not accepted or practiced by conventional medical practitioners. Most alternative medicines are founded to have rooted on unscientific, untested and untraditional principles. Often, these forms of medicine are closely associated with metaphysical components and anti-scientific stands.

Many of these techniques don’t normally have pharmaceutical values like the acupuncture, herbalism, Reiki, homeopathy and the likes. Yet the alternative medicine may also be used in experimental non-drug and drug techniques that are not yet accepted in the medical circles. The future of alternative medicine holds on the potentiality of transforming the “alternative medicine” into conventional medicine since it is now becoming widely appreciated and practiced by medical doctors. In fact, complementary medicine is the term used for alternative medicine practiced in combination with conventional medicine.

Due to these changes in view of the alternative medicine, holistic medicine has become a more preferable option among those who are quite doubtful of the alternative medicine.

Alternative medicine may appeal to metaphysical beliefs and so does the holistic medicine but on milder and more scientifically based approach. Yet the knowledge applied in holistic medicine still cannot hide the fact that it tends to cling to non-scientific knowledge.

Simply put holistic medicine claims to cure and treat the whole person. Holistic medicine stresses out the unification of the mind and the physical body. Holistic medicine practitioners give credence to the belief the man is not a pure physical body with systems and parts that encompass it. Man is also a spiritual being that requires spiritual healing. Holistic medicine concerns itself to the belief of the connection between the spirit and emotions and mind.

The gap between holistic medicine and alternative medicine is closed by the common practice of not using drug treatments and surgeries. They usually employ meditation, herbs, prayers, vitamins and minerals, as well as exotic diets in treating certain ailments.

Holistic Medicine and Conventional Medicine

Allopathy or conventional medicine defines individual health as the non-occurrence of diseases, which appeals to be a negative approach in defining the condition. Holistic medicine on the other hand concerns itself on a person’s absolute state of physical, social, mental and spiritual well-being.

As based on the definition given (that is commonly used among medical practitioners), orthodox medicine remains to deal with one’s susceptibility to diseases instead of the wellness as opposed by holistic medicine. Based on common observations, conventional medicine typically doesn’t apply to healthy individuals. While holistic medicine focuses on the quality of living practiced by people. Sick people normally don’t seek medical attention not until the symptoms of the disease/s are obvious. Thus, there is too little preventive treatment against sickness.

There are great differences between holistic medicine and the conventional type both in the diagnosis and treatments. Most of which are scientifically based. In oppose to this stand, diagnosis in holistic treatment are conceived through the manifestations of body imbalance. These are determined through certain procedures distinctive only to holistic medicine and other related medicinal practices.

People who have already undergone any of these procedures claim that is not bad trying on or all of these practices. Yet individual preferences still have the hand on what will be accepted as the ideal procedure.

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Role of Alternative Medicine in Modern Society

Alternative Medicine 2 Typically, alternative medicine differs from traditional medicine in that alternative medicine is older and what we might call unconventional or non-Western medicine. Alternative medicine does not follow the traditional science and research that current medicines undergo. Alternative medicine could also be termed complementary or traditional medicine or the therapies that can be integrated into current medicine. The staff of the National Library of Medicine of the United States classified alternative medicine under the category of complementary therapies in their Medical Subjects Heading Section. This was done in the year 2002. The definition provided was that alternative medicine therapeutic practices were not considered as an integral part of the traditional allopathic medicine. Therapies like acupuncture, dieting, physical therapy like exercises or yoga, etc. are termed as alternative medicine. These therapies are called complementary when they are used along with conventional treatments. If they are done in place of conventional treatments, they are known as alternative treatments.

In April 1995, the panel of National Institutes of Health, Bethesda, Maryland, worked on Definition & Description, CAM Research Methodology Conference, Office of Alternative Medicine. The panel defined alternative medicine and complementary medicine as those healing resources that encompass all health systems and practices that are different from the dominant health system of a particular society or culture. Usually, therapies like ayurveda, herbal medicine, folk medicine, homeopathy, acupuncture, naturopathy, diet practices, chiropractic, music therapy, massage, pranic healing, etc. are classified as alternative or complementary medicine. People who do not find a cure, remedy or success in allopathic medicine generally try alternative medicine. Such people generally suffer from cancer, arthritis, acquired immuno deficiency syndrome (AIDS), chronic back pain, etc. Therapies included under alternative medicine would cease to be included in that category once their efficacy is proven and they are considered safe and effective. They are then considered as part of traditional medicine. An example would be chiropractors. Twenty years ago insurance would not pay for them as they were considered “alternative and ineffective.” Today thousands of people have been helped by chiropractors and they are now recognized in the medical community. A similar movement is underway in the nutritional supplement and nutraceutical industry.

