Traditional & Alternative Medicine Lecture Notes PDF

Traditional and alternative medicine Lecture 6: Bases and scope of traditional medicine Christian K Yekple PhD, MPhil, BA, RN.  Introduction Traditional medicine refers to health practices, approaches, knowledge and beliefs incorporating plant, animal and...

Traditional and alternative medicine Lecture 6: Bases and scope of traditional medicine Christian K Yekple PhD, MPhil, BA, RN.  Introduction Traditional medicine refers to health practices, approaches, knowledge and beliefs incorporating plant, animal and mineral based medicines, spiritual therapies, manual techniques and exercises, applied singularly or in combination to diagnose, treat, and prevent illnesses or maintain well-being basis It is part of the cultural heritage of each society  Basis of traditional medicine Most traditional systems of medicine have evolved as part of particular cultures and lifestyles however, many traditional systems of medicine share common characteristics, including: The belief that life is the union of body, emotions, mind and soul or spirit, and that health is a state of balance of several opposing aspects within the human body as well as between the human body and the environment  Basis of traditional medicine /2 Traditional medicine is based on the principle that human beings achieve physical, mental, and emotional health through harmonious coexistence with nature Traditional medicine applies a holistic approach to diagnosis and treatment, it considers a person in his or her totality within an ecological context and usually will not simply look after the sick part of the body  Types and mode of operation of traditional medicine Traditional medicine is specific to each culture, various cultures have different types of practice unique to them The mode of practice or treatment is also unique to each culture, and is supported by indigenous beliefs, practical skills, and experiences handed down from generation to generation  Types and mode of operation of traditional medicine /2 Traditional Chinese Medicine practitioners use various approaches such as acupuncture, acupressure as well as herbal products for treatment of illnesses Japanese Traditional Medicine practitioners use kampo with roots in ancient Chinese medicine Indian practitioners use Ayurveda Arabic countries use Unani  Types and mode of operation of traditional medicine /3 Traditional African medicine is a range of traditional medicine disciplines involving indigenous herbalism and African spirituality Practitioners of traditional African medicine claim, largely without evidence, to be able to cure a variety of diverse conditions including cancer, psychiatric disorders, high blood pressure, cholera, most venereal diseases, epilepsy, asthma, eczema, fever, anxiety, depression, benign prostatic hyperplasia, urinary tract infections, gout, and healing of wounds and burns  Types and mode of operation of African traditional medicine Diviners – Use divination to diagnose diseases, use prayers [libation], sacrifices/rituals, spiritual protection, spiritual cleansing, and exorcism for treating illnesses Herbalists – they use various plants/herbal preparations, for treatment of physical diseases Bone setters – they engage in joint manipulation, manipulation, immobilization and fixing of broken bones  Types and mode of operation of African traditional medicine Traditional Birth Attendants (TBAs) – they provide assistance to the mother and family at the time of birth, this includes delivery of the baby, cutting and care of the cord, disposal of the placenta Traditional Psychotherapists/psychiatrists – they provide traditional counselling services to people with emotional challenges, as well as treat mental disorders using herbs and spiritual healing approaches  Role of traditional medicine in the healthcare delivery system Traditional medicine is the oldest form of health care in the world and is used in the prevention, and treatment of physical and mental illnesses It plays a very essential complementary role in healthcare delivery systems Traditional medicine is often the first line of treatment for many diseases in Africa  Role of traditional medicine in the healthcare delivery system /2 The WHO estimates conservatively that between 60% and 90% of the populations of low-income countries rely on plant medicine to meet their healthcare needs Traditional medicine is widely utilised in Ghana; an estimated 60% to 70% of the population depend directly on traditional medicine for their primary health care, it serves as the first line of healthcare among most Ghanaians  Role of