Alternative and non-conventional medicine is becoming very popular. Today, the World Health Organization counts more than 400 different traditional therapies. They all propose different ways of healing, most of them based on natural methods. But what are the reasons for their success, even if most of them are not covered by most health insurance companies?
A return to nature
People were always searching for innovation without thinking that it may negatively impact their lives. Although scientific breakthroughs have been able to help and heal many people, we are now faced with medicine that is too technical and too fast, leaving people confused. Patients now want to be involved in their treatment and learn how to manage their illness. Alternative medicines are now used globally, having a healing approach aiming to align both body and mind.
Different types of alternative medicines
You should know that the term “alternative medicine” has a variety of therapeutic methods:
Manual treatments that allow the body to heal itself, such as osteopathy, acupuncture, and micro-physiotherapy.
Treatments for “well-being” that provide relief with the help of plants or other specific preparations such as phytotherapy, aromatherapy, and naturopathy.
Relaxation treatments offer a more personal health approach through meditation-like methods such as sophrology, hypnosis, and music therapy.
What they have in common is that they do not involve lab-made medication. By limiting the consumption of chemical drugs, one avoids their side effects. This return to nature has never been more popular than now, especially to combat certain diseases such as anxiety, stress, joint pain, allergies, and so on…
Alternative Medicines For The Elderly
Massage therapy is a hands-on form of alternative medicine. Gentle kneading can help relieve pain and improve circulation, which is especially beneficial for inactive adults. There are several forms of massage therapy, each with a specific health goal.
Acupuncture has been practised for centuries. Practitioners believe restoring the proper flow of energy in your body can relieve pain and treat certain diseases.
Herbs can complement conventional treatment or not, and they are sometimes taken in the form of supplements that can help treat potential conditions without the need for prescription medications.
Chiropractic manipulates the joints and spine with the hands to relieve pain. These treatments are a non-surgical way to treat back pain, neck pain, headaches, and other problems.
Complementary therapies to traditional medicine
Alternative medicine is commonly used to relieve back pain, fight recurrent insomnia or overcome certain addictions such as tobacco.
For some years now, the medical virtues of natural remedies have been the talk of the town, in contrast to conventional medicine, which focuses more on the symptoms than on the causes of the disease.
Today, alternative remedies are also used to complement traditional treatments (painkillers and anti-inflammatory). They are part of many treatment programs in hospitals, especially in treating certain types of cancer. They are used for comfort and to relieve pain and are no substitute for traditional medicine in the treatment of a serious illness.
Increasing coverage by mutual insurance companies.
Unfortunately, only a few of these non-conventional practices are currently recognized by health insurance companies. Acupuncture and homeopathy are recognized only if they are practiced by a physician who is insured by a recognized board. The patient is then reimbursed 70% of the basic tariff by compulsory health insurance. At the same time, most of these are needed for our elderly patients, as they do not work and they often rely on medical insurance.
Alternative medicines can be a good thing for the elderly who are often submerged with pills. Let us know in the comments what you think about alternative medicines for the elderly.
