COMMUNITY HEALTH NURSING

SEMINAR ON

ALTERNATIVE SYSTEM OF

MEDICINE
INTRODUCTION

India, an ancient civilization, has varied community supported living traditions including
medical traditions. Indian medical traditions include folk medicine and classical medical system. The
folk medicine implies local health traditions which are practiced in rural and tribal communities.

There is a variety of system of medicine among which the allopathic medicine is quite
effective in treating numerous physical ailments, but it is less effective in preventing illness,
decreasing stress-induced illness, managing chronic disease and caring for the emotional and spiritual
need of the individual. So, the number of clients seeking unconventional treatment has risen
considerably.
ALLOPATHI
DEFINITION

Allopathic medicine is defined as 'the system of medical practice which treats disease by the use of
remedies, which produce effects different from those produced by the disease under treatment.

ADVANTAGES OF ALLOPATHY

 Appropriate treatment
 During illness, it relives the systems
 Satisfaction of the treatment
 Get fast reliefs and miraculous care
 Advanced diagnostic methodology and treatment
 Large number of allopathic hospitals and easily accessible to people
 High-quality care can be provided.

DISADVANTAGES OF ALLOPATHY

 Dangers of medication
 Overspecialization and technology
 Very expensive
 Growing sophistication of the public

THREE LEVELS OF HEALTH CARE IN ALLOPATHIC MEDICINE

 Primary-level Health Care

 Secondary-level Health Care
 Tertiary-level Health Care.
 COMPLIMENTARY AND ALTERNATIVE SYSTEM
OF MEDICINE
Allopathic medicine has been dominant about 100 years. Allopathic medical care is
particularly effective when aggressive treatment is needed in emergency. Allopathic has not been very
effective in dealing with chronic illness. Increasingly, CAT is being used as an 'answer' to the problem
of chronic illness. A variety of terms have been used to describe health related approaches that are
considered outside the mainstream of the dominant system of health care. The terms currently used in
Western cultures to describe such approaches include alternative, nontraditional, unconventional,
holistic and natural. Currently, the most frequently used term to refer to such modalities and practices
is complementary and alternative therapies.

COMPLEMENTARY AND ALTERNATIVE MEDICINE (CAM)

It includes various healing approaches and therapies that originate from around the world and
that are not based on conventional Western medicine. These therapies are called alternative medicine
when they are used alone and complementary medicine when they are used with conventional
medicine.

COMPLIMENTARY THERAPY

Complimentary therapy is that therapy used in addition to conventional treatment ecommend

by the person's health care provider.

ALTERNATIVE THERAPY

It includes the same intervention as complementary therapies but frequently becomes the
primary treatment that replaces allopathic medical care.

OBJECTIVES

• Relieve tension and other symptoms

• Relax, revitalize and nurture
• Improve circulation and revitalize
• Support psychoneuroimmunological response
• Release negativity and reaffirm positivity.
PRINCIPLES

 Illness occurs if the body is out of balance

 Body can heal itself and maintain a healthy state if given the right condition.
 The whole person should be treated not just the disease or the symptoms.
 The gentlest therapies must be tried first before the harsher ones.
 There is no quick-fix since healing takes time.
 Natural products are preferable to synthetic ones.
 Complementary and alternative therapies are based on the body's innate ability to heal it.
 Natural methods first. Complementary and alternative medicines do not rely on prescription
 Drugs, surgery, and other conventional medical procedures. However, they do not discount the
benefits that these procedures can provide when necessary.
 An individualized, comprehensive approach. Complementary and alternative medicine looks at
the underlying cause of the problem and addresses the whole person (mind, body, emotions,
spirit) without just masking the symptoms.
 The goal is to create optimum health. Complementary and alternative medicine focuses on
preventing disease and helping someone feel the best they can as much as treating the disease.

CLASSIFICATION

ALTERNATIVE MEDICAL SYSTEM

 Accupuncture
 Ayurveda
 Homeopathy
 Latin American practice
 Native American practice
 Naturopathic medicine
 Traditional Chinese medicine.

BIOLOGICALLY BASED THERAPIES

 Aroma therapy
 Macrobiotic diet
 Orthomolecular diet
 European phytomedicine
 Traditional Chinese herbal remedies
 Ayurvedic herbs.
MANIPULATIVE AND BODY-BASED METHODS

 Accupressor
 Chiropractic medicine
 Feldenkrais method
 Taichi
 Massage therapy
 Simple touch.

MIND-BODY INTERVENTION

 Art therapy
 Biofeedback
 Meditation
 Imagery
 Music therapy
 Yoga
 Psychotherapy.
 Energy Therapy
 Therapeutic touch
 Reiki
 Bioelectromagnetic therapy.

AYURVEDA
The word 'Ayurveda' means 'science of life' or 'practices 0f longevity'. Ayu (life) and veda
(knowledge). It was taught by the creator, Brahma, to Daksha Prajapati and carried on by the wise
men like Bharadwaja. Dhanvantari is an avatar of Vishnu, God of Ayurvedic medicine, an early
Indian medical practitioner, surgeon, a discoverer and a researcher in the field of Ayurveda. Ayurveda
is 'the complete knowledge for long life'; or ayurvedic medicine is a system of traditional medicine
native to India and a form of alternative medicine. In Sanskrit, word 'äyus' means 'longevity', and
'veda' means 'related to knowledge' or 'science'. The earliest literature on Indian medical practice
appeared during the Vedic period in India.