Over the years, more and more people have been using alternative medicine because traditional medicine is not working for them. The 2004 survey by the National Center for Complementary & Alternative Medicine of the United States revealed that approximately 36% of Americans used alternative medicine in 2002. If alternative medicine is used in conjunction with traditional allopathic medicine, an integrative doctor is a person’s best option. Some traditional doctors are adamantly against or simply do not believe in complementary medicine, even though research continues to show the benefits of many compounds. Your doctor should be informed about other approaches you may be using and if they are not comfortable with that then always feel free to choose another doctor. This would enable the doctor to foresee any possible complications or a better time in which to use a complementary therapy. The concern in using alternative medicine stems from the fact that some practitioners of alternative medicine do not have an accredited medical degree and therefore do not have a valid medical license. However, in recent times, many educational institutions and universities have started offering courses in homeopathy, ayurveda, siddha, unani, acupuncture, and naturopathy. The recent growth in this industry is evident by the many people demanding different, and in some cases better, care than what they are receiving in “modern medicine.” They are no longer accepting the fact that they need to suffer with pain or illness because modern pharmacy does not have a magic bullet for them.

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The Energy Healing Power of Natural Medicine

Traditional Medicine 2 Natural medicine is a system that uses a variety of therapeutic or preventive health care practices such as homeopathy, naturopathy, chiropractic, and herbal medicine. Alternative medicine is also known as traditional, naturopathic, natural or holistic medicine. Proponents of alternative medicine are not refuting the validity of discoveries in and the practical uses of conventional medicine, but are merely trying to put some things into perspective. Due to the widespread interest in natural medicine along with the disappointment and disenchantment with Western medicine, many people, especially in the United States and Europe, where conventional medicine has taken a dominant foothold, are seeking the advice and treatment from naturopathic physicians. These practitioners include herbalists, acupuncturists, naturopaths, chiropractors, and others, who advocate preventative health measures as well as recommend wholesome foods and nutritional supplements for their patients and clients. Considering the growing popularity and effectiveness of alternative health treatments and products, certified and licensed professional practitioners of such medical practices should be given their rightful and respectful place in medical society. Natural medicine has been proven not only to be safe, but more effective than Western medicine in treating many chronic illnesses such as diabetes, hypertension, asthma and many other diseases as well

The history of Natural Medicine and its roots can be traced back thousands of years to ancient cultures such as India and China. Ayurvedic (E. Indian) and Chinese medicine, along with their diagnostic and herbal systems, are still used in these countries extensively, as well as in the United States, especially in Europe, where alternative medicine is well respected. Chinese herbal medicine has a documented history of over 2500 years in China, and is now widely used by practitioners all over the world. It has been legally practiced in the United States. since the mid seventies by licensed acupuncturists. Homeopathy is also a well-known form of alternative medicine discovered in the 18th century by German physician Samuel Hahnemann, but was practically stamped out in the U.S. in the late nineteenth century by the American Medical Association. In 1938, though, the U.S. Food, Drug, and Cosmetic Act finally recognized homeopathic pharmacopoeia as the legal equivalent of allopathic medicine.

Another more contemporary and popular form of herbal medicine, called Western herbalism, can be traced back about two hundred years in America. Samuel Thomson, born in 1769, is considered the father of Western herbalism. He discovered over sixty different medically effective native plants by clinical testing, and on the basis of these findings, devised a theory of disease and botanical drug action. Randy Kidu, D.V.M., Ph.D., writes in his articled entitled A Brief History of Alternative Medicine: “The history of herbal medicine is interesting because herbs have been a part of our diet and pharmacy since man began roaming the earth. Coprophytic evidence (seeds and other plant part(found in preserved fecal pellets) points to herbal use by cavemen. Early herbalists practiced their trade since before recorded history in all parts of the world including China, Egypt, Greece, Rome, Africa, England, the Americas, and Europe. Many herbs are also mentioned in the Bible. Today, based on sheer numbers of folks who use one form of herbal medicine or another, it remains the most-used medicine worldwide.”

