Traditional Medicine PDF

TRADITIONAL MEDICINE Disclaimer! Critical evaluation is extremely important here. I am not making any endorsements nor should you use this information to treat yourself without the consultation of a doctor! Someone once said……There are only two types of fools: one profess...

TRADITIONAL MEDICINE Disclaimer! Critical evaluation is extremely important here. I am not making any endorsements nor should you use this information to treat yourself without the consultation of a doctor! Someone once said……There are only two types of fools: one professes “this is old and therefore good” and the other says “This is new and therefore better” Point: Use your scientific evaluations in the matter, it is a matter of life or death! HERBAL PLANTS The Philippine Department of Health (DOH) through its "Traditional Health Program" has endorsed 10 medicinal plants to be used as herbal medicine in Philippines due to its health benefits. The following are the 10 Medicinal Plants in the Philippines endorsed by DOH: Akapulko (Cassia alata) a medicinal plant called "ringworm bush or schrub" and "acapulco" in English, this Philippine herbal medicine is used to treat tinea infections, insect bites, ringworms, eczema, scabies and itchiness. Ampalaya ( Momordica charantia) common names include "bitter melon " or "bitter gourd " in English. This Philippine herbal medicine has been found to be effective in the treatment of diabetes (diabetes mellitus), hemorrhoids, coughs, burns and scalds, and being studied for anti-cancer properties. Bawang (Allium sativum) common name is "Garlic". Bawang is a used in Philippine herbal medicine to treat infection with antibacterial, anti- inflammatory, anti- cancer and anti- hypertensive properties. It is widely used to reduce cholesterol level in blood. Bayabas ( Psidium guajava) “Guava" in English. A Philippine herbal medicine used as antiseptic, anti- inflammatory, anti- spasmodic, antioxidant hepatoprotective, anti-allergy, antimicrobial, anti- plasmodial, anti- cough, antidiabetic, and antigenotoxic in folkloric medicine. Lagundi (Vitex negundo) known as "5- leaved chaste tree” in English is used in Philippine herbal medicine to treat cough, colds and fever. It is also used as a relief for asthma & pharyngitis, rheumatism, dyspepsia, boils, and diarrhea. Niyog-niyogan (Quisqualis indica L.) is a vine known as "Chinese honey suckle". This Philippine herbal medicine is used to eliminate intestinal parasites. Sambong ( Blumea balsamifera) English name: "Ngai camphor or Blumea camphor" is a Philippine herbal medicine used to treat kidney stones, wounds and cuts, rheumatism, anti- diarrhea, anti spasms, colds and coughs and hypertension. Tsaang Gubat ( Ehretia microphylla Lam.) English :"Wild tea" is a Philippine herbal medicine taken as tea to treat skin allergies including eczema, scabies and itchiness wounds in child birth. Ulasimang Bato | Pansit-Pansitan (Peperomia pellucida) is a Philippine herbal medicine known for its effectivity in treating arthritis and gout. Yerba Buena (Clinopodium douglasii) commonly known as Peppermint, is used in Philippine herbal medicine as analgesic to relive body aches and pain due to rheumatism and gout. It is also used to treat coughs, colds and insect bites.  INFUSION & DECOCTION OF PLANTS INFUSION Made by steeping leaves or flowers in a liquid (most often water) to extract the plant’s active ingredients. Can be done in hot or cold water, but hot is most efficient. Example: Chamomile tea Used for: Sleep aid DECOCTION Best suited to the harder parts of a plant (namely the bark, roots or berries) this method boils or simmers the plant part to extract the plant’s active ingredients. Example: Ginger tea Used for: Pain relief or tummy soothing COMPLEMENTARY & ALTERNATIVE MEDICINE TRADITIONA L& ALTERNATIV E MEDICINE This field includes the more mainstream and accepted forms of therapy, such as acupuncture, homeopathy, and Oriental practices. These therapies have been practiced for centuries worldwide. Traditional alternative medicine may include: oAcupuncture oAyurveda oHomeopathy oNaturopathy oChinese or Oriental medicine BODY TOUCH Body Touch has been used in medicine since the early days of medical care. Healing by touch is based on the idea that illness or injury in one area of the body can affect all parts of the body. If, with manual manipulation, the other parts can be brought back to optimum health, the body can fully focus on healing at the site of injury or illness. Body techniques are often combined with those of the mind. Examples of body therapies include: oChiropractic and osteopathic medicine oMassage oBody movement therapies oTai chi oYoga DIETS & HERBS Over the centuries, man has gone from a simple diet consisting of meats, fruits, vegetables, and grains, to a diet that often consists of foods rich in fats, oils, and complex carbohydrates. Nutritional excess and deficiency have become problems in today's society, both leading to certain chronic diseases. Many dietary and herbal approaches attempt to balance the body's nutritional well-being. Dietary and herbal approaches may include: oDietary supplements oHerbal medicine oNutrition/diet EXTERNAL ENERGY Some people believe external energies from objects or other sources directly affect a person's health. An example of external energy therapy is: oElectromagnetic therapy oReiki oQigong MIND Even standard or conventional medicine recognizes the power of the connection between mind and body. Studies have found that people heal better if they have good emotional and mental health. Therapies using the mind may include: oMeditation oBiofeedback oHypnosis SENSES Some people believe the senses, touch, sight, hearing, smell, and taste, can affect overall health. Examples of therapies incorporating the senses include: oArt, dance, and music oVisualization and guided imagery  WHAT IS TRADITIONAL MEDICINE? The World Health Organization (WHO) defines traditional medicine as the “sum total of the knowledge, skill, and practices based on the theories, beliefs, and experiences indigenous to different cultures, whether explicable or not, used in the maintenance of health, as well as in the prevention, diagnosis, improvement or treatment of physical and mental illness.” To put it simply, traditional systems of medicine are those that are unique or indigenous to a particular country or culture. Some of the most widely used traditional medicine methods include those from China, India, and Africa. 