HISTORY

Early history of ayurveda asserts that around 1500 BC, ayurveda's fundamental and applied
principles got organized and enunciated. In this historical construction, Ayurveda traces its origins to
the Vedas, Atharvaveda in particular, and is connected to Hindu religion. Atharvaveda (one of the four
most ancient books of Indian knowledge, wisdom and culture) contains 114 hymns or formulations for
the treatment of diseases. Ayurveda originated in and developed from these hymns. In this sense,
ayurveda is considered by some to have divine origin. It is originated especially in India and is one of
the oldest medical systems in the world. Well established around 2500 to 600 BC, evolved into 2
schools—the School of Physicians and the School of Surgeons. Ayurveda is an Upaveda or annexure
to the four main vedas (knowledge systems). Famous writings are Charaka Samhita by Sage Charaka
regarding prevention and treatment of disease. Sushruta Samhita of Sage Sushruta deals with
Ayurvedic surgical procedures. The Sushruta Samhita and the Charaka Samhita are encyclopedias of
medicine compiled from various sources from the mid-first BCE to about 500 CE. They are among
the foundational works of Ayurveda.

CONCEPT AND BASIC PRINCIPLES

Ayurveda says good health is the fundamental prerequisite to acquire materialistic, social and
spiritual upliftment of a human being. No mental health without physical health is possible. Diseases
result from imbalance in body. Ayurveda focuses on the prevention called ojas is responsible for
immunity and strength. The essence of ayurveda is knowledge and awareness of the qualities of
nature, called gurvadi gunah. The gurvadi gunah are listed in Vagbhata's Ashtanga Hridayam as: Guru
(heavy), laghu (light), manda (slow), tikshna (quick, sharp), hima (cold), and ushna (hot).

BRANCHES OF AYURVEDA

There are eight branches of the Ayurveda during the starting period and due to this, the
Ayurveda is known as ashtanga. The eight specialties are Kayachikitsa (internal medicine),
Balachikitsa (Pediatrics), Graha chikitsa-Bhoota Vidya (psychiatry), Urdhvanga chikitsa (treatment of
eyes, ears, nose, throat and head), Shalya chikitsa (surgery), Damstra chikitsa-Agada tantra
(toxicology), Jara chikitsa-Rasayana (gerontology), Vrishya chikitsa- Vajikarana (aphrodisiacs).
During the last 50 years, 16 specialties developed with an addition to eight specialties. The other eight
specialties are Ayurveda Sidhantha (fundamentals of Ayurveda), Ras Shatra, Rachna Sharira
(anatomy), Krya Sharira (physiology), Swasthvritta (SPM), Rog Nidan (pathology), Prasuti Tantra
(obstetrics and gynecology), and Bhaishajya Kalpana (pharmaceuticals).

DIAGNOSIS

 Examination of the patient, i.e. Rogi-pareeksha there are five influential criteria for
diagnosis of disease that are identified. These are prodromal (precursory)
symptoms, typical symptoms of the fully developed disease, observing the effect of
therapeutic procedures, and the pathological process.
  Examination of the disease, i.e. Roga-pareeksha. This is achieved through tenfold
examination of patients (dasavidha pareeksha) comprising of constitution (prakriti),
disease susceptibility (vikriti), essence (sara), compactness (samhanana),
anthropometry (pramana), compatibility (satmya), mind (sattwa), digestion capacity
of food (aharasakti), physical strength (vyayamasakti), and age (vaya), with
physical, urine, pulse, feces, tongue, eyes, skin, ear and examination of the
functions.

TREATMENT

 Therapeutic streams are as follows:

 Therapies with inexplicable mode of action (Daivavyapasraya chikitsa)
 Rationale treatment (Yukti vyapasraya chikitsa); and
 Preventive and remedial measures to psychic disorders (Satwavajaya chikitsa). Rely heavily on
plant materials. Botanicals are mixed with metals, minerals or other naturally occurring
substances. The diet regimen is as important as remedies. Prescribed doses of medicine are
taken to cure them effectively. Ayurvedic medicines do not cause any side effects.

TREATMENT PROCEDURES

shodhana (Purification Treatment) removal of the causative factors by Panchkarma (medically

induced emesis, purgation, oil enema, decoction enema and nasal administration of medicines,
external and internal oleation and induced sweating). Shamana (palliative treatment), suppression of
vitiated humours (doshas). It is achieved by use of appetizers, digestives, exercise and exposure to
sun, fresh air, etc.

UNANI
In India, Unani is a popular form of alternative medicine and Unani doctors can practice as
qualified doctors. Like Ayurveda, Unani too is based on the presence of classical elements in the
human body. According to the belief, the elements are present in different fluids and their imbalance
leads to ailment. Most medicines are made of herbs and food. The base of most Unani medicines is
honey. Honey is believed to be endowed with healing properties.Unani medicine employs a variety of
other techniques intended to cleanse the body and restore humor balance. These techniques include:
mushil (purging), taareeq (sweating), hammam (bath therapy), munzij (ripening), mahajim (cupping)
and riyazat (exercise). Of these, purging is among the most common as Unani medicine often
considers imbalances to be the result of metabolic changes in the body. Mushil attempts to convert the
impurities formed from these changes into tangible matter that can be expelled from the body by the
purging process.

