I was amazed at how Magnetic Resonance Imaging examination (MRI) of the head works and how detailed it can be. My wife recently had cause to have an (MRI) of the head, which resulted in the detection and successful removal of a non-cancerous meningioma

Detailed MR images allow physicians to better evaluate parts of the body and certain diseases that may not be assessed adequately with other imaging methods such as x-ray, ultrasound or computed tomography (also called CT or CAT scanning).

MRI stands for Magnetic Resonance Imaging and uses magnetism instead of x-rays to build a detailed picture of your head. My wife advised that it is in no way painful and the only discomfort is in the fact that you will be asked to lie very still for what will appear to you to be a long period of time, anywhere between 25 and 45 minutes.

What appears to make some people apprehensive is:

a) A feeling of confinement or claustrophobia.

b) Normally you will be in the room all alone.

c) The noises from the equipment i.e. a succession of clicks and bangs.

d) Drinking a small amount of contrast material or taking an injection intravenously.

None of these matters need to be a worry as long as you know about them before hand: The MRI unit is positioned pretty close to your body, you will be alone when the unit is active or everyone would have to abide by the strict restrictions connected with the MRI unit. The noises only appear loud because you are alone and they are not scary and the contrast allows the radiologist to have a clearer, more defined image.

Like everything else - we fear the unknown. Your progress will be monitored by a technician throughout the examination. You are not really alone during the Magnetic Resonance Imaging examination - they will be able to hear and see you. There is also a two way intercom and therefore if you speak you can attract attention.

Do’s and Don’ts for MRI Examinations

DO’S:

1) DO ask if you can follow breakfast, lunch and dinner prior to the exam - this is usually the case, however, a curry and lots of alcohol is not a pleasant aroma to leave for the next patient.

2) DO advise the radiologist if you have allergies. if contrast material is to be administered they will wnt to know.

3) DO advise the radiologist if you are pregnant or suspect you may be.

4) DO take with you your own favourite CD or you may find yourself listening to something so boring it makes the time go even slower. Hint: Rock and Roll or Saturday Night Fever is not conducive to remaining as still as possible.

5) DO leave all jewellery at home as it interferes with the magnetic field of the MRI unit.

6) DO relax and try to stay as still as possible. The tenser you are the more difficult this is and you may end up suffering cramp and having to go through it all again.

DON’TS

1) DON’T put any type of hair pin or clip in your hair.

2) DON’T sneak your hearing aid in to listen to that CD I have just told you to bring along - Not allowed. Hearing aids will also interfere and are not allowed.

3) DON’T dress up because MRI examinations give you the opportunity to try out the latest creation in hospital gowns together with your best underwear. Thongs are not recommended for males or females!

4) DON’T forget to leave all removable dental work at home.

5) DON’T fidget - it will be over before you know it.

6) DON’T whine if you are a grown up - be brave - there might be a 5 year old waiting his turn outside.

The images are being recorded a few seconds to a few minutes at a time so it is important that you remain perfectly still. Tapping and knocking sounds will be heard when images are being recorded. You will be able to relax briefly between imaging sequences.

The benefit of the Magnetic Resonance Imaging examination is that this technique is non-invasive and does not involve any exposure to radiation. Where brain tumours are concerned the MR images are the most sensitive examination method as they are usually clearer and more detailed.

Our mental health can vary according to our circumstances and can change across our lifetime, in the same way as our physical health does.

Mental health problems are among the most common of all health conditions, directly affecting about a quarter of the population in any one year. Depression and anxiety are the most widespread conditions.

Anxiety disorders – Mental Health

Anxiety disorders can take many forms. You may experience free-floating anxiety without knowing exactly why you’re feeling that way. You may suffer from sudden, intense panic attacks that strike without warning. Your anxiety may come in the form of extreme social inhibition or in unwanted obsessions and compulsions. Or you may have a phobia of an object or situation that doesn’t seem to bother other people.

