Abstract This essay describes leukemia as a cancer that affects the blood production in bone marrow and the role that stem cells place in the growth of white blood cells, red blood cells, and platelets (which are clotting agents). The essay then considers three approaches to treatment of acute leukemia, and explores alternativetreatments at the micro-cellular level as the most promising method of curing leukemic cancer.
Abstract This paper discusses alternative therapies for Alzheimer's disease patients and analyzes if these treatments work better on their own or in conjunction with the more traditional therapies that are more generally used in the treatment of Alzheimer's disease. Music, hand massages and a combination of both are looked at as therapies to treat the pain and mental confusion that Alzheimer disease patients often have. The paper also reviews literature and examines the different methods that are used in order to determine whether an elder that is suffering from Alzheimer's disease is in pain and if treatment for that pain is necessary.
From the Paper " Likewise, the effectiveness of the treatment must also be considered, because no treatment, regardless of how safe it actually is, will be worthwhile if it does not work for the patient. This is part of the reason that there are different medications available that all treat the same thing, since not all patients respond in the same way to the same medication. The same is true of alternative therapies for Alzheimer's disease and the way that people with Alzheimer's are treated for pain and other issues that elderly people often develop in conjunction with the disease. Both safety and effectiveness have to be very strongly considered to find the right treatment for the patient in question, instead of treating everyone with Alzheimer's disease in the same way."
Abstract The paper discusses and evaluates alternativetreatments for youth offenders. The paper presents a detailed discussion of traditional jail and correction centers, specialized Youth centers and counseling alternatives.
From the Paper "As Smith Usinger-Lesquereux and Evans have commented, research studies continue to document the alarmingly high prevalence of juvenile delinquency and the persistence of juvenile crime in the United States. A large variety of competing intervention approaches have been developed to combat juvenile delinquency and crime among which incarceration, various counseling strategies, boot camps, group homes, educational and skills-based interventions and alternative residential placement are prominent."
Abstract This paper examines how, by focusing on the disease process, the hypothesis of the thesis that acupuncture, herbal remedies and other parallel medicine approaches can promote the rapid healing of diabetes-related wounds, while supporting the overall health of the individual in the process. It analyzes how the studies reviewed show that these alternativetreatment modalities can be invaluable tools in the treatment of these diabetes-related wounds.
Outline
Introduction
Etiology and Treatment of Diabetes: A Comparison of Western and Eastern Traditions
Thesis Statement
Review of Literature
Treatment of Diabetes and Neuropathy in Western Medicine
Treatment of Diabetes and Neuropathy Using Acupuncture
Treatment of Diabetes and Neuropathy Using Herbal Remedies
Treatment of Diabetes and Neuropathy Using Homeopathy
Treatment of Diabetes and Neuropathy Using Massage
Treatment of Diabetes and Neuropathy Using Naturopathy
Treatment of Chronic Ulcers Using Traditional Chinese Medicine (TCM)
Assessing the Efficacy of Traditional Chinese Medicine
Acceptance of Traditional Chinese Medicine by Western Society
Discussion
Conclusion
From the Paper "As medicine in the 20th century became more focused on expensive medicines and complicated machines, a trend arose throughout the world and particularly in the United States as people attempted to take control of their own health, largely through preventive medical practices, and to understand more about normal and diseased bodily function. To some extent the countermovement also expressed a distrust of the orthodox medical establishment. The efficacy of the parallel medicines is discussed in an article entitled ?Enhancing the Accountability of Alternative Medicine,? January 1998. The author indicates that alternative medicine ? . . .carries both risks and benefits; it can relieve or increase pain, hasten or postpone death. Interest in complementary and alternative medicine among regulators and health professionals is higher than it has ever been? (Milbanks, 1999)."
This paper is a compilation of detailed information in a format easily utilized by a graduate student studying alternative medicine, a literature review, and a discussion of recommendations.
