Posts Tagged ‘complementary’

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Complementary And Alternative Medicine For Chronic Fatigue Syndrome

Sunday, March 7th, 2010

Controlling the symptoms of chronic fatigue syndrome is no longer restricted to changes in lifestyle, medications and behavioral therapies. There are in fact current treatment modalities that make use of Complementary and Alternative Medicine.

Since many conventional treatments do not guarantee absolute success, alternative medicine, for most people, prove to be very attractive treatment options. Below are some of the most common complementary and alternative treatments used in relieving patients from the symptoms of Chronic Fatigue Syndrome.

Ginseng

In Asia, ginseng is a popular herbal treatment for fatigue as well as in increasing energy which is basically what patients of CFS need. It turns out, the claims around this ancient energy booster herb hold water even when tested through contemporary research. Based on the study conducted by the University of Iowa, ginseng is among the more reliable and effective herbs for CFS. An independent study conducted in California further proved that ginseng is a powerful herb for treating CFS.

Nicotinamide Adenine Dinucleotide (NADH)

In a pioneering study conducted among chronic fatigue patients, it was proven that Nicotinamide Adenine Dinucleotide, more commonly known as NADH, helps in providing extra energy for CFS patients.

Carnitine

Carnitine, a substance found in almost all living cells, has the main function of transporting fatty acids to the powerhouse or the mitochondria of cells. This substance, in a way, is instrumental in the production of cellular energy. Carnitine supplements are helpful to CFS patients since it is found out that among these people, Carnitine levels are very low which is linked to some types of pain, muscle fatigue and decreased tolerance to physical exertion. Supplementation, therefore, can help fix low Carnitine levels.

Carnitine supplements, in general, work well with patients of Chronic Fatigue Syndrome. However high dosage of these supplements may lead to side effects such as diarrhea, rashes, increased appetite and body odor.

Coenzyme Q10 or Co Q10

This is another compound that is found in the energy-producing organelle of the cells- the mitochondria. It is known to play roles in the production of ATP, a chemical compound which produces energy used during muscle contraction.

Dehydroepiandrosterone (DHEA)

DHEA is a type of hormone that is released by the adrenal glands. Small quantities of DHEA are also found in the testes and the ovaries where it is converted into testosterone and estrogen. This hormone plays a great deal in the regulation of sleep, moods and memory. Among patients of chronic fatigue syndrome, this hormone is found in abnormally lower levels. Supplements are therefore needed to normalize these levels. However there are downsides to using DHEA supplements.

Since this hormone is converted into testosterone and estrogen, conditions that are controlled by these hormones may be affected. It is therefore very important that DHEA supplements are used only with doctor’s prescription and supervision.

The substances discussed above are potentially helpful in relieving the symptoms of CFS, especially fatigue. However, it should be remembered that although these come from natural sources, the “natural” factor does not guarantee that the substance is safe. These substances can potentially interfere with other medications and may pose serious danger to the health of individuals who are taking them without sufficient professional assistance.

Having said that, there are other options that are outright safe such as breathing therapy, relaxation therapies, movement therapies, acupuncture and ayurdeva.

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Stroke Sufferers Helped by Complementary and Alternative Medicine

Friday, March 5th, 2010

“More and more, patients are requesting care beyond what most consider to be traditional health services,” say researchers Sita Ananth of Health Forum and William Martin, PsyD, of the College of Commerce at DePaul University in Chicago, in a news release. “Complementary and alternative medicine (CAM) includes therapies not based on traditional Western medical teachings and may include acupuncture, chiropractic, homeopathy, diet and lifestyle changes, herbal medicine, and

massage therapy, among others.

Using magnetic fields to activate the brain and improve movement sounds like something out of a science-fiction novel. While trials of the efficacy of novel drugs in acute stroke and secondary prevention are vital, there is an urgent need for greater funding for non-drug treatment and, in particular, into aspects of stroke service delivery and organisation.

Improved automated detection of embolic signals using a novel frequency filtering approach. Today, cutting-edge robotics technology is revolutionizing how stroke is diagnosed (telemedicine) and treated (robot assisted therapy).

Recent clinical trials have shown that robot-assisted therapy may help stroke patients regain arm movements, even years after a disabling stroke. A monitor attached to the robot plays a series of video games to encourage patients to extend their arms, with the assistance of the robot. Robot assisted therapy is only one tool in the arsenal for stroke rehabilitation. Robots are also assisting on the frontline to quicken the process of stroke diagnosis.

Developed in China as a traditional chinese medicine to help stroke patients achieve better rehabilitation. NeuroAid is safe and has very few reported side effects, which have been found to beof minor concern (such as nausea, vomiting or increased thirst). NeuroAid has shown efficacy for patients who suffered a stroke in the past 6months and have resulting loss of motor function or independence.

