ALTERNATIVE SYSTEM OF MEDICINE

DIET AND NUTRITION: Nutrition and the brain

A person's food intake affects mood, behaviour, and brain function. A hungry person may feel irritable and restless, whereas a person who has just eaten a meal may feel calm and satisfied. A sleepy person may feel more productive after a cup of coffee and a light snack. A person who has consistently eaten less food or energy than needed over a long period of time may be apathetic and moody. The human brain has high energy and nutrient needs. Changes in energy or nutrient intake can alter both brain chemistry and the functioning of nerves in the brain. Intake of energy and several different nutrients affect levels of chemicals in the brain called neurotransmitters. Neurotransmitters transmit nerve impulses from one nerve cell to another, and they influence mood, sleep patterns, and thinking. Deficiencies or excesses of certain vitamins or minerals can damage nerves in the brain, causing changes in memory, limiting problemsolving ability, and impairing brain function. Several nutritional factors can influence mental health, including: overall energy intake, intake of the energy-containing nutrients (proteins, carbohydrates, and fats), alcohol intake, and intake of vitamins and minerals. Often deficiencies of multiple nutrients rather than a single nutrient are responsible for changes in brain functioning. Alcoholism is often responsible for nutritional deficiencies that affect mental functioning. Diseases can also cause nutritional deficiencies by affecting absorption of nutrients into the body or increasing nutritional requirements. Poverty, ignorance, and fad diets also contribute to nutritional deficiencies.

Energy intake and mental health

Energy, often referred to as the calorie content of a food, is derived from the carbohydrate, protein, fat, and alcohol found in foods and beverages. Although vitamins and minerals are essential to the body, they provide no energy. The human brain is metabolically very active and uses about 20 to 30% of a person's energy intake at rest. Individuals who do not eat adequate calories from food to meet their energy requirements will experience changes in mental functioning. Simply skipping breakfast is associated with lower fluency and problemsolving ability, especially in individuals who are already slightly malnourished. A hungry person may also experience lack of energy or motivation. Chronic hunger and energy deprivation profoundly affects mood and responsiveness. The body responds to energy deprivation by shutting or slowing down nonessential functions, altering activity levels, hormonal levels, oxygen and nutrient transport, the body's ability to fight infection, and many other bodily functions that directly or indirectly affect brain function. People with a consistently low energy intake often feel apathetic, sad, or hopeless.
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Developing fetuses and young infants are particularly susceptible to brain damage from malnutrition. The extent of the damage depends on the timing of the energy deprivation in relation to stage of development. Malnutrition early in life has been associated with belownormal intelligence, and functional and cognitive defects.

Carbohydrates and mental health

Carbohydrates include starches, naturally occurring and refined sugars, and dietary fiber. Foods rich in starches and dietary fiber include grain products like breads, rice, pasta and cereals, especially whole-grain products; fruits; and vegetables, especially starchy vegetables like potatoes. Foods rich in refined sugars include cakes, cookies, desserts, candy, and soft drinks. Carbohydrates significantly affect mood and behaviour. Eating a meal high in carbohydrates triggers release of a hormone called insulin in the body. Insulin helps let blood sugar into cells where it can be used for energy, but insulin also has other effects in the body. As insulin levels rise, more tryptophan enters the brain. Tryptophan is an amino acid, or a building block of protein, that affects levels of neurotransmitters in the brain. As more tryptophan enters the brain, more of the neurotransmitter serotonin is produced. Higher serotonin levels in the brain enhance mood and have a sedating effect, promoting sleepiness. This effect is partly responsible for the drowsiness some people experience after a large meal. Some researchers claim that a high sugar intake causes hyperactivity in children. Although carefully controlled studies do not support this conclusion, high sugar intake is associated with dental problems. Further, foods high in refined sugars are often low in other nutrients, making it prudent to limit their use.

