ALTERNATIVE SYSTEM OF MEDICINE IN MENTAL

HEALTH
 ALTERNATIVE SYSTEM OF MEDICINE IN MENTAL
HEALTH

INTRODUCTION:-

India being an ancient civilization has wealth of its own medical traditions which
are of two streams — Folk medicine and classical Medical stream. The folk medicine is
based on locally available natural resources practiced in rural and tribal areas. The classical
medical stream is theory based documented in regional manuscripts. Ayurveda is the main
indigenous classical Medical System and has its regional streams like Siddha in Tamil Nadu,
the Tibetan Medical System in Tibet. Other important Traditional Medical System includes
Yoga, Naturopathy, Unani and Homeopathy.

DEFINITION:-

Alternative medicine are interventions that differ from the traditional or conventional
biomedical treatment of disease.
OR

Complementary and alternative medicine (CAM) is the term commonly used to describe a
broad range of healing philosophies, approaches and therapies that focus on the whole
person including biopsychosocial and spiritual aspect.

AIMS AND OBJECTIVES:-

1. To promote, advance the science of alternative systems of medicines such as
Homoeopathy, Flower Remedies, Psychological Counseling, Naturopathy,
Hydrotherapy, Chromo therapy, Tele therapy, Herbal Medicines,   Hypnosis,
Yoga, Acupuncture, Acupressure, Massage, Aromatherapy etc. & to raise the
status of alternative systems of medicines.

2. To advance the scientific study and professional practice of alternative medicines

and to enhance the contribution of alternative medicines by encouraging its
development by promoting research and setting high standards of professional
ethics, education, qualification and achievement amongst practitioners.

3. To maintain the honour and dignity and to uphold and safeguard the interests of
alternative systems of medicine and other allied subjects.

4. To certify, permit, supervise and maintain a register of practitioners possessing

degrees, diplomas or certificates etc. of the Board or from any college or
institution of alternative medicines either affiliated to the Board, or any
authentic institute, and practitioners who have experience in any branch of
alternative systems of medicine by award of a Registration Certificate to them.
Such a practitioner shall be known as a Registered Medical Practitioner (R.M.P.).

5. To give the rights of practicing to Registered Medical Practitioners enrolled by

the Board as qualified physicians, without any restriction, and entitling them to
 issue medical certificates such as sickness, fitness etc. or any other certificate
required by any law.

6. To improve public health in accordance with the principles of alternative

systems of medicine.

7. To undertake publications relating to alternative medicines.

8. To establish, organise, finance and maintain dispensaries, hospitals, research

institutes etc. of alternative systems of medicine.

9. To help the nation to arrive at the goal that by the 20th century health will be for
all.

10. To certify, establish, organize, finance and maintain manufacturing laboratories

of medicines working on the basis of the pharmacopoeias of alternative
medicines keeping in view their efficacies and recommend only such
manufacturers to the government for obtaining necessary permits, licenses or
quotas etc. of manufacturing essential.

ADVANTAGES AND DISADVANTAGES OF ALTERNATIVE

MEDICINE:-
ADVANTAGES:-
1. Anyone who aims for holistic health, more than the absence of disease, can choose
alternative medicine.
2. Some methods in alternative medicine can be applied even when not ill. For example,
one can do yoga or meditation to relax oneself, even when not in a diseased state.
3. Some natural remedies have been proven to be as effective as their conventional
counterparts.
4. Because there are so many alternative medicine therapies out there, your treatment
plan need not be narrowed to a single goal (which, in conventional medicine, is the
absence of disease)
5. Alternative medicine can cover spiritual or emotional needs.

DISADVANTAGES:-
1. Many alternative medical treatments have no scientific basis at all, so trained doctors
are generally conservative when recommending them.
2. Going for alternative medical treatments may delay proper treatment for some health
conditions, such as cancer which should be treated as early as possible.
3. Information about alternative medicine is not as reliable as information about
conventional medicine (which is scientifically based).
4. Alternative medical treatments and procedures may not be covered by insurance.