traditional medicine in the healthcare delivery system /3 The wide usage of traditional medicine is because of its: Availability or ease of accessibility Affordability / cost-effectivenes (Cheaper compared to orthodox medicine) Traditional knowledge Increased advertisement  Interaction between traditional medicine and orthodox medicine Many drugs in clinical medicine or orthodox medicine today were derived from traditional / pant medicine e.g., Morphine from the opium plant Artemisinin and its analogs form the artemisia plant Lecture 7: Naturopathy Christian K Yekple PhD, MPhil, BA, RN. CHRISTIAN YEKPLE, PHD. NATUROPATHY 14  What is naturopathy? Naturopathy is “a system of healthcare usually drugless, which uses a wide variety of therapies including hydrotherapy, heat, massage, nutritional supplements, and herbal medicines with the purpose of stimulating optimum functioning of the whole person and supporting the person’s own innate healing capacity.” CHRISTIAN YEKPLE, PHD. NATUROPATHY 15  What is naturopathy? /2 Naturopathy is a person-centred approach to healthcare that promotes the ability of the body to heal itself naturally This holistic approach incorporates natural practices like a healthy lifestyle and natural medicines CHRISTIAN YEKPLE, PHD. NATUROPATHY 16  Focus of naturopathy Naturopathy focuses on identifying and treating the root causes of diseases to prevent them from developing into serious complications, while strengthening the immune system's ability to fight diseases and infections CHRISTIAN YEKPLE, PHD. NATUROPATHY 17  History of naturopathy The concept of naturopathic medicine was started 2,400 years ago by Hippocrates, a Greek physician (460-370 BCE) and is traditionally known as the "father of medicine." CHRISTIAN YEKPLE, PHD. NATUROPATHY 18  History of naturopathy /2 Hippocrates established the idea of the "healing power of nature" He said, "Let food be thy medicine and medicine be thy food." This means that we should use natural foods to prevent and treat illnesses CHRISTIAN YEKPLE, PHD. NATUROPATHY 19  History of naturopathy /3 Naturopathic doctors adopt Hippocrates’ principle as the foundation of their practice To cement his concept of the healing power of nature, Hippocrates developed the theory of humors (fluids): According to this theory, there are four fluids in the body that need to be in balance for good health: blood, black bile, yellow bile, and phlegm CHRISTIAN YEKPLE, PHD. NATUROPATHY 20  History of naturopathy /4 If one of these fluids is out of balance, he believed it would result in illness Hippocrates also believed that good health is a state of harmony between the body, mind, and spirit These three concepts translate to the whole-person healing concept of naturopathy CHRISTIAN YEKPLE, PHD. NATUROPATHY 21  History of naturopathy /5 A lot of ancient philosophies around the globe classify the composition of the universe into 5 elements: Earth, Water, Fire, Air and Ether (Space) Each of the five elements represents a state of matter in nature CHRISTIAN YEKPLE, PHD. NATUROPATHY 22  History of naturopathy /6 Solid matter is classified as the “Earth” element, Water is everything that is liquid, Air is everything that is a gas, Fire is that part of Nature that transforms one state of matter into another, Ether is the mother of the other elements and is the basis of higher spiritual experiences CHRISTIAN YEKPLE, PHD. NATUROPATHY 23  History of naturopathy /7 The Human body is also the product of these 5 elements in different proportions; 72% water, 12% earth, 6% air, 4% fire and the rest is Ether. Usually, the percentages of the first four elements remain constant but the percentage of Ether can be enhanced Each element is responsible for different structures in the body Earth forms solid structures such as teeth, nails, bones, muscles, skin, tissues, and hair. These give structure and strength to the body CHRISTIAN YEKPLE, PHD. NATUROPATHY 24  History of naturopathy /8 Water forms saliva, urine, semen, blood, and sweat Fire forms hunger, thirst, sleep, the vision in the eyes and complexion of the skin Air is responsible for all movement including expansion, contraction, vibration, and suppression Space is the most subtle of all elements and is present in the hollow cavities of the body in the form of radio frequencies, light radiation, cosmic rays, etc. CHRISTIAN YEKPLE, PHD. NATUROPATHY 25  Cause of diseases in naturopathy The source of chronic (self-manifested) diseases is the impurity of any of the elements or if the elements are out of balance with another element in the body Imbalance of Water element: This is visible as excess