Proteins and mental health

Proteins are made up of amino acids linked together in various sequences and amounts. The human body can manufacture some of the amino acids, but there are eight essential amino acids that must be supplied in the diet. A complete or high-quality protein contains all eight of the essential amino acids in the amounts needed by the body. Foods rich in high-quality protein include meats, milk and other dairy products, and eggs. Dried beans and peas, grains, and nuts and seeds also contain protein, although the protein in these plant foods may be low in one or more essential amino acid. Generally, combining any two types of plant protein foods together will yield a complete, high-quality protein. For example, a peanut butter and jelly sandwich combines grain protein from the bread with nut protein from the peanut butter to yield a complete protein. A bean-rice hot dish combines bean and grain protein for another complete protein combination. Protein intake and intake of individual amino acids can affect brain functioning and mental health. Many of the neurotransmitters in the brain are made from amino acids. The neurotransmitter dopamine is made from the amino acid tyrosine. The neurotransmitter serotonin is made from the amino acid tryptophan. If the needed amino acid is not available, levels of that particular neurotransmitter in the brain will fall, and brain functioning and mood will be affected. For example, if there is a lack of tryptophan in the body, not enough serotonin will be produced, and low brain levels of serotonin are associated with low mood and even aggression in some individuals. Likewise, some diseases can cause a build-up of certain amino acids in the blood, leading to brain damage and mental defects. For example, a
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build-up of the amino acid phenylalanine in individuals with a disease called phenylketonuria can cause brain damage and mental retardation.

Fats and mental health

Dietary intake of fats may also play a role in regulating mood and brain function. Dietary fats are found in both animal and plant foods. Meats, regular-fat dairy products, butter, margarine, and plant oils are high in fats. Although numerous studies clearly document the benefits of a cholesterol-lowering diet for the reduction of heart disease risk, some studies suggest that reducing fat and cholesterol in the diet may deplete brain serotonin levels, causing mood changes, anger, and aggressive behaviour. Other studies have looked at the effects of a particular kind of fat; the omega-3 fatty acids found in fish oils, and brain functioning. Although a few studies suggest omega-3 fatty acids are helpful with bipolar affective disorder and stress, results are inconclusive. High levels of fat and cholesterol in the diet contribute to atherosclerosis, or clogging of the arteries. Atherosclerosis can decrease blood flow to the brain, impairing brain functioning. If blood flow to the brain is blocked, a stroke occurs.

Alcohol and mental health

A high alcohol intake can interfere with normal sleep patterns, and thus can affect mood. Alcoholism is one of the most common causes of nutritional deficiencies in developed countries. Alcoholic beverages provide energy but virtually no vitamins or minerals. A person who consumes large amounts of alcohol will meet their energy needs but not their vitamin and mineral needs. In addition, extra amounts of certain vitamins are needed to break down alcohol in the body, further contributing to nutrient deficiencies.

Vitamins and mental health

ESSENTIAL VITAMINS Vitamin Vitamin A (Beta Carotene) What It Does For The Body Promotes growth and repair of body tissues; reduces susceptibility to infections; aids in bone and teeth formation; maintains smooth skin Vitamin B-1 (Thiamin) Promotes growth and muscle tone; aids in the proper functioning of the muscles, heart, and nervous system; assists in digestion of carbohydrates Vitamin B-2 (Riboflavin) Maintains good vision and healthy skin, hair, and nails; assists in formation of antibodies and red blood cells; aids in carbohydrate,

ESSENTIAL VITAMINS fat, and protein metabolism Vitamin B-3 (Niacinamide) Reduces cholesterol levels in the blood; maintains healthy skin, tongue, and digestive system; improves blood circulation; increases energy Vitamin B-5 Fortifies white blood cells; helps the body's resistance to stress; builds cells Vitamin B-6 (Pyridoxine) Aids in the synthesis and breakdown of amino acids and the metabolism of fats and carbohydrates; supports the central nervous system; maintains healthy skin Vitamin B-12 (Cobalamin) Promotes growth in children; prevents anemia by regenerating red blood cells; aids in the metabolism of carbohydrates, fats, and proteins; maintains healthy nervous system Biotin Choline Folic Acid Aids in the metabolism of proteins and fats; promotes healthy skin Helps the liver eliminate toxins Promotes the growth and reproduction of body cells; aids in the

(Folate, Folacin) formation of red blood cells and bone marrow Vitamin C (Ascorbic Acid) One of the major antioxidants; essential for healthy teeth, gums, and bones; helps to heal wounds, fractures, and scar tissue; builds resistance to infections; assists in the prevention and treatment of the common cold; prevents scurvy Vitamin D Improves the absorption of calcium and phosphorous (essential in the formation of healthy bones and teeth) maintains nervous system Vitamin E A major antioxidant; supplies oxygen to blood; provides nourishment to cells; prevents blood clots; slows cellular aging Vitamin K (Menadione) Prevents internal bleeding; reduces heavy menstrual flow

Thiamine
Thiamine is a B vitamin found in enriched grain products, pork, legumes, nuts, seeds, and organ meats. Thiamine is intricately involved with metabolizing glucose, or blood sugar, in the body. Glucose is the brain's primary energy source. Thiamine is also needed to make several neurotransmitters. Alcoholism is often associated with thiamine deficiency. Alcohol interferes with thiamine metabolism in the body, and diets high in alcohol are often deficient in vitamins and minerals. Individuals with a thiamine deficiency can develop Wernicke-Korsakoff syndrome, which is characterized by confusion, mental changes, abnormal eye movements, and unsteadiness that can progress to severe memory loss.