Abstract This paper explains that there is nothing inherent in many alternative medical therapies that specifically distinguishes them from the way contemporary drugs and surgery are employed because these are simply tools in the hands of a practitioner. The author makes a clear and compelling case for the establishment of a national clearinghouse for alternative health care system information for the general public and health care practitioners alike. The paper points out that regulatory constraints may keep important information about the potential benefits of alternativetreatment modalities from consumers.
Table of Contents
Introduction
Background and Overview
Research Design
Seven Fields of Practice and Their Features
Mind Body Interventions
Definition
Underlying Theory/Philosophy
Major Features
Common Areas
Unique Features
Primary Applications
Evidence of Effects of Practice
Cost Effectiveness
Controversial Issues
Bioelectromagnetics Applications
Definition
Underlying Theory/Philosophy
Major Features
Practice Modalities (Specific Therapies)
Common Areas
Unique Features
Primary Applications
Evidence of Effects of Practice
Cost Effectiveness
Controversial Issues
Alternative Systems
Definition
Underlying Theory/Philosophy
Major Features
Practice Modalities (Specific Therapies)
Unique Features
Primary Applications
Evidence of Effects of Practice
Cost Effectiveness
Controversial Issues
Manual Healing Systems
Definition
Underlying Theory/Philosophy
Major Features
Practice Modalities (Specific Therapies)
Common Areas
Unique Features
Primary Applications
Evidence of Effects of Practice
Cost Effectiveness
Controversial Issues
Pharmacological & Biological Treatments Definition
Underlying Theory/Philosophy
Major Features
Practice Modalities (Specific Therapies)
Common Areas
Unique Features
Primary Applications
Evidence of Effects of Practice
Cost Effectiveness
Controversial Issues
Herbal Medicine
Definition
Underlying Theory/Philosophy
Major Features
Practice Modalities (Specific Therapies)
Common Areas
Unique Features
Primary Applications
Evidence of Effects of Practice
Cost Effectiveness
Controversial Issues
Diet & Nutrition
Definition
Underlying Theory/Philosophy
Major Features
Practice Modalities (Specific Therapies)
Common Areas
Unique Features
Primary Applications
Evidence of Effects of Practice
Cost Effectiveness
Controversial Issues
Literature Review
Critique of Research
Data analysis, including statistical procedures used
Conclusions and Recommendations
Replicability
From the Paper "The comparative efficacy of acupuncture and electroacupuncture can be measured using a sample of rats. Though unable to self-report pain, rats have still been shown to respond to acupuncture treatments versus control groups. This study was able to induce a hypoglycaemic effect in rats when applied to abdominal acupoints. However, this and other studies provide a basis for further research and should not influence the decision for treatment of human diabetes by acupuncture. However, this research does suggest that electroacupuncture is not a placebo effect, as rats do not respond to such effects."
This paper discusses alternative and traditional therapeutic methods and interventions being used to treat children in foster care who often have emotional difficulties that must be dealt with by their caregivers.
Abstract This paper explains that one of the most traditional intervention approaches for foster care children is placing them in a special education class because many children who come into foster care have behavioral, physical and emotional problems that do not allow them to function normally in a standard classroom setting. The author states that as time goes on and the problems of foster care children do not show any great improvement, alternative ideas begin to make their way to the forefront of thinking for those who are involved with foster care children. The paper relates that one of these alternative ideas is to expand the primary care and community-based care for these children, so that they can receive proper healthcare when and where they need it instead of only receiving Medicaid. Another alternativetreatment is a mentoring program.
Table of Contents
Introduction
Literature Review
Traditional Therapeutic Methods & Interventions
Alternative Therapeutic Methods & Interventions
Conclusion
From the Paper "Mentors, however, are people in the community that can work specifically with these children on a one-on-one basis. They are often people who have been through hardships in their own childhood. Some of them come from abusive homes, some of them come from the foster care system, and others come from various other hardships and tragedies that they endured as children and young adults. The reason that this is so important for foster children is that these mentors have experiences and problems that they have made it through, and many of these experiences and difficulties are similar to what foster children either will go through or are going through right now. Because of the fact that many of these people have been through the difficulties that these foster children are now facing, they are able to give advice and help in a way that many others would not be able to. They have "been there," and they know what many of the pains that a foster child goes through feel like. This makes them uniquely qualified to give advice and to help these foster children."