1. Chinese Medicine This system of healing, which dates back to 200 B.C., proposes that the body should balance two opposing yet inseparable forces: yin and yang. When the two forces are not balanced, the condition may lead to a disease because the vital energy known as qi does not flow freely in the body. To restore balance and wellness, the Chinese medicine system uses a combination of natural products, massages, diet changes, or exercise to facilitate healing. Acupuncture and moxibustion—or the application of heat on acupuncture points —are also vital components in Chinese medicine. 2. Ayurvedic Medicine In India, where this healing system came from, ayurveda means “science of life.” Ayurvedic medicine is a natural treatment method that considers the body, mind, and spirit as having equal importance to one’s health. There is also a belief that yoga is one of the foundations of Ayurvedic medicine. Under the Ayurvedic medical system, primary treatment methods focus on a person’s diet and exercise, as well as the use of herbs, massage, meditation, and controlled breathing. 3. Homeopathy The founder of homeopathy, Samuel Christian Hahnemann, was a German physician who developed the so-called principle of similars. Just like in human pathogenic trials, wherein sick people receive drug treatments depending on their symptoms, the core framework of homeopathy involves matching the drug to the symptoms of the disease. 4. Kampo Medicine Kampo medicine refers to Japanese traditional herbal medicine. It is similar to Chinese medicine, with the Japanese symbol kan means China, and po means medicine. As such, Kampo medicine involves the preparation of herbal medicines like licorice and ginseng to treat a wide range of health conditions, from allergies to high cholesterol levels and chronic hepatitis. Kampo medicine also emphasizes identifying patterns of whole-body symptoms rather than thinking of diseases in terms of specific organs. 5. Naturopathy Naturopathy, which translates to “nature disease,” originated from Europe, focusing on disease treatment and health restoration. This healing system also considers disease as a way for the body to show that its natural healing processes are changing. Aside from Europe, naturopathic medicine is also common in Australia, Canada, New Zealand, and the United States. Methods of treatment center on modifying the diet, using nutritional supplements, herbal medicine, Chinese medicine, acupuncture, and hydrotherapy.  WHAT IS ALTERNATIVE MEDICINE? 1. Acupuncture Acupuncture is the technique of using needles on specific body points. An acupuncturist sticks thin, sterile needles into the skin to stimulate the body’s natural ability to heal itself. Studies from the National Institutes of Health confirm that acupuncture is an effective treatment either on its own or in combination with conventional therapies like fibromyalgia, osteoarthritis, and asthma, as well as stroke rehabilitation. 2. Chiropractic Medicine Chiropractic medicine is the technique of manipulating the spine to improve health without resorting to medication or surgery. This is due to the belief that, given the proper support or alignment of body parts, the human body can heal itself naturally. The term chiropractic came from Greek words, where cheir means “hands” and praxis means “practice.” Chiropractors use their hands and elbows to realign the spine for pain reduction and improved body function. Chiropractic medicine helps treat lower back pain, neck pain, and dizziness, among other related ailments. 3. Herbal Medicine Herbal medicine refers to the practice of using plant-based products to treat diseases and maintain overall health. Unlike prescription or over-the-counter drugs that may contain purified ingredients from plants, herbal medicines contain entire plants or plant parts. Some studies have shown the efficacy of certain herbs as treatment for allergies, chronic fatigue, and premenstrual syndrome. However, since herbal supplements fall under the category of foods instead of drugs, they may not be subject to testing, manufacturing, and labeling regulations. 4. Energy Therapies Energy therapies describe the focus on manipulating energy fields within the body. This type of health care taps into external energy sources like electromagnetics and human hands to deliver healing to the body. However, magnetic field therapies are not advisable for pregnant women and patients with cardiac device implants. National Center for Complementary & Alternative Medicine (NCCAM) NCCAM CLASSIFICATION 17 CAM THERAPIES Alternative Medical Systems 1. Acupuncture 2. Homeopathy 3. Naturopathy Mind-Body Interventions 4. Meditation 5. Yoga Biologically-based therapies 6. Aromatherapy 7. Chinese Herbal Medicine 8. Chinese Medicine Dietary Medicine 9. Clinical Nutrition including multivitamins and minerals National Center for Complementary & Alternative Medicine (NCCAM) NCCAM CLASSIFICATION 17 CAM THERAPIES Manipulative and Body-based 11. Chinese therapeutic massage Methods 12. Chiropractic 13. Osteopathy 14. Reflexology 15. Western therapeutic massage Energy Therapies 16. Energy healing 17. Qi Gong, Martial arts and Tai Chi Health Issues, 2006