Vitamin B-12
Vitamin B-12 is found only in foods of animal origin like milk, meat, or eggs. Strict vegans who consume no animal-based foods need to supplement their diet with vitamin B-12 to meet the body's need for this nutrient. Vitamin B-12 is needed to maintain the outer coating, called the myelin sheath, on nerve cells. Inadequate myelin results in nerve damage and impaired brain function. Vitamin B-12 deficiency can go undetected in individuals for years, but it eventually causes low blood iron, irreversible nerve damage, dementia, and brain atrophy.

Folic acid
Folic acid is another B vitamin found in foods such as liver, yeast, asparagus, fried beans and peas, wheat, broccoli, and some nuts. Many grain products are also fortified with folic acid. In the United States, alcoholism is a common cause of folic acid deficiency. Folic acid is involved in protein metabolism in the body and in the metabolism of some amino acids, particularly the amino acid methionine. When folic acid levels in the body are low, methionine cannot be metabolized properly and levels of another chemical, homocysteine, build up in the blood. High blood homocysteine levels increase risk of heart disease and stroke. Even modest folic acid deficiency in women causes an increased risk of neural tube defects, such as spina bifida, in developing fetuses. Folic acid deficiency also increases risk of stroke. Some studies suggest that folic acid deficiency leads to a range of mental disorders, including depression, but this concept remains controversial. Folic acid deficiency can lower levels of serotonin in the brain.

Niacin
The B vitamin niacin is found in enriched grains, meat, fish, wheat bran, asparagus, and peanuts. The body can also make niacin from the essential amino acid tryptophan, which is found in high-quality animal protein foods like meat and milk. Niacin deficiency used to be common in the southern United States but is now common only in developing countries such as India and China.
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Niacin is involved in releasing energy in the body from carbohydrates, proteins, and fats. A deficiency of niacin produces many mental symptoms such as irritability, headaches, loss of memory, inability to sleep, and emotional instability. Severe niacin deficiency progresses to a condition called pellagra, which is characterized by the four D's: dermatitis (a rash resembling a sunburn), diarrhea, dementia, and ultimately, death. The mental symptoms in pellagra can progress to psychosis, delirium, coma, and death.

Vitamin B-6
Vitamin B-6, also known as Pyridoxine, is found in many plant and animal foods, including chicken, fish, pork, whole wheat products, brown rice, and some fruits and vegetables. In healthy individuals, deficiency of vitamin B-6 is rare, but certain drugs, including some antidepressant drugs, can induce vitamin B-6 deficiency. Vitamin B-6 is needed by the body to produce most of the brain's neurotransmitters. It is also involved in hormone production. Although rare, vitamin B-6 deficiency is characterized by mental changes such as fatigue, nervousness, irritability, depression, insomnia, dizziness, and nerve changes. These mental changes are related to the body's decreased ability to manufacture neurotransmitters with vitamin B-6 deficiency. Just as vitamin B-6 deficiency causes mental changes, so does excess of vitamin B-6. Vitamin B-6 supplements are used by many individuals for a variety of conditions, including carpal tunnel syndrome, premenstrual syndrome, and fibrocystic breast disease. Doses of 500 mg per day or more can cause nerve damage, dizziness, sensory loss, and numbness.

Vitamin E
Vitamin E is a fat-soluble vitamin that is plentiful in the diet, particularly in plant oils, green leafy vegetables, and fortified breakfast cereals. Vitamin E deficiency is very rare, except in disorders that impair absorption of fat-soluble vitamins into the body, such as cystic fibrosis, and liver diseases. Vitamin E deficiency causes changes in red blood cells and nerve tissues. It progresses to dizziness, vision changes, muscle weakness, and sensory changes. If left untreated, the nerve damage from vitamin E deficiency can be irreversible. Because it is an antioxidant, vitamin E has also been studied for treatment of neurological conditions such as Parkinson's and Alzheimer's disease. Although results are inconclusive, vitamin E shows some promise in slowing the progression of Parkinson's disease.

