COURSE : BSc.

Public Management and Development

UNIT CODE : HDS 2104: HEALTH AND DEVELOPMENT
LECTURER : AGNES NDUMIA
ASSIGNMENT : Complementary and Alternative Medicine therapies

DATE OF PRESENTATION :14TH OCTOBER 2019

GROUP NAME : GROUP C
GROUP MEMBERS: NAME REGISTRATION NUMBER
1. MOSES KURAO HDC223-0419/2019
2. BRENDA WANJIRU HDC223-0377/2019
3. NJOROGE ROY HDC223-0368/2019
4. MITCHELLE NYAMOITA HDC223-0413/2019
5. MIRIAM WANGARI HDC223-0427/2019

6. JACK OCHIENG HDC223-0450/2019

7. MITCHELLE AMUREGA HDC223-0443/2019
8. YVONNE WILLIAMS HDC223-0437/2019

Definition of Alternative medicine:

 Alternative medicine is the term for medical products and practices that are not part of standard
care. Standard care is what medical doctors, doctors of osteopathy, and allied health
professionals, such as nurses and physical therapists, practice. Alternative medicine is used in
place of standard medical care. An example is treating heart disease with chelation therapy
(which seeks to remove excess metals from the blood) instead of using a standard approach.
Examples of alternative practices include homeopathy, traditional medicine, chiropractic,
and acupuncture. Complementary medicine is different from alternative medicine. Whereas
complementary medicine is used together with conventional medicine, alternative medicine is
used in place of conventional medicine. See also complementary medicine, conventional
medicine.
Complementary and Alternative Medicine therapies are classified into five major groups
and some overlap.
 Energy medicine is a domain that deals with putative and verifiable energy fields.
 Biologically based practices use substances found in nature such as herbs, foods,
vitamins, and other natural substances.
 Manipulative and body-based practices feature manipulation or movement of body parts,
such as is done in chiropractic and osteopathic manipulation.
 Mind-body medicine takes a holistic approach to health that explores the interconnection
between the mind, body, and spirit. It works under the premise that the mind can affect
"bodily functions and symptoms".

1. Acupuncture
This is a traditional Chinese medicine technique that uses needles to stimulate specific points
around the body. The person who performs this therapy (an acupuncturist) sticks thin, sterile
needles into your skin. The goal is to help your body’s natural healing process kick in. Studies
show that acupuncture can be effective in treating a number of conditions, like neck and back
pain, nausea, anxiety, depression, insomnia, infertility, and more.
2. Chiropractic Medicine
This practice focuses on the body’s structure -- mainly the spine --and how it functions. A
trained professional called a chiropractor uses different techniques to adjust (“manipulate”) your
spine or other parts of your body so that they’re in proper form, or alignment.
The goal of chiropractic medicine is to ease pain, improve body function, and help your body to
heal itself naturally.
Much of the research around it has focused on low back pain. But studies show chiropractic can
also be helpful for a number of other ailments, like headaches, neck pain, joint problems in your
upper and lower body, and disorders caused by whiplash.
3. Energy Therapies
These focus on the energy fields many people believe exist in and around the body. Included in
this category are:
 a. Magnetic Field Therapy. This uses magnetic or electrical fields to treat a number of
musculoskeletal problems. Studies show that it may work for osteoarthritis and other pain
conditions. Some studies have even shown that it may help fractures heal faster.
Magnetic field therapy may not be safe if you’re pregnant, have an implanted cardiac
device, use an insulin pump, or take a drug given by patch
4. Reiki
Those who practice this alternative treatment believe it taps into the body's natural energy
to speed healing. The practitioner hovers his hands over your body or places them lightly
on your skin. The goal is to channel energy through his hands to your body to promote
healing. There’s very little research to prove it works.
5. Therapeutic (“Healing”) Touch.
Here, a therapist uses his healing energy to identify and repair imbalances in a person’s
energy field. Unlike Reiki, the therapist doesn’t touch you. He simply moves his hands
back and forth over your body. Research shows healing touch can reduce anxiety in
people who have cancers. It can also increase their sense of well-being. But it’s unclear if
it works for other issues, as well.

6. Herbal Medicine
This alternative therapy uses parts of a plant -- its roots, leaves, berries, or flowers -- to
heal the body.
According to the World Health Organization, an estimated 80% of people around the
world use herbal medicine. Studies show certain herbs are effective in treating a number
of health issues, like allergies, premenstrual syndrome, chronic fatigue, and more.
Unfortunately, herbal supplements can be sold without being proven to be safe or
effective. Talk to your doctor if you’re thinking about using them.

7. Ayurvedic Medicine
Ayurveda is one of the world’s oldest medical systems. It started in India more than
3,000 years ago and is still widely used in that country today.
Those who use it rely on herbs, special diets, and unique practices to treat illnesses. But
Ayurvedic products can also be dangerous. Researchers have found toxic minerals or
metals, like lead, in some of the products.
There hasn’t been enough research or clinical trials to support that Ayurveda works.

