Alternative Treatments
What is it
Alternative Medicine is therapeutic practices which are not currently considered an integral part of conventional allopathic medical practice. They may lack biomedical explanations but as they become better researched some, such as physical therapy, diet, and acupuncture, become widely accepted whereas others, such as humors or radium therapy, quietly fade away, yet are important historical footnotes. Therapies are termed as Complementary when used in addition to conventional treatments and as Alternative when used instead of conventional treatment. ( National Library of Medicine, USA). Alternative therapies include, but are not limited to the following disciplines: folk medicine, herbal medicine, diet fads, homeopathy, faith healing, new age healing, chiropractic, acupuncture, naturopathy, massage, and music therapy
Qualifications
Degree and Certificate Program in Alternative Health Care. There are professional degree courses for most common of the alternative medicines like Ayurveda, Homoeopathy, Naturopathy, Unani medicine, Physio Therapy and Diets.
Scope
Alternative medicine has ample scope in todays world as more and more people are resorting to these. A lot of research is being done specially in homoeopathy, Ayurveda and Naturopathy, dietics and physiotherapy. There is a huge scope in clinical research and practice. There are organizations hiring professionals of other alternative therapies for general wellbeing of the employees. India is gaining ground in medical tourism and with it is increasing the scope of alternative medicine. Drug companies are hiring specialists for research and development of their products.