The alternative or complementary medicine is one that arose as an alternative to conventional medicine. Under these designations are grouped myriad of different types of procedures that in many cases are linked to the culture of a country.

A fundamental difference between conventional and alternative medicine, is that the former is based on science, ie the facts. For their part, alternative medicine is not scientifically proven and groups from homeopathy to aromatherapy.

Types therapies

·  Acupuncture: is a technique that involves inserting needles into the skin. Depending on what areas are implemented, treatment will be different purposes. It is one of the procedures used by alternative medicine.

·  Meditation: is a technique for relaxation and concentration, which seeks harmony between mind and body, the basis of health. In addition to the psychological effects, it creates other physical and declining levels of blood pressure (tension) and heart rate (beats).

·  Hypnosis: is a state other than that of normal consciousness, which accesses the subconscious of the person. It has many therapeutic applications. It is used for headaches, anxiety or replacement of the anesthetic drug.

·  Massages: is a technique that is to remove the tension of the muscles through the manipulation of the same. This can help to relieve pain and to obtain a state of greater relaxation in the patient.

Traditional Chinese medicine

It is based on the belief that "chi" (vital energy) is the physical and mental balance. If descompensa balance between force negative (yin) and positive (yang), the body operates at all levels will be affected.

The traditional Chinese medicine makes use of techniques such as acupuncture or massage. recommend the practice of relaxation techniques and exercises to balance the body and mind as Tai Chi.

Homeopathy

This practice of alternative medicine seeks to activate defense system with the application of very small doses of drugs created from natural substances.

Among the diseases that most homeopaths are often treat migraines, asthma or hypertension. Drugs that used to accompany prospectus.

Osteopathy

This man understands discipline as a whole and said that a failure in one part can cause desarreglos everywhere. Criticized in conventional medicine concerned only specific pain without seeking the cause in the rest of the body.

Specialists in this field used as a primary therapy manipulation of tissues. He claims that by eliminating the muscle pain disappear other disorders.

Naturopathy

This type of natural medicine seeks recovery of health, using natural products such as herbs. Never resort to the use of drugs made from chemicals.

They believe that to maintain good health it is necessary to maintain a proper diet and the practice of other techniques such as hydrotherapy (water therapy).

Regulation

The National Center for Complementary and Alternative Medicine (NCCAM) is a body that regulates the global alternative medicine. The agency reportedly published papers and sponsor research.

The regulation of professionals and therapies varies in each country. What is most appropriate in each case requesting detailed information from the center that is going to go.

Among medicine and religión

In some countries and cultures medicine is confused with religion, witchcraft or spiritism routinely. This occurs for instance in many African tribes.

Africans have significant healing remedies made with herbs. But medical practices are often connected to the spiritual and religious. So many of the healers can also be priests or spiritual leaders.

Remarks

Some of the arguments of critics who claim this drug is that many of the professionals that are not regulated or exercising have the necessary qualifications.

The arguments of defenders refer to the treatment of human beings as a whole and not piecemeal as does conventional medicine. In addition, they say that help improve the quality of life, which sometimes deteriorates conventional medicine.