PRAKASH INSTITUTE OF PHYSIOTHERAPY,

REHABILITATION & ALLIED MEDICAL

SCIENCE

Sub - Advance Nursing Education

Assignment on -

ALTERNATIVE SYSTEM OF HEALTH AND COMPLEMENTARY THERAPIES.

Submitted to:- Submitted by:-

Ms Anju Kamini
. Advance Nursing Education Msc (N)1st yr

Submitted on :-
24/March/2021
 ALTERNATIVE AND COMPLIMENTARY SYSTEM IN HEALTH AND
THERAPIES

Introduction
The medical and health care systems, practices, and products that are not presently
considered to be part of conventional medicine. The list of practices that are considered as
CAM changes continually as CAM practices and therapies that are proven safe and effective
become accepted as the “mainstream” healthcare practices. Today, CAM practices may be
biologically-based treatments, manipulative and body-based methods and energy therapies.

Terminologies
HOLISM: The idea that the whole of the sick person including their body, mind and way of
life, should be considered when treating them, and not just the symptom of the diseases.
HUMANISM: A system of through that considers the solving of human problems with the
help of religious beleifs, it emphasizes the fact that basic nature of human is good.
BALANCE: A situation in which different things exist in equal, correct or good amount.
HEALING: The process of returning to normal function after a period of disease or injury.

ALTERNATIVE MEDICINE
Alternative medicine is any practice that aims to achieve the healing effects of medicine, but
which lacks biological plausibility and is untested, untestable or proven ineffective. 
Alternative therapies share in common that they reside outside medical science, and rely
on pseudoscience. Traditional practices become "alternative" when used outside their original
settings without proper scientific explanation and evidence.

COMPLIMENTARY MEDICINE
Complementary medicine (CM) or integrative medicine (IM) is when alternative medicine
is used together with functional medical treatment, in a belief that it improves the effect of
treatments.
For example, acupuncture (piercing the body with needles to influence the flow of a
supernatural energy) might be believed to increase the effectiveness or "complement"
science-based medicine when used at the same time. 

Types of complementary and alternative medicines

 Alternative medical science

  Biological based treatments
 Mind body techniques
 Manipulative and body based methods
 Energy therapies.

Alternative medical system

 Ayurveda
 Siddha
 Unani &Tibbi
 Homeopathy
 Naturopathy

AYURVEDA
Ayurvedic medicine (“Ayurveda” for short) is one of the world's oldest holistic (“whole-
body”) healing systems. It was developed more than 3,000 years ago in India.
It’s based on the belief that health and wellness depend on a delicate balance between the
mind, body, and spirit. Its main goal is to promote good health, not fight disease. But
treatments may be geared toward specific health problems.

Ayurveda and Your Life Energy

Students of CAM therapy believe that everything in the universe – dead or alive – is
connected. If your mind, body, and spirit are in harmony with the universe, you have good
health. When something disrupts this balance, you get sick. Among the things that can upset
this balance are genetic or birth defects, injuries, climate and seasonal change, age, and your
emotions.
Those who practice Ayurveda believe every person is made of five basic elements found in
the universe: space, air, fire, water, and earth.
These combine in the human body to form three life forces or energies, called doshas. They
control how your body works. They are Vatadosha (space and air); Pitta dosha (fire and
water); and Kaphadosha (water and earth).
Everyone inherits a unique mix of the three doshas. But one is usually stronger than the
others. Each one controls a different body function. It’s believed that your chances of getting
sick -- and the health issues you develop -- are linked to the balance of your doshas.
VataDosha
Those who practice Ayurveda believe this is the most powerful of all three doshas. It controls
very basic body functions, like how cells divide. It also controls your mind,
breathing, blood flow, heart function, and ability to get rid of waste through your intestines.
Things that can disrupt it include eating again too soon after a meal, fear, grief, and staying
up too late.
If vatadosha is your main life force, you’re thought to be more likely to develop conditions
like anxiety, asthma, heart disease, skin problems, and rheumatoid arthritis.

Pitta Dosha
This energy controls your digestion, metabolism (how well you break down foods), and
certain hormones that are linked to your appetite.
Things that can disrupt it are eating sour or spicy foods and spending too much time in the
sun.
If it’s your main life force, you’re thought to be more likely to develop conditions like
Crohn’s disease, heart disease, high blood pressure, and infections.

KaphaDosha
This life force controls muscle growth, body strength and stability, weight, and your immune
system.
You can disrupt it by sleeping during the day, eating too many sweet foods, and eating or
drinking things that contain too much salt or water.
If it’s your main life energy, practitioners believe you may develop asthma and other
breathing disorders, cancer, diabetes, nausea after eating, and obesity.