mucus, cold, sinusitis, swelling of glands, oedema of tissues, blood thinning or blood clotting Imbalance of Earth element: shows itself as general weakness in the body, loss of calcium from bones, obesity, cholesterol, weight loss, and weight gain, muscular diseases, etc. CHRISTIAN YEKPLE, PHD. NATUROPATHY 26  Cause of diseases in naturopathy Imbalance of Fire element: manifests itself as fever, skin diseases like inflammation, increased coldness or heat in the body, excessive sweating, hyper-acidity, slow digestion and absorption of nutrients, toxins in the body, diabetes, etc. Imbalance of Air element: leads to skin dryness, blood pressure problems, lung disorders, dry cough, bloating, constipation, lethargy, insomnia, muscular spasms, depression, etc. Imbalance of Space element: is visible as Thyroid disorders, throat problems, speech disorders, epilepsy, madness, ear diseases, etc. CHRISTIAN YEKPLE, PHD. NATUROPATHY 27  Modern Naturopathy The term naturopathy was created from two words, "natura" (a Latin word for birth) and "pathos" (a Greek word for suffering). When the two terms are combined directly, they translate to "natural healing" The term was coined in 1885 by John Scheel, a German physician who believed the body has an innate ability to heal itself CHRISTIAN YEKPLE, PHD. NATUROPATHY 28  Modern Naturopathy /2 Modern naturopathy has its roots in the "natural healing" systems of the 18th and 19th-century under the Natural Cure Movement of Europe The natural healing systems are composed of "nature cures" that include using air, light, food, water and herbs CHRISTIAN YEKPLE, PHD. NATUROPATHY 29  Modern Naturopathy /3 Doctors who favoured naturopathic medicine in the 19th century included Dr. Thomas Allinson He developed the "Hygienic Medicine" theory which promoted healthcare through exercise, fresh air, diet, and bathing He encouraged people to avoid coffee, tobacco, tea, and alcohol This theory was also against vaccination and drugs CHRISTIAN YEKPLE, PHD. NATUROPATHY 30  Modern Naturopathy /3 In 1901, Benedict Lust, a German hydrotherapist, bought the term "naturopathy" from Scheel Lust moved the concept of naturopathy from Germany to the United States of America in 1901 CHRISTIAN YEKPLE, PHD. NATUROPATHY 31  The six principles of naturopathic medicine 1. Do no harm: Core to all medical practice is the desire to help the human form and condition. Naturopathic Doctors (NDs) typically approach care by utilizing the most natural, least invasive and least toxic therapies. NDs will refer when the patient’s presentation is outside their scope or level of skill CHRISTIAN YEKPLE, PHD. NATUROPATHY 32  The six principles of naturopathic medicine 2. The healing power of nature: NDs recognize the value of our natural world in assisting the healing process. Not only do NDs utilize substances that originate in nature, but they also incorporate a healthy natural environment as foundational to human health. Naturopathic doctors recognize and harness the body’s inherent wisdom to heal itself in order to guide patients to wellness and total health CHRISTIAN YEKPLE, PHD. NATUROPATHY 33  Naturopathic principles /2 3. Identify and treat the causes There is a time and place for symptom suppression, however most naturopathic patients will benefit from identifying the underlying causes of illness and removing obstacles to cure CHRISTIAN YEKPLE, PHD. NATUROPATHY 34  Naturopathic principles /2 4. Doctor as teacher Naturopathic doctors elevate patient health literacy. That means that NDs are part of the team helping patients have a better understanding of what it takes to be and stay well. Through education and a trust-based relationship, patients better understand the steps they need to take to achieve and maintain health CHRISTIAN YEKPLE, PHD. NATUROPATHY 35  Naturopathic principles /3 5. Treat the whole person Naturopathic doctors understand the interconnectedness of our body, our environment and our lifestyle on total health. It is only through this whole-person-based approach that NDs seek to restore balance and health. CHRISTIAN YEKPLE, PHD. NATUROPATHY 36  Naturopathic principles /3 6. Prevention Naturopathic medicine affirms that it is better to prevent illness and suffering whenever possible. Through their comprehensive practice, NDs combine all six principles in order to identify potential areas of imbalance and teach patients how to get well and stay well CHRISTIAN YEKPLE, PHD. NATUROPATHY 37  Some methods of naturopathy Hydrotherapy Massage Mud therapy Physiotherapy Fasting Acupuncture Heliotherapy(sun) Acupressure etc Chromo therapy(use of colours) CHRISTIAN YEKPLE, PHD. NATUROPATHY 