Alternative Medicine Krista Mathew, Nikayla Boose, & Skylar Allberry, BSPS Students Spring 2020 Source: https://facultyofhomeopathy.org/the-war-on-naturalmedicine-the-fda-is-threatening-homeopathys-future/
Source: https://www.rockymountainoils.com/organic-lavender.html
Introduction Alternative medicine is defined as any practice for the prevention and treatment of disease that is not usual conventional medicine. A major global health issue concerning alternative medicine is the fact that some of these practices are not regulated and that can cause adverse reactions.
Essential Oils
Acupuncture
Background: Essential oils are concentrated extracts taken from the roots, seeds, leaves, and blossoms of plants. They are used for aromatherapy for various physical and emotional health issues. Essential oils have been used for thousands of years, being traced back to Ancient Greeks and Egyptians. Some examples of the ancient uses include absinthe to repel fleas and treat intestinal worms, and lavender as a sedative and antidepressant. Issue: Although this practice has been widely used for centuries, the products have yet to be FDA approved. Therefore, no standard for manufacturing has been established. Another issue is the misuse of the oils. Without the proper education about essential oils, people are using them in a way that can be harmful. Essential oils should never be ingested and yet there are users that continue to misuse them in this way. Some oils have caused seizures, nausea, dermatitis, headaches, and it is even possible to overdose. An example of the potential toxicity is a case where a 24- year-old woman developed permanent infraorbital anesthesia and anhidrosis after spilling a small amount of clove oil on her face in an attempt to relieve a toothache. This is just one example of the negative effect oils can have if you are not cautious of the potential risks. Opinion: Despite the many risks associated with the use of essential oils, I believe they can be used to help people but you should always do your research on the oil and the company you are getting it from. Before you ever try essential oils, you need to be aware of the effects and understand how to avoid them with proper use. ~ N Boose
Background: Acupuncture can be described as a mind and body practice. Small needles are placed in pressure points to simulate internal body responses. Acupuncture originated in China around 2000 years ago. Issue: Acupuncture comes with risks that are avoidable. The risk is associated with poorly trained practitioners. Serious trauma can occur during acupuncture when needles are inserted in the wrong place or in the skin too deeply. In a review of Chinese literature, adverse side effects were identified and categorized. This review listened that pneumothorax was the most frequently reported adverse event due to acupuncture therapy. They identified that four patients died and others recovered. Along with pneumothorax, they categorize other areas of adverse events such as subarachnoid hemorrhage and bacterial infections. As already stated, these events can be avoided. These adverse events usually occur when poorly trained practitioners are performing inappropriate techniques. Opinion: Acupuncture has been performed for over 2000 years in multiple different cultures. While originating in China it has spread globally across the world and used as alternative medicine. The evolution of this therapy has lead to variation in techniques to best suit the given culture. While acupuncture is associated with risk, if performed by someone well trained these risks go down substantially and better focus on healing the individual. - S. Allberry
Source: https://soflochiro.com/
Homeopathy Background: Created by Samuel Hahnemann, a German physician, in the late 1700s. Most common places homeopathy is practiced is in India, Brazil, Chile, Mexico, Pakistan, and Europe (shown in Figure 1). The three fundamental concepts are: like cures like, law of minimum dose, and single dose remedy. Issue: Homeopathy is the treatment of a disease using natural substances, such as plants and minerals. Furthermore, homeopathy is not an FDA approved alternative medicine. Moreover, there is not enough research behind this type of therapy to fully understand its effects on the body and how it works. Since it is not FDA approved, sometimes there can be mislabeling of the ingredients, meaning they label some ingredients as natural even though they are active, as 2 stated by the NCCIH. Though not common there is a risk of drug-drug interaction when mixed with other types of medications. According to NCCIH, there have been a few reported cases of drug-drug interactions that were caused from some of the mislabeled active ingredients found in the homeopathic medication.2 As reported by WHO, some of the homeopathic medications are not diluted enough to be considered safe and some of the natural substances being used can be potentially dangerous to consume even 3 if it’s highly diluted. Opinion: Homeopathy seems like a great method; however, I believe homeopathy should be regulated more due to potential drug-drug interactions and the mislabeling of ingredients. We can solve this issue by researching more about homeopathy, as many healthcare professionals still don't understand the basis of it. ~ K. Mathew
Source:http://h2rc2.com/Homeopathy/Homeopathy/HomeopathyIntro.html
References 1. Kornreich Shawn L. Essential Oils. In: Nelson LS, Howland M, Lewin NA, Smith SW, Goldfrank LR, Hoffman RS. eds. Goldfrank's Toxicologic Emergencies, 11e New York, NY: McGraw-Hill;. https://accesspharmacy.mhmedical.com/content.aspx?bookid=2569&sectionid=210271570 Accessed February 13, 2020. 2. Briggs JP. Complementary, Alternative, and Integrative Health Approaches. In: Jameson J, Fauci AS, Kasper DL, Hauser SL, Longo DL, Loscalzo J. eds. Harrison's Principles of Internal Medicine, 20e New York, NY: McGraw-Hill;. http://accesspharmacy.mhmedical.com/content.aspx?bookid=2129&sectionid=192535833. Accessed February 13, 2020. 3. Bellavite P. Homeopathy and integrative medicine: keeping an open mind. J Med Person. https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC4363517/. Published December 14, 2014. Accessed February 13, 2020.
4. Homeopathy. National Center for Complementary and Integrative Health. https://nccih.nih.gov/health/homeopathy#hed2. Published July 10, 2019. 5. Safety issues in the preparation of homeopathic mediciatons. https://www.who.int/medicines/areas/traditional/Homeopathy.pdf 6. White A, Cummings TM, Filshie J. An Introduction to Western Medical Acupunture. Edinburgh: Elsevier Saunders; 2018. 7. Acupuncture-related adverse events: a systematic review of the Chinese literature. World Health Organization. https://www.who.int/bulletin/volumes/88/12/10076737/en/. Published March 4, 2011. Accessed March 31, 2020