Ayurvedic Treatment
An Ayurvedic practitioner will create a treatment plan specifically designed for you. They’ll
take into account your unique physical and emotional makeup, your primary life force, and
the balance between all three of these elements.
The goal of treatment is to cleanse your body of undigested food, which can stay in your
body and lead to illness. The cleansing process—called “panchakarma”— is designed to
reduce your symptoms and restore harmony and balance.
To achieve this, an Ayurvedic practitioner might rely on blood purification, massage, medical
oils, herbs, and enemas or laxatives.

Siddha                                                                                                

The Siddha system of medicine is mainly practised in the Southern part of India. It is one of
the earliest traditional medicine systems in the world which treats not only the body but also
the mind and the soul. The word Siddha has its origin in the Tamil word Siddhi which means
"an object to be attained" or "perfection" or "heavenly bliss". India being the birth place of
many traditional philosophies also gave birth to Siddha. The roots of this system are
intertwined with the culture of ancient Tamil civilization.

"Siddhargal" or Siddhars were the premier scholars of this system in ancient times. Siddhars,
mainly hailing from Tamil Nadu laid the foundation for Siddha system of medicine. Hence, it
is called Siddha medicine. Siddhars were spiritual masters who possessed the ashta (eight)
siddhis or unique powers. Agastyar or Agasthya, is believed to be the founding father of
Siddha Medicine. Eighteen Siddhars are considered to be pillars of Siddha Medicine. Siddha
medicine is claimed to revitalize and rejuvenate dysfunctional organs that cause the disease.
Kayakarpam, a special combination of medicine and life style, Varmam therapy, Vaasi
(Pranayamam) and Muppu the universal Salt are the specialities of Siddha system of
medicine. Thus this system connects both spiritual and physical and treats the person as a
whole i.e. it concentrates the physical, psychological, social and spiritual well being of an
individual.

  According to the tradition it was Shiva who unfolded the knowledge of Siddha system of
medicine to his concert Parvati who handed it down to Nandhidevar and he in turn to the 18
siddhars. Therefore it is called ‘Shiva Sampradayam, (tradition of Siva), or ‘Siddha
Sampradayam’.

Agasthiyar is the prominent one among the eighteen and some of his works are still standard
books of medicine and surgery in daily use among the Siddha Medical practitioners.

Siddhars believed that a healthy soul can only be developed through a healthy body. So they
developed methods and medications to strengthen their physical body and thereby their souls.
They practiced intense yogic practices, including years of periodic fasting and meditation,
and were believed to have achieved supernatural powers and gained the supreme wisdom and
overall immortality.

The knowledge of Siddhars which was orally transmitted initially was later written in palm
leaf manuscripts, fragments of which are found in many parts of South India. The
methodology of siddha thought has helped decipher many causes of disorders and the
formulation of curious remedies which sometimes have more than 250 ingredients. Till half a
century back most of the practicing siddha medical practitioners were traditionally trained,
usually in families, and by Gurus (teachers). When the guru knew martial arts he is also
known as an asan. It is believed that some families may possess more knowledge written in
palm leaves but keep them solely for their own use.

Over a period of time after Independence, Government in a way of promoting traditional

systems of medicines opened schools for teaching indigeneous systems of medicine including
siddha. Today, siddha is taught in Government as well as in private siddha medical colleges
in Tamil Nadu and Kerala. Siddha medicine is also taught in two universities of Srilanka.

UNANI AND TIBBI

Unani-tibbi denotes Arabic or Islamic medicine, also known as prophetic medicine. It
traditionally makes use of a variety of techniques including diet, herbal treatments,
manipulative therapies, and surgery. Unani-tibbi is a complete system, encompassing all
aspects and all fields of medical care, from nutrition and hygiene to psychiatric treatment.
Benefits

What began as an advanced medical system that set world standards, has now come to be
regarded as a system of folk medicine. This decline coincided with the decline of the Islamic
Empire and the dissolution of the caliphate (spiritual head of Islam), as these were directly
responsible for the direction and impetus of Islamic scientific scholars in all fields.

Unani-tibbi practitioners still treat people with herbal remedies and manipulation, for a
variety of illnesses. In the Islamic world, many of the poorer people who cannot afford
allopathic medicine still resort to this traditional medicine. There are also people who prefer
unani-tibbi to allopathic medicine, as indeed, the traditional unani-tibbi remedies do not bring
with them the side effects commonly experienced with allopathic drugs.

