'Alternative' can be described as a form of practice that is outside the establishment or realm of the convention either different from or able to serve as a substitute for something else.
So on the context of medicine, alternative medicine is a broad range of health care practices that are either preventive or therapeutic. These practices are not what is broadly considered within the 'mainstream' of medical treatments or methods and some of the treatments may not be underpinned by hard and fast scientific research by way of endorsing their effectiveness.
It is important to note that the term alternative medicine is often used alongside or in conjunction with the term 'complementary medicine' using the umbrella name of 'Complementary & Alternative Medicine' (CAM). A complementary medicine can be defined as a mainstream or conventional therapy which is used in addition to or alongside a conventional therapy as prescribed by a GP.
So what are the CAM's?
Generally the treatment systems & practices which are included under the umbrella term Complementary & Alternative Medicine are
* Acupuncture
* Acupuncture
* Aromatherapy
* Ayurvedic Systems
* Chiropractic
* Herbal medicine
* Homoeopathy
* Hypnotherapy
* Magnet therapy
* Massage Therapy
* naturopathy
* Osteopathy
* Reiki
* Reflexology
* Yoga
How popular are CAM's
It is estimated that in the UK alone the alternative therapy market accounts for 1.6 pounds billion and is growing year on year. This ground swell of popularity for CAMs is not limited purely to the UK. It is thought that in Europe over 50% of people have tried a CAM. In Australia a 1/3 of the population have visited an alternative medicine practitioner. In fact globally approximately 75% use alternative medicine & The World Health Organization (WHO) has reported that 65%
of the world's population (around 3 billion people) use CAM as their main form of health care.
However it is not just the general public who are being switched on to CAMSs, in the UK there five homeopathic hospitals run by the NHS. An example of a CAM being used in a hospital is in Nottingham where aromatherapy is offered to assist women with pain during labour.
It is important to note that the massive interest in CAMs in recent years isn't seeing members of the public abandoning the mainstream for an alternative, rather seeking an alternative to complement their existing treatment and combine the two hence the term 'complementary medicine.'
Conclusion
CAM is fast becoming more 'mainstream' as the general public look for alternatives and the medical establishment give it more attention. Today the new buzz word is 'integrated medicine' (or Integrative medicine). IM simply employs treatments from both mainstream or conventional medicine in conjunction with CAM's which have high quality evidence of safety & crucially effectiveness.
Regardless of the leaps and bounds that CAMs have made in recent years in becoming embraced a wider 'population' it is important to recognise that it still has a long way to go. The way forward is to drive through trials & reports delivering hard evidence and facts about CAMs. The lack of hard evidence in certain areas combined with conflicting and contradicting reports in the media only serve to confuse. As research continues and we learn more we will be able to make informed decisions as to which way to turn.
Complementary & Alternative Medicine
Shallots belong to the lily family (Liliacae) where onion, garlic and leeks are present. It is classified as Allium cepa var. aggregatum .Shallots are smaller and sweeter than onion and like garlic its bulb divides into multiple sections .It digests better than onion when eaten raw. The bulbs are pulled of the ground and leaves are allowed to dry. The greens above the ground which are known as scallions are used as salads and also for cooking. Shallots are an excellent source of vitamin C, potassium, dietary fiber and folic acid. It also contain calcium, iron and have a high protein quality.
There has been lot of research and studies regarding the use of shallots for health conditions. Different analysis and studies have found that shallots contains two sets of compounds -sulfur compounds, such as allyl propyl disulphide (APDS) and flavonoids, such as quercetin. Flavonoid consumption has been associated with a reduced risk of cancer, heart disease and diabetes since they are anti-cancer, antibacterial, antiviral, anti-allergenic and anti-inflammatory.
Recent studies have shown the potential health benefits of common onions and established that shallots are particularly effective against liver cancer cells. Shallots have six times the phenolic content than onions. Shallots help the liver eliminate toxins from the body and have saponins to inhibit and kill cancer cells.
Shallots are specifically linked to inhibiting human stomach cancer. Shallots produce an anti-coagulant that thins the blood and exhibit strong anti-platelet activity and are very good for patients who have symptomatic atherosclerotic disease, cardiovascular disease, heart attack and stroke. It aids brain function and thus protects against Alzheimer's disease. Shallots can lower blood sugar levels in people with diabetes by preventing the degradation of insulin and increasing metabolism of glucose. Eating shallots daily helps in the growth of bone tissue and reduces the risk of developing osteoporosis by 20%. It contains Prostaglandin A-1, a powerful agent which can lower blood pressure. Sulfur content in shallots makes skin look younger. Daily intake of a little shallot will benefit in the long run. Shallots can be eaten raw or cooked till they are tender.
Shallots belong to the lily family (Liliacae) where onion, garlic and leeks are present. It is classified as Allium cepa var. aggregatum .Shallots are smaller and sweeter than onion and like garlic its bulb divides into multiple sections .It digests better than onion when eaten raw. The bulbs are pulled of the ground and leaves are allowed to dry. The greens above the ground which are known as scallions are used as salads and also for cooking. Shallots are an excellent source of vitamin C, potassium, dietary fiber and folic acid. It also contain calcium, iron and have a high protein quality.
There has been lot of research and studies regarding the use of shallots for health conditions. Different analysis and studies have found that shallots contains two sets of compounds -sulfur compounds, such as allyl propyl disulphide (APDS) and flavonoids, such as quercetin. Flavonoid consumption has been associated with a reduced risk of cancer, heart disease and diabetes since they are anti-cancer, antibacterial, antiviral, anti-allergenic and anti-inflammatory.
Recent studies have shown the potential health benefits of common onions and established that shallots are particularly effective against liver cancer cells. Shallots have six times the phenolic content than onions. Shallots help the liver eliminate toxins from the body and have saponins to inhibit and kill cancer cells.
Shallots are specifically linked to inhibiting human stomach cancer. Shallots produce an anti-coagulant that thins the blood and exhibit strong anti-platelet activity and are very good for patients who have symptomatic atherosclerotic disease, cardiovascular disease, heart attack and stroke. It aids brain function and thus protects against Alzheimer's disease. Shallots can lower blood sugar levels in people with diabetes by preventing the degradation of insulin and increasing metabolism of glucose. Eating shallots daily helps in the growth of bone tissue and reduces the risk of developing osteoporosis by 20%. It contains Prostaglandin A-1, a powerful agent which can lower blood pressure. Sulfur content in shallots makes skin look younger. Daily intake of a little shallot will benefit in the long run. Shallots can be eaten raw or cooked till they are tender.
Both Shaun Parker & Jasmeen Brar are contributors for EditorialToday. The above articles have been edited for relevancy and timeliness. All write-ups, reviews, tips and guides published by EditorialToday.com and its partners or affiliates are for informational purposes only. They should not be used for any legal or any other type of advice. We do not endorse any author, contributor, writer or article posted by our team.
Shaun Parker has sinced written about articles on various topics from Online Marketing, Auto Insurance and Wedding Bells. Shaun Parker has tried a wide variety of different alternative medicine therapies and shares his experiences to help those looking for therapy.. Shaun Parker's top article generates over 246000 views. Bookmark Shaun Parker to your Favourites.
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