Track 01: Natural Products & Herbal Medicine

Natural Product Development mainly focuses on the need for less expensive alternative therapies, especially in the treatment of chronic illnesses. It also involves the use of natural products in a drug-discovery or development program. The World Health Organization has been promoting traditional medicine as a source of less expensive, comprehensive medical care, especially in developing countries. The main goal is to fully exploit the biosynthetic and therapeutic potential of untapped biodiversity for drug discovery. Many well-known drugs listed in the modern pharmacopoeia have their origins in nature

Herbal medicine differs from conventional medicine in its use of whole plants, generally as an unpurified extract; herb combining (polypharmacy); and diagnostic principles based on treating "underlying causes"

Track 02: Traditional Chinese Medicine

Herbal medicine differs from conventional medicine in its use of whole plants, generally as an unpurified extract; herb combining (polypharmacy); and diagnostic principles based on treating "underlying causes"

Traditional Chinese medicine is a system of medicine partly based on the idea that an energy, called qi (say "chee"), flows along pathways in the body called meridians. In this belief, if the flow of qi along these meridians is blocked or unbalanced, illness can occur. In China, doctors have practiced traditional Chinese medicine for thousands of years, and it is gaining in popularity in many Western countries.

Track 03: Acupuncture & Acupressure

Acupressure is similar in practice to acupuncture (see below), only no needles are involved. Practitioners use their hands, elbows, or feet to apply pressure to specific points along the body's "meridians" According to the theory behind acupressure, meridians are channels that carry life energy throughout the body. The reasoning holds that illness can occur when one of these meridians is blocked or out of balance; acupressure is thought to relieve blockages so energy can flow freely again, restoring wellness. More research is needed, but pilot studies have found positive results: Acupressure might decrease nausea for chemotherapy patients and reduce anxiety in people scheduled to have surgery

Acupuncture may immediately bring needles to mind, the term actually describes an array of procedures that stimulate specific points on the body. The best-known variety consists of penetrating the skin with thin needles controlled by a practitioner or electrical stimulation, and it's currently used by millions of Americans each year. Despite its popularity, controversy over acupuncture's efficacy abounds. Some studies find it helpful for chronic pain and depression, but evidence on all counts is mixed Trusted Source Trusted Source

Track 04: Alternative Medicine

Alternative treatments include diet and exercise, chemicals, herbs, devices, and manual procedures. These are not part of the science-based healthcare system, but these are having healing effects as scientific medicine alternative treatments are complementary methods that improves the efficacy of the treatment. Evidence show that certain complementary therapies can help to control some symptoms of cancer and treatment side effects.

Track 05: Ayurveda Medicine

Also known as Ayurveda, Ayurvedic medicine originated in India and has been around for thousands of years. Practitioners use a variety of techniques, including herbs, massage, and specialized diets, with the intent of balancing the body, mind, and spirit to promote overall wellness. Studies of Ayurveda are few and far between (perhaps because the practice includes such a wide variety of treatments), so it's difficult to determine how effective it is as a treatment system (But the fact that the treatment system has persisted for so many years suggests it's got something going for it).

Track 06: Homeopathy Medicine

Homeopathy functions in much the same way as a vaccine It's based on the principle of treating "like with like" meaning a substance that causes adverse reactions when taken in large doses can be used-in small amounts-to treat those same symptoms. (This concept is sometimes used in conventional medicine, as well for example, Ritalin is a stimulant used to treat patients with ADHD.) Homeopaths gather extensive background information on patients before prescribing a highly diluted substance, usually in liquid or tablet form, to jumpstart the body's natural systems of healing. There's some clinical evidence that homeopathy is more effective than placebos, though more research is needed to determine its efficacy

Track 07: Naturopathic Medicine

Naturopathic medicine is premised on the healing power of nature. Naturopathic doctors are trained in both conventional and alternative medicines, and seek to understand the cause of a condition by exploring its mental, physical, and spiritual manifestations in a given patient Trusted Source. Naturopathy typically involves a variety of treatment techniques including nutrition, behavioral changes, herbal medicine, homeopathy, and acupuncture. Because it involves so many different therapies, it's difficult to design studies that specifically target naturopathy's effectiveness. That said, one study that evaluated the practice for low back pain found positive results.

Track 08: Aromatherapy & Balneotherapy

Aromatherapy uses essential oils (concentrated extracts from the roots, leaves, seeds, or blossoms of plants) to promote healing. The oils can be inhaled, massaged into the skin or (in rare cases) taken by mouth, and each has a specific purpose: Some are used to treat inflammation or infections; others are used to promote relaxation. Studies suggest aromatherapy might reduce pain, depression, and anxiety, but more research is needed to fully determine its uses and benefit

Also known as hydrotherapy, balneotherapy involves the use of water for therapeutic purposes, and it dates as far back as 1700 B.C.E. It's based on the idea that water benefits the skin and might treat a range of conditions from acne to pain, swelling, and anxiety: practitioners use mudpacks, douches, and wraps in attempts to reap agua's rewards. Proponents of the therapy cite findings that water might boost people's immune systems, though research on balneotherapy's effectiveness remains inconclusive

Track 09: Biofeedback & Reflexology

Reflexology involves applying pressure to specific areas on the feet, hands, or ears. The theory is that these points correspond to different body organs and systems; pressing them is believed to positively affect these organs and a person's overall health. (For example, applying pressure to a spot on the arch of the foot is believed to benefit bladder function.) A person can either use reflexology on her or his self, or enlist the help of a reflexologist. Millions of people around the world use the therapy to complement conventional treatments for conditions including anxiety, cancer, diabetes, kidney function, and asthma. Some studies have found that reflexology can improve respiratory function in breast cancer patients, reduce fatigue, and improve sleep but other studies have reached less definitive conclusions