Vitamin A
Vitamin A is a fat-soluble vitamin found in meats, fish and eggs. A form of vitamin A, betacarotene, is found in orange and green leafy vegetables such as carrots, yellow squash, and spinach. Headache and increased pressure in the head is associated with both deficient and excess vitamin A intake. Among other effects, excess vitamin A intake can cause fatigue, irritability, and loss of appetite. Generally, doses must exceed 25,000 international units of vitamin A over several months to develop such symptoms.

Minerals and mental health

Iron
Iron is a trace mineral that is essential for formation of hemoglobin, the substance that carries oxygen to cells throughout the body. Iron is found in meat, poultry, and fish. Another form of iron that is not as well absorbed as the form in animal foods is found in whole or enriched grains, green leafy vegetables, dried beans and peas, and dried fruits. Consuming a food rich in vitamin C, such as orange juice, at the same time as an iron-containing plant food will enhance iron absorption from the food. Iron deficiency eventually leads to anemia, with insufficient oxygen reaching the brain. The anemia can cause fatigue and impair mental functioning. Iron deficiency during the first two years of life can lead to permanent brain damage.

Magnesium
The mineral magnesium is found in green leafy vegetables, whole grains, nuts, seeds, and bananas. In areas with hard water, the water may provide a significant amount of magnesium. In addition to its involvement in bone structure, magnesium aids in the transmission of nerve impulses. Magnesium deficiency can cause restlessness, nervousness, muscular twitching, and unsteadiness. Acute magnesium deficiency can progress to apathy, delirium, convulsions, coma, and death.

Manganese
Manganese is a trace mineral found in whole grains and nuts, and to a lesser extent, fruits and vegetables. Manganese is involved in carbohydrate metabolism and brain functioning. Although very rare, manganese deficiency can cause abnormalities in brain function. Miners of manganese in South America have developed manganese toxicity called manganese madness, with neurological symptoms similar to Parkinson's disease.

Copper
The richest sources of the trace mineral copper in the diet are organ meats, seafood, nuts, seeds, whole grain breads and cereals, and chocolate. In addition to other functions, copper is involved in iron metabolism in the body and in brain function. Deficiency of copper causes anemia, with inadequate oxygen delivery to the brain and other organs. Copper deficiency also impairs brain functioning and immune system response, including changes in certain chemical receptors in the brain and lowered levels of neurotransmitters.

Zinc
The trace mineral zinc is found in red meats, liver, eggs, dairy products, vegetables, and some seafood. Among other functions, zinc is involved in maintaining cell membranes and protecting cells from damage. Zinc deficiency can cause neurological impairment,

influencing appetite, taste, smell, and vision. It has also been associated with apathy, irritability, jitteriness, and fatigue.

Selenium
Good sources of the trace mineral selenium include seafood, liver, and eggs. Grains and seeds can also be good sources of selenium depending on the selenium content of the soil they are grown in. Selenium is needed for the synthesis of some hormones and helps protect cell membranes from damage. Although selenium deficiency is very rare, selenium toxicity has occurred in regions of the world with high selenium soil content, such as China. Selenium toxicity causes nervous system changes, fatigue, and irritability. Summary of proposed causes and treatments for common mental health disorders Mental Disorder Cause Treatment Serotonin deficiency Tryptophan Dopamine/Noradrenaline deficiency Tyrosine GABA deficiency GABA Omega-3 deficiency Omega-3s Folate/Vitamin B deficiency Folate/Vitamin B Magnesium deficiency Magnesium SAM deficiency SAM Excess acetylcholine receptors Excess vanadium Vitamin B/Folate deficiency L-Tryptophan deficiency Choline deficiency Omega-3 deficiency Impaired serotonin synthesis Glycine deficiency Omega-3 deficiencies Lithium orotate & taurine Vitamin C Vitamin B/Folate L-Tryptophan Lecithin Omega-3s Tryptophan Glycine Omega-3s

Major Depression

Bipolar Disorder

Schizophrenia

Obsessive Compulsive Disorder

St. John's wort deficiency

St John's wort

Abbreviations CSF: cerebrospinal fluid DHA: docosahexaenoic acid EPA: eicosapentaenoic acid FDA: Food and Drug Administration GABA: gamma-amino butyric acid PPARs: peroxisomal proliferator-activated receptors SAM: S-adenosylmethionine SSRI: selective serotonin reuptake inhibitors