Symtoms Of Anxiety Disorders

• Apprehension, uneasiness, and dread

• Impaired concentration or selective attention

• Feeling restless or on edge

Mental Health – Type of Dementia

Dementia is the loss of mental functions, such as thinking, memory and reasoning, that is severe enough to interfere with a person’s daily life. Dementia is not a disease itself, but rather a group of symptoms that may accompany certain diseases or conditions. Symptoms may involve changes in personality, mood and behavior.

Causes of Dementia

• Vascular disorders, such as multi-infarct dementia, which is caused by multiple strokes in the brain

• Depression

• Infections of the central nervous system such as meningitis, HIV, and Creutzfeldt-Jakob disease, a quickly progressing and fatal disease that is characterized by dementia and muscle twitching and spasm

Causes of Mental Health Illness

Although the exact cause of most mental illnesses is not known, it is becoming clear through research that many of these conditions are caused by a combination of biological, psychological and environmental factors.

Symptoms Of Mental Health Disturbance

ACTING DIFFERENT THAN USUAL. Can you link this change in behavior to something that has happened recently? Any event, such as the death of a close relative, or even something positive – like a job promotion – can trigger a troublesome emotional reaction.

BECOMES AGGRESSIVE, RUDE, AND ABUSIVE OVER MINOR INCIDENTS. Are there remarks about groups or individuals “out to get me?” If that last remark was made in all seriousness, and blowups and violent physical behavior occur, there is a strong indication some help may be required.

The greatest symptoms which trigger mental health concerns have to do with the person’s ability to function. When they suddenly start missing a lot of work or school or losing jobs, not eating or eating too much, barely sleeping or not sleeping at all, and seem to be irritable or angry with everyone and everything, these are usually early symptoms of mental health issues. As symptoms progress the individual may experience self harm such as cutting or burning themselves and taking unnecessary risks with their safety. Any significant drastic change can be a symptom of a mental health issue

Failure to conform to social norms with respect to lawful behaviors as indicated by repeatedly performing acts that are grounds for arrest

Deceitfulness, as indicated by repeated lying, use of aliases, or conning others for personal profit or pleasure

The history of alternative medicine is a rather interesting one, and has its origins in traditional methods of medicine. Alternative medicine has beenin existence since time immemorial. Being a primeval science, this medicinal system has been known to man since the early days of his time on Earth. Using natural ingredients to prevent and cure most illnesses has perhaps been man’s greatest foray into medical science. Traditional medical practitioners aimed at prevention of diseases associated with an increase in resistance of the human body. As an expert rightly pointed out, “The study of the history of alternative medicine is fascinating on a variety of levels, not just concerning other and often better ways of preserving and restoring health.”

Practised for thousands of years, alternative medicine includes systems like Acupuncture, Ayurveda and traditional Asian medicine. Alternative medicine branches out from the Complementary and Alternative Medicine (CAM) treatments and therapies. CAM is often combined with formal, conventional medicine, integrating both medical practices, in order to give the best results to patients. It can be said that the earlier methods of medicine were attempted at achieving a balance between bodily and natural energy. Energies were sought as positive and negative energies, where positive energies were to bring in happiness and health and negative energies an incapacitation of resistance to face any ailments. Matters of utmost importance in deciding therapies or treatments in these earlier medical systems were factors like one’s lifestyle, one’s habits of eating and one’s occupational pressures.

The earliest use of traditional remedies dates back to 2800 BC in China. Practised all over the world in more than a hundred disciplines, alternative medicine has aided medical tourism in an unprecedented manner. Using alternative medicine and following alternative medical practices not only removes any possible additional affects of the illness but also increases the resilience of the body. It is generally claimed that natural remedies are not only less inimical to human physiology but they also help in retaining body pliancy. Systems of natural, traditional medicines use a combination of ingredients to restore the bodily constituents. In fact, natural remedies are considered more as food, given their natural constituents. Since alternative medicine is based on completely natural methods and there is no usage of any chemicals, there is no danger of any interference with the organic system. A holistic approach as opposed to looking at a set of symptoms and a treatment that delves into the root-cause of an illness are some of the distinct and highly acknowledged features of alternative medicine. It is also opined that widespread use of modern medicine has deteriorated the immune system in the human physiology and has resulted in these modern medicines becoming less effective. It is also often said that alternative medicine is the only way to cure some incurable diseases.