38  Hydrotherapy The treatment of physical disability, injury, or illness by immersion of all or part of the body in water to facilitate movement, promote wound healing, relieve pain, etc., usually under the supervision of a trained therapist CHRISTIAN YEKPLE, PHD. NATUROPATHY 39  Hydrotherapy /2 Hydrotherapy takes advantage of the physical properties of water, such as temperature and pressure, for attaining therapeutic purposes, to stimulate blood circulation and treat the symptoms of certain diseases It opens up all pores of the skin and makes the body light and fresh CHRISTIAN YEKPLE, PHD. NATUROPATHY 40  Mud therapy It is natural healing practice that utilises mud or clay for therapeutic benefits This traditional method uses the natural properties of mud to promote wellness and assist the body’s sеlf- hеaling mechanisms CHRISTIAN YEKPLE, PHD. NATUROPATHY 41  Mud therapy /2 Mud acts as a natural exfoliator, and a means to draw toxins out of the body, to increase blood flow to certain areas of the body, and to relax muscles There are three types of mud therapies; mud pack, mud wrap, and mud bath CHRISTIAN YEKPLE, PHD. NATUROPATHY 42  Types of mud therapy Mud packs: Applying a thick layer or pack of mud directly onto either the whole skin, or parts of it It is used for detoxing the skin, exfoliating it, and softening it Naturopaths tout mud packs' abilities to ease congestion (head mud pack), help digestion (abdomen mud pack), and treat headaches (eye mud pack) CHRISTIAN YEKPLE, PHD. NATUROPATHY 43  Types of mud therapy /2 Mud packs /2: Abdomen and head mud packs CHRISTIAN YEKPLE, PHD. NATUROPATHY 44  Types of mud therapy /3 Mud wraps: A thick layer of mud is applied to the skin, then the mud-covered area is wrapped either with a cloth or a plastic wrap that traps heat and moisture This helps to open the pores of the skin and expel impurities CHRISTIAN YEKPLE, PHD. NATUROPATHY 45  Types of mud therapy /4 Mud baths: Involve a tub of heated mud that the patient can relax in CHRISTIAN YEKPLE, PHD. NATUROPATHY 46  Some methods of naturopathy /4 Fasting (NB: Refer previous lecture on fasting, under approaches to treatment !!) CHRISTIAN YEKPLE, PHD. NATUROPATHY 47  Some methods of naturopathy /5 Heliotherapy (sun) CHRISTIAN YEKPLE, PHD. NATUROPATHY 48  Heliotherapy The use of natural sunlight for the treatment of certain skin conditions CHRISTIAN YEKPLE, PHD. NATUROPATHY 49  Some methods of naturopathy /6 Chromo therapy (use of colours) CHRISTIAN YEKPLE, PHD. NATUROPATHY 50  Some methods of naturopathy /7 Massage CHRISTIAN YEKPLE, PHD. NATUROPATHY 51  Some methods of naturopathy /8 Acupuncture CHRISTIAN YEKPLE, PHD. NATUROPATHY 52  Some methods of naturopathy /9 Physiotherapy CHRISTIAN YEKPLE, PHD. NATUROPATHY 53  Some methods of naturopathy /10 Acupressure CHRISTIAN YEKPLE, PHD. NATUROPATHY 54  Reading assignment Read on the various methods of naturopathy and their mechanism of healing CHRISTIAN YEKPLE, PHD. NATUROPATHY 55  End Any questions? CHRISTIAN YEKPLE, PHD. NATUROPATHY 56 Lecture 8: Traditional approaches to disease prevention Dr. Christian K Yekple PhD, MPhil, BA, RN.  Objectives By end of the lecture, students will be able to identify methods used or advocated by traditional and alternative medicine practitioners for prevention of diseases  Introduction This lecture is to help us identify methods used or advocated by traditional and alternative medicine practitioners for the prevention of diseases We will however begin by reviewing the methods used for prevention of diseases in orthodox medicine  Orthodox medicine approaches to disease prevention These refer to efforts/strategies aimed at reducing or eliminating the risk of diseases occurring within individuals or populations They are measures that focus on minimizing risk factors, enhancing protective factors, and taking proactive steps to maintain health and well-being  Orthodox medicine approaches to disease prevention /2 The types of disease prevention include: Primordial prevention Primary prevention Secondary prevention Tertiary prevention  Primordial prevention Primordial prevention consists of risk factor reduction targeted towards an entire population through a focus on social and environmental conditions Such measures typically get promoted through laws and national policy It is often aimed at children to decrease as much risk exposure as possible  Primordial prevention /2 Primordial prevention targets the underlying stage of natural disease by targeting the underlying social conditions that promote onset of disease Examples include improving access to an urban neighbourhood to safe sidewalks to promote physical activity; this, in turn, decreases risk factors for obesity, cardiovascular disease, type 2 diabetes, etc.  