CHIROPRACTIC MEDICINE
Chiropractic medicine is based on locating and adjusting a musculoskeletal area of the body, especially the spine, identified as not having adequately adapted to the bodys functional needs. Adjustments treat various conditions primarily by correcting malalignments to bring the bodys structure more in line with its function. Short History of Chiropractic Medicine Chiropractic Medicine originated in the United States at the end of the 19th century by Daniel David Palmer. The term chiropractic is derived from the Greek word Chiropraktikos, which means effective treatments by hand. Theoretical/Philosophical Basis of Chiropractic Medicine Chiropractic theory is founded on the principle that spinal adjustments influence neurophysiology through mechanical and neurological factors. Many factors, such as accidents, falls, stress and tension can result in displacement or derangements of the spinal column, resulting in irritation of the spinal nerve roots which may influence organ system function and general health. Diagnostic Methods Chiropractors use history, physical examination, laboratory analysis, and diagnostic imaging. In addition, they conduct a chiropractic structural examination, paying particular attention to the spine. Treatment Modalities
The most common therapeutic procedure performed by doctors of chiropractic is known as spinal manipulation, also called "chiropractic adjustment." The purpose of manipulation is to restore joint mobility by manually applying a controlled force into joints that have become hypomobile or restricted in their movement as a result of a tissue injury. Tissue injury can be caused by a single traumatic event, such as improper lifting of a heavy object, or through repetitive stresses, such as sitting in an awkward position with poor spinal posture for an extended period of time. In either case, injured tissues undergo 9

physical and chemical changes that can cause inflammation, pain, and diminished function for the sufferer. Manipulation, or adjustment of the affected joint and tissues, restores mobility, thereby alleviating pain and muscle tightness, and allowing tissues to heal. There are four main groups of chiropractors: "traditional straights", "objective straights", "mixers", and "reform". All groups, except reform, treat patients using a subluxation-based system. Differences are based on the philosophy for adjusting, claims made about the effects of those adjustments, and various additional treatments provided along with the adjustment.

Individuals seek treatment from chiropractors for many types of ailments and illnesses; the most common is back pain. In addition, chiropractors treat clients with headaches, neck injuries, scoliosis, carpal tunnel syndrome, respiratory and gastrointestinal disorders, menstrual difficulties, allergies, sinusitis, and certain sports injuries (Trivieri & Anderson, 2002). Benefits of Chiropractic and Massage

lncreases circulation lncreases removal of lactic acid lncreases delivery of oxygen and nutrients lncreases flexibility lncreases training effectiveness Reduces soreness & pain Reduces adhesions Reduces recovery time Reduces muscle spasms Reduces chance of injury Helps the body to relax, repair and prepare for the next athletic event Better nervous system function - which controls every aspect of your body Better immune system function - fight off disease naturally.

THERAPEUTIC TOUCH AND MASSAGE

Therapeutic Touch (commonly shortened to "TT"), also known as Non-Contact Therapeutic Touch (NCTT),is an energy therapy which practitioners claim promotes healing and reduces pain and anxiety. Therapeutic Touch seeks to restore and rebalance the rhythmical patterns and transfer of energy to the individual, creating an environment where the bodys healing process is naturally accelerated (Krieger, 1993).

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Therapeutic Touch is a gentle and non-invasive process which may take between little as 10 and as long as 30 minutes (including the rest period). During a treatment, you will remain fully clothed and can be either seated or lying down. The key elements of the Therapeutic Touch process are:

Centering Assessment Re-balancing (including clearing, modulating and transferring energy) Evaluation Rest

Origin
Dora Kunz, a theosophy promoter and one-time president (19751987) of the Theosophical Society in America, and Dolores Krieger, a nursing educator at New York University, developed therapeutic touch in the 1970s. According to Dolores Krieger, practitioners say that therapeutic touch has roots in ancient healing practices, such as the laying on of hands, although it has no connection with religion or with faith healing. Krieger states that, "in the final analysis, it is the healee (client) who heals himself. The healer or therapist, in this view, acts as a human energy support system until the healee's own immunological system is robust enough to take over".

