ALTERNATIVE THERAPIES

DEFINITION OF BASIC CONCEPTS

Complementary and alternative medicine (CAM)

 refers to various systems of treating illnesses, outside the realm of conventional
modern medicine. It covers a broad range of healing philosophies, approaches,
and therapies.
Conventional medicine
 also called Western or regular medicine, or biomedicine, is practiced by holders
of MD (Doctors of Medicine degree) or doctors of osteopathy (OD).
Complementary medicine
 refers to the use of CAM together with conventional medicine. The dietary
guidelines and life style changes to combat heart disease are example of
complementary medicine, in addition to prescribed medications. Nutritional
medicine or called Medical Nutrition Therapy (MNT) as its current term, dates
back to the ancient times and a common expression: LET FOOD BE YOUR
MEDICINE: reflects this practice.
Alternative medicine
 refers to the use of CAM in place of conventional medicine.
Integrative medicine or integrated medicine
 refers to a practice that combines both conventional and CAM treatments for
which there is evidence of safety and effectiveness.
 Alternative practices pays attention to the mental, emotional, and spiritual
aspects of health, in addition to the physical body. Therapies like hypnosis and
visualization claim to be able to change physical conditions through mental
interventions, because “our bodies are remarkably resilient machines, capable,
with some occasional prodding or intervention, of healing themselves”. This
philosophy is used in “Holistic medicine.” The term “holistic” originated from
the Greek word holos, which means “whole” based on the theory that health is
a vital dynamic state. “All living things can self-heal”, because of inherent self-
defense mechanisms against illnesses.
 Any therapy that relies on the body’s own healing powers may be considered
“natural medicine”, these include herbal, food and water therapies.

CLASSIFICATION OF COMPLEMENTARY AND ALTERNATIVE MEDICINE

o CAM practices are often grouped into broad categories, such as natural
products, mind-body medicine, and manipulative and body-based practices.
o CAM “natural products” includes the use of a variety of herbal medicines (also
known as botanicals), vitamins, minerals, and probiotics – live organisms (usually
bacteria) that are similar to microorganisms normally found in the human
 digestive tract and that may have beneficial effects. Probiotics are available in
foods (e.g., yogurts) or as dietary supplements. They are not the same thing as
prebiotics – non-digestible food ingredients that selectively stimulate the growth
and/or activity of microorganisms already present in the body.
o Many “natural products” are sold over the country as dietary supplements.
Previously, this category is called “biologically based practices” that include
dietary supplements and herbal remedies, which use ingredients found in
nature. Examples of herbs include ginseng, gingko and Echinacea, while
examples of other dietary supplements include selenium, glucosamine sulfate
and SAMe. Herbs and supplements can be taken as teas, oils, syrups, powders,
tablets or capsules.

Mind-body medicine
 refers to techniques which strengthen the communication between mind and
body (two systems that must be in harmony to stay healthy). Examples of mind-
body connection techniques include medication, prayer, and relaxation and art
therapies.
Manipulative and body-based practices
 refers to methods that use human touch to move or manipulate a specific part
of the body. They include chiropractic and osteopathic manipulation and
massage.
Energy medicine
 refers to therapies that unblock or re-balance one’s energy force. Some CAM
practitioners believe an invisible energy force flows through the body, and
when this energy flow is blocked or unbalanced, one can become sick. Different
traditions call this energy by different names, such as chi, prana and life force.

HERBAL MEDICINE

 The use of herbs or botanical plants for medicinal purposes has increase
dramatically over the past decade. The other term used for herbal medicine
is phytotherapy. Well-known examples include atropine, colchicine, digoxin,
and many antineoplastic agents.
  Herbal medicine has been dispensed for centuries by traditional herbalists,
who have been involved with their cultivation, preparation, as well as
assessment of their potency.
 At present, most herbal products are cultivated, process in unregulated
environments and sold over-the counter or in market places. Unlike
medications, herbal and nutritional supplements are not subject to FDA
regulations. However, the consumer can get reliable information from the US
Pharmacopeia (USP), a non-governmental official authority that sets
standards for prescription drugs, over-the counter medicines, and herbal
therapies.
 NSF International, also a non-profit organization, offers the Dietary
Supplement Certification Program. Manufacturers pay a fee (like USP) to be
tested and can use the NSF mark on supplement labels if products pass for
label accuracy, lack of contamination, and good manufacturing practices.

