Today is

By: Ikedi Ani-okoye.

Alternative medicine and Cancer

Research in alternative medicine and conventional therapies to treat Mesothelioma cancer continues to be on the forefront to try and find a cure for this disease. In addition to conventional treatments, a number of therapies from alternative medicine may be able to reduce symptoms of mesothelioma. Called complementary and alternative medicine, or CAM, this diverse group of medical and health care options and practices aren't considered to be a part of mainstream medical practice.

What is Alternative medicine

Most people have seen the commercials for medications on television... the list of side effects they can cause are extremely alarming. It is no wonder that many people are turning to alternative medicine.

Alternative medicine encompasses a variety of healing practices. The thing that most of these practices have in common, and that differs from allopathic, or conventional medicine, is that the therapies offered take the whole person into consideration, rather than just trying to alleviate symptoms. This overall philosophy is known as holistic medicine. Some of the most common methods of alternative medicine include: Acupuncture/Acupressure, Herbalism, Energy Work, Homeopathy, Iridology, Naturopathy, Chiropractic, Reflexology.

Alternative Medicine popularity

Some recent healthcare studies* suggest that alternative medicine is growing in popularity. One of the many reasons for this increase is due in part to the fact that most alternative healthcare therapies are often non-invasive. However, large pharmaceutical company, Pfizer Inc., refuted these studies by carrying out an independent study on the herb. The difference, though, between this alternative medicine in comparison to drugs like Prozac. Complementary and alternative medicine like acupuncture is also making leeway in the field of mental healthcare.

Alternative medicine defined

If we follow this definition of medical care, then alternative medicine would be seen as the use of other means, either as a complement or in place of conventional orthodox medical care. This nomenclature and definition have relegated natural medicine to a second class status and unfortunately, this has been accepted by almost everybody involved.

CONCLUSION

One of the oldest forms of health care that has been with humanity is Alternative medicine. All over the world, across several cultures,history is fill with evidence that our predecessors used herbs for medicinal purposes. This should not come as a surprise because herbs, unlike modern medicine, are usually safe and do not involve as many side effects.