Benefits
The major effects of TT are relaxation, pain reduction, accelerated healing, and alleviation of psychosomatic symptoms. Studies have shown that TT has a beneficial effect on the blood as it has the ability to raise haemoglobin values. It also affects brain waves to induce a relaxed state. TT can induce the relaxation response often within five minutes. Krieger has said that it is not individual illnesses that validate the effectiveness of TT, but rather, it is questioned which systems are most sensitive to TT. She and others have found that the most sensitive is the autonomic nervous system (ANS), which, for example, controls urination, and is followed by dysfunctions of lymphatic and circulatory systems, and then finally musculoskeletal systems. In addition, the female endocrine system is more sensitive to TT than the corresponding male system. Thus, TT helps with dysmenorrhea, amenorrhea, problems with contraception, and the course of pregnancy. TT is reported to have a positive effect on the immune system and thus accelerates the healing of wounds. Nurses use therapeutic touch in operating rooms to relax patients before surgery and in recovery rooms on postoperative patients to help speed the healing process. TT is used in the treatment of terminally ill patients, such as those with cancer and autoimmune deficiency syndrome (AIDS), to relieve anxiety and stress, create peace of mind, and reduce pain.TT has been used to calm colicky infants, assist women in childbirth, and increase milk let-down in breast-feeding mothers. Other claims of TT include relief of acute pain, nausea, diarrhea, tension and migraine headaches, fever, and joint and tissue swelling. TT has been used to treat thyroid imbalances,
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ulcers, psychosomatic illnesses, premenstrual syndrome, Alzheimer's disease, stroke and coma patients, multiple sclerosis, measles, infections, asthma, and bone and muscle injuries.

THERAPEUTIC MESSAGE
Massage is one of the oldest of the Health sciences and has been used for curative purposes since time immemorial. Massage treatment uses "TOUCH" to apply pressure to the body's skin, muscles, tendons, ligaments. The Idea of Massage is to ease disorders by; 1. 2. 3. 4. relieving tension promoting blood flow calming nerves loosening muscle

Modes of Therapeutic Massage Stroking - Stroking is performed with the whole hand or fingers. It comprises the usage of relaxed hand over the patient's skin with a rhythm and pressure that produce a relaxing effect. Effleurage - Effleurage is performed by spreading and moving the hands with pressure and speed, to gain relaxation and lymph drainage. Kneading - Kneading involves alternate compression and release of the part to be manipulated. Picking up - Picking up involves lifting up of tissue from underlying bone, releasing it after squeezing it. Wringing -Wringing technique lifts up the tissue and applies a twist to enhance stretching effect. Friction - Friction is a small movement applied with thumb or finger where pressure is applied from superficial to depth of the tissue. Hacking - Hacking is performed with extended forearm and striking the skin using the side of the hand . Clapping -Clapping is done by striking the skin with cupped hands. Shaking and Vibration -Shaking and vibration involves gentle strokes of shakes and vibrations respectively

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Where not to massage? If the treatment area has: 1. 2. 3. 4. 5. 6. 7. 8. 9. Large open wounds Burns Skin Ulcers Gross Oedema (severe swelling) Extremely Hairy areas Sensitive skin Bacterial infections Skin disease Malignancies like cancer

How therapeutic massage benefits us? As you know, the health of a human body depends on health of cells. The cells in turn rely on an abundant flow of blood and lymph nodes:

Therapeutic massage benefits us by improving blood circulation and lymph flow. This helps carry nutrients to cells and remove impurities and toxic substances from our stressed body making it free of stress. Therapeutic massage also increases the ability of blood to carry oxygen. In fact we know that massage helps increase red blood cells and white blood cells which fight with infection that means by getting a therapeutic massage, a person is helping his/her while blood cells in the body to fight against the disease or prevent a disease from happening by eradicating infection. Therapeutic massage helps in releasing substances medically called as endorphins that help fight pain and infection and give us a sense of well-being. When therapeutic massage is combined with a balanced diet and exercise, it helps in restoring the contour of our body and reduces deposition of fats that means it prevents morbid obesity and maintains a persons weight. Therapeutic massage helps in increasing flexibility of muscles. Therapeutic massage reduces stress. Over two thirds of diseases we have in our body are related to stress and massage reduces stress so that is why therapeutic massage is so beneficial for our health. Therapeutic massage fights depression, anxiety, and negative moods. Massage therapy also alleviates headaches that are caused by nervous tension and muscle aches and also relieves back pain, and improves skin conditions.