A Brief History of Alternative Medicine

The history of alternative medicine can be traced back to some 5000 years, when the Chinese and Indians  discovered traditional and Ayurvedic therapies to heal the body and the mind. The real objective was to identify the deterrents in the body system which caused ailments, and strengthened the body’s immunity. The therapies mainly incorporated self-care, lifestyle changes and various preventive measures. The normal practices that were followed in the early stages of the history of alternative medicine include the extractions of the bark of willow trees. Many kitchen ingredients were also used for treating patients. The treatments were considered as the blessings of God, as it brought immense relief to the writhing bodies and prayer was considered as one of the strongest weapons in waging war against ailments.

Alternative Medicine and Medical Tourism

Today, alternative medicine holds out immense potential in attracting medical tourists. For example, India is likely to become a major hub for medical tourism, with revenues from the industry estimated to grow from US$333 million in 2007 to US$2.2 billion by 2012, says a study by the Confederation of Indian Industry (CII) and McKinsey.3 The major competitive advantages that India faces are cost effectiveness and traditional medical systems like Ayurveda and Naturopathy.

The world has witnessed the development of many traditional as well as modern systems of medicine in the 20th century. Path-breaking discoveries like penicillin, technological advancements in modern surgery, major research advancement in stem cell research and genetic structure, and the development of traditional medical systems like traditional Chinese system of medicine, Acupuncture, Osteopathy, Homeopathy, Ayurveda, Yoga, Unani and others have all been a part of developments in the omnipotent territory of global medicine. The major competitive advantages that India has are cost effectiveness and traditional medical systems like Ayurveda and Naturopathy. The last few years have seen countries with their own individual expertise attracting tourists from all over the world and promoting medical tourism like never before.

India

In India, medical tourism in alternative medicine has its ancestry in South India and some places in North-Eastern India. Internationally famed for its natural remedies and therapies, Kerala’s schools of medicine have embraced Siddha, Naturopathy and Ayurveda in treating their patients. These traditional medical practices are estimated to attract high-end medical tourists from Europe and Middle Eastern countries. The vital advantages that a country like India faces with regard to medical tourism are its traditional therapies like yoga and Ayurveda combined with tourist attractions in states like Kerala and north-eastern states.

Naturopathy, a therapeutic system based on natural remedies, trusts natural elements like air, water and sunlight, combined with therapeutic massages and conditioning and toning of the human body. Naturopathy believes that the human body has the capacity to heal on its own, provided it is in a healthy environment. With a holistic approach to well-being, Naturopathy believes that the three physical entities – the physical body, the supernatural soul and the mind – must be integrated through natural energies. “A recent survey shows that 76% of global drugs are consumed by USA and European countries. We believe that freedom from diseases and drugs can only be achieved by living a natural life style.”

Ayurveda, the most ancient health care system, takes its ingredients from nature. The use of herbs, materials like gold and mercury and many household ingredients make this science easily accessible to common man. Ayurveda claims to cure diseases like diabetes with the aid of nature. The Siddha medical system, which is a part of Ayurveda, employs herbs, minerals and advanced scientific techniques under ancient principles of medical science to cure many chronic diseases. It is named as one of the most complicated and intricate forms of medicine. Siddha considers nature and man as one essential entity. It claims that physiological characteristics like human aging can itself be arrested with natural remedies. Naturopathy has evolved medical tourism in India in more than one ways.

With its systems of medication using all natural ingredients to restore the holistic disease-fighting nature of the human body, the medicine has created increased chances of its own survival through tourists from all parts of the world visiting India to reap its benefits. As Vitthal Kamat of the Kamat Group of Hotels says, “With Naturopathy and Ayurveda along with the world renowned tourist attractions and heritage places, the tourism sector can grow in leaps and bounds.”  Naturopathy in “KayaKalp”, a naturopathy centre in Himachal Pradesh, run by the Vivekananda Medical Research Trust in India has served medical tourists in detoxifying, immunizing and rejuvenating through Yoga, Pranayama, Panchkarma, Meditation and Naturopathy. Its therapies are claimed to be drug-less and extremely natural. Naturopathy takes the help of Ayurvedic preparations for healing processes like Panchkarma and improvement of blood circulation.

