Abstract This paper evaluates the role of homeopathicmedicine in the modern world, with an emphasis placed upon various concerns to medical professionals, as well as the attitudes that they exhibit towards these alternative therapies. The paper relates that many believe homeopathicmedicine is the only alternative for many individuals who do not trust chemical or technology-based treatments.
From the Paper "Homeopathic medicine is derived from the necessity of human beings to avoid harsh chemicals and environmental conditions, which do not always provide the help and relief that is intended. As a result, homeopathic medicine has evolved into a substantial business, with an influence in all aspects of medical care and treatment and its importance in the medical world has also increased. The following discussion will evaluate the key principles of homeopathic medicine in greater detail, emphasizing the importance of this treatment on the medical canvas. Homeopathic medicine involves the utilization of treatments derived from natural ingredients, which promote the eradication of illness and overall well being whenever feasible (British Homeopathic Association, 2004). Homeopathy provides relief for a wide variety of illnesses and conditions, which may not respond to chemical or technology-based treatments, which often create dangerous consequences for patients (British Homeopathic Association, 2004)."
Abstract In this article, the writer provides the relevant background and comparison of general medicine and homeopathic concepts of disease. Further, the writer discusses how their similarities and differences affect the choice of treatment modalities and their effect on the patients involved. The research shows that general medicine concepts of disease relate to dysfunctions in the body that are characterized by specific symptoms that can be diagnosed and treated. In contrast, the research also shows that in homeopathy, practitioners consider disease symptoms as the body's own attempts to heal itself. The writer maintains that in most cases, homeopaths use medicines that mimic the symptoms of the disease but do so in such attenuated amounts that these active ingredients are virtually absent from the prescription with most observers suggesting there is a powerful placebo effect at play. The writer concludes that it would seem reasonable to assert that many general medicine practitioners could take a lesson from their homeopathic counterparts by paying more attention to establishing therapeutic relationships and a rapport with their patients rather than ruling out one possible cause after another without regard to what patients have to say about their personal concepts of the disease involved.
Table of Contents:
Chapter 1: Introduction
Statement of the Problem
Purpose of Study
Importance of Study
Scope of Study
Rationale of Study
Methodology
Chapter 2: Background and Overview
Chapter 3: General Medicine Concepts of Disease
Chapter 4: HomeopathicMedicine Concepts of Disease
Chapter 5: Summary and Conclusions
From the Paper "Christopher Boorse criticizes the idea that health and disease are evaluative concepts. In his view, this relativizing of the concepts leads to absurd consequences. Assume, for instance, that one defines disease in terms of unwanted things which are candidates for medical treatment. He claims that many recognized diseases are not really treatable. On the other hand, practices such as circumcision, termination of pregnancy or plastic surgery are not good reasons for considering the possession of foreskin, being pregnant or having ears that stick out to be diseases. Another possibility is that one invokes pain or suffering as a criterion for calling something a disease; however, Boorse emphasizes as well that medical textbooks frequently describe instances where the absence of subjective discomfort is accompanied by serious internal injury; by contrast, some people tend to experience severe pain and discomfort during entirely normal processes such as menstruation, teething and childbirth."
Tags: treatment, healthcare, patients, human, body
Abstract This paper discusses ten specific cases such as the case of Jenny, a thirty-two year old Caucasian female complaining of acne vulgaris, who was recommended the use of calcarea carbonica because of its applicability to clients with chilled extremities and anxiety and who was advised to avoid baked goods and refined sugars to begin a regular meditation, yoga or tai chi to help her relax. The author points out another case, with the herpes simplex virus causing the cold sores, for whom natrum muriaticum was elected because of its general applicability and relevance to Jim's overeating of salty snack foods; at the six month visit, he had not experienced any cold sore eruptions. The paper relates that carbo vegetabilis was recommended for a case of asthma, which reduced symptoms and dependence on his inhaler.
From the Paper "When asked, Roy admitted that he is under a lot of stress at work. Roy is poised and charming and does not seem to have any aggressive or overly emotional tendencies. However, when we began talking about his job, we noticed his shoulders tensing. Roy also enjoyed making jokes about uncomfortable topics and thus tended to cover up his uncomfortable emotions, like anger, with humor. We recommended the remedy Natrum muriaticum, as it applies readily to Roy's symptoms, including his responsiveness to massage, his suppressed emotion, and his tendency to keep his feelings concealed from those around him."
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."
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 alternative treatment 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 well-researched paper examines the sudden resurgence of interest in medicinal plants, which is due not only to their potential health benefits but also to the enormous amounts of money involved as well.
