ALTERNATIVE

MEDICATION SYSTEMS
 ALTERNATIVE MEDICATION SYSTEMS
 An umbrella term for a number of practices
beyond the scope of conventional medicine.
These forms of alternative medicine are built
upon a complete system of ideas and practice
and may have evolved in Western or non-
Western cultures.

 Examples include Ayurveda, Chiropractic,

Homeopathy, Naturopathic medicine,
Osteopathy, and Traditional Chinese medicine.
 HOMEOPATHIC MEDICINE
Homeopathy or Homeopathic Medicine
 The practice of medicine that embraces a
holistic, natural approach to the treatment of
the sick.
 A complementary disease-treatment system in
which a patient is given minute doses of natural
substances that in larger doses would produce
symptoms of the disease itself
 Homeopathy comes from the Greek word
"homoios," meaning similar and "pathos,"
meaning disease.
 THREE PRINCIPLES
 Let Likes Cure Likes

 The Minimum Dose

 The Single Remedy

 TWO MAIN CATEGORIES OF TREATMENT IN

HOMEOPATHIC MEDICINE

 Acute treatment
 Chronic treatment
 LIST OF HOMEOPATHIC REMEDIES
1. Arnica montana (Asteraceae)
Synonyms: Wolf's bane, Leopard's
bane, Mountain
tobacco,
Mountain arnica
Uses: Most successful remedies
for contusions, bruises,
and aches
2. Allium cepa (Lilaceae)
Synonyms: Bulb onion,
Common onion
Uses: Runny nose
3. Apis mellifera (Apidae)
Synonyms: Western honey bee,
European honey bee
Use: Swelling from insect bites
or allergies, common colds
4. Matricaria chamomilla (Asteraceae)
Synonyms: Chamomilla, Chamomile, Italian
camomilla, German chamomile,
Hungarian chamomile, Wild
chamomile,
Scented mayweed
Uses: Colic, teething and childhood irritability
5. Atropa belladonna (Solanaceae)
Synonyms: Belladonna; Deadly nightshade
Uses: High fever of sudden onset with
perspiration
6. Gelsemium sempervirens (Gelsemiaceae)
Synonyms: Carolina Jessamine, Yellow
Jessamine,
Evening Trumpetflower
Uses: Stage fright, apprehension and fever, Flu
7. Magnesia phosphorica
Synonym: Magnesium phosphate
Use: Menstrual cramps
8. Ignatia amara (Loganiaceae)
Synonyms: St. Ignatius bean
Use: Nervousness, grief, anxiety and depression
9. Strychnos nux-vomica ((Loganiaceae)
Synonyms: Nux vomica,Strychnine tree, Poison nut
Uses: Hangovers, digestive troubles and general
overconsumption
10. Sulfur
Synonyms: Oil of vitriol
Uses: Itchiness due to rashes and eczema
11. Arsenica Album
Synonyms: Arsen alb, Homeopathic arsenicum
Use: Anxiety and loneliness
12. Zincum Metallicum
Synonyms: Blue powder, Metallic zinc,
Granular zinc
A proven remedy
for neuralgia,
backaches, muscle
twitches nervous
weakness,
exhaustion,
constipation, and
spasmodic
coughing.
 NATUROPATHIC MEDICINE

 A distinct primary health care profession,

emphasizing prevention, treatment, and
optimal health through the use of
therapeutic methods and substances
that encourage individuals’ inherent self-
healing process.
---- American Association of Naturopathic Physicians
 NATUROPATHIC PRINCIPLES
• First, Do No Harm (primum non nocere)
• Healing Power of Nature (vis medicatrixnaturae)
• Treat the Cause (tollecausam)
• Treat The Whole Person (tolletotum)
• Doctor as Teacher (docere)
• Disease Prevention and Health Promotion
• Wellness
ASSESSMENT BY A NATUROPATH
A well-trained naturopath will ask you about your
diet, lifestyle, family background and environment,
as well as the history of any illnesses or complaints.
After taking a detailed health history, the
naturopath may use other techniques, such as:
 kinesiology
 iridology
 blood analysis
 stool and urine analysis
 hair analysis
 functional testing
1. KINESIOLOGY
— Is the study of human movement
— Study of the mechanics and anatomy of human
movement and their roles in promoting health and
reducing disease.
 BASIC TERMINOLOGY
 Mechanics =
 The study of forces and the motions
that they produce
 Biomechanics =
 Mechanical principles applied to the
human body
 What forces act on the human body?
 What are the results of those forces?
Osteokinematics
•gross movements of bones at joints
•flexion / extension
•abduction / adduction
•internal rotation / external rotation

