Literature Review Example: Complementary and Alternative Medicine

Chromatrotheraphy, which is the use of colors of the light spectrum to treat illnesses, could also be used as a complementary and alternative method of treatment. The method involves procedures including luminous which is treated at three levels, ailment, eye level and acupuncture level. Also, there is the use of molecular which is used orally or on the skin, coaching which involves the working with individuals for the elimination of barriers and cognitive therapy which is a form of short-term focused psychotherapy used for treatment of anxiety, depression, anger, loneliness and marital conflicts (Esteghamati, 2015).

Enzyme therapy is also used for the treatment of illness or prevention. This is the use of diet supplements which have plant-derived enzymes as well as pancreatic enzymes. The two enzymes could either be independent of each other or be in combinations which are determined by the prescribers. Individuals could also use the fasting or cleansing methods which involves abstaining from all the substances apart from water that is purified and staying in an environment whereby one has total rest. The method ensures that the individual's body is detoxified which then gives their digestive system and their body total rest.

The Feldenkrais method which is a blend of aesthetics and science incorporates two approaches to healing. It involves awareness through movement and functional integration. The awareness through movement directs the students to move in specific ways which are associated with the early essential changes whereas; the functional integration is a movement which is modified according to the needs of the students. Also, the hydrogen peroxide therapy method could be used (Corey & Rakela, 2014). This is by injecting the hydrogen peroxide into the veins where it is converted into water and singlet oxygen. The chemicals reduce the growth of viruses and bacteria and aids in the metabolism of enzymes.

Other methods that have proven to be effective include mediation which is the relaxation therapy of the mind, medical intuitive, transcendental meditation, music therapy, naprapathy, nutritional therapy, and naturopathy. The complementary and alternative medicine could be used in the treatment of obesity, cancer, diabetes, HIV, and prevention of diseases (Owens, 2015). The CAM methods used in treatment of obesity include acupuncture, the use of herbal supplements, garcinia cambogia, camellia sinensis, chromium picolinate, conjugated linoleic acid, Hoodia Gordonii, cynanchum auriculatum. On the other hand, those used for treatment for cancer include the use of vitamins, herbs or dietary supplements which aid in improving the condition of the patient

In a nutshell, patients could use their medications together with complementary modes of treatment or choose to get alternative modes altogether. The use of the complementary and alternative treatments comes in many forms which include traditional alternative medicine, body touch, diet and herbs, use of external energy, mind therapy, use of senses and medical reviewers which patients could use in treatment or prevention of illnesses.

References

Corey, R. L., & Rakela, J. (2014). Complementary and alternative medicine: risks and special considerations in pretransplant and posttransplant patients. Nutrition in Clinical Practice, 29(3), 322-331.

Esteghamati, A., Mazaheri, T., Rad, M. V., & Noshad, S. (2015). Complementary and alternative medicine for the treatment of obesity: a critical review. International journal of endocrinology and metabolism, 13(2).

Fionda, S., & Furnham, A. (2014). Hypochondriacal attitudes and beliefs, attitudes towards complementary and alternative medicine and modern health worries predict patient satisfaction. JRSM open, 5(11).

Furnham, A. (2015). Complementary and alternative medicine. Oxford Clinical Psychology. doi:10.1093/med:psych/9780198530343.003.0009

Owens, K. (2015). Boundary objects in complementary and alternative medicine: Acupuncture vs. Christian Science. Social Science & Medicine, 128, 18-24.