Primary Prevention Goal: Prevent the onset of disease before it occurs Methods: Primary Prevention involves measures that reduce the risk factors or increase protective factors  Primary Prevention /2 Examples: Vaccination programs to prevent infectious diseases like measles or polio Promoting healthy lifestyles (e.g., exercise, balanced diet) to prevent chronic diseases such as heart disease or diabetes Public health policies like banning smoking in public places  Secondary Prevention Goal: Detect and address diseases early to prevent progression or complications Methods: Focuses on early diagnosis and prompt treatment  Secondary Prevention Examples: Regular screenings like mammograms for breast cancer or colonoscopies for colon cancer. Blood pressure checks to identify hypertension early and prevent cardiovascular diseases. Testing for early signs of diseases such as diabetes through blood glucose levels  Tertiary Prevention: Goal: Manage established disease and prevent further deterioration or complications Methods: Focuses on treatment and rehabilitation to reduce the severity of the disease  Tertiary Prevention: Examples: Physical therapy for stroke patients to improve mobility Cardiac rehabilitation for individuals recovering from a heart attack Medication and lifestyle modifications for managing chronic illnesses such as asthma or diabetes Each type of prevention plays a crucial role in improving public health outcomes and enhancing the quality of life by reducing the burden of disease  Traditional approaches to disease prevention Traditional medicine practitioners utilize various methods for disease prevention These methods are based on centuries-old knowledge, often passed down through generations They are holistic, focusing on maintaining balance within the body, mind, and environment  Traditional approaches to disease prevention /2 Traditional approaches to disease prevention include the following Use of herbs Detoxification Diet and nutrition Seasonal foods  Traditional approaches to disease prevention /3 Spices and condiments Mind-Body Practices Lifestyle and environmental harmony Living in harmony with nature Spiritual and energetic cleansing  Traditional approaches to disease prevention /4 Prayer and spiritual protection Acupuncture and massage Preventive healing therapies Community and social health Observation and early detection  Use of herbal remedies Plants, herbs, and natural substances are used traditional medicine practitioners to boost immunity and prevent disease In Traditional Chinese Medicine, herbs like ginseng and astragalus are used to strengthen the body's immune system  Use of herbal remedies /2 In Ayurvedic medicine, herbs such as tulsi (holy basil) and ashwagandha, known for their immune-boosting properties, are used for prevention of diseases  Detoxification Detoxification means a clearing of toxins from the body Many traditional systems advocate regular detoxification using herbal concoctions to cleanse the body of toxins that may lead to disease For instance, Ayurveda promotes seasonal detox therapies  Use of diet and nutrition A balanced diet contains all the essential elements that the human body needs – proteins, carbohydrates, vitamins, minerals, lipids, fibre, and water It is essential for physical and mental health Traditional medicine emphasizes a balanced diet based on one’s body constitution  Use of diet and nutrition /2 Seasonal foods: Seasonal food is fresh food that is ready to eat during its preferred season Traditional medicine practitioners often recommend consuming local and seasonal foods, as they are believed to be in sync with the body’s natural rhythms  Use of diet and nutrition /3 Seasonal foods: In TCM, eating foods that harmonize with the seasons is key for preventing illness  Use of diet and nutrition /4 Spices and condiments: Many traditional diets incorporate spices like turmeric, ginger, garlic, and cinnamon, which have antimicrobial, anti-inflammatory, and immune-enhancing properties  Mind-body practices Yoga and meditation: In Ayurveda and other systems, yoga and meditation are vital for maintaining mental and physical well-being These practices are believed to reduce stress, a major factor in disease development  Mind-body practices Breathing techniques: Pranayama (yogic breathing) in Ayurveda and Daoist breathing practices in Chinese medicine help increase lung capacity, promote circulation, and prevent respiratory diseases  Lifestyle and environmental harmony In many