India’s pioneer in alternative therapy – medical tourism, Kerala, has visitors from all over the world in the months of June, July and August. These months are looked upon as the best period for cure of bodily ailments through Ayurveda. High quality medical facilities provided at low prices are the main tourist attraction in Kerala. Mr. M Narayanan, head of Poovar Island Resort says that there are tourists from countries like Australia, Europe and Germany. The packages offered in these Ayurvedic spas include services like Ayurvedic oil massages, powder massages, vegetarian diets, detoxification programs and a lifestyle change. In fact it is little known that Ayurveda includes not just massages, but a whole gamut of services like herbal and natural diet plans, natural healing therapies, and therefore a full-fledged medical system.

Ayurveda Gram, a unique Ayurvedic Institution in Bangalore offers Ayurveda in its wellness form to medical tourists. It offers services like Customized Yoga, Pranayama, Meditation, and a vegetarian diet to boost metabolism. Its sprawling campus full of medicinal herbs and natural surrounds helps in the processes of cure for specific ailments like Arthiritis, Spondilytis, Cholesterol, Sinusitis, Peptic Ulcer and Obesity. Other therapies by Ayurveda Gram include Stress Management therapies, Panchkarma and rejuvenation therapies.

AYUSH, the department of Ayurveda, Yoga and Naturopathy, Unani, Siddha and Homeopathy was formed under the Indian Medicine Central Council Act, 1970. One of the most recent awareness activities undertaken by AYUSH was a health fair organized in parts of Hyderabad, Chennai, Indore and New Delhi. AYUSH ensured that the major  Ayurvedic, Unani and Siddha manufacturers in India participated in this health fair.

Another famous Ayurvedic centre in India is the C V N Kalari Centre for Ayurveda. Kalari is one of the approved Ayurvedic centres recognized by the Kerala Tourism Department.6 Kalari has its customers from many foreign countries. The centre specializes in Marma Chikitsa (the application of pressure on specific nerve points) and other special practices of healing. Having both therapeutic and rejuvenative aspects in them, these specialized healing procedures take extensive help of Ayurveda to treat the ailing.

Some Ayurvedic resorts have formulated Ayurvedic kitchens that help improve the effectiveness of oil treatments. Diet regimens, detoxification programs and other processes that give a glowing skin to the customer are very popular. Some of these Ayurvedic resorts also arrange for cooking classes to help their customers acquire and maintain the lifestyle that they are introduced to in these spas and resorts.

Ananda, an Ayurvedic Spa in the Himalayas is one of the most famous destination resorts in India. It offers specialty Ayurvedic packages like Aroma therapy massages, reflexology programs for rejuvenation, stress release programs, personalized Yoga sessions, body composition analysis and weight reduction programs through Yoga and Ayurveda. Ananda claims that its packages and therapies cure many ailments like headaches, nausea, climatic disorders, facial paralysis, insomnia, asthma, neuralgia and does general improvement of metabolism.

China

The 3000 year-old method of traditional medicine in China has gained popularity as the world’s most popular medicine, being used by more than a quarter of the world in treating even chronic diseases like cancer, AIDS, allergies and heart diseases. Traditional Chinese Medicine (TCM) uses medicinal herbs, therapeutic exercises and acupuncture to cure ailments. TCM diagnoses illnesses based on the five elements theory and the yin-yang theory. The five elements theory base their evaluation on the five elements – wood, fire, earth, metal and water to establish a connection between human physiology and pathology and the natural environment.7 The movement of these five elements constantly rules the functioning of the human body and thus establishes the interdependence of both.

The yin-yang theory calls for comprehending the bright and dark sides of the universe, in other words, the opposite properties of the universe.8 The relative nature of yin and yang represents the interrelationship between substance and function. As traditional chinese medical practitioners say “Only with ample substance can the human body function in a healthy way; and only when the functional processes are in good condition, can the essential substances be appropriately refreshed.”