Arthrokinematics
•small amplitude motions of bones at joint surface
•roll
•glide (or slide)
•spin
 KINEMATICS TERMINOLOGY
 Linear motion (aka translatory motion)

→ occurs in a straight line from one location to

another

→ All the parts of the object move the same

distance, in the same direction, and at the same
time
 Angular motion (aka rotary motion)
→Movement of an object around a
fixed point
→All the parts of the object move
through the same angle, in the
same direction, and at the same
time, but they do not move the
same distance.
 Linear Motion (aka translatory motion)
can be broken down into 2 categories:
→ Rectilinear motion = movement
that occurs in a straight line
→ Curvilinear motion = movement in
a curved path that isn’t
necessarily circular
 DESCRIPTIVE TERMINOLOGY
 The Anatomic Position:
→ The human body:
 Standing in an upright position
 Eyes facing forward
 Feet parallel and close together
 Arms at the sides of the body
 Palms facing forward
 Medial and Lateral
 Medial = a location or position toward the midline
 Lateral = a location or position farther from the
midline

 Anterior and Posterior

 Anterior = refers to the front of the body or to a
position
closer to the front (synonymous with ventral)
 Posterior = refers to the back of the body or to a
position
more toward the back (synonymous with dorsal)
 Proximal and Distal
 Proximal = toward the trunk
 Distal = away from the trunk

 Superior and Inferior

 Superior = the location of a body part that is
above another (or to refer to the upper surface
of an organ or a structure)
 Inferior = indicates that a body part is below
another (or refers to the lower surface of an
organ or a structure)
 Cephalad and Caudal
 Cephalad = a position or structure close to the
head
 Caudal = a position or structure closer to the feet

 Superficial and Deep

 Descriptions used to refer to relative depth of a
structure.
 For example, when describing the layers of the
abdominal muscles, the external oblique is deep to
the rectus abdominis but superficial to the internal
oblique.
 Supine = When a person is lying on his back with his
legs extended.
 Prone = when a person is lying on his stomach.
 Sidelying = when a person is lying on his side.
 Hooklying = when a person is lying on his back with
his hips and knees flexed, so that his feet are on the
surface of the bed or table.
 Short Sitting = when a person is sitting with his hips
and knees flexed to approximately 90 degrees.
 Long Sitting = when a person is
sitting with his hips flexed to
approximately 90 degrees and the
knees extended.
 Bilateral and Unilateral
 Bilateral = refers to two, or both, sides.
 Bilateral above knee amputation
means both the right and left legs
were amputated
 Bilateral quad sets means both quads
were working (typically at the same
time)
 Unilateral = refers to one side
 Ipsilateral and Contralateral
 Ipsilateral = refers to the same side of the body
 Sometimes I see someone who has hurt their leg use
a crutch on the ipsilateral side of the injury. This is
incorrect.
 Contralateral = refers to the opposite side of the
body
 A person with a stroke in the right hemisphere of the
brain may have contralateral paralysis (meaning
paralysis of the left arm and leg)
2. IRIDOLOGY
― also known as iridodiagnosis or iridiagnosis
― is an alternative medicine technique whose
proponents claim that patterns, colors, and other
characteristics of the iris can be examined to
determine information about a patient's systemic
health.
3. BLOOD ANALYSIS
― a laboratory test in which a sample of blood is
withdrawn from the body to analyze the level of
substances or cells that indicate the presence or
probable development of a particular disease or
medical condition.
4. STOOL AND URINE ANALYSIS
― is a series of tests done on a stool (feces) or urine
sample to help diagnose certain conditions
affecting the digestive tract. These conditions can
include infection (such as from parasites, viruses, or
bacteria), poor nutrient absorption, or cancer.
5. HAIR ANALYSIS
― refer to the chemical analysis of a hair sample, but
can also refer to microscopic analysis or
comparison.
 TREATMENT BY A NATUROPATH

 nutrition and dietary advice

 herbal medicine – herbs can support the body
 homeopathy
 hydrotherapy (water therapy)
 physical therapies
 kinesiology and integrated bio-dynamics (IBD)
 counselling techniques
ORIENTAL MEDICINE
→ Also known as Traditional Chinese
Medicine; Chinese Medicine
→ An ancient medical system that
takes a deep understanding of the
laws and patterns of nature and
applies them to the human body.
 ORIGIN OF TCM
 Recorded history over 5000 years old
 Earliest books on the foundations of TCM
originated as early as 1000 BC