ORIGIN AND NATURE

The Unani System of Medicine has its origin in Greece before Christ under the patronage of
Hippocrates (377 - 460 BC) and Galen. It was introduced in India around the eleventh century by the
Arabs and Persians. Due to its acceptance and continuous use by the people, in course of time, it has
become native to India and is in great demand among people of certain states. Although this system
has originated in Greece, but it has been taken to various countries such as Arabia, Iran, China, Syria
and India. It makes use of naturally occurring, mostly herbal medicine though it uses ingredients of
animal, marine origin.

THEORETICAL BASIS

Unani system of medicine is not only therapeutic in nature but also deals with health romotion
and prevention of diseases. It treats diseases and provides remedies in a systematic manner. The
system is based on 4 harmones theory of Hippocrates, i.e. blood, phlegm, yellow bile and black bile.
The harmones are assigned temperament i.e. blood is hot and moist, phlegm is cold and moist, yellow
bile is hot and dry, black bile is cold and dry. The temperament of a person is accordingly expressed
as sanguine, phlegmatic, cholic and melancholic. Any change or disturbances in harmones brings
about change in temperament of a person affecting his health status. As long as the 4 harmones are in
balance the individual remains healthy. Any imbalance/disturbance in harmones results in disease
causation. Drugs are also assigned temperaments and are used to correct abnormal/pathological
temperament of the whole body or particular system/organ.

DIAGNOSIS

The diagnosis of a disease is done by feeling pulse, observation of urine, stool, colour of skin
and gait etc.

TREATMENT

The treatment comprises of 3 components namely preventive, promotive and curative. It seeks
the restoration of the body as a whole to its original state. Treatment is carried out in 4 forms i.e.
Pharmaco therapy, Dieto therapy, Regimental therapy and Surgery.

Regimental Therapy: It includes venesection, cupping, diaphoresis, diuresis, turkish bath, massage,
cauterisation, purging, emesis, exercise and leeching.
Dietotherapy: It deals with certain ailments by administration of specific diets or by regulating the
quantity and quality of food.

Pharmacotherapy: It deals with the use of naturally occurring drugs mostly herbal drugs of animal
and mineral origin. Single drugs or their combination in raw form are preferred over compound
formulations.Unanipathy has shown remarkable results in curing diseases like Arthritis, Leucoderma,
Jaundice, Bronchial Asthma, Filariasis and several other acute and chronic diseases where other
systems do not give the desired level of positive response. The Unani system is a secular system in
character and is popular among the masses.

Unani system of medicine specializes on rheumatic arthritis, jaundice, filariasis, eczema,

sinusitis and bronchial asthma. Services are rendered by private practitioners, in clinics and hospitals
run by government and non-government organizations.

For prevention of diseases and promotion of health, the Unani System of Medicine lays
emphasis on developing defense mechanism of the body and advocates 6 essentials (Asbab-e-Sitta
Zarooria). These essentials are exercise, rest, psychic movement and rest, sleep, wakefulness,
evacuation and retention. Unani practitioners recommend immunization against diseases, precaution
in maintaining a balance in diet and general health habits. In the classical literature of Tibb certain
prescriptions and prophylactic measures against the spread of infectious and contagious diseases are
documented.

HOMEOPATHY
The name, homeopathy, comes from the Greek word homio, meaning like, and pathos,
meaning suffering. Homeopathic medicines treat illness by going with, rather than against, symptoms
that are seen as the body's natural defenses.

DEFINITION

Homeopathy can be defined as a “dynamic, holistic and vitalistic system of individualistic

drug therapeutics, based on the law of similars, potentially capable to cure diseases that are curable
and relieves symptoms of incurable nature”. 

ORIGIN AND NATURE

Homeopathy has been in practice for 170 years by thousands Of practitioners and there are
over100 Homeopathy journals world-wide. Homeopathy is based on the theory of 'Similia Similibus
Curentis" or let like be treated by like which means that any substance capable of producing artificial
symptoms on healthy individuals can cure the same symptoms in a natural disease. Somewhat similar
observations were made as early as 400 BC by physicians from the time of Hippocrates. But these
observations were thoroughly examined and concluded by German Physician Dr. Christian Frederic
Sammuel Hahnemann during late 17th century. This he could do by testing several specific drugs on
himself and healthy volunteers. The method adopted in experimenting drugs proving in human beings
is now known as Human Drug Pathogenicity (HDP) test.

BASIC LAWS

There are 4 cardinal laws or principles. These are:

(I) THE LAW OF DIRECTION OF CURE

The direction of cure states that during curative process the symptoms disappear in the reverse
order of its appearance from above to downwards, from more important organs to less important
organs or from center to periphery etc.

(II) THE LAW OF SINGLE REMEDY

Homeopathy generally uses only a single medicine which has a true similarity of symptoms
with that of the remedy. This process of selecting the correct remedy is done on the basis of
individualization. The intensive process of individualization distinguishes this system from other
system in its approach to the holistic concepts in therapeutics. The physician adopts a detailed case
study by exploring the physical, psychical, biomedical constitution of the individual.

(III) THE LAW OF MINIMUM DOSES

The doses applied are the minimum possible, just sufficient to correct the diseased state.

