What's Wrong with HealthCare in Today's World?

While the standards of health care have significantly increased, there are still many concerns that continue to plague the industry. Many people that are seeking solutions for their ailing health are often presented with only one treatment path. However, there is significant evidence that indicates that sometimes these treatment options do not offer the results promised.

Since the results of traditional or standard healthcare cannot be guaranteed, and there can be lots of unacceptable side effects, many people are now seeking natural alternatives. These alternatives offer persons a variety of possible treatment options to help each individual reach optimal health and wellness. People can experience great success even where other healthcare options have failed. Read on as we dive into several alternatives worth exploring.

Homeopathic Treatment

The system of homeopathy is based on a core belief that the human body is equipped to help cure itself. Persons practicing homeopathy tend to use very small amounts of all-natural substances being either minerals or plants. In essence, they believe that these substances will begin the healing process.

The art of homeopathy first began in Germany during the late 1700s. However, soon after it became quite popular in most European countries.

How Does Homeopathy Work?

Homeopathic healthcare practitioners believe that when things are alike they can cure each other. Simply put, it is believed that when a substance is given to a healthy person and symptoms occur, it can then be given in smaller doses to an ailing person as a means of treating the illness. It is believed that the substance will trigger the body's natural defenses and begin the healing process.

To illustrate, an example will be used. Since onions cause the eyes to water, it is used in homeopathic remedies as a form of allergy treatment. However, different ailments require different solutions that are made from crushed whole bees, white arsenic, poison ivy, and a special herb known as arnica

What to Expect When Visiting A Homeopathic Doctor?

While discussing your health issue the doctor will ask many questions that revolve around the current emotional, mental, and physical health of a patient. When he's finished, he'll prescribe the several solutions that equally match the symptoms faced by the patient and he'll devise a treatment option.

Homeopathic preparations are creation by a process known as potentization where the beginning material is serially diluted and shaken.  These remedies come in the form of liquid drops, sugar pellets, tablets, creams, and gels. The quality of homeopathic products depends on the manufacturer.

What Are the Benefits of Homeopathy?

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Homeopathy provides many benefits for its users since it treats such a wide range of health issues with zero side effects. Sometimes it even works better than standard treatments. The following few examples can be easily treated with homeopathic remedies:

* Reduces allergies

* Reduces depression

* Reduces the effects of migraines

* Reduces rheumatoid arthritis

* Reduces premenstrual syndrome

* Reduces Irritable Bowel syndrome

* Chronic fatigue syndrome is significantly

Additionally, homeopathic healthcare remedies can be used to deal with other minor issues such as coughs, scrapes, bruises, nausea, colds, and even toothaches. Remedies can even be used alongside other more traditional medicines and treatment options.  They will not cause any sort of drug interaction, but you should always let your doctor know what you are taking.

Do Homeopathic Solutions Work?

Many studies suggest that homeopathic solutions are indeed helpful. However, there are still critics saying it is just the placebo effect at work. Homeopathic doctors often require follow up appointments to ensure that your remedy is working.  If you are treating a long term health concern you may require several visits to reach optimal health.

Acupuncture

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Acupuncture is a traditional Chinese technique that is believed to balance the life force or energy in a person. It is performed by inserting tiny needles at strategic points into the body. Acupuncture is used to treat pain while maintaining or promoting overall wellness. 

What to Expect When Paying an Acupuncturist a Visit?

During the very first session, the acupuncturist will begin to assess the overall health of a client. During the investigative process several questions will be asked to determine symptoms experienced, medical history, diet, former treatment, emotional health, sleep patterns, and general digestive information. In order to determine the flow of energy, the acupuncturist will then proceed to determine the strength of the patient's pulse.

While making a diagnosis, he will even assess the coating of the tongue as well as its structure and color. The patient's tone of voice along with their emotions and self-presentation is also discussed. While the process of making a diagnosis may seem strange, it provides a very complex evaluation that will determine the treatment used to harmonize the energy within.

What Treatments Are Offered by An Acupuncturist?

Acupuncture

This treatment method is used to stimulate the chee flowing through the body. Several thin stainless-steel needles will be inserted at various points in an effort to regulate the flow of chee.

Acupressure

This method requires the fingers or other devices that are used to increase the pressure while stimulating the acupuncture spots.

Cupping

Cupping is performed with a series of heated thick plastic or glass cups that are placed over different points. The technique creates a vacuum around the area sucking the skin up. Cupping opens the pores to stimulate blood flow while balancing the flow of chee. It also breaks several obstructions and creates a release point for bodily toxins.

Electro-Acupuncture

This form of acupuncture requires needles to be inserted into the body. However, the needles are attached to a special device that generates continuous electric impulses. This treatment method aids with paralysis and pain.

Laser

Many practitioners use lasers instead of needles to stimulate a series of energetic responses. 

Gua Sha

This technique is also known as scraping. It is done when the smooth edge of a spoon or a special device is rubbed against the person's skin. The spoon is rubbed against an oiled surface and then firmly pressed and moved along the muscle. It can even be moved along the acupuncture meridians.

Scraping ruptures the small sub-dermal capillaries resulting in sub-cutaneous bruises. Gua Sha is done to stimulate healing and is very helpful for areas that have poor muscle movement.

Tui-na

Tui-na is a combination of acupressure, massage, and other bodily forms of manipulation.