Abstract The paper identifies the key issues related to alternative medicine therapies in today's society, whereby nurses are required to provide care and treatment that does not always emphasize the alleviation of pain and suffering. The paper explains how alternative therapies serve as an effective means of offering patients with new treatment regimens for alleviating symptoms and illness.
From the Paper "In today's society, it is strongly evident that medical care is comprised of a wide variety of techniques and therapies that are designed to promote health and wellness. However, alternative therapies are also available, which encourage well being without many of the side effects of chemical and technological interventions. In the modern world, evidence suggests that many traditional therapies tend to cause more harm than good to patients and therefore it is strongly recommended that other alternatives must be considered in order to promote improved health and wellness. I believe that alternative therapies are the key to future success for many individuals as a means of eradicating illness and its symptoms; however, this is not the only choice for some patients, as traditional therapies are deemed more effective in treating some types of illnesses on a long-term basis."
Abstract The paper explains that complementary and alternative medicine (CAM) describes an array of healing modalities whose time for serious consideration and integration into the present healthcare system may have arrived. The paper states that homeopathy is the most controversial form of CAM and discusses the biases claiming that homeopathy treatment is an an implausible treatment, but affirms that homeopathy is an important topic for public health. This is due to the affordability, accessibility and efficacy of homeopathic remedies.
Outline:
The Perception of Complementary and Alternative Medicine in Conventional Medicine
Homeopathy: Medicine of the past and the future
Implications for CAM in Public Health
From the Paper "It is possible that unfounded accusations of quackery and the like are but a smokescreen that has been thrown up to blur certain facts about CAM's increased appeal. It is also possible that conventional health practitioners and the pharmaceutical industry are striving to monopolize treatment in the US. It is more likely however, that evidence-based research, which has become the pinnacle of standards for excellence in testing the efficacy and safety of treatment with drugs, is an improper testing method for CAM (Novella et al., 2007). CAM uses few, if any pharmaceutical treatments, and should be held to appropriate contextual standards for what CAM in general, and each therapy in particular, claims. Homeopathy, for example, displays effects that are vastly different than the action of drugs, and requires fundamentally different protocols from which to study and gather evidence."
Abstract This paper examines Alzheimer?s; it's aetiology and symptoms, in order to question the orthodox and alternativetreatments available. It discusses the considered main causes that include zinc, copper, iron and aluminium, as well as including a brief overview of the accepted commonest risk factors. It is concluded by considering and suggesting, that ginkgo biloba is the main contender as the alternative to orthodox medicine in treating and preventing, Alzheimer's disease.
Outline
Abstract
Introduction
Chapter 1
An Overview of Alzheimer's Disease ? Definition, Aetiology and Risk Factors
Associated Structural Abnormalities of AD
Beta Amyloid Plaques (BAPs)
Neurofibrillary Tangles
Risk Factors of AD
Chapter 2 ? The Biometals
The "Normal" role of Zinc
The Paradoxical Role of Zinc
Iron
Copper
Aluminium
Free Radicals and Oxidative Stress
The Cholesterol Theory
Chapter Three ? Ginkgo Biloba
Ginkgo Biloba as an Antioxidant and Preventative
Vitamin ?E? and Other Free Radical Scavengers
Chapter Four - The Role of Orthodox Treatments Nerve Growth Factor (NGF), One of the Neurotrophic Factors
Selegiline
Oestrogen Replacement Therapy (ERT)
Metal Chelation Therapy
Non-Steroidal Anti-Inflammatory Drugs
Chapter Five ? Conclusion
From the Paper "Copper is another essential trace mineral in the human body; it is a constituent of many enzymes and takes part in the absorption of iron and in melanin formation. Lack of copper may result in anaemia and bone changes. Estimated safe and adequate dietary intake is 1.5-3.0 mg/day for adults, and 0.4-0.6 mg/day for infants (Tortora and Grabowski, 2000). Copper plays a crucial role, with cholesterol, in nutrition and normal brain function. Recent evidence indicates that copper and cholesterol may both be important factors in the aetiology of AD. Sparks et al (2003) explains how trace amounts of copper (0.12 ppm) added to water and given to cholesterol-fed rabbits induced BAP accumulation, including senile plaque-like structures in the hippocampus and temporal lobe."