Due to the reasons mentioned above physicians and doctors and other healthcare professionals all over the world recommend massage therapy to alleviate problems such as
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arthritis, allergies, sinusitis, headaches, athletic and sports injuries and many more ailments.
Advantages

1. Alleviates pain and tension

2. Muscle tightness is relieved 3. Enhances sleep quality, Induce sleep in insomnia (sleepless nights) 4. Skin is toned 5. Drainage of oedema or swelling 6. Loosens secretion in the Lungs

7. Relieves stress, promotes relaxation 8. Decreases Inflammation 9. Promotes speedy recovery from injuries 10. Increases mobility provides greater joint flexibility and range of motion 11. Improves Circulation 12. Improves and strengthens immune system 13. Reduces anxiety and depression 14. Relieves headaches migrains 15. Alleviates back pain 16. Reduces scar tissue 17. Reduces spasms and cramping 18. Reduces fatigue 19. Releases endorphins amino acids that work as the bodys natural pain killer 20. Lowers blood pressure 21. Arthritis sufferers have fewer aches and less stiffness and pain 22. Fibromyalgia sufferers have fewer aches and pains and symptoms 23. Reduces carpol tunnel syndrome 24. Reduces tendonitis 25. Detoxifies the body

YOGA What is Yoga?

The classical techniques of Yoga date back more than 5,000 years. In ancient times, the desire for greater personal freedom, health and long life, and heightened self-understanding gave birth to this system of physical and mental exercise which has since spread throughout the world. The word Yoga means to join or yoke together, and it brings the body and mind together into one harmonious experience.

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The whole system of Yoga is built on three main structures: exercise, breathing, and meditation. The exercises of Yoga are designed to put pressure on the glandular systems of the body, thereby increasing its efficiency and total health. The body is looked upon as the primary instrument that enables us to work and evolve in the world, and so a Yoga student treats it with great care and respect. Breathing techniques are based on the concept that breath is the source of life in the body. The Yoga student gently increases breath control to improve the health and function of both body and mind. These two systems of exercise and breathing then prepare the body and mind for meditation, and the student finds an easy approach to a quiet mind that allows silence and healing from everyday stress. Regular daily practice of all three parts of this structure of Yoga produce a clear, bright mind and a strong, capable body.

Types of Yoga
There are over a hundred different schools of Yoga. Some of the most well-known are described below: Hatha Yoga: The physical movements and postures, plus breathing techniques. This is what most people associate with Yoga practice. Raja Yoga: Called the royal road, because it incorporates exercise and breathing practice with meditation and study, producing a well-rounded individual. Jnana Yoga: The path of wisdom; considered the most difficult path. Bhakti Yoga: The practice of extreme devotion in one-pointed concentration upon ones concept of God. Karma Yoga: All movement, all work of any kind is done with the mind centered on a personal concept of God. Tantra Yoga: A way of showing the unseen consciousness in form through specific words, diagrams, and movements. One of the diagrams that is used to show the joining of the physical and spiritual bodies is two triangles superimposed upon one another. The downward-pointing triangle represents the physical body, or the female aspect having to do with work, action, and movement; the upward-pointing triangle represents the spiritual body of support, energy, and vastness.
Kashmir Shaivism: This Yoga system states that everything in the universe has both male and female qualities. In Kashmir Shaivism, these male and female principles form an equal partnership, so interdependent that they cannot be separated. The attraction between them produces the ultimate union of opposites, creating the immense complexity of the universe that we enjoy and celebrate. Unlike other philosophies, Kashmir Shaivism is based in emotion rather than intellect. In fact, Shaivism says that intellectual understanding by itself will never lead us to the realization of the summit of Yoga. The system's great exponents teach that the egotistical intellect blocks our ability to fully experience our individual power.