TYPES OF POPULAR HEALTH ALTERNATIVE SYSTEMS OF MEDICINE

 TYPES
TYPES

ALTERNATIVE MIND BODY BIOLOGICALLY

MEDICAL SYSTEMS INTERVENTIONS BASED THERAPY
 Ayurveda  Meditation &  Herbal
 Siddha Breathing medicine
 Unani  Relaxation  Orthomolecula
 Homeopathy  Hypnosis r medicine
 Naturopathic  Yoga
medicine  Biofeedback

MANIPULATIVE & ENERGY THERAPIES OTHER THERAPY

BODY BASED
METHOD  Reiki  Aroma
 Therapeutic touch therapy
 Chiropractic  Bioelectromagnet  Hydro therapy
 Osteopathy ic based therapy  Physio
 Massage therapy therapy
 Reflexology  Art therapy
 Acupuncture  Vision therapy
 Pet therapy
1. ALTERNATIVE MEDICAL SYSTEMS

Alternative medical systems are built upon complete systems of theory and practice. Often,
these systems have evolved apart from and earlier than the conventional medical approach
used.

Types Of Alternative Medical Systems

 Ayurveda
 Siddha
 Unani
 Homeopathy
 Naturopathic medicine
 AYURVEDA:-

Ayurveda is the traditional medicine of India, which originated there over 5,000 years ago.
Ayurveda emphasizes re- establishing balance in the body through diet, lifestyle, exercise,
and body cleansing, and on the health of the mind, body, and spirit.
The Ayurveda lays emphasis on promotion of health by maintaining
equilibrium among the structural and functional entities within the human being by following
wholesome regimen of life activities. .The treatment in Ayurveda is individualized on the
basis of diagnosis and underlying causes which is based on history taking, examination and

observations etc. According to Ayurveda, everything is composed of five elements: air,

water, fire, earth, and space.

Clinical application of Ayurvedic medicine

 Anemia
 Arthritis
 Asthma
 Back Ache
 Cancer
 Cough and cold
 Dengue
  Cholera

 SIDDHA:-

Siddha is also one of oldest system, believed to have evolved in Tamil Nadu. This system
believes that there is an intimate link between man and environment. Food is considered the
basic building material of the body. This also lays emphasis on understanding the causes of
disease being diagnosed by complete history taking, examinations and observations of the body.
The treatment is individualized. The Siddha system makes use of metals, minerals, plants and
animal parts in treatment. This system is largely therapeutic.

Clinical application of Siddha

 Disease of liver
 All types of Skin problem
 Diarrhea
 Postpartum Anemia
 General Fever
 Allergic disorder

 UNANI SYSTEM:-

The Unani System of Medicine has its origin in Greece. It was brought to India in
11th century but has become native to India because of mass acceptance and continuous use.
The system is not only therapeutic in nature but also takes care of preventive and promotives
aspects. The treatment is individualised based on the diagnosis and the underlying causes
which are identified by feeling pulse, observation of urine, stool, colour of skin and gait etc.
Clinical application of Unani

 Disease of liver
 Disease of Musculo Skeletal
 Disease of Skin
 Immunological Disease
 Disease of Reproductive Systems

 HOMEOPATHY:-

Homeopathy has its origin in late 17th century in Germany. It is based on four cardinal laws
i.e. the law of similar, the law of direction of cure, the law of single remedy, the law of
minimum dose. Treatment is individualised. Diagnosis is done by through history taking on
all aspects of the human being in relation to his/her environment. It is useful for acute; as well
as for chronic conditions.
Homeopathic remedies are typically derived from plants, herbs, minerals, or
animal products. After being crushed and dissolved in alcohol and/or water, the selected
substance undergoes a long process of dilution and succession (a process that involves
vigorous shaking of the solution). The solution is then stored.

Clinical application of Homeopathy

 Diarrhea
 Migraines
  Motion Sickness
 Flu

 NATUROPATHY:-

Naturopathy is a way of life. It is based on application of laws of nature and advocate regulation
of living activities, purity etc. It makes use of nature based therapies. Naturopathy is holistic
system, promotes physical, mental, emotional, social and spiritual health. Naturopathy uses
body's natural healing abilities in prevention and treatment of disease through a healthy
lifestyle. It builds immunity, improves mental health, and enhances body functions.

Clinical application of Naturopathy

 Weight loss
 Fatigue
 Stress & Anxiety
 Mood Swings
 Mild depression

2. MIND-BODY INTERVENTIONS

Mind-body medicine uses a variety of techniques designed to enhance the mind's

capacity to affect bodily function and symptoms. takes a holistic approach to health that
explores the interconnection between the mind, body, and spirit.

Types Of Mind Body Interventions

 Meditation & Breathing

 Relaxation
 Hypnosis
 Yoga
 Biofeedback

 Meditation & Breathing

Meditation means sitting or resting quietly, often with the eyes closed, which stills the mind
for greater self-awareness. Meditation also helps in reduction of pain and relieving stress. It
also involves sometimes the repetitive sounding of a mantra, which helps the person to
focus. Meditation promotes relaxation.