Chinese herbal medicine is more known as Chinese materia medica. This includes Chinese crude medicine, prepared drugs in pieces, traditional Chinese patented medicines and simplified Chinese medicinal preparations. Chinese herbology, a major aspect of TCM addresses the art of combining medicinal herbs.10 It visualizes the entire human body’s balance of energies and spirit to treat a medical condition.

Herbs are combined into different potions of various characteristics for the sake of different individuals being treated by TCM practitioners. Herbs like Astragalus, Ginkgo, Ginger, Green Tea, Siberian Ginseng and Garlic are used to treat several ailments. Around 300 mineral and animal extracts and 400 formulae are used to cure diseases, in Traditional Chinese Medicine.

Acupuncture, as part of TCM is used to unblock the flow of vital energy through the human body.11 One of the oldest healing techniques in the world, this traditional method aims at “restoring health through simulation of specific points on the body.”12 Ailments like nausea, addictions and some kinds of pains are claimed to be treated with the help of acupuncture.

Taking advantage of its abundant human resources, China is luring medical tourists into its web of alternative medical therapies. Wellness packages in China come at low costs and without any side-effects, thanks to proliferated Traditional Chinese Medicine. Several massages and spas have been set up in recent times that provide mental health and physical well-being to medical tourists with the help of Chinese medicinal herbs. Wellness apartments are established for the purpose of serving senior medical tourists. These wellness apartments facilitate these tourists in practising their own hobbies and also conducting medical activities like Taiji.

Germany

Germany’s alternative medical practices have their origins in Homeopathy, a medical system that was developed by Samuel Hahnemann, a German physician. Homeopathy considers symptoms as disturbances of vital forces that have connection with the human body. Homeopathic advocators believe that this medical system has the ability to cure acute diseases like flu, cold, pains, depression and fatigue, constipation, irritability other than chronic diseases. It is claimed to cure allergies and allergic disorders like Eczema and Asthma. Moreover, this medical system is child friendly, in the sense, that the medication given by homeopaths is sweet to the tooth and therefore acceptable. Homeopaths are known for debonair and their hands free treatment of patients. They concentrate more on the patient’s state of mind and attitude towards life. The preparation of different potions in Homeopathy is done mostly with the help of herbs, minerals and animal extracts. Also, it is often reasoned that since the dosage that homeopaths prescribe is in such minute constitutions and because they come in dilutions of substances like water and alcohol there is no chance of any side-effects.

Germany also stands famous for its herbal remedies. Regulated by Commission E14 on the purity and pharmaceutical activity, these herbal medicines in Germany have come a long way in preventing and curing many diseases like cancer, AIDS and other serious ailments. Most physicians in Germany are required to be educated in Alternative therapies, so that it serves complimentary to modern medical treatments.

As Mark Blumenthal, chairman of the American Botanical Council points out, “Most of the clinical research that’s conducted on the leading herbal medicines in the United States comes from Germany.”15

With more than 300 spa towns, Germany has become the premier destination for health and wellness in Europe.16 One of the most famous resorts in Germany is the Baltic Spa Resort in Warnemunde. Situated on the shore of the Baltic Sea, it idealizes the sea as a “homeopathic pharmacy” and claims that “it contains all important trace elements and has a similar composition to human blood”17 Sea water is said to have revitalizing effects in treating bodily ailments like respiratory illnesses, sleep disorders and obesity. Other than these, mental disorders like depression, anxiety and agony are claimed to be cured with the help of the sea.

Sea breeze is said to be specifically effective in treating cardio-vascular as well as dermatological conditions. Major advantages that Germany faces are in terms of both cost and quality. As Axel Steller, the CEO of the Arab German Health Foundation points out, “In the US, operations are four to five times more expensive as they are in Germany”.