(IV) THE THEORY OF CHRONIC DISEASES

The theory of chronic diseases states that most of the diseases are due to three chronic latent
affinities known as Psora, Syphilis and Sycosis in the human being which normally remain dormant
but express their presence when conducive environment for disease such as irregular living, constant
exposure to unhealthy situations, emotional stress, atmospheric influences etc., overpower the immune
system/health. The modern concept of the host and agent environment reaction (triad) in the causation
of diseases is well documented by Hahnemann in his "Masterpiece Organaon of Medicine".
TREATMENT AND PREPARATIONS

Homeopathic preparations are referred to as "homeopathics" or "remedies".Homeopathy uses

animal, plant, mineral, and synthetic substances in its preparations, generally referring to them
using Latin or faux-Latin names. Examples include arsenicum album (arsenic oxide), natrum
muriaticum (sodium chloride or table salt), Lachesis muta (the venom of the bushmaster
snake), opium, and thyroidinum (thyroid hormone).

Homeopathy has effective treatment for individualized chronic diseases such as diabetes,
arthritis, bronchial asthma, skin, allergic and immunological disorders, behavioral disorders, mental
diseases and for several other diseases. It can be used in undiagnosed case which presents very scanty
signs and symptoms and acts as a preventive medicine. The services are rendered by private
practitioners and practitioners working in government and non-government dispensaries, outpatient
departments of hospitals, clinics etc. There are homeopathic hospitals attached to Homeopathy
medical colleges.

SIDDHA MEDICINE 
It is a traditional medicine originating in Tamil Nadu in India. In 2018, the Indian Medical
Association described Siddha medicine as quackery. The Ministry of Ayurveda, Yoga and
Naturopathy, Unani, Siddha and Homoeopathy of the Government of India coordinates and promotes
research in the fields of Ayurveda and Siddha medicine. The Central Council of Indian
Medicine (CCIM), a statutory body established in 1971 under AYUSH, monitors higher education in
areas of Indian medicine, including Siddha medicine. To fight bioprospecting and unethical patents,
India set up the Traditional Knowledge Digital Library in 2001 as a repository of 223,000
formulations of various systems of medicine common in India, such as Ayurveda, Unani, Siddha
medicine and homeopathy.

HISTORY

The Siddha science is a traditional treatment system generated from Tamil culture. Palm leaf
manuscripts say that the Siddha system was first described by Lord Shiva to his wife Parvati. Parvati
explained all this knowledge to her son Lord Muruga. He taught all this knowledge to his disciple sage
Agasthya. Agasthya taught 18 Siddhars and they spread this knowledge to human beings. Siddha is
focused on "Ashtamahasiddhi," the eight supernatural power. According to Manikandan, there were
22 principal siddhars. Of these 22, Agasthya is believed to be the father of siddha medicine. Siddhas
believed that a healthy soul can only be developed through a healthy body. So they developed
methods and medication that are believed to strengthen their physical body and thereby their souls.
Men and women who dedicated their lives into developing the system were called Siddhars. They
practised intense yogic practices, including years of periodic fasting and meditation, and were
believed to have achieved supernatural powers and gained the supreme wisdom and
overall immortality. Through this spiritually attained supreme knowledge, they wrote scriptures on all
aspects of life, from arts to science and truth of life to miracle cure for diseases.

BASIC PHILOSOPHY

The basic philosophy of siddha is that there is an intimate link between man and environment.
It believes that all objects in the universe including human body are composed of 5 elements : earth,
water, fire, air and space or ether. The food we eat and the drugs which are in use are also made up of
these elements. Food is the basic building material of the body which gets processed into 3 doshas, 7
dhatus and 3 malas. Equilibrium between the 3 is considered to be “health"' and disequilibrium
between the 3 results in disease or sickness.

DIAGNOSIS

The diagnosis of disease involves identifying its causes. Causative factors are identified by
examination of pulse, eyes, colour of body, tongue, status of digestive system, urine and study of
voice.

In diagnosis, examination of eight items is required which is commonly known as "enn vakaith
thervu". These are:

1. Na (tongue): black in Vaatham, yellow or red in pitham, white in kapam, ulcerated in anaemia.
2. Varnam (colour): dark in
3. Vaatham, yellow or red in pitham, pale in kapam.
4. Kural (voice): normal in Vaatham, high-pitched in pitham, low-pitched in kapam, slurred
in alcoholism.
5. Kan (eyes): muddy conjunctiva, yellowish or red in pitham, pale in kapam.
6. Thodal (touch): dry in Vaatham, warm in pitham, chill in kapam, sweating in different parts of
the body.
7. Malam (stool): black stools indicate Vaatham, yellow pitham, pale in kapam, dark red in ulcer
and shiny in terminal illness.
8. Neer (urine): early morning urine is examined; straw color indicates indigestion, reddish-
yellow color in excessive heat, rose in blood pressure, saffron color in jaundice, and looks like
meat washed water in renal disease.
 9. Naadi (pulse): the confirmatory method recorded on the radial artery

TREATMENT METHODS

The treatment in Siddha system is not only oriented to disease but also it takes into account
patient as a whole (age, sex, race, habits, mental frame, diet, appetite, physical condition,
physiological constitution, his habitat, environment, meteorological conditions). Treatment is
individualized according to diagnosis in totality. Siddha medicine makes use of mercury, silver,
arsenic, lead, sulpher etc., minerals, plants and animal parts. The Siddha system is effective in treating
chronic cases of rheumatic problems, anemia, peptic ulcer, bleeding piles, liver and skin diseases. The
principles and philosophies of this system both fundamental and applied are similar to Ayurveda.
Siddha system is largely therapeutic in nature.

NATUROPATHI
Naturopathy or naturopathic medicine is a form of alternative medicine that employs an array
of pseudoscientific practices branded as "natural", "non-invasive", or promoting "self-healing". The
ideology and methods of naturopathy are based on vitalism and folk medicine, rather than evidence-
based medicine (EBM). Naturopathic practitioners generally recommend against following modern
medical practices, including but not limited to medical testing, drugs, vaccinations, and surgery.