indigenous systems, being in tune with nature - through respect for natural cycles and the environment is considered essential for preventing disease This includes practices like fasting during specific seasons, participating in purification rituals, or adhering to spiritual practices that maintain balance with the environment, adherence to taboos and other social norms  Spiritual cleansing Rituals and ceremonies: Some traditional systems use rituals or spiritual ceremonies like smudging (burning herbs like sage) to purify energy and ward off negative influences that can manifest as disease  Spiritual cleansing /2 Prayer and spiritual protection: Traditional healers often use prayer to protect individuals from diseases believed to be caused by spiritual imbalances or external negative energies  Spiritual cleansing /3 Prayer and spiritual protection: Traditional healers also use spiritual tools (like amulets, talismans) to protect individuals from diseases believed to be caused by spiritual imbalances or external negative energies  Traditional methods of disease prevention in Ghana Traditional medicine in Ghana has a rich history, and practitioners use various methods to prevent diseases Many of the methods are deeply rooted in indigenous knowledge and cultural practices  Traditional methods of disease prevention in Ghana /2 Some traditional methods for disease prevention in Ghana include: Use of herbs (herbal medicine) Tonics and decoctions Spiritual and ritual practices Dietary practices Massage and physical therapies Environmental sanitation Education and community health practices  Use of herbal medicine for disease prevention Use of medicinal plants like neem, moringa, and baobab, which are believed to have preventive properties They are used in teas, powders, or ointments  Use of herbal medicine for disease prevention Tonics: Many herbal mixtures are consumed as tonics to boost immunity and prevent illness Herbal tonic are solutions or other preparation made from specially selected assortment of plants known  Use of herbal medicine Decoctions: These are aqueous extract made by boiling plant materials, such as roots, bark, leaves, or flowers, in water  Use of spiritual and ritual practices Ritual cleansing: Some diseases are believed to be caused by spiritual imbalances or evil forces, so traditional healers may perform rituals to cleanse individuals or communities  Use of spiritual and ritual practices /2 Protective charms, talismans, and amulets: People wear protective charms, bracelets, or carry talismans that are believed to ward off evil spirits or illnesses  Use of spiritual and ritual practices /3 Diagnosis through divination: Practitioners may use spiritual methods (like throwing cowries or reading omens) to foresee potential illnesses and offer preventive remedies  Use of dietary practices Balanced diet: contains all of the essential elements that the human body needs - carbohydrates, vitamins, minerals, proteins, fiber, and water are all essential components, in the right proportions  Use of dietary practices Nutritious, well-balanced diet lowers the risk of disease and enhances general health  Use of dietary practices Nutritional advice: Practitioners often recommend a balanced diet based on locally available foods that are believed to strengthen the body’s defences  Use of dietary practices for disease prevention Certain leaves, fruits, and roots are consumed to prevent various ailments  Massage and physical therapies Herbal oils and massage techniques are used to stimulate circulation, relieve stress, and prevent musculoskeletal problems  Physical therapies It's a combination of exercises, stretches and movements that'll increase the strength, flexibility and mobility to help a person move safely and more confidently  Steam therapy Steam therapy involves breathing in steam from heated water It is done to soothe and open nasal passages during cold or sinus infection The warm, moist air is thought to loosen mucus and relieve symptoms  Steam therapy /2 The warm, moist air is thought to loosen mucus and relieve symptoms Herbal steam baths are used to detoxify the body and promote general well-being, often as a preventive measure against respiratory diseases  Environmental sanitation Practitioners emphasize clean environments, advocating for proper sanitation and waste management to prevent disease outbreaks like cholera or malaria  Education and community health practices Traditional healers often educate communities about disease prevention, hygiene, and healthy living practices, particularly regarding malaria, diarrhoea, and sexually transmitted infections