Huang Di Nei Jing or “Yellow

Emperors Classic of Medicine”
 TAOIST PHILOSOPHY
• TCM derived from Taoist philosophy
• Belief that human experience is affected by
causative principles in the environment
• Principles, correlate to fate as decreed by
heaven
INTERNATIONAL STATUS OF TCM
 Asia - most countries use the TCM methods of
acupuncture and moxibustion
 Europe- used regularly
 U.S. - developing from the coasts inward, recently
reaching into the Midwest
 Basic Characteristics of Chinese Medicine
Zheng Ti Guan Nian :Theory of Holism
• Central idea in TCM
• Bears directly on preventing and treating
diseases
• Emphasis on harmony
• Two main components:
1. The human body is regarded as a single,
integrated unit
2. Special attention paid to integration and
interaction between human body and the
environment
 TCM: Attention to Body and Nature
• The human body is an organic whole
• Components complement one another,
functionally and
pathologically
• Changes of nature constantly influence the
human body
 How does TCM work?
 Vital energy or Qi
 Twelve primary meridians,
each associated with an
organ system
 Disease occurs with
imbalance
 TCM works to alleviate this
imbalance and restore
harmony
 How does Acupuncture work?
• points are located throughout the body and act as
gateways to influence, redirect, increase or
decrease the vital “substance” of Qi
• corrects imbalances that cause disease
• research programs have been conducted towards
understanding the mechanism of acupuncture with
impressive results.
 NINE ANCIENT ACUPUNCTURE
NEEDLES
 Filiform Needle
A type of fine needle of varying
length most commonly used in
performing acupuncture at
present

 Shear Needle
A pricking instrument like an
arrowhead with a sharp tip, the
same as a chisel needle or
sagittal needle
 Round-Pointed Needle
A cylindrical instrument with the shaft 1.6 cun long and an oval
tip, used for massage on the body surface, the same as a
rounded needle

 Spoon Needle
An instrument with a thick shaft and a slightly sharp round tip
used for pressing the meridians/channels

 Long Needle
7 cun in length,used for deep puncture
 Big Needle
A needle with a long and thick shaft and a somewhat round tip, the
same as a large needle

 Lance Needle
Another name for three-edged needle, the same as a lancing needle

 Round-Sharp Needle
A needle with thin shaft and a somewhat enlarged and sharp round tip,
the same as a sharp round needle

 Stiletto Needle
An instrument like a double-edged sword used for drainage of pus, the
same as a sword needle
 CHINESE HERBS
• Important component of TCM
• Herbal formulas are as effective now as they were
more then 4,000 years ago when they were first
introduced
• Formulas contain 2 - 18 different types of herbs
• Used to treat a wide variety of symptoms while
stimulating the body’s natural healing process
• Not addictive, powerful nutritional agents
 TUI NA
• Relatively new to the western world
• Combines the work of massage therapy,
chiropractic
and TCM
• Establishes a more harmonious flow of Qi
throughout
the system of channels and collaterals, allowing
the body to naturally heal itself.
Tui Na encompasses three techniques
1. Massage to treat the soft tissue (muscles and
tendons of
the body
2. Acupressure to affect the flow of the Qi
3. Adjustments for realignment
TCM Broad Range of Treatments
 Bian Zheng Lun Zhi
Bian Zheng : the way TCM recognizes and analyzes
diseases
Lun zhi : the way TCM formulates a definitive
therapeutic program proper therapeutic program.
• “Exterior syndrome of Wind and Cold”
• Treatment: employ diaphoretics of a pungent and
hot nature.
 Main Concept of TCM: Yin Yang
• Yang qualities: dynamic, external, upward,
ascending, brilliant, progressive, hyperactive,
superficial, heat, light, open, energy
• Yin qualities: static, internal, downward,
descending, dull, retrogressive, hypoactive, dark
wet, cold, matter
 Wu Xing: Five Phases (elements)
• originally a philosophical theory in ancient China,
later adapted to medical practice, becoming an
important part of TCM theory
• universal interdependence of all things and events
• used to explain and expand a series of medical
problems by comparing with and deducing from
mutual relationships
 Two Examples of Relationships Between
Phases:
→ Xiang Ke ( inter- inhibition,
or control )
→ Xiang Sheng
(inter-generation)
 Jing Luo (Channels or Meridians) and
Their Collaterals
• Passage through which
Qi ( energy ) and blood
circulate
• Include the jing-mai ( the
channels or meridians )
and luo-mai (the
collateral channels)