HOMEOPATHY

Homeopathy, also known as homeopathic medicine, is a medical system that was developed
in Germany more than 200 years ago. It’s based on two unconventional theories:

 “Like cures like”—the notion that a disease can be cured by a substance that produces
similar symptoms in healthy people
 “Law of minimum dose”—the notion that the lower the dose of the medication,
the greater its effectiveness. Many homeopathic products are so diluted that no
molecules of the original substance remain.
Homeopathic products come from plants (such as red onion, arnica [mountain herb], poison
ivy, belladonna [deadly nightshade], and stinging nettle), minerals (such as white arsenic), or
animals (such as crushed whole bees). Homeopathic products are often made as sugar pellets
to be placed under the tongue; they may also be in other forms, such as ointments, gels,
drops, creams, and tablets. Treatments are “individualized” or tailored to each person—it’s
common for different people with the same condition to receive different treatments.

NATUROPATHY
Naturopathic medicine is a system that uses natural remedies to help the body heal itself. It
embraces many therapies, including herbs, massage, acupuncture, exercise, and nutritional
counseling.
Naturopathy was brought to the United States from Germany in the 1800s, but some of its
treatments are centuries old.

 Naturopathic physicians: These are also called naturopathic doctors (ND) or doctors of

naturopathic medicine (NMD). They usually attend an accredited four-year, graduate-
level school. They learn the same basic sciences as conventional medical doctors (MD).
But they also study nutrition, psychology, and complementary therapies such as herbal
medicine and homeopathy. Some states and territories require naturopathic doctors to
become licensed. That means they have to pass an exam to practice and take continuing
education classes.
 Traditional naturopaths: These practitioners don’t attend an accredited naturopathic
medical school or receive a license. Their education varies widely.
 Healthcare providers: Some medical doctors, dentists, doctors of osteopathy,
chiropractors, and nurses have training in naturopathic medicine. Many are either NDs or
they studied naturopathy.

BIOLOGICAL BASED TREATMENTS

HERBAL MEDICINE
An herb is a plant or plant part used for its scent, flavour, or therapeutic properties. Herbal
medicines are one type of dietary supplement. They are sold as tablets, capsules, powders,
teas, extracts, and fresh or dried plants. People use herbal medicines to try to maintain or
improve their health

NUTRITIONAL THERAPY

Diet plays a very crucial role in controlling and managing various diseases, especially
lifestyle diseases like diabetes, cardiovascular diseases and obesity. This therapy where diet
has a major role to pl It is an approach to maximizing health potential through dietary tweaks
and lifestyle changes.
The concept of Nutritional Therapy promotes the therapeutic effects of particular foods for
specific health conditions.
According to Delhi based Nutritionist Dr. Rupali Datta, "Nutritional therapy also known as
Medical Nutritional Therapy is a science which involves foods that contribute to the
treatment or management of a particular disease. Food here is an important aspect that
prevents the risk of developing lifestyle diseases. If people already are suffering from the
disease, it may help prevent the progression of a certain disease and other complications. So,
basically, it is how food plays a crucial role in keeping a check on the diseases or the risk of
developing certain diseases."
MIND BODY TECHNIQUE

MEDITATION

Meditation therapy is “a method of relaxation and consciousness expansion by focusing on a

mantra or a keyword, sound, or image while eliminating outside stimuli from one’s
awareness”.

There are many types of meditation. Examples include mindfulness, body scan, loving-
kindness, walking, Zen, mantra, and transcendental meditations. They can be further
categorized into insight or calming and guided or unguided. In the world of meditation, there
is an approach for everyone.

Each type of meditation has a few things in common: choosing a quiet spot, finding a
comfortable posture, and focusing your attention.

The duration of a meditation practice is as short as one minute to several hours. There also is
not a “right” or “only” way to practice. It is as diverse as the people who practice it.

RELAXATION TECHNIQUE

 Relaxation techniques are a great way to help with stress management. Relaxation isn't only
about peace of mind or enjoying a hobby. Relaxation is a process that decreases the effects of
stress on your mind and body. Relaxation techniques can help you cope with everyday stress
and with stress related to various health problems, such as heart disease and pain.

