Alternative Health Treatments

Alternative health also known as complementary health is gaining in popularity as more and more people decide to take control of their lives and their health. Why the surge in popularity? People want to feel better overall. They are no longer willing to just treat the symptoms of a health problem. Within today's health care systems, health care is often treatment of the symptoms not the patient.

Other people are not willing to use medications with their many side effects and high cost. It is felt by many people that alternative health care is safer especially when followed properly.

Diet Supplements: The Why

This is why diet supplements are such an important part of alternative health. Our diets today are probably not as healthy as those of our grandparents. With most families having busy schedules the days of family meals are less frequent than in our grandparents' times. We eat fast food, skip meals, diet all to the detriment of our health. In addition farmers are adding more chemicals and hormones to foods to give a higher yield and better looking produce.

Aromatherapy

Aromatherapy is one of the branches of alternative health. Though widely used in Europe, aromatherapy is more of a marketing tool in the United States. The benefits of aromatherapy are claimed in shampoos, body lotions, creams, candles and even jewelry. The studies documenting the use and benefits of aromatherapy are few at this time.

The word comes from the French aromathérapie. It was first use of note was by René Maurice Gattefossé in 1928. Following an explosion in his lab, Gattefossé put his badly burned hand into a container of lavender oil. Gattefossé noted how the lavender oil helped heal his hand. This was the basis of aromatherapy as we know it today.

Be Aware When Using Alternative Health Treatment

Just because something says it's natural doesn't mean you don't need to ask questions. With alternative health treatments you also need to be aware of allergic or interactions. For example some people are sensitive with the use of essential oils used in aromatherapy.

Other people may be taking traditional medications and find dietary or herbal supplements can affect the traditional medication. Ginko and garlic can interfere with blood clotting. Licorice, one of my personal favorites, can cause high blood pressure and interfere with heart rhythms.

Before adding any supplement to your diet or starting a new regime, talk with a pharmacist. This way you can make sure there are no harmful interactions with the medications or supplements you are taking.

It's like any form of health care. Be careful in your choice of health care provider. Look for someone with skill, experience and credibility for an alternative health care provider. Be an intelligent consumer, not just a blind follower.

Combining alternative health treatments with traditional health care can provide the best of both worlds. Just make sure the treatments do not conflict with each other. You want the alternative health care to be a complement to your traditional care. This way you make your health and life a better, more enjoyable and healthy life for you.