In India, naturopathy is overseen by the Department of Ayurveda, Yoga and Naturopathy,

Unani, Siddha and Homoeopathy (AYUSH); there is a 5½-year degree in "Bachelor of Naturopathy
and Yogic Sciences" (BNYS) degree that was offered by twelve colleges in India as of
August 2010. The National Institute of Naturopathy in Pune that operates under AYUSH, which was
established on December 22, 1986 and encourages facilities for standardization and propagation of the
existing knowledge and its application through research in naturopathy throughout India.

YOGA
Yoga is a science which helps to co-ordinate body and mind more effectively. It promotes
mental, physical, social and spiritual health. It also helps in prevention and cure of various
psychosomatic disorders, psychic and physical disorders. Yoga is an ancient science. It has been
described in Vedas. It was propounded by Patanjali about 2500 years ago. It consists of eight
components. These are:

1. Restraint in every sphere of life

2. Austerity in every sphere of life
 3. Maintaining physical posture
4. Breathing exercises
5. Restraining of sense of organs
6. Contemplation
7. Meditation
8. Smadhi

These yogic practices have potential for improvement of personal and social
behaviour,improvement of individual resistance and ability to endure stressful situations,
improvement of physical health and prevention and control of psychosomatic disorders by
encouraging better circulation of oxygenated blood in the body, restraining the sense organs and
thereby inducing tranquility and serenity of mind and body.

Yoga is becoming very popular these days for stress management. It is being considered: to
introduce yoga in the schools in phased manner through the Ministry of Human Resource
Development; popularise it through electronic media; to establish separate department of yoga in all
major hospitals in consultation with State Governments/ UTs; popularise short term course in Yoga
for stress management by leading Yoga institutions; induce yoga in Government offices, factories and
other places of work.

National Institute of Naturopathy (NIN) was established at Pune in the year 1984 with the
purpose of promotion and propagation of Naturopathy throughout the country and to encourage
research in the field of Naturopathy treatments, to cure chronic ailments, prevention of diseases and
for promoting health. The institute runs clinic for treatments of patients suffering from various chronic
diseases, conducts Yoga classes, weekly talks, awareness workshops. It publishes monthly magazine,
runs free library. It has also prepared a National directory of practicing Naturopaths and Naturopathy
Hospitals and Institutes.

BIOLOGICALLY BASED TREATMENTS

NUTRITIONAL THERAPY
Nutritional therapy is a system of healing based on the belief that food, as nature intended,
provides the medicine we need to obtain and maintain a state of health: our food is our medicine and
our medicine is our food. Although some health problems require special medication, many conditions
can be relieved effectively with nutritional therapy. These include disorders ranging from chronic
fatigue, energy loss, insomnia and depression, to backache, skin complaints, asthma, and headaches.
 Nutritional therapy will also benefit you if you have no specific illness, but want to maintain a
state of optimum health. It is safe for babies and children as well as adults, and the change of eating
patterns that is typically prescribed usually has far fewer side effects than synthetic medicines.
Nutritional therapy is a holistic discipline; nutrition as the key to good health is the all embracing
fundamental principle used since the time of the famous Greek doctor and founder of western
medicine, Hippocrates,to help people of all ages to stay at their personal peak of energy and vitality.
Today, new insights of food scientists play a significant role in the practice of nutritional therapy as
preventative medicine. During the last fifty years, many wonderful breakthroughs have improved our
understanding of the role of food in our lives. Many of us are realizing that food is the cornerstone on
which, our modern lifestyle, has been built. Antioxidants are also the nutritional suppliments which
can remove the free radicals from human body so as to prevent severe disease conditions like cancer.

MIND- BODY TECHNIQUES

Mind-body techniques are based on the theory that mental and emotional factors can influence
physical health. These methods are used to preserve health and prevent or cure disease. Because of the
abundance of scientific evidence backing the benefits of mind-body techniques, many of the
approaches are now considered mainstream.

Methods include the following:

 Meditation
 Hypnotherapy (hypnosis)
 Biofeedback
 Qigong & Tai Chi
 Relaxation techniques
 Guided imagery

Mind-body techniques can be used to treat anxiety and panic disorders, chronic pain, coronary
artery disease. depression, headaches, difficulty sleeping (insomnia), and loss of urinary control
(incontinence). Mind-body methods also are used as an aid in childbirth, in coping with the disease
related and treatment-related symptoms of cancer, and in preparing people before surgery.

MEDITATION
In meditation, systematically focus on particular aspects of inner or outer experience.
Meditation usually involves sitting or resting guilty, often with the eyes closed. Sometimes it involves
the repetitive sounding of a phrase (a mantra) meant to help the person focus.
 The most highly studied forms of meditation are transcendental meditation and mindfulness
meditation. Meditation has been shown to have favorable effects on heart and blood vessel
(cardiovascular) function, immunity, and brain activity, Such as increasing activity in parts of the
brain associated with mental clarity. Meditation often induces physical relaxation, calmness, and
favorable emotional states such as loving-kindness and even-temperedness. Most meditation practices
were developed within a religious or spiritual context and held as their ultimate goal some type of
spiritual growth, personal transformation, or transcendental experience.