Abstract This paper explores the conventional, alternative and combined treatments for irritable bowel syndrome. This paper discusses the risks and benefits associated with each of the therapies, and with a combination of all three therapies.
From the Paper "Irritable bowel syndrome is a common gastrointestinal disorder which affects up to 20 percent of the North American adult population. The condition is characterized by chronic symptoms of pain and changed bowel habits. Irritable bowel syndrome produces a serious impact on quality of life, and also creates an enormous drain on healthcare resources. The use of alternative medicine either alone or in combination with conventional medicine is effective in resolving these issues."
Abstract This paper explains that, while cancer was once a very mysterious occurrence, today there is a deep scientific understanding of the functionality of cancer cells and growth. The author points out that specialized scientific procedures and medications relate specifically to the type of cancer cells by attacking their ability to reproduce, returning them to a normal state or even combating them with cell transplants. The paper describes some of the main treatments and their side-effects: Surgery, chemotherapy, radiotherapy, hormone therapy, gene therapy and a variety of alternativetreatments.
From the Paper "Chemotherapy is a systemic treatment, however not all types of cancer respond to this treatment. Testicular cancer and Hodgkin's lymphoma are types of cancer that are particularly treatable with chemotherapy. Chemotherapy is not an appropriate treatment for everyone, and each individual chemotherapy drug has a different set of situations in which it will be considered the most effective and appropriate. Some of the factors which must be considered when considering chemotherapy, and deciding on a specific drug to use, include the type of cancer, where in the body the cancer originated, the "grade" or appearance of the cancerous cells, whether the cancer has spread, and what other treatments have been attempted or are in current use."
Tags: surgery, chemotherapy, radiotherapy, hormone, alternative
Abstract The purpose of this study is to investigate in general terms what acupuncture is and how it works. Further, the writer examines to what extent these techniques can be used to treat diabetes and the conditions that contribute to its incidence among all age groups in the United States today. To this end, a critical review of the literature and a meta-analysis of the published peer-reviewed studies on acupuncture and related treatments such as acupressure for diabetes is conducted. Results are also summarized together with salient findings and recommendations for practitioners and policymakers alike.
Outline:
Abstract
Introduction
Statement of the Problem
Purpose of Study
Importance of Study
Scope and Rationale of Study
Overview of Study
Review of Related Literature
Methodology
Description of the Study Approach
Data-gathering Method and Database of Study
Data Analysis
Summary, Conclusions and Recommendations
From the Paper "Although acupuncture perhaps remains better described than understood in the mainstream Western literature, there is clear scientific evidence that acupuncture and analgesia are mediated by the release of endorphins; however, acupuncture can accomplish much more than analgesia in isolation and researchers believe that these techniques also release some of the other 60 or 70 active peptides available in the human body. Despite these findings, the evidence developed by Murray suggests that it remains premature to allow an opinion about the mechanism involved in how acupuncture actually works in the treatment of a given condition. Nevertheless, work it does and in many cases, acupuncture has been shown to be effective in the treatment of diabetes, and these issues are discussed further below in general and with regards to acupuncture in particular."
Abstract Complementary and alternative medicine (CAM) therapies including traditional Chinese medicine, acupuncture, aromatherapy, homeopathy and naturopathy have gained considerable popularity in recent years. This essay examines why many patients have chosen CAM therapies in preference to western medicine. The writer first defines CAM and then analyzes some of the reasons why CAM is preferred to modern medicine. This is then followed by a discussion of the risks and benefits of CAM and the need for regulation of complementary and alternative medicine.