Abstract This paper supplies significant research which proves that medicinal plants, commonly referred to as medicinal herbs, have been successfully used by man for more than 60 thousand years. The uses of medicinal plants have ranged through the entire spectrum of the physical and psychological maladies that can afflict the human race. The writer of this paper examines the various vaccines made from medicinal plant preparations which are designed for oral consumption as well as the numerous health benefits attained by properly ingesting these herbs. This paper also analyzes the business aspect of the medicine plant trade. Through relevant research, this paper estimates that world sales of medicines derived from plants, discovered and collected by indigenous tribes and cultures in 1990, amounted to some $43 billion.
Table of Contents:
Review and Discussion
Background and Overview
Etiology, Applications and Common Medicinal Plants Today
Current and Future Trends
Conclusion
Works Cited
From the Paper "According to Zerner, the majority of the knowledge about medicinal plants today has been accumulated based on empirical observations over long periods of time. Likewise, Crellin and Philpott note that observations of the use of different plants by sick animals has always been a valuable source of information for early practitioners, and many continue to believe this is a valuable source of reliable information concerning the efficacy of medicinal plants today. Even the nonmedicinal uses of these various plant materials has helped the body of knowledge through increased familiarity to the point where, "Nowadays, many herbalists believe that they have an almost intuitive sense of whether or not a plant is medical. Ten of the most popular medicinal plants today are bilberry, cranberry, echinacea, feverfew, Ginkgo biloba, goldenseal, kava kava, milk thistle, saw palmetto, and St. John's wort."
Tags: health, plants, herbs, business, finance, medicine
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 This research paper looks at the definition of medicine and what is required of the field of medicine and compares it to the field of nursing to determine if nursing should be considered a subset of medicine. The paper concludes that often nursing must be applied to individuals even when they don't require actual medical care as medical care is defined, which leads to the conclusion that nursing is not a subset of medicine.
From the Paper "Chan Safani and Winkle define medicine as the science associated with the prevention cure and or alleviation of diseases and injuries. On the other hand, Stanhope and Lancaster define nursing as the work of caring for the sick or injured or infirm, noting that in some cases this caring factor can and must be applied even when no medical care is needed. In other words, the science of medicine may not be required for certain people, but nursing care still is..."
Abstract This paper discusses the use of radio-diagnostic imagery instead of the more standard form of autopsy in forensic medicine. The paper examines the pros and cons of using images provided by machinery such as MRIs instead of the information provided by the more invasive autopsy procedure. The paper discusses the accuracy of radio-diagnostic imagery compared with its less technologically advanced counterpart in determining causes of death. The author concludes that while radio-diagnostic imaging can be useful in forensic medicine, it can not yet replace traditional autopsy.
Table of Contents:
Objective
Introduction
Negative Findings in the use of Radio-diagnostic Imaging in Forensic Medicine Positive Findings in the use of Radio-diagnostic Imaging in Forensic Medicine Discussion
Conclusion
From the Paper "There has been an increase in the use of MRI in forensics in making a diagnosis when death involved either injury or disease. Stated to be one of the: "main criticisms of the use of MRI as an alternative to conventional autopsy is the lack of validation of this imaging technique." This is due to the mixed results that have been reported related to MRI post mortem examinations in the fields of neuropathology and paediatrics."
Tags: MRI, forensic, medicine, Post, Mortem, Magnetic, Resonance, Imaging
Abstract The paper discusses the increasing trend worldwide towards alternative medicine, which encompasses a diverse group of healing therapies that include chiropractic, homeopathy, massage therapy, acupuncture, herbal medications and many others. The paper notes that although alternative medicine has been around for centuries, it is not accepted by all due to the lack of studies and medical trials, unlike conventional medical treatment. The paper goes on to discuss the differences between complementary and alternative medicine and again, how they differ from conventional medicine, both in their approach and also treatments.
From the Paper "Complementary medicine aims to balance the whole person physically, mentally, and emotionally, while conventional medicine aims to cure the pathology. Examples of complementary medicine are acupuncture, yoga, music therapy, massage, and aromatherapy. There are numerous alternative medications that are currently being studied to validate their effectiveness as well as assess potential side effects. Recent studies have concentrated on the use of omega-3 fatty acids for bipolar disorder, while several randomized controlled trials have investigated on St. John's Wort (Hypericum perforatum), acupuncture, and S-adenosyl-L-methionine (SAMe), a derivative of L-methionine, as alternative treatments for major depression."
This is a technical report examining the benefits of bloodless medicine over transfusion. It looks at the history of blood in medicine, how blood works and the transfusion process.
Abstract This paper discusses the benefits of bloodless medicine and surgery over the traditionally accepted methods. It first discusses a history of the traditional methods and then looks at how technology has advanced to more hi-tech bloodless options. The advantaged and disadvantages of each method is discussed and alternative treatments are suggested.