Clinical application of Meditation

 Stress control
 Pain Management
 High Blood Pressure
 Prolonging Life Expectancy
 Chronic illness

 Relaxation
Relaxation techniques are aimed at relaxing muscles and quieting the mind and are
mainly designed to relieve tension and strain. It is also used as an alternative treatment for
insomnia.

Clinical application of Relaxation

 Anxiety
 Depression
 Lowering BP
 Lowering Heart Rate
 Improving well being

 Hypnosis

Hypnosis is a sort of conscious sleep or trance that can help people deal with
addictions, pain or anxiety disorders. In hypnosis, a person is put into an advanced state of
relaxation in which he is relatively unaware of his surroundings but not entirely unconscious
about it.
A hypnotized person follows the instructions given by the hypnotherapist and tends not to be
to psycho logic stress and conflict.

Clinical application of Hypnosis

 Anxiety disorder
 Phobia
 Obsessive compulsive disorder
 Psychotic disorders
 Relaxation

 YOGA:-

Yoga is an ancient science and helps to co-ordinate body and mind. It is also holisitic
system especially useful for psychic and psychosomatic disorders. A number of Yogic
postures are described which need to be learnt under supervision and guidance and need to be
chosen and practised carefully for preventive, promotive and therapeutic purposes.

Clinical application of Yoga

 Physical fitness
 Cardiovascular disease
 Psychological disorders
 Behavior and development
 Irritable bowel syndrome
  BIOFEEDBACK :-

Biofeedback is a group of therapeutic procedures that use electronic or

electromechanical instruments to measure the process and information to person
about their neuromuscular and autonomic nervous system. The information or
feedback is given in physical, physiological activity or visual feedback signals.
People are trained to exercise some control over the way their bodies work and
involves measuring a subject’s bodily processes such as blood pressure, heart rate,
skin temperature using electronic sensors.

Clinical application of Biofeedback

 Pain
 Stress
 Insomnia
 Headache

3. BIOLOGICALLY-BASED THERAPIES

Biologically based therapies in complementary and alternative medicine

use substances found in nature, such as herbs, foods, and vitamins. There are mainly
following types of biological based therapy.

Types Of Biologically Based Therapies

 Herbal Medicine
 Orthomolecular Medicine

 HERBAL MEDICINE

Herbal medicine is a system, which uses various remedies derived from plants and their
extracts to treat disorders and maintain good health. Either a whole single herb or a
mixture of different herbs can be used.
 Though herbal medicine exhibits a slower and deeper action they assist the body to
eliminate and detoxify,thus taking care of the problem that’s causing the symptoms.
Herbal medicines are available as extracts, infusions, pills, and powders.

Clinical application of Herbal Medicine

 Minor Burn
 Wound Healing
 Hypertension
 Diabetes
 Vomiting

 ORTHOMOLECULAR MEDICINE

Orthomolecular medicine involves the use of proper nutrition or nutritional supplements

to maintain and restore health. Orthomolecular medicine uses combinations of minerals,
vitamins and amino acids normally found in the body to treat specific conditions.

Clinical application of Orthomolecular Medicine

 Arthritis
 Hypertension
 Night Blindness
 Rickets
 Pernicious Anemia

4. MANIPULATIVE AND BODY-BASED METHODS

Manipulative and body-based methods in complementary and alternative medicine

are based on manipulation and/or movement of one or more parts of the body.

Types Of Manipulative and body based methods

 Chiropractic
 Osteopathy
 Massage Therapy
 Reflexology
 Acupuncture
  CHIROPRACTIC
Chiropractic is based on the theory that disease conditions result from
misalignments of body structures, especially the spine. Due to this misalignment pressure is
placed on the nerve roots as they exit the spinal column resulting in decreased function of the
nerve and the organs that they serve. The treatment for achieving this balance is spinal
manipulation to restore correct alignment and full working order. Researchers have shown
chiropractic to be effective in treating low back pain.

 OSTEOPATHY
Osteopathy is a system of diagnosis and treatment by manipulation that mainly focuses on
musculo- skeletal problems. It differs from chiropractic in its underlying theory that it is
impairment of blood supply and not nerve supply that leads to problems. Doctors of
osteopathy use manipulation plus traditional medicine to cure problems.