DIETARY SUPPLEMENTS

o The term “dietary supplement” refers to a product other than tobacco, intended
to supplement the diet that bears or contains one or more of the following
dietary ingredients:
 a vitamin;
 a mineral;
 an herb or botanical;
 an amino acid;
 a dietary substance for use by man to supplement the diet by increasing
the total dietary intake; or;
 a concentrate, metabolite, constituent, extract, or a combination of any
ingredient describe above.
Furthermore, it means a product that is: 1) intended foe ingestion in a
form describe above; 2) not represented for use as a conventional food
or as a sole item of meat or a diet; and 3) labeled as a dietary
supplement. Dietary supplements come in many forms that include:
 extracts, concentrates, capsules, tablets, liquids, and powders. They are
neither foods nor drugs and require special labeling.

ALTERNATIVE DIETS

o The use of food as therapeutic aid is exemplified in many currently used

modified diets. The most common are: DASH diet, vegetarian diet, macrobiotic
diet, Mediterranean and Eskimo diets.
o Alternate diets are believe to offer better food choices to prevent chronic
metabolic illnesses. The use of whole grains, legumes, fresh fruits and vegetables
is common guideline.
o Foods that have beneficial bacteria and the food-elimination diets belong to
alternative diets. Modifications of diet advocated by the National Cancer
Institute will help reduce morbidities from cancer.

NATUROPATHY

o Naturopathy focuses on noninvasive treatments to help to body do its own

healing and uses variety of practices, such as massage, acupuncture, herbal
remedies, exercise and lifestyle counselling. As one of the disciples of holistic
medicine, it emphasizes the healing force of nature to prevent disease and
maintain good health.
o The second principle of naturopathy is based on the Hippocratic principle:
“FIRST, DO NO HARM”. Naturopaths have undergone training for at least 4 years
 that includes medical sciences and pharmacognosy, the science of natural drugs
and their physical, botanical and chemical properties.
o The CAM modalities they use are herbal medicine, physiotherapy,
electrotherapy, mechanotherapy and other naturopathic manipulations.

HOMEOPATHY

o This approach uses minute doses of a substances that causes symptoms to

stimulate the body’s self-healing response.
o Three main principles of homeopathy include the “law of similars”, the use of
“dilute concentrations of medicines”, and “potentization”. The second and third
principles remain the most controversial for many scientists and conventionally
trained physicians.
o The law of similars is also known as the principle of “like cures like”, it is derived
from the observation that a homeopathic medicine when given to a healthy
volunteer will produce a constellation of symptoms similar to those it will cure in
an ill patient.
o The World Health Organization states that homeopathy is the second most used
medical system internationally, with over $1 billion in expenditures for such
therapy.

TRADITIONAL CHINESE MEDICINE (TCM)

o TCM is a system of medicine at least 23 centuries old and incorporates diagnosis,

acupuncture, Chines Herbology, and Tui Na massage to prevent or heal disease
by maintaining or restoring balance.
 o This practice is based on the concept of Qi (pronounced as Chee) or life force
energy, which is the center of bodily functions. Chi is an intangible force to
enliven activities and wellness is a function of the harmonious and balanced flow
of chi.
o The substance in the body are: jing (blood), shen (spirit) and fluids, other than
blood. Food is the source of nutrition, and is also used as a tonic or medicine.
o Food is classified according to the basic tastes (sweet, salty, sour, bitter, spicy)
and according to properties called yin and yang that regulate chi and the blood.

ACUPUNCTURE

o This is one of the oldest CAM methods and the most commonly used medical
procedures globally. It originated from China 2000 years ago.
o Acupuncture involves the use of thin needles, inserted into points on the
meridians to stimulate the chi or vital life energy.
o Moxibustion is an application of heat along acupuncture points to aid in
balancing substances of the body.