FIGURES AND TABLE
ABSTRACT
INTRODUCTION
BLOOD: THE JUICE OF LIFE
The Development of Blood as Medicine Transfusion: A Gift of Blood
Blood Basics
Transfusion Practice
The Realities of Blood Transfusion
BLOODLESS ALTERNATIVES
Surgical Management
Blood Supplementation
Mechanical Enhancement
What the Future Holds
Advantages and Limitations of Bloodless Therapy
CONCLUSION
GLOSSARY
REFERENCES
SURVEY
From the Paper "Although few people are prepared to admit it, at some point in their lives they will, in all probability, end up requiring some manner of surgical intervention. However, the younger a person is, the less consideration is given to the decisions that will be faced in such a situation. This attitude is to be expected, as the common perception among most people is that it is only upon entering the "golden" years of life that the body becomes prone to the illnesses which necessitate surgery. The facts however bear out a different reality. In the year 2000, those between the ages of fifteen and forty-four years old underwent surgical procedures nearly as often as did those in the sixty-five and older demographic."
Abstract This paper looks at the way the Internet is changing the way medicine is practiced. The paper describes the medical practices where Internet technology has been applied, the great success of this application, and how the use of the Internet in medicine is bridging the gap between the demand for medical expertise and availability.
From the Paper "Medical informatics and clinical diagnosis are two areas where internet technology finds application. Today's patients are more knowledgeable as the use of the internet for medical information is on the rise. In a recent nationwide survey conducted among 1500 medics in the United States it was found that more than 85% of patients had referred the internet during their consultation period. In another survey of 2000 physicians it was found that 61% of the respondents used internet for professional reasons. Doctors were increasingly using the internet for gathering research information, and communication with their colleagues. More than 75% of the doctors felt that medical information available on the internet is a welcome measure. [Elizabeth Murray] However there are some physicians who feel that information accuracy is a matter of concern and that patients bringing in wrong information make inappropriate requests that eventually affect the physician /patient relationship. "
Tags: consultations, digital, information, technology, tele, medicine, doctors, cyber, medicine
Abstract This five page undergraduate paper examines sports medicine, which has been an increasingly popular field of study in recent years due to the major role that sports plays in American culture. The writer discusses that millions of people are drawn to the drama and intensely competitive nature of sports, and tens of thousands of them choose to combine their interest in sports with their interests in health and medicine by pursuing careers in sports medicine.
From the Paper "Sports medicine has been an increasingly popular field of study in recent years, due to the major role that sports play in American culture. Millions of people are drawn to the drama and intensely competitive nature of sports, and tens of thousands of them choose to combine their interest in sports with their interests in health and medicine by pursuing careers in sports medicine. Sports medicine as a profession can be expected to keep expanding in the foreseeable future, so job prospects and opportunities are bright for graduates with degrees in sports medicine."
This paper presents a personal and intellectual reaction to two particular readings: Peter J. Brown's, Jessica Gregg's and Bruce L. Ballard's "Culture, Ethnicity and the Practice of Medicine" and Anne Fadiman's "The Spirit Catches You and You Fall Down".
675 words (approx. 2.7 pages), 1 source, 2006, $ 26.95
Abstract This paper examines two readings: Anne Fadiman's "The Spirit Catches You and You Fall Down" and Brown et al.'s "Culture, Ethnicity and the Practice of Medicine". The paper endeavors to outline the reader's responses to them. Specifically, the paper notes how these course materials have forced the reader to reconsider the wisdom of allowing cultural biases to inform her understanding of what constitutes the proper practice of medicine.
From the Paper "What I hope to convey over the next few pages is how these two works have made me appreciate just how much our individual notions of medicine - chiefly, what works and what does not work - are culturally determined. More than that, these two works made me understand how it is less ignorance that leads some cultures to treat illnesses in different ways as it is cultural moorings that are almost impossible for any of us to eschew. "
Abstract This paper takes a look at cranberries and how the small berries and leaves of the cranberry plant have been used in traditional medicine by the Native Americans for centuries. The author discusses research and articles that point to cranberries being able to inhibit bacterial adherence, a sign of their potential for use as prevention for urinary tract infections. Other advantages of cranberries as a medicinal food are also examined such as being anti-carcinogenic, antiviral, antifungal and antibacterial.
From the Paper "Most studies on the effects of cranberries on bacterial adherence use cranberry juice cocktails, and not pure extracted cranberries. Future research should use pure cranberries or a standardized extract to ensure valid results and also to minimize the effect of contaminating variables especially the higher sugar content in cranberry juice cocktails than in plain juice or a standardized extract. Isolating which types of bacteria cranberries inhibit adhesion of in addition to E. Coli would also boost research validity. Researchers may also want to discover whether cranberries are more effective for anti-bacterial adhesion under specific conditions and whether those effects extend beyond their application to the urinary tract."