RELAXATION TECHNIQUES
Relaxation techniques are practices specifically designed to relieve tension and strain. The
specific technique may be aimed at reducing activity of the nerve that control the stress response
(sympathetic nervous system), lowering blood pressure, easing muscle tension, slowing metabolic
processes. Relaxation techniques may be used in combination with other techniques, such as
meditation, guided imagery, or hypnotherapy.

GUIDED IMAGERY
Guided imagery involves the use of mental images to promote relaxation and wellness, reduce
pain, or facilitate healing of a particular ailment, such as cancer or psychological trauma. The images
can involve any of the senses and may be self directed or guided by a practitioner, sometimes in a
group setting. For example, a person with cancer might be told to imagine an army of white blood
cells fighting against the cancer cells. Guided imagery has not been thoroughly scientifically studied,
but many people claim to have had success with it.

HYPNOTHERAPY
This alternative therapy is derived from Western practice. In hypnotherapy (hypnosis), people are
guided into an advanced state of relaxation and heightened attention. Hypnotized people become
absorbed in the images suggested by the hypnotherapist and are able to suspend disbelief. Because
their attention is more focused and they are more open to suggestion, hypnotherapy can be used to
help people change their behavior and thus improve their health. Hypnotherapy can be used to treat or
help treat purely psychological symptoms. Hypnotherapy also may be helpful in treating many
conditions and symptoms in which psychological factors can Influence physical symptoms:

 Phobias
 Certain pain syndromes
 Smoking cessation
  Conversion disorders (in which apparent physical
 illness actually is caused mainly by psychological
 stress and conflict)
 Irritable bowel syndrome
 Headaches
 Asthma
 Some-skin disorders (such as warts and psoriasis)
 High blood pressure
 Nausea and vomiting caused by chemotherapy,
 particularly the nausea some people get before chemotherapy (anticipatory nausea)
 Anxiety and diminished quality Of life in people who have cancer.
 Hypnotherapy

BIOFEEDBACK
Biofeedback is method of bringing unconscious biologic processes under conscious control.
Biofeedback involves the use of electronic devices to measure and report back to the conscious mind
information such as heart rate, blood pressure, muscle tension, and brain surface electrical activity.
With the help of a therapist or with training, people then can understand why these functions change
and can learn how to regulate them. Biofeedback typically is used to treat pain including headache and
chronic abdominal pain, stress, insomnia, fecal or urinary incontinence attention deficit disorder and
mild cognitive impairment, and tinnitus. Biofeedback has been shown to be clinically effective in
treating certain problems (for example, headaches, incontinence, and attention deficit disorder).

MANIPULATIVE AND BODY BASED METHODS

CHIRO PRACTIC

Chiropractic is a discipline that is concerned with the diagnosis and treatment of mechanical
disorders of the musculoskeletal system, especially the spine. Chiropractic is well established in the
United States, Canada, and Australia. D. D. Palmer founded chiropractic in the 1890

TAI CHI 

It is an internal Chinese martial art practiced for its defense training, its health benefits and
meditation. 
ENERGY THERAPY

ACUPUNCTURE
It is a form of alternative medicine  and a key component of traditional Chinese
medicine (TCM) in which thin needles are inserted into the body. Acupuncture is a pseudoscience
because the theories and practices of TCM are not based on scientific knowledge, and it has been
characterized as quackery. It is used most commonly for pain relief.

MASSAGE THERAPY
Massage is the manipulation of soft tissues in the body. Massage techniques are commonly
applied with hands, fingers, elbows, knees, forearms, feet, or a device. The purpose of massage is
generally for the treatment of body stress or pain. A person who was professionally trained to give
massages was traditionally known as a masseur (male) or a masseuse (female). The word comes from
the French massage "friction of kneading", which, in turn, comes from the Arabic word
َّ‫ َمس‬ Massa meaning "to touch, feel".

TYPES AND METHODS

Different types of massage therapies includes

ACTIVE RELEASE TECHNIQUES

Active Release Techniques (ART) is a form of deep tissue manipulation patented by Dr. P.
Michael Leahy in which specified techniques are used to release what are presumed to be soft tissue
adhesions.

AQUATIC BODYWORK

Aquatic bodywork comprises a diverse set of massage and bodywork forms performed in
water. This includes land-based forms performed in water (e.g., Aquatic Craniosacral Therapy,
Aquatic Myofascial Release Therapy, etc.), as well as forms specific to warm water pools (e.g.,
Aquatic Integration, Dolphin Dance, Healing Dance, Jahara technique, WaterDance, Watsu)

ASHIATU

In ashiatsu, the practitioner uses their feet to deliver treatment. The name comes from the
Japanese, ashi for foot and atsu for pressure.
AYURVEDIC MASSAGE

Ayurvedic Massage is known as Abhyangam in Sanskrit. According to the Ayurvedic

Classics Abhayngam is an important dincharya (Daily Regimen) that is needed for maintaining a
healthy lifestyle. The massage technique used during Ayurvedic Massage aims to stimulate the
lymphatic system. Practitioners claim that benefits of regular Ayurvedic Massage include pain relief,
reduction of fatigue, improved immune system, and improved longevity.

SPORTS MASSAGE

Sports massage is the use of specific massage therapy techniques in an athletic context to
improve recovery time, enhance performance, and reduce the risk of injury. This is accomplished
using techniques that stimulate the flow of blood and lymph to and from muscles. Sports Massage is
often delivered before or after physical activity depending on the athlete’s needs, preferences and
goals.