Nutritional Recommendations

Along with other forms of treatment, acupuncturists offer dietary changes that address your specific health concerns. They are specially trained and follow the strictest principals of Traditional Chinese Medicine.

What Are the Benefits Of Acupuncture?

Acupuncture provides relief for a variety of conditions.

* Reduced stress

* Reduced neck tension, back pain, and relieves joint pain in both arms and hands

* Headache relief

* Eye strain can be reduced

* The immune system health is improved

* Mental clarity is enhanced and energy is increased

* Digestive conditions are significantly reduced

* Relief from allergies

* Nicotine cravings are reduced

* Fewer injuries are sustained

In essence, acupuncture is more than worth a shot if someone is suffering from any of the above. Many people prefer natural health solutions and prefer to avoid overuse of prescription medication.

Herbal Treatment

Herbalists administer healing while using medicines made from whole-plants. Herbal treatment is done in an effort to restore balance and strengthen the body. It also seeks to stimulate the body's natural healing abilities. Herbal medicine used in this modern society stems from thousands of years of tradition with a twist of modern research.

Conventional Western herbal meds are constructed via the holistic approach. The main intention of herbal treatment is to obtain a clear picture of a patient's overall health. Simply put, the entire body is treated and not just the illness.

When patients receive prescriptions, they are formulated for that individual only. Hence, a few people visiting for the same condition will receive different blends of medicine. Herbalists not only treat the root of an illness but the seek to relieve symptoms.

What to Expect When Visiting a Herbalist?

Consultations generally take close to an hour and a half. During this time, a full case is made. Details about the illness, diet, and past medical history along with general health all come to the surface. Potential patients can also expect to undergo a small physical examination as well. When necessary, both blood pressure and pulse are taken.

When the appointment is on the verge of concluding, the herbalist will prescribe his specially formulated herbal remedy. In most cases, these are simply alcohol-based tinctures, herbal syrups, and herbal tea. However, creams, liniment, and ointments are also externally prepared if need be. A herbalist will also suggest any lifestyle changes and dietary changes that he sees fit.

Herbalists generally require patients to do a follow up two weeks later and then another every four weeks. This is done to assess the progress of treatment.

What Are the Benefits Of Herbal Treatment?

Herbal treatment is suitable for almost anyone. Children, the elderly, and even pregnant or breastfeeding mothers can partake in herbal treatment. Professionally trained herbalists use natural herbs along with other orthodox medication. Hence, patients are recommended to indicate any prescribed medication that they are taking.

The following benefits can be experienced using herbal treatment:

* Reduced depression, anxiety and stress

* Relief from headaches, fatigue, and insomnia

* Relief from common digestive problems

* Reduces the effects of skin conditions

* Aids with gynecological disorders

* Reduces and relieves allergic conditions

* Reduces inflammatory and arthritis conditions

Herbal medicines affect different persons at different rates. However, it is quite difficult to determine how long a patient's treatment can last. In some cases, persons can see results within a few days while others take a bit longer. Herbal treatment is more of a commitment rather than a quick fix.

Chiropractic Treatment

Chiropractors work to adjust a person's joints and spine to help them get into a better position. They refer to this as an adjustment or manipulation. However, chiropractic care involves more than just a series of spinal adjustments.

Chiropractors are also professionally trained in nervous system disorders, bone disorders, joints disorders, nutrition, and exercise therapy. During an examination, they evaluate patients' nerve functions and joint movements.

What to Expect When Visiting a Chiropractor?

During a visit, the chiropractor will try to determine the medical history as well as current symptoms. Patients are required to indicate why they need help, what past injuries they've suffered from, discuss other medical conditions, what prescribed meds they take, and their use of alcohol and drugs. Additionally, a small discussion on diet, stress, sleep patterns, and exercise is also necessary. 

After discussing the above, a physical examination will then be conducted. The practitioner will feel the spine, study the way the patient walks, and even move their joints. Motion range, muscle strength, and reflexes are also all tested. If need be, blood pressure checks and X-rays can also be ordered.

What Are the Benefits of Chiropractic Treatment?

Just like other alternative methods of treatment, chiropractic treatment provides the following benefits:

* Overall health is improved

* Joint mobility is improved

* Loosens tight muscles and strengthens them

* Reduces degeneration of both joint and connective tissues associated with arthritis

* Inflammatory processes are reduced

* Overall recovery processes are sped up

* The body's immune system is strengthened

* The organ system health is improved

* Serves as an effective method for calming a hyperactive mind while energizing a depressed mind

* Improves sleep, energy, and vitality

* Decreases back pain

* Reduces the effects of stress

* Athletic performance is improved

* Overall life quality is improved

* Works to prevent disease and sickness in the long run

* Cognitive ability is drastically improved

Chiropractic activities can benefit anyone. It also improves the overall quality of health experienced by an individual.

A FEW FINAL THOUGHTS

We have just looked at a number of alternatives for standard or traditional healthcare. Healthcare typically presents patients with one winding road of treatment. But in some cases, conventional treatment doesn't work or has unacceptable side effects.  This leaves many people searching for effective alternatives. Hence, we've presented the top 4 alternatives that are proven to work for many medical conditions. Don’t be afraid to try an alternative approach to healthcare, maybe it will turn out perfectly wonderful.