The benefits of relaxation techniques

When faced with numerous responsibilities and tasks or the demands of an illness, relaxation
techniques may not be a priority in your life. But that means you might miss out on the health
benefits of relaxation.
Practicing relaxation techniques can have many benefits, including:

 Slowing heart rate

 Lowering blood pressure
 Slowing your breathing rate
 Improving digestion
 Maintaining normal blood sugar levels
 Reducing activity of stress hormones
 Increasing blood flow to major muscles
  Reducing muscle tension and chronic pain
 Improving concentration and mood

HYPNOTHERAPY

Hypnosis is the induction of a deeply relaxed state, with increased suggestibility and
suspension of critical faculties. Once in this state, sometimes called a hypnotic trance,
patients are given therapeutic suggestions to encourage changes in behavior or relief of
symptoms. For example, in a treatment to stop smoking, a hypnosis practitioner might
suggest that the patient will no longer find smoking pleasurable or necessary. Hypnosis for a
patient with arthritis might include a suggestion that the pain can be turned down like the
volume of a radio.
Some practitioners use hypnosis as an aid to psychotherapy. The rationale is that in the
hypnotized state, the conscious mind presents fewer barriers to effective psychotherapeutic
exploration, leading to an increased likelihood of psychological insight.
QIGONG & TAI CHI
Traditional Chinese Qigong is is all about aligning body, breath and mind via a series of
movements, and it has been shown to have mental (reducing anxiety and stress) and physical
health benefits (lowering blood pressure, better sleep).
It is a combination of slow, flowing movements, deep breathing and a calm mind. It comes
from a combination of traditional Chinese martial arts, medicine and philosophy, and within
China, there are a few variations on the practice. It was banned during the Cultural
Revolution in 1962, and was made legal again in 1976, but that's just a blip in the history of
Qigong, which has been practiced in a variety of ways for more than 4,000 years.
Tai Chi Chuan (Taijiquan) is an ancient Chinese "internal" or "soft" martial art often
practised for its health-giving and spiritual benefits; it is non-competitive, gentle, and
generally slow-paced. One hour of Tai Chi actually burns more calories than surfing and as
many calories as table tennis, so even though it won't help you burn many calories in
comparison to high-energy workouts like running or playing volleyball, it can contribute to
an overall active lifestyle. one of the many benefits increasing strength, flexibility, body
awareness, and mental concentration, Tai Chi can improve your health, too. 
MANIPULATIVE AND BODY BASED METHODS
YOGA
Yoga is essentially a spiritual discipline based on an extremely subtle science, which focuses
on bringing harmony between mind and body. It is an art and science of healthy living. The
word ‘Yoga’ is derived from the Sanskrit root ‘Yuj’, meaning ‘to join’ or ‘to yoke’ or ‘to
unite’. As per Yogic scriptures the practice of Yoga leads to the union of individual
consciousness with that of the Universal Consciousness, indicating a perfect harmony
between the mind and body.

ACCUPUNCTURE
Acupuncture is a component of the health care system of China that can be traced back at
least 2,500 years. The general theory of acupuncture is based on the premise that there are
patterns of energy flow (Qi) through the body that are essential for health.

The practice of acupuncture to treat identifiable pathophysiological (disease) conditions in

American medicine was rare until the visit of President Richard M. Nixon to China in 1972.
Since that time, there has been an explosion of interest in the United States and Europe in the
application of the technique of acupuncture to Western medicine.

Acupuncture is a family of procedures involving stimulation of anatomical locations on or in

the skin by a variety of techniques. There are a variety of approaches to diagnosis and
treatment in American acupuncture thatincorporate medical traditions from China, Japan
Korea, and other countries. The most thoroughly studied mechanism of stimulation of
acupuncture points employs penetration of the skin by thin, solid, metallic needles, which are
manipulated manually or by electrical stimulation.

REFLEXOLOGY

Reflexology is a type of massage that involves applying different amounts of pressure to the
feet, hands, and ears. It’s based on a theory that these body parts are connected to certain
organs and body systems. People who practice this technique are called reflexologists.

Reflexologists believe that applying pressure to these parts offers a range of health benefits.

Reflexology aims to keep qi flowing through the body, keeping it balanced and disease free.

In Chinese medicine, different body parts correspond with different pressure points on the
body. Reflexologists use maps of these points in the feet, hands, and ears to determine where
they should apply pressure.

They believe their touch sends energy flowing through a person’s body until it reaches the
area in need of healing.

DETOXIFICATION THERAPY
Detoxification is a process in which the body is allowed to free itself of a drug. During this
period, the symptoms of withdrawal are also treated. Detoxification is the primary step in any
drug treatment program and is used as the initial phase in treating alcohol, heroin, inhalant,
sedative, and hypnotic addictions.

AROMA THERAPY -

Aroma therapy is based on the healing power of plant oils which may be massaged into the
skin, inhaled or used in the bath. It relieve tension and improves circulation and can reduce
anxiety in short term settings such as intensive care.

BIBLIOGRAPHY -
 Basheer .P. Shebeer ,Khan Yaseen .S. ,A Concise Textbook of Advance Nursing
Practise ,Published by EMMESS Publishers ,Edition 2nd ,Pgno. 625-638.