Distribution of the 14 meridians of the

hand and foot
 Zang Fu (Viscera)
1. WuZang ( the five parenchymatous organs)
2. LiuFu ( the six hollow organs)
Zang Fu Relationship with the
Vital Substances of the Body
• Heart governs blood
• Liver stores blood &regulates
the movement of Qi
• Lungs govern Qi & disperse
& descend body fluids
• Spleen transforms and
transports Gu (food) Qi,
holdsblood in the vessels, and
influences body fluids
• Kidneys store essence and
influence body fluids
 Zang Fu Relationships with Tissues

 Heart controls blood vessels and shows its health on

the facial complexion
 Liver controls the sinews (tendons) and shows its
health on the nails
 Lungs control the skin and show their health on the
body hair
 Spleen controls the muscles and shows its health on
the lips
 Kidneys control the
Zang Fu Relationships to the Sensory Organs
• Heart controls the tongue and taste
• Liver controls the eyes and sight
• Lungs control the nose and smell
• Spleen controls the mouth and taste
• Kidneys control the ears and hearing
Zang Fu Relationships with the Emotions
• Liver relates to anger
• Heart relates to Joy
• Liver relates to anger
• Lungs relate to sadness
& worry
• Spleen relates to
pensiveness, over
thinking or obsessive
ness, and worry
• Kidneys relate to fear
 Zang Fu Relationships to Climate and
Environment
 Heart is effected by heat
 Liver is effected by wind
 Lungs are effected by dryness
 Spleen is effected by dampness
 Kidneys are effected by cold
 Etiology and Pathogenesis
In TCM there are 14 categories of etiological
factors:
• Liu Yin: six excessive (or untimely) atmospheric
influences. Wind, cold, summer heat,
dampness, dryness, and fire
• Qi Qing: seven emotions. Overjoyed, anger,
melancholy, anxiety, sorrow, fear and fright. The
emotions are considered to be endogenous
factors causing diseases if in excess
• Injury: which includes acute and chronic
 Methods of Diagnosis
Si Zhen Ba Gang
1. Smelling (olfaction) • eight guiding principles,
2. Listening or eight parameters for
diagnosis
(auscultation)
3. Looking ( inspection) • 1-2 Yin and Yang
4. Asking • 3-4 exterior and interior
5. Pulse taking • 5-6 cold and heat
6. Palpation • 7-8 deficiency and
excessiveness
 TREATMENT

Every herb has its own properties which

includes:
1. Energy – [Cold, Warm, Cool, Hot]
2. Flavour – [pungent, sour, sweet, salty
and bitter]
3. Movement – [upwards, downward,
inwards, outwards]
4. Related meridian where it is
connected to.
1. Fourtypes of Energies
→Cold and Cool herbs – treats fever,
thirst, sore throat, general heat
diseases.
→Hot and Warm – treat cold sensation
in the limbs, cold pain and general
cold diseases.
2. Five flavours of herbs
→Pungent herbs

→Sour herbs

→Sweet herbs

→Salty herbs

→Bitter herbs
3. Movement –herbs can move into different
directions
→Upward
→Downward
→Outward
→Inward

4. Related Meridians
Herbs that are active against respiratory
tract disorders moves to the lungs and can
be used for asthma or cough.
AYURVEDIC MEDICINE
» Also known as Ayurveda or “Science of life”
» A form of alternative medicine based on the
principle that disease is caused by an imbalance of
life forces.
» It is the oldest existing system of medical practice
and is regarded by proponents as a complete way
of life aimed at spiritual, mental, and social well-
being as well as physical health.
The keystone of Ayurvedic medicine is the constitution
of the individual.
Three basic metabolic body types corresponding to
three basic life energy forces, or doshas:
 Vatta
 Pitta
 Kapha
AYURVEDIC TREATMENTS:
1. Life changes and herbal remedies
2. Diet, exercise, yoga, meditation, massage,
steam baths, enemas
3. Aromatherapy
4. Bloodletting and blood thinning techniques