From the Paper "Although CAM has benefits, there is not much research on their safety and efficacy or the existing research is of poor quality. CAM has numerous direct and indirect risks. CAM also is poorly regulated and many CAM practioners are not adequately trained. Although modern medicine is not exact and has its pitfalls, the fact remains that it is well researched and based on extensive and good quality clinical trials. The exact properties, benefits, and side effects of allopathic medicine are well-documented. Therefore, although some patients may choose CAM over modern medicine, CAM should be used only as an adjunct or when all other modalities of treatment have failed."
Tags: medicine treatment chinese, health care, herbal medicine, psychological homeopathy
Abstract The paper discusses the lower back as an area of the body for which people seek pain treatment far more frequently than almost any other. The paper notes that chronic low back pain is a primary reason for individuals to seek and potentially become addicted to narcotic pain medication. Additionally, many individuals overuse over the counter analgesics and or nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (often a cause of stomach problems or even vascular and cardiac damage). The paper discusses the use of BASI Pilates as a core muscle training program that can, when applied correctly, alleviate and even eliminate chronic lower back pain through training. This includes balance and the strengthening of abdominal and back muscles.
Outline:
Anatomical Description of Lower Back
Introduction
Body
BASI Pilates Regiment (Abdomen and Lower Back)
Case Study
Conclusion
From the Paper "The lower back is the lay term usually given to the lumbar and sacrum portions of the spinal column and all the muscles and connective tissues that surround them. The spinal column is composed of 33 interlocking vertebrae and the sacrum, the lowers five vertebrates plus the scrum make up what is known as the lower back. This are of the back is frequently a source of pain as there are many stressors and or injuries/diseases that can effect it as well as the stressful posture of continual sitting or standing or lifting using back instead of leg muscles can create superficial strain or deep muscle strain on the area."
Abstract This paper examines the current Anglo-American judicial system and its history while also considering some of its drawbacks. In response to these short-comings, the author suggests alternative methods of dispute resolution, such as arbitration and impartial investigation. These methods are discussed in light of their use in other legal systems around the world. The author concludes that a reform of the adversarial systems currently in use in the Anglo-North American world would be desirable because reforms might increase the availability of true justice for large segments of the population.
Outline:
Introduction
The Development of the Adversarial System
The Adversarial System vs. Alternative Forms of Dispute Resolution
Alternative Dispute Resolution: The European Civil Code Example
Possibilities and Problems Relating to the Implementation of Alternative Dispute Resolution Systems in Canada, the United States, and the United Kingdom
Conclusion
From the Paper "The justice system of the Anglo-North American world is an adversarial one. A lawyer is an advocate - he or she represents the case and the views of his or her clients. The rightness or wrongness of the arguments of the opposing side is of no concern to counsel. It is the duty of the lawyer to represent the client's case to the best of his or her ability; to make use of whatever legal arguments, statutes, precedents, etc. will advance his or her client's cause. In essence, the judicial system of the United Kingdom, Canada, the United States, and other nations that follow the English legal tradition, is one of a debate between two sides. It is the responsibility of the judge and jury to decide the case based on the relative merits of the arguments for each side. In contrast to the usage of many other nations, there is no independent attempt made to determine the correctness of either argument. Neither judge nor jury possesses the authority to actually investigate the claims made. As well, Anglo-North American law does not require that actionable cases strictly match the provisions of some pre-established code. Precedent is of great importance having, in the absence of positive law to the contrary, the force of law. In this sense, the law is quite malleable. Through careful research, an attorney might discover a useful prior decision that could lend weight to his or her arguments. Again, since there is no adherence to a strict code of laws, as say the Roman Law, or the Code Napoleon, it becomes possible to manipulate existing laws and precedents to suit the situation. Of course, a major difficulty of any system that relies upon the best presented argument is the danger that such an argument may not actual to be correct. Rather, it only appears to be correct. As a result, many have begun to question the utility and fairness of the adversarial system. "