REFLEXOLOGY
A variant of massage therapy, relies on manual pressure applied to specific areas of the foot;
these areas are believed to correspond to different organs or body systems via meridians. Stimulation
of these areas is believed to eliminate the blockage of energy responsible for pain or disease in the
corresponding body part.

OTHER THERAPIES

AQUATIC THERAPY 

It refers to treatments and exercises performed in water for relaxation, fitness, physical

rehabilitation, and other therapeutic benefit. Typically a qualified aquatic therapist gives constant
attendance to a person receiving treatment in a heated therapy pool. Aquatic therapy techniques
include Ai Chi, Aqua Running, Bad Ragaz Ring Method, Burdenko Method, Halliwick, Watsu, and
other aquatic bodywork forms. Therapeutic applications include neurological disorders, spine
pain, musculoskeletal pain, postoperative orthopedic rehabilitation, pediatric disabilities, and pressure
ulcers.

AROMATHERAPY 
It is a pseudoscience based on the usage of aromatic materials, including essential oils, and
other aroma compounds, with claims for improving psychological or physical well-being. It is offered
as a complementary therapy or as a form of alternative medicine, the first meaning alongside standard
treatments, the second instead of conventional, evidence-based treatments.

Aroma therapists, people who specialize in the practice of aromatherapy, utilize blends of supposedly
therapeutic essential oils that can be used as topical application, massage, inhalation or water
immersion. There is no good medical evidence that aromatherapy can either prevent, treat, or cure any
disease.  Placebo-controlled trials are difficult to design, as the point of aromatherapy is the smell of
the products. There is disputed evidence that it may be effective in combating postoperative nausea
and vomiting.

ART THERAPY

  It is a creative method of expression used as a therapeutic technique. Art therapy, as a creative

arts therapy modality, originated in the fields of art and psychotherapy 

The British Association of Art Therapists defines art therapy as "a form of psychotherapy that uses art
media as its primary mode of expression and communication."

Uses of art therapy includes

 General illness
 Cancer diagnosis
 Dementia
 Disasters releaf
 Autism

THERAPEUTIC TOUCH

Therapeutic touch (commonly shortened to "TT"), known by some as "non-contact therapeutic

touch" (NCTT), is a pseudoscientific energy therapy which practitioners claim promotes healing and
reduces pain and anxiety. Practitioners of therapeutic touch state that by placing their hands on, or
near, a patient, they are able to detect and manipulate what they say are the patient's energy field.

REIKI
It is a form of alternative medicine called energy healing. Reiki practitioners use a technique
called palm healing or hands-on healing through which a "universal energy" is said to be transferred
through the palms of the practitioner to the patient in order to encourage emotional or physical
healing.Reiki is a pseudoscience.
PRAYER
Prayer is the act of addressing a god or spirit for the purpose of worship or petition. Specific
forms of this may include praise, requesting guidance or assistance, confessing sins, as an act of
reparation or an expression of one's thoughts and emotions. The words used in prayer may take the
form of intercession, a hymn, incantation, words of gratitude, or a spontaneous utterance in the
person's praying words.

Praying can be done in public, as a group, or in private. Most major religions in the world
involve prayer in one way or another in their rituals. Although in some cases the act of prayer is
ritualized and must be followed sometimes through a strict sequence of actions, many faiths teach that
prayer can be done spontaneously by anyone at any moment. Scientific studies regarding the use of
prayer have mostly concentrated on its effect on the healing of sick or injured people. The efficacy of
petition in prayer for physical healing to a deity has been evaluated in numerous studies.

MUSIC THERAPY
It is an interpersonal process in which a trained music therapist uses music and all of its facets
physical, emotional, mental. Social, aesthetic, and spiritual to help clients to improve or maintain their
health. In some instances, the client's needs are addressed directly through music; in others they are
addressed through the relationships that develop between the client and therapist. Music therapy is
used with individuals of all ages and with a variety of conditions, including: psychiatric disorders,
medical problems, physical handicaps, sensory impairments, developmental disabilities, substance
abuse, communication disorders, interpersonal problems, and aging. It is also used to: improve
learning, build self-esteem, reduce stress, support physical exercise, and facilitate a host of other
health related activities.

Music therapists are found in nearly every area of the helping professions. Some commonly
found practices include developmental work (communication, motor skills, etc.) with individuals with
special needs, songwriting and listening in reminiscence/orientation work with the elderly, processing
and relaxation work, and rhythmic entrainment for physical rehabilitation in stroke victims. It is
considered one of the expressive therapies.

PHOTO ENERGY THERAPY

Photo Energy Therapy devices emit near infrared light (NIR Therapy) typically at a
wavelength of 880 nm. This wavelength is believed to stimulate the release of Nitric Oxide, an
Endothelium derived relaxing factor into the bloodstream, thus vasodilating the capillaries and
venules in the microcirculatory system. This increase in circulation has been shown effective in
various clinical studies to decrease pain in diabetic and non-diabetic patients. Photo Energy Therapy
devices seem to address the underlying problem of neuropathies, poor microcirculation, which leads
to pain and numbness in the extremities.

DETOXIFICATION THERAPY
Detoxification Therapy involves the removal of toxic substances. Our body naturally eliminates or
neutralizes toxins. But due to industrial revolution the accumulation of toxins (food dditives,
chemicals, anesthetics and residue of Pharma drugs, pesticides and heavy metals) surpasses its
elimination.

Detoxification Therapy Treatment

 There are a number of methods of detoxification.