Japan

Japanese medicine is known as Kanpo or Kampo, a herbal medicine that forms part of well-researched modern clinical methods and also traditional methods of medicine. A Japanese variant of the traditional Chinese medicine or the Oriental medicine, Kanpo adheres to the body’s natural instincts and natural mechanism of healing. For this purpose, medical treatment involves diagnosis of the tongue, abdomen and pulse. At each stage of the treatment, different formulae that are necessary to bring the body back to normalcy, are prepared by the physician.

These herbal medicines are regulated by the Japanese Government. Kanpo medicine is used to cure many acute and chronic ailments like cardio-vascular, respiratory, digestive, reproductive and dermatological conditions and immune system corrections and even disorders like bedwetting, high cholesterol and hepatitis. Though Kanpo therapies take longer than usual to work, this medical system uses some very natural diagnosis and treatment methods and concepts like water, blood and air to identify bodily symptoms. Also, it is claimed that these herbal medicines produce no side-effects because of their natural compositions. Japanese therapists of Anma visit countries like India and Singapore to help in promotion of health tourism. Anma, a traditional Japanese massage, is said to be a complete form of Shiastu19 that treats the body to release blood flow in a proper manner to rejuvenate the body.

Apart from attracting tourists for its natural herbal medical treatments, Medical tourism in Japan has become popular thanks to its volcanic areas that have allowed the formation of some hot mineral water springs called Onsen. Japanese Onsen serve as places where the ailing can get alternative treatments to modern medical practices. These have medicinal properties that heal wounds, alleviate pains and replenish energy levels. Senior tourists and people suffering from many kinds of aches and pains come flocking to these mineral water springs. The healing properties of these springs are accentuated by the surrounding volcanic soil that is composed of many minerals and curative elements.

Outlook of Medical Tourism in Alternative Medicine

Alternative medicine is here to stay, claim some traditional medical practitioners. Given its perceived advantages over the modern medical techniques and the expensive western medicines, alternative medical therapy is gaining ground in many developing as well as developed countries. Practices like Ayurveda and Homeopathy claim that surgery may always be the last option in case of treatment of an ailment. Natural medicines like herbs and minerals can all be partaken as food and not medicines as such, since their composition is all natural. Alternative medicine is used in conjunction with modern medicine to treat many chronic ailments like diabetes and AIDS. This helps modern medical practitioners to evolve a closer relationship with the patient and cure him to a greater extent, thus giving him a new perspective to life. It follows that one should never overlook the disposition of the traditional cures suggested by our ancestors. These provide a standpoint from where one can comprehend the profundity of traditional and alternative medicine, and gauge the tremendous potential of alternative medicine in medical tourism.

Herbal and plant remedies are an option known to mankind for ages now. An alternative form of treatment, this line of alternative cure has been present for years. However, due to the lack of knowledge and unavailability of the specific details regarding the herbal medicines and their effects, the remedies have not been very popular.

They have been in use in countries like India and China for centuries now; however, their use in the western world was limited. The western world is now gaining more awareness regarding the benefits of natural remedies and is exploring the world of nature’s medicine. The main attraction about natural remedies medicine is the fact that you have cures to almost all diseases without any side effects. These herbal treatments do not use any chemicals that can cause any side effects.

For those who have had to take drugs on a regular basis due to the nature of their ailment, natural remedies come as a big relief. These drugs offer a natural cure and in no way cause any harm to your body. If you are worried about popping pills, the answer to your problems lies in herbal remedies – a solution that does not have any kind of side effects.

Herbs of different kinds act differently providing relief from several diseases. The different parts of an herb are used for developing a cure for different diseases. From the root, stems, leaves to the flowers provide effective remedies for the treatment of different illnesses. There are herbal treatments and flower remedies that work as supplements, astringents, diuretics, laxatives and other cures depending on the herb that you choose to use. Herbal or natural remedies are available for diseases like rheumatoid arthritis, heart ailments, psoriasis, weight loss, backaches and even for treating the symptoms of menopause. The list of ailments that herbal remedies can provide a solution to is truly unlimited. It is an effective cure that is provided by nature herself.