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Ambrotose, Mannatech and Complementary and Alternative Medicine

Friday, March 5th, 2010

There are many terms used to describe health care approaches that are outside the realm of conventional medicine and its practices in America and abroad. Complementary and alternative medicine, also known as CAM, is a group of diverse medical and health care systems, practices, and products that are used together with conventional medicine to support complete health and wellness.
Types of Complementary and Alternative Medicine
Often, CAM therapies are used in conjunction with conventional medical techniques to promote health and wellness. Some of these methods include homeopathic medicine, naturopathy, traditional Chinese medicine, energy therapies, yoga, and so on.
As well, biologically based therapies are substances found in nature, such as foods, herbs, and vitamins. Some of these include dietary supplements, glyconutrients, herbal products, and the use of other natural therapies to support optimal well-being.
Dietary Supplements
Dietary supplements are products taken orally that contain a “dietary ingredient” intended to supplement the diet. These may include vitamins, minerals, herbs or other botanicals, amino acids, and substances such as enzymes, and metabolites. They come in many forms, including powders, capsules, concentrates, tablets, extracts, gel caps, and liquids.
Glyconutrients
During the early to mid-1990s, scientists increasingly began to realize the importance of carbohydrates beyond the common belief that they were simply used by the body to create energy. Approximately 200 monosaccharides are found in nature, but only a handful are thought to be necessary for cells to communicate effectively with each other.
Glycobiology is a field of science that focuses on the role carbohydrates play in the body’s biology. Nutritionists have long known of the energy value of carbohydrates, however, it is only in the last few years that it has become increasingly apparent that certain carbohydrates are much more important to cell function than as simple energy sources. A chapter devoted to glycoproteins in Harper’s Biochemistry states that there is evidence that some of these eight plant-based sugars may be beneficial when added to a person’s diet. Ambrotose is an advanced glyconutritional technology that Mannatech places in many of its products, for example.
Some plant-based polysaccharides are known to support to the immune system and certain sugars may be used by the body to create glycoforms. Glycoforms are structures present on the surface of nearly all our cells which allow one cell to communicate with other cells. In fact, sugars are attached to most proteins and many of the fat molecules in the body.
These molecules assist cells in identifying each other and communicating messages such as “I’m a tissue cell.” This cellular communication supports gland and organ function, is a natural immune defense, and works to increase optimal health overall.

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An Overview Of Complementary And Alternative Medicine

Wednesday, March 3rd, 2010

What is complementary and alternative medicine? Complementary and alternative medicine usually refers to practices that are not integrated into conventional medicine. Treatments in the category of complementary and alternative medicine are constantly changing. Treatments change when studies prove them to be effective or not.
Some of the treatments used in complementary and alternative medicine are:
• Homeopathy
• Ayurveda
• Acupuncture
• Herbs
Are the treatments safe and will they work? Educate yourself before starting any new complementary and alternative medicine treatment, and always tell your doctor which ones you are trying.
The two terms complementary and alternative are often grouped together; however, they are not necessarily the same thing.
An example of a complementary treatment would be something used along with the conventional therapies your doctor prescribes.
Alternative therapies are generally something used instead of conventional methods. An example of an alternative therapy or treatment might be seeing a homeopath or naturopath instead of your regular doctor.
Some complementary and alternative medicine practitioners use similar principles to what your conventional doctor might do. Others might be quite different. The basic philosophies of complementary and alternative medicine include:
• Your body heals itself
• Prevention is the most important element
• Learning and healing go together. The complementary and alternative medicine practitioner sees himself or herself as a teacher and mentor to guide you. You are the one who does the healing.
There are five broad categories the National Institute of Health uses for classification of therapies used by complementary and alternative medicine practitioners, they are:
• Healing Systems
• Mind-Body Connections
• Dietary Supplements and Herbs
• Manipulation and Touch
• Energy Therapies
Contrary to what you might think, most doctors are not opposed to complementary and alternative medicine. About half the doctors in the United States refer people to complementary and alternative practitioners.
On the dark side is that some alternative medicine practitioners make exaggerated claims about curing disease. They may ask you to forsake treatment from your conventional doctor to use their unproven treatments. It is true also that some forms of alternative medicine can even hurt you. It is wise to educate yourself before using treatments, and always discuss your plans to use alternative and/or conventional treatments with your personal physician. Your doctor most likely is the best source to help you sort out the good from the bad.
Source: Mayo clinic (2006)
Disclaimer: *These statements have not been evaluated by the Food and Drug Administration. This article is not meant to diagnose, treat or cure any kind of a health problem. Always consult with your health care provider about any kind of a health problem.
This article is FREE to publish with the resource box. This article was written (2-2007).

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