Alternative medicine is a broad term that encompasses various health-related practices such as acupuncture, aromatherapy, meditation, supplements, and homeopathy. Most people who seek alternative medicine are driven by the need to enjoy a holistic approach to their treatment program.
Besides treating illnesses, alternative medicine also addresses prevention approaches and underlying causes of illnesses. Unlike conventional medicine, this type of treatment is less invasive, has fewer side effects, and is safe to use.
While it’s not a cure-all approach, it can be valuable to your overall health. Are many people considering alternative medicine nowadays for better health? Keep reading to find out.
- 1. Cope With the Side Effects Of Conventional Medicine
Cancer and other chronic illnesses can be difficult to treat because of the various side effects of taking different medications. Some of these side effects include nausea, fatigue, and pain. It can make it difficult for patients to stick to their treatment plan and see it through to the end.
On the other hand, there’s an increasing amount of evidence that points to alternative medicine being safe and effective, especially when treating chronic illnesses. Indeed, a 2018 research paper indicates that at least half of all cancer patients use some form of complementary therapy.
Even though there’s no evidence supporting the use of alternative medicine to prevent or cure chronic illness, some people say they feel relieved of the symptoms when treating these illnesses.
2. Improve Your Sense of Wellbeing
Chronic illness can be accompanied by anxiety, depression, and stress. Studies reveal that using alternative medicine can help control your emotions, relieve anxiety and increase your sense of well-being.
For example, yoga, massage, acupuncture and meditation are two practices that have shown to be effective in managing stress and anxiety.
3. Supply the Body With Sufficient Nutrients
Diet and herbs have been used for many years to balance the body’s nutritional needs, especially when managing illnesses. Herbs can be used to help the body to get the nutrients it needs and to help the body to get rid of toxins. Diet can also help the body to get the nutrients it needs.
Many people with chronic illnesses find that their appetite is low and thus cannot supply their body with the nutrients it needs. It can lead to several problems, including weight loss, fatigue, and weakness.
Food supplements are sources of nutrients, including vitamins, minerals and substances with a nutritional or physiological purpose. Mostly, these are plant-based compounds intended to compensate for deficiencies in a person’s regular diet.
The main characteristic of food supplements is that they are a source of one or more nutrients. Also, research shows that supplements can improve your health in multiple ways, especially when coping with chronic illnesses.
Supplements can be found in various formats, such as capsules, pills, solutions, tablets, ampoules of liquid, dropper-equipped bottles, and powder sachets.
There are supplement combinations that include A, B1, B2, B3, B12, D, E, and K. In addition, they may include minerals such as calcium, chloride, copper, iron, fluoride, iodine, sodium and zinc, all of which are useful to the body.
4. Control Of Your Health Situation
Managing a chronic illness can be a difficult and frustrating experience. Most people feel like they are losing control of their lives and that their doctors are making all their decisions. It can be a very isolating and overwhelming feeling.
With alternative medicine, there’s that feeling that you’re still in charge of your own life and can make decisions about your treatment and care. However, even with complementary medicine, it’s essential to take the medication under the guidance of a therapist.
5. Natural Healing and Non-Toxic Medicine
Most people feel that alternative medicines are non-toxic and friendly to the body. They are often considered safer and more natural than traditional medicines.
Unlike conventional treatments such as radiotherapy to treat cancer, alternative medicines are usually made from plant-based or herbal ingredients.
6. Budget-Friendly
Alternative medicines are often less expensive than traditional medicines because they are not subject to the same government regulation and costs. For example, the FDA does not regulate herbs and supplements in the same way that prescription drugs are.
This means that companies can sell them for less money. Additionally, insurance often does not cover alternative medicines, which can further reduce their costs.
7. Provide Hope To Terminally-Ill Patients
Yoga and meditation are two alternative treatments that offer hope for those suffering from anxiety and depression. Further, they are effective in reducing symptoms of mental health conditions.
In particular, yoga helps to improve physical and mental well-being, while meditation helps to focus and calm the mind. You can use these treatments in conjunction with traditional medical treatments.
8. Immune Boosting
There’s a lot of evidence to suggest that alternative treatments can help to boost your immune system. For example, acupuncture has been shown to stimulate the production of white blood cells, which are crucial to fighting off infection.
Herbal remedies such as echinacea and ginger have also been shown to help improve immune function.
Conclusion
It’s essential to know that when you take or consider alternative medicine, they may not perform. Additionally, you should also ascertain if they’re genuinely safe for you.
Before taking any medicinal products or trying alternative medicine, please consult your physician, or speak with an online integrative oncology nurse
