According to the World Health Organisation (WHO) doctors are increasingly turning to natural therapies as an important part of health care.
Doctors are incorporating some of the more popular natural treatments such as chiropractic, osteopathy, Chinese medicine, naturopathy, iridology, kinesiology, reflexology, homeopathy and aromatherapy in their medical practices. Doctors may refer to natural providers to treat risk factors associated with disease before a condition has been medically diagnosed.
So which natural treatments are the most popular?
Herbal treatments
Herbal medicine is the oldest and most widely used medicine in the world and includes ayurvedic and Chinese herbal treatments. Herbs hold medicinal properties that can promote healing, restoration of balance, detoxification and prevention of disease.
Aloe Vera, marjoram, dandelion, eucalyptus and cinnamon are among over thirty herbs that have medicinal qualities. Clinical evidence has shown how the herb Valerian, for example, can improve the quality of sleep in postmenopausal women experiencing insomnia.
Chinese herbal medicine
Chinese herbal medicine is hardly a new treatment in medicine; it dates back to 200 AD! The eastern technique involves concoction of a tonic, which typically comprises of at least 15 ingredients selected from a variety of over 150 different herbs.
Studies of the clinical benefit of Chinese herbal medicine in infertility indicate that about 70 per cent of male and female infertilities have resulted in pregnancy or restored fertility after using Chinese herbs.
Read more from the peak professional body of Chinese herbal medicine practitioners in Australia
Acupuncture
Doctors can refer patients to a qualified acupuncturist to restore homeostasis to the body following stress.
Research has proven its success when used by women in conjunction with IVF, including recent anecdotal success from many women using acupuncture to conceive naturally.
A 2005 study published in Fertility and Sterility found its benefit for male infertility. The study found that acupuncture was associated with fewer structural defects and an increase in the number of normal sperm.
Chiropractic/Osteopathy
Osteopathy and chiropractic share a common philosophy on the science of human mechanics and the treatment of spinal pain by mobilising joints in the lumbar spine. In many countries, osteopaths are trained and recognised as primary care physicians, often given the same title as doctors.
Chiropractic and osteopathic manipulations can be especially helpful in relieving pain for facet joint injuries, osteoarthritis, and sacroiliac joint dysfunction.
Read more from The Chiropractic and Osteopathic College of Australasia