Track 10: Aromatherapy & Balneotherapy

Aromatherapy uses essential oils (concentrated extracts from the roots, leaves, seeds, or blossoms of plants) to promote healing. The oils can be inhaled, massaged into the skin or (in rare cases) taken by mouth, and each has a specific purpose: Some are used to treat inflammation or infections; others are used to promote relaxation. Studies suggest aromatherapy might reduce pain, depression, and anxiety, but more research is needed to fully determine its uses and benefit

Also known as hydrotherapy, balneotherapy involves the use of water for therapeutic purposes, and it dates as far back as 1700 B.C.E. It's based on the idea that water benefits the skin and might treat a range of conditions from acne to pain, swelling, and anxiety; practitioners use mudpacks, douches, and wraps in attempts to reap agua's rewards. Proponents of the therapy cite findings that water might boost people's immune systems, though research on balneotherapy's effectiveness remains inconclusive

Track 11: Biofeedback & Reflexology

Reflexology involves applying pressure to specific areas on the feet, hands, or ears. The theory is that these points correspond to different body organs and systems; pressing them is believed to positively affect these organs and a person's overall health. (For example, applying pressure to a spot on the arch of the foot is believed to benefit bladder function.) A person can either use reflexology on her or his self, or enlist the help of a reflexologist. Millions of people around the world use the therapy to complement conventional treatments for conditions including anxiety, cancer, diabetes, kidney function, and asthma. Some studies have found that reflexology can improve respiratory function in breast cancer patients, reduce fatigue, and improve sleep but other studies have reached less definitive conclusions

Also known as hydrotherapy, balneotherapy involves the use of water for therapeutic purposes, and it dates as far back as 1700 B.C.E. It's based on the idea that water benefits the skin and might treat a range of conditions from acne to pain, swelling, and anxiety; practitioners use mudpacks, douches, and wraps in attempts to reap agua's rewards. Proponents of the therapy cite findings that water might boost people's immune systems, though research on balneotherapy's effectiveness remains inconclusive

Track 12: Chiropractic & Reiki

Reiki is a form of energy healing based on the idea that a "life force energy' flows through everyone's body. According to this philosophy, sickness and stress are indications that life force energy is low, while energy, health, and happiness signify a strong life force. In a Reiki session, a practitioner seeks to 'transfer' life energy to the client by placing their hands lightly on the client's body or a slight distance away from the body (Reiki can also be performed long-distance). The purpose is to promote relaxation, speed healing, reduce pain, and generally improve the client's wellbeing. For the most part, there's no regulation for Reiki practitioners. Studies of the practice's efficacy are varied: Some find therapeutic touch to be an effective form of treatment; some don't Trusted Source

Chiropractic is pretty widely accepted in the medical community, and thus qualifies more as a "complementary" medicine than an alternative one. The practice focuses on disorders of the musculoskeletal and nervous systems, including pain in the back, neck, joints, arms, legs, and head. The most common procedure performed by chiropractors is 'spinal manipulation' (aka an 'adjustment'), which involves applying controlled force (typically the chiropractor's hands) to joints that have become 'hypomobile' The idea is that joints' movements become restricted when surrounding tissues are injured either during a single event (tweaking a muscle during a weight-lifting session) or through repetitive stress (sitting with poor posture for extended periods). Chiropractic adjustments of the affected area are intended to restore mobility and loosen the muscles, allowing the tissues to heal and the pain to resolve. Studies of chiropractic generally affirm its efficacy, with research suggesting the practice can decrease pain and improve physical functioning

Track 13: Physiotherapy & treatment

Physiotherapy is the treatment of injury, disease and disorders through physical methods-such as exercise, massage, and manipulation and other treatments-over medication and surgery.

Physiotherapists are highly trained health professionals who provide treatment for people suffering from physical problems arising from injury, disease, illness and ageing. Their aim is to improve a person's quality of life by using a variety of treatments to alleviate pain and restore function or, in the case of permanent injury or disease, to lessen the effects of any dysfunction.

Musculoskeletal which is also called orthopedic physiotherapy and is used to treat conditions such as sprains, back pain, arthritis, strains, incontinence, bursitis, posture problems, sport and workplace injuries, plus reduced mobility. Rehabilitation following surgery is also included within this category.

Neurological- This is used to treat disorders of the nervous system including strokes, spinal cord injuries, acquired brain injuries, multiple sclerosis and Parkinson's disease. It can also be used for rehabilitation following brain surgery.

Cardiothoracic is the name given to the treatment of used asthma, chronic bronchitis, emphysema and other cardio-respiratory disorders.

Track 14: Arabic & Unani Medicine

Unani solution, additionally called Unani tibb, Arabian prescription, or Islamic pharmaceutical, a customary arrangement of recuperating and wellbeing support saw in South Asia. The inceptions of Unani medication are found in the tenets of the old Greek doctors Hippocrates and Galen. As a field, it was later created and refined through precise trial by the Arabs, most noticeably by Muslim researcher doctor Avicenna. Amid the Caliphate (the political-religious Muslim express that started in 632 ce), the majority of Greek information was converted into Arabic, some portion of that learning being the standards of pharmaceutical. With extra commitments of restorative astuteness from different parts of the Middle East and South Asia, Unani solution came to be referred to likewise as Arabian,