Twenty-five hundred years after the advent of allopathic medicine, modern medicine is still grappling with the idea that herbal medicine could be an effective treatment, and not just quackery, although thousands of years of recorded history has proved its efficacy. A new model of understanding in medicine needs to be incorporated into the existing allopathic model. Because of the growing popularity and effectiveness of natural medicine, practitioners may eventually be given their deserved place in medical society. The incorporation of natural medical practices into the existing model of conventional Western medicine, including the training of new medical doctors, is now called Complimentary Medicine. In order to solve our health problems, this modern paradigm for treatment in medicine must be promoted. This can only truly emerge when bias, self-interest, greed and discrimination is discarded and diverse medical knowledge is promoted and shared, not only between university trained scientists and medical doctors, but among Alternative Medicine practitioners, philosophers, metaphysicians, and other intelligentsia of society as well.

— Deva Roberts is a practitioner, researcher and writer on the topics of spirituality, yoga and health. He is also an Alternative Medicine writer for the Examiner.com and the editor for the classical Vedic spiritual text known as the Ganesha Purana [http://www.ganeshapurana.com]. For further info and and access to a FREE Energy Healing Course and other Energy Healing Products please visit: The Way of Health.net website.

Publishing Rights: You may republish this info (or portions) in your web site, blog, newsletter, or ebook, on the condition that you agree to include the author’s signature and website Ganesha Purana.com or all other links completely intact.

Tea Wonders As Herbal Medicine

Health problems are one of the concerns that most of us incurred other than financial issue. The rise of different new threat in people’s health brings awareness in different ways on how to strengthen immune system. One of the new fads in being healthy is alternative medicines that health conscious people use. At the rate of intensifying health issues so as the herbal medicines popularity.

Herbal medicines are all natural that comes mostly from plants although today it was commonly known as supplements. The used of these herbal medicines have been dated back since ancient times. For health conscious person that doesn’t want the traditional doctors prescribed medicine, herbal medicine are great alternative in curing simple ailment to more serious ones like cancer.

Besides from less expensive, herbal medicines are known for not having side effects. One of the popular herbal medicines most of us drink is tea. People drink tea even emperor in the early period of time without knowing the full benefits one could get in drinking it. In early years, drinking tea in the afternoon have been customs in some countries for socializing purposes. Today, tea is highly regarded as an alternative medicine for metabolism and other serious ailment.

Tea’s benefits are handful for this small leaves. Like its benefits, tea variants are numerous and each is known in curing some ailment though all tea variants are beneficial and good for the health. Green tea and black tea are just among of tea variants and the most popular for tea drinkers. Drinking tea regularly is known to fight:

Cancer
People who drink tea a couple of cups a day will likely to have smaller percentage of having any form of cancer thanks to EGCG found in green tea.

Anti Aging
If you worry too much of having wrinkles or any signs of aging, you should start drinking tea now.

Fight Allergies
If you have allergies and hate to take medications, drinking tea is a great help to block allergic reactions.

Also drinking tea is a great way to loss weight other than diet and exercise. So what is in the leaves of tea that cure some ailments? The answer is polyphenols found in tea. These polyphenos are consists of catechins. Only green tea contains epigallocatechin gallate (EGCG) found in catechin that best fight cancer cells.

The list of tea benefits keeps on adding as researchers do their jobs researching for tea’s full potential as herbal medicine. All tea variants have polyphenols and catechins that act as antioxidant that keeps our body cleanse and healthy.

Everyone should be aware and responsible when it comes to health. No one is safe unless you take good care of your body. By doing so, alternative medicines helps our body be protected from illness.

Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/4182682

Research of Cluster Migraines and Migraine Medicines

Because of our lifestyle nowadays, a lot of people are suffering from migraines. This is one of the most disturbing pains that a person could bear. The migraine chooses no special person to attack, with the factors that triggers it, it affects almost everyone. This is why there is a great demand for migraine medicines across the nations.

