Some Alternative Health Strategies

CAM (complementary and alternative medicine) therapies are generally classified into 5 seperate categories or domains. Some of these domains have sub-domains but we will broadly go into them here.

Alternative Medical Systems are built onto entirely different systems of theory in regards to the body and have evolved in a completely different direction from the mainstream medical approach. A couple of examples of alternative medical systems developed in Western societies are homeopathic and naturopathic medicine. Some real world Eastern techniques include Ayurveda, acupuncture and numerous local systems.

Mind-Body Interventions uses a blend of techniques meant to enhance the mind's capability of affecting the body's condition, such as meditation, yoga, hypnosis and therapies that use creative techniques like art, music and dance, among others. Even something as routine as journal writing fits into this category.

Biologically Based Therapies like natural and biologically based interventions, practices and products mostly composed of herbs, nutrients such as antioxidants and vitamins also count in this particular category. Some also overlap with modern medicine's use of dietary supplements such as antioxidants, which started out as CAM and is now obviously mainstream. Anything from the use of Tea Tree Oil to the Paleolithic diet can also fall under this CAM category.

Manipulative and Body-Based Methods are based on manipulating certain parts of the human body. This includes, but is not limited to: chiropractic manipulation, colonics and massage therapies.

Energy Therapies uses subtle and less than subtle manipulations of the energy field that are supposed to surround and inject themselves into the human body. Examples include biofield therapies like Reiki, Qigong, natural healing and bioelectromagnetic-based therapies which involves the use of electromagnetic fields.

This article appeared originally in The September 2004 issue of The ZoneNet newsletter.

Ryan Joseph is a writer/researcher. For additional information visit http://www.anti-aging-vitamins.com/

In The News:


Alternative-school links grow on Camden board
Philadelphia Inquirer
By Claudia Vargas Milagros Torres, whose daughter Felicia was bullied at school, now backs alternative schools. RICHARD KAUFFMAN / Staff Milagros Torres joined a chorus of parents advocating for alternatives to public schools in Camden after her ...


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LETTER | Alternatives are higher Density for Potala than Federally Subsidized ...
Kirkland Views
By Karen Levenson on May 20, 2012 in Development, Opinion I would like to draw citizen of Kirkland attention to the greater intensity of Alternative(s) proposed in Potala EIS (Lake Washington Blvd) vs. Federally Subsidized, Seattle Housing Authority's ...


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Galaxy Tab an affordable iPad alternative
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Instead, it offers a more portable, more affordable alternative to the Apple juggernaut. If you're looking for a smaller tablet that won't break the bank, this latest 7-inch tablet from Samsung is certainly worth a look. The device is the successor to ...

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gulfnews.com

Two alternative hearing centres planned for Asia
gulfnews.com
Abu Dhabi: The Court of Arbitration for Sport (CAS) which opened an alternative hearing centre in Abu Dhabi recently, plans to open a centre in Shanghai and another in Kuala Lumpur, the General Secretary of CAS has told Gulf News.

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Friends Life Care, a long-term alternative
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Because they provide both care and financial protection, programs like Friends Life Care offer an alternative to traditional continuing-care facilities and to conventional long-term-care insurance. They've been growing in popularity recently, ...

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Alternative school teacher focuses on the positive
Danville Commercial News
After more than 22 years in Danville District 118's alternative education program, Watson is retiring at the end of this school year along with his friend and fellow alternative education teacher Bill Houpt, who has served District 118 for 20 years.

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The Hindu

'Find solutions through alternative sources'
Deccan Herald
The construction industry should find solutions for their problems through alternative sources and hence build affordable houses, said Deputy Speaker of Legislative Assembly N Yogish Bhat after inaugurating 'Mangalore Realty and Buildcon Expo' ...
Call to think of alternative sources for constructionHindu Business Line

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South Bay Healing Center of San Jose Offers Healthy Alternative Ways to Use ...
San Francisco Chronicle (press release)
South Bay Healing Center medical marijuana dispensary offers healthy alternatives to smoking medical marijuana. San Jose, CA (PRWEB) May 19, 2012 Medical marijuana offers many healing properties with many different application methods depending on the ...

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Niche establishments cater to alternative preferences
Williamsport Sun-Gazette
By ALYSSA MURPHY (amurphy@sungazette.com) , Williamsport Sun-Gazette Along with a diversifying global cuisine, some local food establishments are catering to alternative lifestyles. Later this month, Sunflower Cafe and Bakery will open at 145 W. Fourth ...


Cleaner alternative offered to Tondo charcoal makers
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