8. Acupressure Points and Massage Treatment

Used for thousands of years in China, acupressure applies the same principles

as acupuncture to promote relaxation and wellness and to treat disease. Sometimes called
pressure acupuncture, Acupressure is often thought of as simply acupuncture without the
needles.

a. How Does Acupressure Work?

 Acupressure practitioners use their fingers, palms, elbows or feet, or special devices to
apply pressure to acupoints on the body's meridians. Sometimes, acupressure also
involves stretching or acupressure massage, as well as other methods.
During an acupressure session, you lie fully clothed on a soft massage table. The
practitioner gently presses on acupressure points on your body. A session typically lasts
about one hour. You may need several sessions for the best results.
The goal of acupressure or other types of Asian bodywork is to restore health and
balance to the body's channels of energy and to regulate opposing forces of yin (negative
energy) and yang (positive energy). Some proponents claim acupressure not only treats
the energy fields and body but also the mind, emotions, and spirit. Some even believe that
therapists can transmit the vital energy (external qi) to another person.
Not all Western practitioners believe that this is possible or even that these meridians
exist. Instead, they attribute any results to other factors, such as reduced muscle tension,
improved circulation, or stimulation of endorphins, which are natural pain relievers.

b. Which Health Problems Benefit from Acupressure?

Research into the health benefits of acupressure is in its infancy. Many patient reports
support its use for a number of health concerns. More well-designed research is needed,
though. Here are a few health problems that appear to improve with acupressure:
Nausea. Several studies support the use of wrist acupressure to prevent and treat nausea
and vomiting:
 After surgery
 During spinal anesthesia
 After chemotherapy
 From motion sickness
 Related to pregnancy
The PC 6 acupressure point is located in the groove between the two large tendons on the
inside of the wrist that start at the base of the palm. There are special wristbands that are
sold over the counter. These press on similar pressure points and work for some people.
cancer. In addition to relieving nausea right after chemotherapy, there are individual
reports that acupressure also helps reduce stress, improve energy levels, relieve pain, and
lessen other symptoms of cancer or its treatments. More research is needed to confirm
these reports.
Pain. Some preliminary evidence suggests that acupressure may help with low back pain,
postoperative pain, or headache. Pain from other conditions may benefit, as well. To
relieve headache, the LI 4 pressure point is sometimes tried.
Arthritis. Some studies suggest that acupressure releases endorphins and promotes anti-
inflammatory effects, helping with certain types of arthritis.
 Depression and anxiety. More than one study suggests that fatigue and mood may
improve from the use of acupressure. Better designed trials are needed to be sure.
c. Are There Any Precautions with Acupressure?
 In general, acupressure is very safe. If you have cancer, arthritis, heart disease, or a
chronic condition, be sure to have a discussion with your doctor before trying any therapy
that involves moving joints and muscles, such as acupressure. And, make sure your
acupressure practitioner is licensed and certified.
Deep tissue works such as acupressure may need to be avoided if any of the following
conditions apply:
 The treatment is in the area of a cancerous tumor or if the cancer has spread to bones
 You have rheumatoid arthritis, a spinal injury, or a bone disease that could be made
worse by physical manipulation
 You have varicose veins
 You are pregnant (because certain points may induce contractions)
9. Massage Therapy Styles and Health Benefits
Massage has been practiced for thousands of years. Today, if you need or want a massage,
you can choose from about 80 massage therapy styles with a wide variety of pressures,
movements, and techniques. These all involve pressing, rubbing, or manipulating muscles
and other soft tissues with hands and fingers. Sometimes, even forearms, elbows, or feet are
used.
Which Massage Styles Are Best?
You may have noticed that different massage styles are popular at different times. And you
may have wondered whether each was just part of a passing fad or the latest, greatest
massage technique? Even more important is how can you tell whether the latest style will
actually help you?
Styles used in massage therapy range from long, smooth strokes to short, percussive strokes.
Some massage therapists use oils and lotions; others do not. Most massage therapists have
clients unclothe for a massage, but some do not. A massage can last anywhere from 5
minutes to 2 hours.
Before you can decide which massage, style is best for you, you need to ask yourself a
question. Do you simply want a massage for relaxation and stress control? Or do you need
symptom relief or help with a certain health condition? Before booking a massage, let the
therapist know what you're looking for and ask which style the therapist uses. Many use
more than one style. Or the therapist may customize your massage, depending on your age,
condition, or any special needs or goals you have.
What follows is a list of some of the more popular massage therapy styles. The first four are
especially popular.
a. Swedish Massage
The most common type of massage is Swedish massage therapy. It involves soft, long,
kneading strokes, as well as light, rhythmic, tapping strokes, on topmost layers of muscles.
This is also combined with movement of the joints. By relieving muscle tension, Swedish
therapy can be both relaxing and energizing. And it may even help after an injury.
Four common strokes of Swedish massage are:
 Effleurage: a smooth, gliding stroke used to relax soft tissue
 Petrissage: the squeezing, rolling, or kneading that follows effleurage
  Friction: deep, circular movements that cause layers of tissue to rub against each other,
helping to increase blood flow and break down scar tissue
 Tapotement: a short, alternating tap done with cupped hands, fingers, or the edge of the
hand
b. Deep Tissue Massage
Deep tissue massage is best for giving attention to certain painful, stiff "trouble spots" in
your body. The massage therapist uses slow, deliberate strokes that focus pressure on layers
of muscles, tendons, or other tissues deep under your skin. Though less rhythmic than other
types of massage, deep tissue massage may be therapeutic -- relieving chronic patterns of
tension and helping with muscle injuries, such as back sprain.