 MASSAGE THERAPY

It is the manipulation of body tissues to promote wellness and reduce pain and stress.
It plays an important role in treating illness or chronic ailments, and contributes to a
higher sense of general well being. It involves a variety of techniques such as stroking or
kneading for applying pressure to specific points.
  REFLEXOLOGY

Reflexology is the practice of stimulating points on the feet, hands and ears to improve
health or give a beneficial effect on some other parts of the body. It is commonly
performed on the particular areas of foot that are believed to correspond to different
organs or systems of the body. This helps to eliminate the blockage of energy responsible
for pain or disease in the corresponding body part.

 ACUPUNCTURE:-

Fine needles are inserted at specific points to stimulate, disperse, and regulate
the flow of vital energy, and restore a healthy energy balance. In addition to pain
relief, acupuncture is also used to improve well being and treat acute, chronic, and
degenerative conditions in children’s and adults.

5. ENERGY THERAPIES
Biofield therapies are intended to affect energy fields that purportedly surround and penetrate
the human body. The existence of such fields has not yet been scientifically proven. Some
forms of energy therapy manipulate biofields by applying pressure and/or manipulating the
body by placing the hands in, or through, these fields.

Types Of Energy Therapies

 Reiki
 Therapeutic Touch
 Bioelectromagnetic based therapies

 REIKI THERAPY

Reiki is a technique, which uses the channeling and flow of energy through the body to
improve health and promote healing. It is very much different from conventional healing
 therapies. Because in a Reiki therapy, there are no medicines or tools needed to heal
diseases. All a practitioner has to do is to direct energy towards the body through the
hands and the power of meditation.

Clinical application of Reiki Therapy

 Anxiety
 Arthritis
 Insomnia
 Migraine
 Depression

 THERAPEUTIC TOUCH

This technique uses the therapist's healing energy to identify and repair imbalances in a
person's biofield. They believe that by placing their hands on or near a patient's body they
can direct energy and correct disturbances.

Clinical application of Therapeutic touch

 Pain
 Fever
 Infection
 Swelling
 Ulcers

 BIOELECTROMAGNETIC BASED THERAPIES

Bioelectromagnetic-based therapies use pulsed energy or magnetic fields to alter the body’s
electromagnetic fields and cure illness. Magnets have become a popular treatment for various
musculoskeletal conditions and even to relieve pain.

Clinical application of Bioelectromagnetic based therapies

 Osteoporosis
 Pain
 Arthritis

6. OTHER THERAPIES

 AROMA THERAPY:-
Using "essential oils" distilled from plants, aromatherapy treats emotional
disorders such as stress and anxiety as well as a wide range of other ailments. Oils are
massaged into the skin in diluted form, inhaled, or placed in baths.

 HYDRO THERAPY:-

It is defined as the scientific application of water for therapeutic purposes.

Water may be used at various temperatures, in different modes and in different forms.

 PHYSIO THERAPY :-

It is a wonderful manipulative technique by which the deformities of an

 individual are modified in order to notify the body and the vital organs in accordance
with the principles of naturopathy.

 ART THERAPY

Art therapy is a form of expressive therapy that uses art materials, such as paints, chalk
And markers.

 VISION THERAPIES:-

Through exercise and relaxation techniques, vision may actually be improved

to the point that glasses may no longer be needed. Therapies are typically offered by
licensed optometrists and ophthalmologists.

 PET THERAPY:-
Pet therapy is a guided interaction between a person and a trained
animal. It also involves the animal’s handler. The purpose of pet therapy is to help someone
recover from or cope with a health problem or mental disorder. Dogs and cats are most
commonly used in pet therapy. Pet therapy is also referred to as animal-assisted therapy
(AAT).

Clinical application of Pet therapy-

 Substance Abuse
 Dementia
 Anxiety disorder
 Depression
 Autism

ROLE OF NURSE IN ALTERNATIVE SYSTEM OF MEDICINE

 The integrative medicine approach is consistent with the holistic approach nurses are
taught to practice.
 Nurses have the potential for becoming essential participants in this type of health
care philosophy.
 Nurses should be knowledgeable of CAM therapies to make appropriate
recommendation.
 Nurses should also provide advice to client regarding when to seek conventional
therapies or CAM therapies.
 Nurses need to be aware of their state nurse practice act with regard to CAM therapies
and practice only within the scope of these laws.
  Nurses have knowledge regarding current researches being done in this area to
provide accurate information not only to patient but to other health care
professionals.

CONCLUSION:-

To know whether a treatment procedure derived from alternative medicine is safe for you,
you should do your research from reliable sources. Researching from multiple sources is
better than just reading one source, because information about alternative medicine can be
conflicting. You can also consult your doctor for information, although you may very well
receive the conservative recommendation not to try it. If your goal is to attain holistic health,
and you have done your research, you can safely try it.
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