The Alternative Therapies Database
Alternative therapies are a rapidly expanding area of health care that encompasses herbal remedies, dietary supplements, mind-body techniques and exercise. Many of these techniques can be used in conjunction with standard Western medical practices for maximum benefit.
Herbal therapy is the practice of believing that herbs and medicinal plants can promote overall wellbeing, making them beneficial for various conditions. Herbal medicines tend to be safe, and they have been known to aid with chronic pain or certain cancers.
There are also various alternative therapies, such as traditional Chinese medicine (TCM), homeopathy and acupuncture. While these methods haven’t been scientifically proven to work in all cases, they have been demonstrated to be successful in some instances.
In addition to treating physical issues, many people turn to alternative therapy for mental health support. Studies have demonstrated that alternative therapy can reduce stress, depression and anxiety levels.
Due to their potential dangers, it’s wise to discuss them with your physician prior to beginning. Furthermore, using these therapies during pregnancy could affect the outcome; thus, make sure your doctor knows if you plan to utilize them.
Research in this area is limited, so a database like this can be invaluable in providing up-to-date data on the effectiveness of such therapies. It also helps you gain insight into why people are interested in them and what benefits they expect from them.
This database offers comprehensive information on a range of alternative therapies. It is the industry’s most comprehensive source for dietary supplements and complementary treatments, featuring evidence-based research from reliable, peer-reviewed sources.
This database covers a wide range of CAM practices, such as herbalism, naturopathy, acupuncture, chiropractic, massage therapy, reflexology and meditation. It includes articles, case studies and clinical trials along with reports, books, manuals and other materials related to CAM practice.
TRC Healthcare has collated the most up-to-date, authoritative research on dietary supplements and alternative therapies into this comprehensive database. It serves as a useful resource for physicians, pharmacists, and other healthcare professionals who need accurate guidance on these options for their patients.
Contrary to conventional medications, which undergo clinical trials and are documented in the medical literature, alternatives lack such testing. This leaves them susceptible to the placebo effect – a phenomenon where individuals believe something will make them feel better without actually helping.
In addition to the placebo effect, other effects have been noted with alternative treatments such as the nocebo effect. In this scenario, individuals believe that their treatment won’t work, decreasing its likelihood of working. While this reduces the effectiveness of standard treatments, they still lead to improvements in health outcomes.
Other factors that predict the use of alternative health care include education and social status. Higher educational levels and greater socioeconomic status tend to be associated with an increased desire to investigate nontraditional approaches to healthcare and a greater need for self-care. Furthermore, those using these forms of healthcare tend to belong to a cultural group known as “cultural creatives,” who are defined by commitments to environmentalism, feminism and esoteric spiritual practices.