There are different types of drugs that can be considered as migraine medicines. These can be either pain killers or preventive drugs. The preventive drugs are designed to be taken regularly and act as a pain reducer of the migraine attacks. They are basically made out of antidepressants that reduce the pain through affecting the chemicals found in the brain and the serotonin level. However there are certain side effects that can affect the sufferers like dizziness and drowsiness. Children with migraines can take cyproheptadine, a antihistamine that also affects the brain’s serotonin levels.

The migraine medicines that act as pain relievers are designed to suppress pain. Usually these are taken immediately once the migraine has occurred. Made with triptans along with other chemicals, these relieve pain, sensitivity to light and nausea. These drugs however are not recommended for patients prone to stroke or heart attacks. Anti nausea medicines can also be taken as medicines because they contain opiates that contain narcotics.

Next big medicines are NSAIDS or non steroidal anti inflammation drugs. This drug is ideal for migraines of moderate pain only. If this drug is taken with severe headache, it may require the person to take additional drugs that may not be good since it could cause the person to experience side effects like gastrointestinal bleeding, ulcers and severe headaches.

Before taking any of these kinds of medicines, it is best to check the medicine with the doctor and check if the medicine you are about to take is really effective in reducing the migraine pain. Remember that it is only advisable to take migraine medicines once advised or prescribed by the doctor.

Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/5808877

Discover Medicinal Herbs for Skin and the Best Herbal Skincare Products

I have found that the best remedies for health and beauty are products that come directly from nature. With the right information we can find some safe and very effective herbal skincare products and medicinal herbs for skin. The following is a description of medicinal herbs you can use safely to help your skin be more health and beautiful.

Aloe Vera

When it comes to medicinal herbs for the skin, aloe vera is one of the most useful ones. A cactus-like plant, it is native to warmer regions, but it is quite easy to keep aloe vera plant at home, in a pot. Break open the leaves, and you may use the clear gel found inside directly on your skin. It is an excellent remedy for burns. Aloe Vera has important healing properties, soothing the skin, reducing scars and repairing damaged tissue.

Calendula

Calendula is one of the best medicinal herbs for skin. Original a native to southern Europe, it has the advantage of being easily grow. Calendula is soothing on the skin. It is one of the most important ingredients in the best quality, natural baby-care products. In addition it has healing properties, anti-inflammatory and anti-viral properties.

Phytessence Wakame

Not part of the traditional medicinal herbs for skin, Wakame comes from the sea, it is an algae. It has been long used in Japan as part of the regular diet, and its immense nutritional benefits are well-known in the Japanese culture. Our skin can really benefit from making wakame part of our diet – for example in soups and salads. Phytessence Wakame is the extract of this plant used in high-quality herbal skincare products.

Witch-Hazel

Witch-Hazel, is sometimes referred to by its Latin name, Hamamelis. Various species of this plant can be found in different places in the world, including China, Japan and North America. Hamamelis is ne of the popular medicinal herbs for skin. The extract of Witch-Hazel is a natural astringent, often found in effective herbal skincare products. It is an excellent toner, and can especially benefit oily, acne-prone skin. It is also effective to heal bruising.

Comfrey Root

The root of the comfrey is a very valuable ingredients in herbal skincare products because this plant is an excellent stimulator for tissue growth. It has long been used in Chinese medicine to promote wound healing. Comfrey has the added benefit of protecting the skin from allergic reactions to other ingredients.

Nutgrass Root

On of the lesser known medicinal herbs for skin, this plant originates from the area of India. It is the root of the plant that contains medicinal properties, and is highly valued in Ayurvedic and Chinese medicine and in herbal skincare products. The root of the Nutgrass plant has very high nutritional value. The extract of this plant is very effective in safely lightening skin, including age spots.

Now you know about some of the most effective medicinal herbs for skin. Many of these plants, like Aloe Vera are great to used as home remedies. To get the maximum benefit of these safe remedies look for herbal skincare products that are made up of a majority of such ingredients.

Discover other great natural ingredients that are clinically proven to have visible results on your skin. I have complied a list of the most effective natural ingredients for skin. Check out my free report at: Skincare Ingredients Report [http://naturallyhealthybeautifulskin.com/skincare-ingredients/essential-ingredients]

Estelle Morray has a passion for healthy, natural living. She lives with her family on the island of Bali, where she participates in the development of local, organic farming. Her work ties her directly with natural, holistic products, and she has done extensive research in the fields of natural remedies, homeopathy, nutrition and organic skincare.

Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/5908111