 Firstly a brief physical checkup is made, X-Ray is taken; urine and blood samples are sent for
analysis sometimes sweat and hair maybe analyzed.
 Colonic irrigation, fasting, special diets, hyperthermia, other hydrotherapy treatments,
lymphatic Stimulation and nutritional supplements are some methods of detoxification.
 Nutritional Supplements: Intake of massive quantities of Vitamin C are recommended for
people undergoing detoxification treatment. Vitamin A., Vitamin B and Vitamin E and
minerals like Magnesium, Potassium, Selenium and Zinc are also suggested. Herbs such as
cayenne, Echinacea and garlic are also included.

ANIMAL-ASSISTED THERAPY
(AAT) is a type of therapy that involves an animal with specific characteristics becoming a
fundamental part of a person's treatment. Animal-assisted therapy is designed to improve the physical,
social, emotional, and or cognitive functioning of the patient,as well as provide educational and
motivational effectiveness for participants. AAT can be provided on an individual or group basis.
During AAT, therapists document records

and evaluate the participant's progress. Many kinds of animals are used in therapy, including
dogs, cats, elephants, birds, insects like bees, dolphins, rabbits, lizards, and other small animals. Such
animals are often referred to as comfort animals. AAT with horses is known specifically as equine-
assisted psychotherapy (EAP), equine-assisted creative living (EACL), equine-assisted personal
development (EAPD) or hippotherapy.
REASURCH ARTICLES
Vishnu N, Mini GK, Thankappan KR. Complementary and alternative medicine use by diabetes
patients in Kerala, India. Global health, epidemiology and genomics. 2017;2.

ABSTRACT

he study assessed: (1) the prevalence of exclusive use of complementary and alternative medicine
(CAM), exclusive use of
modern medicine and combined use; (2) the factors associated with exclusive CAM use; and (3) the
expenditure for CAM
use among type-2 diabetes patients in rural Kerala. We surveyed 400 diabetes patients selected by
multi-stage cluster sam-
pling. Exclusive CAM use was reported by 9%, exclusive modern medicine by 61% and combined
use by 30%. Patients with-
out any co-morbidity were four times, those having regular income were three times and those who
reported regular
exercise were three times more likely to use exclusive CAM compared with their counterparts.
Expense for medicines
was not significantly different for CAM compared with modern medicine both in government and
private sector. Patients
with any co-morbidity were less likely to use CAM indicating that CAM use was limited to milder
cases of diabetes.
The study assessed: (1) the prevalence of exclusive use of complementary and alternative
medicine (CAM), exclusive use of modern medicine and combined use; (2) the factors associated with
exclusive CAM use; and (3) the expenditure for CAM use among type-2 diabetes patients in rural
Kerala. We surveyed 400 diabetes patients selected by multi-stage cluster sampling. Exclusive CAM
use was reported by 9%, exclusive modern medicine by 61% and combined use by 30%. Patients
without any co-morbidity were four times, those having regular income were three times and those
who reported regular exercise were three times more likely to use exclusive CAM compared with their
counterparts. Expense for medicines was not significantly different for CAM compared with modern
medicine both in government and private sector. Patients with any co-morbidity were less likely to use
CAM indicating that CAM use was limited to milder cases of diabetes.

Rudra S, Kalra A, Kumar A, Joe W. Utilization of alternative systems of medicine as health

care services in India: Evidence on AYUSH care from NSS 2014. PloS one. 2017 May
4;12(5):e0176916.

ABSTRACT

AYUSH, an acronym for Ayurveda, Yoga and Naturopathy, Unani, Siddha, Sowa-Rigpa and
Homeopathy represents the alternative systems of medicine recognized by the Government of India.
Understanding the patterns of utilization of AYUSH care has been important for various reasons
including an increased focus on its mainstreaming and integration with biomedicine-based health care
system. Based on a nationally representative health survey 2014, we present an analysis to understand
utilization of AYUSH care across socioeconomic and demographic groups in India. Overall, 6.9% of
all patients seeking outpatient care in the reference period of last two weeks have used AYUSH
services without any significant differentials across rural and urban India. Importantly, public health
facilities play a key role in provisioning of AYUSH care in rural areas with higher utilization in
Chhattisgarh, Kerala and West Bengal. Use of AYUSH among middle-income households is lower
when compared with poorer and richer households. We also find that low-income households display
a greater tendency for AYUSH self-medication. AYUSH care utilization is higher among patients
with chronic diseases and also for treating skin-related and Musculo-skeletal ailments. Although the
overall share of AYUSH prescription drugs in total medical expenditure is only about 6% but the
average expenditure for drugs on AYUSH and allopathy did not differ hugely. The discussion
compares our estimates and findings with other studies and also highlights major policy issues around
mainstreaming of AYUSH care.

CONCLUSION

Alternative Medicine is a term commonly used to include all the healing practice "that does
not fall within the realm of conventional medicine". It can be defined as "a variety of therapeutic or
preventive health care practices, such as homeopathy, naturopathy, chiropractic, and herbal medicine
that do not follow generally accepted medical methods and may not have a scientific explanation for
their effectiveness.” Complementary and alternative medicine (CAM) is the term for medical products
and practices that are not part of standard care. Standard care is what medical doctors, doctors of
osteopathy and allied health professionals, such as registered nurses and physical therapists, practice.
Alternative medicine means treatments that you use instead of standard ones. Complementary
medicine means nonstandard treatments that you use along with standard ones.