c. Sports Massage

Developed to help with muscle systems used for a particular sport, sports massage uses a
variety of approaches to help athletes in training -- before, during, or after sports events. You
might use it to promote flexibility and help prevent injuries. Or, it may help muscle strains,
aiding healing after a sports injury.
d. Chair Massage
Ever gone to a county fair, music festival, or conference and envied other people getting
chair massages? Passed by the chair massage section in an airport? Or, maybe you're lucky
enough to work at a company that offers 15- to 20-minute massages as a regular benefit.
Onsite, chair massages are done while you're seated fully clothed in a portable, specially
designed chair. They usually involve a massage of your neck, shoulders, back, arms, and
hands.
e. Shiatsu Massage
In Japanese, shiatsu means "finger pressure." For shiatsu massage, the therapist uses varied,
rhythmic pressure on certain precise points of the body. These points are
called acupressure points, and they are believed to be important for the flow of the body's
vital energy, called chi. Proponents say shiatsu massage can help relieve blockages at these
acupressure points.
f. Thai Massage
During a Thai massage, the therapist uses his or her body to move the client into a variety of
positions. This type of massage includes compression of muscles, mobilization of joints, and
acupressure.
g. Lymphatic Drainage Massage
A lymphatic drainage massage is gentle massage of your tissues designed to help increase the
circulation of lymph fluids in your body.  Lymph is a protein -rich fluid that moves
throughout your body in lymph vessels. It scoops up things like bacteria, viruses, and waste,
and carries them to your lymph nodes. Your lymph nodes then filter the fluid to get the
impurities out of your body. The massage is usually done with light pressure with gentle,
long strokes along the skin to increase the movement of lymph through your system.
h. Hot Stone Massage
 For this kind of massage, the therapist places warmed stones on certain areas of the body,
such as acupressure points. The stones may be used as massage tools or be temporarily left in
place. Used along with other massage techniques, hot stones can be quite soothing and
relaxing as they transmit heat deep into the body.
i. Reflexology
Reflexology uses hand, thumb, and finger techniques to stimulate certain areas of the feet.
These areas are believed to correspond to different parts of the body. The massage, then, is
expected to promote health and well-being.
j. Pregnancy Massage
During pregnancy, your body goes through major changes. Pregnancy massage can help with
these changes by reducing stress, decreasing arm and leg swelling, and relieving muscle
and joint pain. Massage may be particularly helpful during a time when medication and other
medical options may be more limited. Using specially designed massage pillows, the
massage therapist will help get you into a comfortable position for this type of massage.

What Are the Health Benefits of Massage?

Many types of massage offer benefits beyond simple relaxation. Here are just a few of the
health problems that may benefit from massage. Ask your doctor before using massage for
any health condition, though.
 Back pain. More than one study has shown the effectiveness of massage therapy for back
pain. 
 Headache. Another type of pain -- headache -- also responds to massage therapy. Some
studies suggest that massage therapy can reduce the number of migraines a person has
and also improve sleep.
 Osteoarthritis. In the first clinical trial looking at the effectiveness of Swedish massage
for knee osteoarthritis, participants who received a one-hour massage either one or two
times a week had improvements in pain, stiffness, and function. The control group had no
such change.
 Cancer. Used as a complement to traditional, Western medicine, massage can promote
relaxation and reduce cancer symptoms or side effects of treatment. It may help reduce
pain, swelling, fatigue, nausea, or depression, for example, or improve the function of
your immune system. However, there are specific areas that a massage therapist should
avoid in a cancer patient, as well as times when massage should be avoided altogether.
Talk to your doctor before getting massage therapy if you have cancer.
 Depression. A review of 17 clinical trials found that massage therapy may help reduce
depression. But for generalized anxiety disorder, it was no more effective than providing
a calming environment and deep breathing exercises.

10. Cupping Therapy

Cupping therapy is an ancient form of alternative medicine in which a therapist puts special
cups on your skin for a few minutes to create suction. People get it for many purposes,
including to help with pain, inflammation, blood flow, relaxation and well-being, and as a
type of deep-tissue massage.
The cups may be made of:
 Glass
 Bamboo
 Earthenware
 Silicone
Cupping therapy might be trendy now, but it’s not new. It dates back to ancient Egyptian,
Chinese, and Middle Eastern cultures. One of the oldest medical textbooks in the world,
the Ebers Papyrus, describes how the ancient Egyptians used cupping therapy in 1,550 B.C.