With herbal remedies now becoming an accepted and popular mode of treatment, there are several companies involved in the field of research. The companies with their excellent research and development facilities are able to carry out extensive research and gain insight into the uses of an herb and the diseases that they can provide a cure for. There are reputed renowned brands that have made an entry on the scene and backed by their experience and expertise offer you an authentic natural remedy that has no side effects. There are herbal tinctures and other medicines that are produced using the different parts of herbs.

With natural remedies there are specialists who provide you information and cure the herbal way. You would be able to find an herbal expert who would be to guide you regarding the herbal treatment that you should adopt. The herbal expert would be able to prescribe you a suitable natural remedy that would cure you of your ailment without any kind of side effects.

When you get sick, you go to the doctor. And the doctor will, of course, prescribe medicines. You will go and buy medicines. You take them, and hopefully, you get well.This is how the health profession goes on nowadays, a cycle of diagnosis and prescription.

If anyone were to give you herbs for medicine, you would probably say that that person was a quack.

But nowadays, studies are being conducted to see if there are really is any merit to what is called natural medicine.

Natural medicine is the use of natural methods, herbal medicines, and traditional practices to heal ailments. Every culture has a form of natural medicine. In ancient cultures, village medicine men served as the doctors of the community, passing on medical knowledge to the apprentices that followed them.

Many categories of the healing methods fall under natural medicine. Among these are traditional medicine, complementary medicine, and alternative medicine.

Usually, natural medicine refers to medical practices that were in place before the advent of modern medicine.

This includes herbal medicine, or phytotherapy, which is prevalent in Chinese, Ayurvedic(or Indian), and Greek medicine.

Upon the advent of modern medicine, many professionals discarded the use of herbs in favor of man-made medicine. The fact that these treatments are based on the healing properties of some herbs was forgotten.

For example, opium, digitalis, quinine, and aspirin all have their roots in traditional medicine.

Natural medicine can be considered as a lost art. This does not mean that it has lost efficacy over time. In some cases, natural therapy is actually better than modern medicine. This leads some doctors to seriously consider and study the possible uses of natural medicine

Before we continue, it is important to stress that not all the natural remedies are legitimate. It would help to only try those remedies which have been thoroughly studied and are relatively risk free.

Take herbal medicine for example. There are many well-documented and studied herbal remedies available. However, only those that deal with minor ailments such as cough, colds, fever, skin rashes, and the like are likely to be recommended by health professionals. These remedies are sometimes superior to synthetic medicine. This is because herbal medicines are less likely to cause negative side effects.

Currently there are numerous organizations that study the effects and advocacy of natural medicine among which is herbal medicine. Some governments and health agencies openly advocate the use of natural methods since they are inexpensive and relatively risk-free.

As their studies compile, more herbs and treatments are added to the list of accepted medicines. However, many herbs and treatments have been proven to be bogus medicine. This represents a challenge for both the user and the agencies because they have to ascertain that the treatments they either use or advocate are legitimate.

There exist today many alternative medical treatments that fall under natural medicine. However, not all of them have been proven to be effective. You could mention homeopathy, aromatherapy, acupuncture, and other alternative medical treatments. It would pay to consult the experts as to the legitimacy of these treatments.

Natural medicine should also be thought of as an accompanying medicine. Right now, the current collective medical thought suggests that natural medicine be used only to supplement accepted modern medical practices. In that case of minor ailments your expert we actually advise you to take natural therapies instead.

The practice of modern medicine revolves around diagnosing an illness and prescribing treatments for such. Natural medicine is helpful because it suggests that treatment be not necessarily given only when sick. Natural medicine strives to make each patient practice good health habits. These habits include good diet, healthy living, and the regular natural treatment.

It is this same line of thought that leads our parents to tell us to eat our vegetables. Yes, a healthy lifestyle and will do no harm to our well-being. And this is the foundation of natural medicine; may it be massage, herbal medicine, aromatherapy or others.

It is funny but true that science, in its quest for excellence, is studying the knowledge of sages past. This, surprisingly, leads us back to the remedies nature offers. The possibilities of finding remedies to everyday illnesses in natural medicine are encouraging. So staying tuned to studying these remedies is worthwhile until we can verify that these therapies are truly helpful to our health and our society.