AYURVEDA

o This alternative medicine system has been practiced in the Indian subcontinent
foe over 5 centuries.
o The term is a Sanskrit word, meaning the “Science of Life”. It includes diet and
herbal remedies and emphasizes the use of mind, body and spirit in preventing
and treating disease.
o According to Ayurveda practitioners, there are three main types of energy that
create differences among individuals in relation to their health status:
  vatta – the energy of movement;
 Pitta – the energy of digestions and metabolism;
 Kapha – the energy of lubrication.
For a healthy status, a person must have a balanced of this three
energies.

MASSAGE THERAPY

o Therapeutic massage involves the manipulation (kneading, stroking) of the soft

tissue structures of the body to relieve pain, stress, and muscle spasms.
o The massage therapist uses the hands primarily, but may also use the elbows
and feet, depending on the needed pressure, rate, rhythm, and directions of the
movements. It stimulates circulation and promotes health and wellness.
o It may be applied in several ways like: Swedish massage which is gentle
manipulation, pressure point massage, for certain conditions for injuries, and
sports massage, for muscles groups involved in a particular sports activity.
o It does not increase muscle strength, but it can stimulate weak and inactive
muscles.
o It promotes deeper and easier breathing, and improve posture. Therefore,
people with insomnia, stress, circulatory problems, depression, anxiety, sinusitis,
asthma, arthritis, frequent headaches, and chronic pain can benefit from
massage therapy.
o It is a modality of complementary medicine, integrated with conventional
medicine.

BIOFEEDBACK
 o This is a treatment technique that makes use of signals from the body to
improve health.
o Physical therapists use this technique to help stroke victims to regain gradually
movements in their paralyzed muscles.
o Psychologists also apply this technique to anxious and stressed clients so that
they can relax. Other practitioners use biofeedback principles to cope with pain.
o Common tools for biofeedback are the body thermometer, weighing scales, and
stethoscope.
o Patients are trained to relax and do exercises daily. Discipline and self-control are
keys to success.

MIND-BODY INTERVENTIONS

o These are several techniques designed to enhance the mind’s capacity to affect
bodily functions and symptoms.
o Examples are medication, prayer, mental healing, cognitive-behavioral therapies,
and creative outlets like dance or music therapy.

CHIROPRACTIC THERAPY
 o As an alternative medical system, it focuses on the relationship of bodily
structure, primarily the spine, and function, and how this relationship affects the
preservation of health.
o Chiropractors use manipulative therapy as a treatment tool.

ENERGY THERAPIES

o The two basic kinds: biofield therapy and bioelectromagnetic-based therapy,

involve the use of energy fields that purportedly surround and penetrate the
human body.
o The tools used are: electromagnetic fields, alternating current and direct current
fields.

MAGNET THERAPIES
 o Paracelsus, a physician and chemist, theorized that magnets attracts diseases out
of the body.
o Today, magnetic fields find application in Western medicine, such as in magnetic
resonance imaging.
o There are many sizes, types, and strengths of magnets. It may be applied to one
area of the body or implanted.
o Magnet wraps are sold for most body parts. They may be available in strips, foils,
pads or sole inserts.
o Magnet therapy may improve circulation, alter nerve impulses, reduce edema,
relax muscles, or alkaline body fluids. These theories need to be adequately
assessed by clinical trials.

YOGA

o This is an ancient system of relaxation, exercise, and healing. It has been

described as the “union of the mind, body and spirit”.
o Originating from India, yoga is sometimes pictured as a tree with eight branches:
1. yama (code of conduct/right living)
2. pranayama (breathing exercises)
3. asana (physical posture)
4. niyama (healthy habit)
5. dharana (concentration)
 6. pratyahara (sense withdrawal)
7. dhyana (contemplation)
8. samadhi (higher consciousness)

TAI CHI

o The gentle art of Tai Chi uses gentle flowing movements to reduce stress and
improve health.
o Tai Chi is sometimes described as “medication in motion” as it promotes serenity
through its gentle movements- connecting the mind and the body.
o It originally develop in ancient China for self-defense and has now evolved in
graceful form of exercise used for reduction of stress.

HYPNOSIS

o This technique produces an induced state of deep relaxation in which the mind
stays narrowly focused and open to suggestion. You will then receive suggestions
designed to decrease your perception of pain and increase your ability to cope
with pain.
o It is believed that brain wave patterns are altered during hypnosis. T
 o his field of CAM is poorly regulated, and the subject should be strongly
motivated for hypnosis to work.

