Alternative Therapies

Alternative medicine is a natural approach to healthcare that includes the use of nutritional supplements and traditional herbal remedies, in addition to age-old practices like acupuncture.

Complementary medicine is another natural approach to healthcare that features a more integrative approach – combining the best of alternative and mainstream medicine, such as the use of acupuncture to help relieve the side effects of mainstream treatments such as pain and nausea.

Mainstream medicine offers plenty of gold-standard treatment protocols to help with specific health problems. While some of these address the symptoms of disease, they can cause side effects and don’t always cure the problem or provide lasting relief.

This is where alternative medicine can help. A natural approach can help address the underlying cause of specific health problems rather than just treating the symptoms. In addition, many natural breakthroughs are far less invasive than mainstream treatments and can help alleviate symptoms without causing harmful side effects.

For instance, chelation therapy – the removal of heavy metal toxins like mercury from the body – can have a tremendous positive impact on your health and yet the mainstream prefers to turn a blind eye to the benefits of this alternative therapy. Or take bioidentical hormone therapy, which offers a safe and effective alternative to mainstream drugs for women going the menopause.

Probiotics (‘friendly’ bacteria) are also making waves in alternative medicine and have been found to not only boost immunity but also promote weight loss and help in the fight against a number of health conditions, including type 2 diabetes and heart disease.

Of course, it’s important to point out that you should always visit your GP as a first port of call – only a doctor can make an accurate diagnosis based on your symptoms and medical history. It is also very important to always consult your doctor prior to taking any natural remedies, especially if you have an existing medical condition and are currently taking any medication, in order to prevent any possible contraindications.

The Daily Health brings you the latest health news on alternative therapies and natural breakthroughs. Giving you all the facts, including scientific studies that have been conducted on the safety and efficacy of these natural approaches, to help you make an informed decision on how these breakthroughs could improve your health and help you steer clear of disease.