FIVE STEPS IN CONSIDERING ANY ALTERNATIVE THERAPY BY CONSUMERS

1. Gather Information.
a. The internet offers an ideal way to keep up with the latest on
complementary and alternative treatments – a fast changing field. But
beware – the internet is also one of the greatest sources of
misinformation.
2. Evaluate Treatment Providers.
a. After gathering information about a treatment, you may decide to find a
practitioner who offers it. Choosing a name from the classified section of
the phone book is risky of you have no other information about the
provider.
b. Check your state government listings for agencies that regulate and
license health providers. These agencies may list names of practitioners
in your area and offer a way to check credentials. Another way to
evaluate treatment providers is to talk to people who have receive the
treatment you are considering and ask about their experience with
specific providers. Start by asking friends and family members. Before
you agree to treatment, call the provider to schedule an informational
interview.
3. Consider Treatment Cost.
a. Many complementary and alternative approaches are not covered by
health insurance.
b. Find out exactly how much the treatment will cost you. Whenever
possible, get the amount in writing before you start the treatment.
4. Check Your Attitude.
a. When it comes to complementary and alternative medicine learn to be
open-minded and skeptical at the same time.
b. Stay open to various treatment and evaluate them carefully. Also
remember that the field is changing. What is alternative today may be
well accepted – or discredited - tomorrow.
5. OPT for Complementary vs. Alternative.
a. Research indicates that the most popular use of unconventional medical
treatments is to complement rather than replace conventional medical
care. Ideally, the various forms of treatment should work together.

SIGNS OF MEDICAL FRAUD

o The Food and Drug Administration and the National Council against Health Fraud
recommend that you watch for the following claims or practices.
o These are often warning signs of potentially fraudulent herbal products or other
“natural” treatments:
1. Red Flag Words.
 a. The advertisements or promotional materials include words such
as breakthrough, magical or new discovery.
b. If a product where in fact a cure, it would be widely reported in
the media and your doctor would recommend it.
2. Pseudo-Medical Jargon.
a. Example include words such as detoxify, purify or energize. Claims
such as these are difficult to define and measure.
3. Cure-alls.
a. The manufacturer claims that the product can treat wide range of
symptoms, or cure or prevent a number of diseases.
b. No single product can do this.
4. Unbalanced Studies.
a. The product is supposedly backed by scientific studies, but
references are not provided, or are limited or out-of date.
b. Also, the product promotion mentions no negative side effects;
only benefits.
5. False Accusations.
a. The manufacturer of the product accuses the government or
medical profession of suppressing important information about
the products benefits.
b. There is no reason for the government or medical profession to
withhold information that could help people.

WHAT THE PHYSICIAN SHOULD TELL HIS CLIENT ABOUT CAM

o Physicians should help their patients decide in considering using a CAM modality
by answering these questions:
1. What are the known benefits? Is a particular therapy evidenced-
based or still under experimental stage?
2. What are the potential risks and the side effects of the proposed CAM
modality?
3. What is his (physician’s) training and experiences about the proposed
CAM modality?
4. Is the physician recommending dietary supplement or herbal
medicine, which involves a price that reflects a profit for him? If so,
the client must be informed.
5. Does the client have any allergies to the plant material?
6. Is she currently pregnant or breast-feeding?
7. What other medicine (prescription or over the counter) is the client
taking?
o Answers to these should be documented and any intake and follow-up
information on a CAM modality used by the client will provide relevant
pharmacologic and treatment data for health care provider.
CLINICAL TRIALS

o Clinical trials are also called medical research, research studies, or clinical
studies. In a clinical trial, a treatment or therapy is tested to see whether it is
safe and effective.
o Information gathered from clinical trails will help people understand the disease,
how it progresses, and how it affects the body.
o Such studies will also compare which treatments are more effective than others.

R.A 8423 OR THE TRADITIONAL AND ALTERNATIVE MEDICINE ACT (TAMA) OF 1997

o In the Philippines, the practice of traditional medicine which was passed on from
generation to generation has gained a deep significance in health delivery
considering the expensive western medical treatment which most Filipinos could
not afford.
o The Department of Health (DOH), through former Health Secretary and later
Senator Juan M. Flavier, first came out with the Traditional Medicine (trad med)
Programmed by virtue of Administrative Order No. 12 in 1992. This special
program was tasked to promote and advocate traditional medicine nationwide.
The timely approval of R.A 8423 otherwise known as the Traditional and
Alternative Medicine Act (TAMA) of 1997 gave rise to the creation of Philippine
Institute of Traditional and Alternative Health Care (PITAHC) a corporation
attached to the DOH to answer the present needs of the people on health care
through the provision and delivery of traditional and alternative health care
(TAHC) products, services and technologies that have been proven safe, effective
and affordable.
o The programs and projects of PITAHC include:
1) Herbal Medicine Community-Based Program-focuses on the
promotion and advocacy of scientifically-proven medicinal plants
endorsed by the Department of Health that include technology
transfer on the preparation of herbal decoction, syrup, ointment and
soap, and giving lectures;
2) Acupuncture;
3) Massage Therapy;
4) Other Complimentary Health Modalities like Chiropractics;
5) Philippine Indigenous Healing Traditions;
6) Health Tourism;
7) Nutrition and Alternative Healthy Lifestyle; and
8) Environmental Protection and Preservation.

THE PRINCIPLES OF HEALTHY LIFESTYLE

o It is important to recognize that there are certain fundamental principles of
health for which there are really no alternatives.
o These can be thought of as spokes on a wheel. If even one spoke is weak, the
wheel will not turn smoothly and the entire vehicle will be disrupted.
o To maintain an optimum level of health and well-being, people have to relate to
five fundamental, non-alternative principles:
 Good nutrition, including clean air and pure water
 Adequate exercise and body movements
 Proper posture
 Sufficient rest
 A positive, peaceful state of mind
o Paying attention to these five fundamental areas of lifestyle is basic and essential
to maintaining and promoting health. When individuals fail to live in accordance
with the principles underlying the health building lifestyle, they lose the internal
balance that characterizes the healthy state.
o It is possible that, considering the degree of environmental toxicity exposure and
the level of stress under which most people live, with, even those living a
relatively healthy lifestyle can be thrown out of balance, setting the stage for the
onset of chronic disease.
o The heightened focus on health focus on health promotion and disease
prevention has opened a new window of opportunity for CAM whose paradigm
generally addresses a more comprehensive view of disease causation.
o Complementary methods involving both self-care and care guided by health
professionals stress cooperating with nature and recognizing the body’s
enormous resources for healing and regeneration.
o The importance of a positive, peaceful state of mind cannot be overemphasized.
There is evidence that negative mental-emotional patterns such as resentment,
envy, fear and guilt can greatly disrupt and disorder the balance of our minds.
o Modern science is substantiating that every emotional state has a corresponding
biochemistry based on the release of powerful neurotransmitters – naturally
produced chemicals that can exert either beneficial or destructive influence on
our body’s physiology of function.
o It has become increasingly clear that regular stress management is vital to help
us optimize the capacity of our inherent self-healing and self-regulatory
mechanisms.
o The demand for exploring alternative health options come from frustrations with
the limitations of mainstream medicine, the growing body of scientific literature
linking chronic degenerative diseases to nutritional and emotional factors, and a
greater awareness of the medical practices of other cultures such as Chinese,
Ayurvedic, and Native American.
o However, alternative therapies should be very carefully evaluated and
recommended only as adjuncts to healthful diets and increasing activity patterns.
 The assessment of client readiness, expectations and commitment for treatment
must be carefully evaluated on an individual basis.

GLOSSARY OF TERMS

 Antineoplastic agents
o inhibiting or preventing the growth and spread of tumors or malignant cells
 CAM
o complementary and alternative medicine
 DASH diet
o the DASH diet is an eating plan designed for individuals with high blood pressure,
especially African-American and people with stage 1 hypertension.
 Minerals
o an inorganic element that remains as ash when the food is burned
 Over-the-Counter
 o sold lawfully without prescription
 Probiotics
o a live human-derived microorganism used as food supplements, which provide
health benefits when consumed, by improving the intestinal microbial balance of
the host
 Vegetarian diet
o subsisting entirely or largely on foods of plant origin
 Vitamins
o any of various organic substances that are essential in minute quantities to the
nutrition of most animals and some plants

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