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History of Yoga
No one knows exactly when Yoga began, but it certainly predates written history. Stone carvings depicting figures in Yoga positions have been found in archeological sites in the Indus Valley dating back 5,000 years or more. There is a common misconception that Yoga is rooted in Hinduism; on the contrary, Hinduisms religious structures evolved much later and incorporated some of the practices of Yoga. (Other religions throughout the world have also incorporated practices and ideas related to Yoga.) The tradition of Yoga has always been passed on individually from teacher to student through oral teaching and practical demonstration. The formal techniques that are now known as Yoga are, therefore, based on the collective experiences of many individuals over many thousands of years. The particular manner in which the techniques are taught and practiced today depends on the approach passed down in the line of teachers supporting the individual practitioner. One of the earliest texts having to do with Yoga was compiled by a scholar named Patanjali, who set down the most prevalent Yoga theories and practices of his time in a book he called Yoga Sutras (Yoga Aphorisms) as early as the 1st or 2nd century B.C. or as late as the 5th century A.D. (exact dates are unknown). The system that he wrote about is known as Ashtanga Yoga, or the eight limbs of Yoga, and this is what is generally referred to today as Classical Yoga. Most current adherents practice some variation of Patanjalis system.
The eight steps of Classical Yoga are 1) yama, meaning restraint refraining from violence, lying, stealing, casual sex, and hoarding; 2) niyama, meaning observance purity, contentment, tolerance, study, and remembrance; 3) asana, physical exercises; 4) pranayama, breathing techniques; 5) pratyahara, preparation for meditation, described as withdrawal of the mind from the senses; 6) dharana, concentration, being able to hold the mind on one object for a specified time; 7) dhyana, meditation, the ability to focus on one thing (or nothing) indefinitely; 8) samadhi, absorption, or realization of the essential nature of the self. Modern Western Yoga classes generally focus on the 3rd, 4th, and 5th steps.

Benefits of Yoga on Mental Health

Yoga benefits anyone's mental health by helping him or her relax, and it is an effective form of psychological therapy. Yoga reduces anxiety and stress, resulting in better health, better mood, and better concentration throughout the day. Yoga has been used to help treat a wide variety of emotional and mental disorders, including acute anxiety, depression, and mood swings. Even children can benefit from yoga. Those with attention deficit disorder and hyperactivity can learn to relax and get control by using yoga breathing and yoga asanas. Because yoga is a form of meditation, it results in a sense of inner peace and purpose, which has far-reaching health benefits. Yoga has been used to help heal victims of torture or other trauma. By increasing the secretion of endorphins, the body naturally feels more energetic. Mental acuity is improved, therefore increasing concentration and improving focus. By relieving stress, yoga can help improve the quality of sleep. Anxiety levels are reduced and depression can be cured.
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Regular practice of yoga can help improve self-esteem and self-worth. Yoga also helps improve physical health which is again associated with improved mental health.

Food as the source of energy for all of our life activities becomes an important aspect of pranayama when we are using the term in its broadest therapeutic sense as the right intake and use of energy. Without right food no other healing modality can be expected to be helpful. The right food should not have been exposed to any pesticides, irradiation, freezing, canning, no additives or preservatives, no microwave ovens, no excess oil, sugar, salt or spices and no overcooking. Thee proper choice of food will depend on one's constitution, current physical and mental imbalances, place one in living, season, quantity of intake, digestive ability, method of intake, order of eating the food as well as the way food is combined The attributes of your food (fresh, stale, pungent, bland etc,) are believed to affect the quality and state of ones mind. Additionally, the person's mind-set who prepares the food is believed to determine how food will affect your mental condition. Because of this, eating in restaurants is highly discouraged for all individuals suffering with mental illness. Individuals who are mentally or physically ill are directed to only eat food prepared for them by someone who loves them.

Food is divided into three types: sattvic, rajasic and tamasic. Individuals with mental illness should only eat sattvic foods as they alone allow for healing to occur. Guna Type of Food Effect of Food Sattvic foods do not agitate the mind. They are easy to digest and assist in the production of mental peace.It is believed that much of the mental chatter, anger and fear we experience as humans can be eliminated by eating a sattvic diet.

Foods that are natural, not very spicy, sour, hot are considered to be sattvic Sattva (fruits, nuts, milk, raw or steamed vegetables, cooked grains, beans, cereal).

If these sattvic foods are mixed with a lot of spices they become rajasic These foods cause restlessness, creating a restless state of Rajas pain, anxiety, fear, anger and mind. Rajasic food also disease includes meat, fish, eggs, onions, garlic, spices in excess, coffee, and tobacco. Tamasic foods are stale, overcooked burnt, overripe, Tamasic food causes dullnes putrid, and rotten (such as Tamas and laziness in both body and moldy cheese and liquors). mind. Tamasic foods contain chemicals, excess white
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sugar and processed refined packaged foods.

Other therapeutic practices include: praying before meals, eating quietly, never eating in a hurry or when angry, fearful or over emotional.
Psychological Benefits Regular yoga practice creates mental clarity and calmness, increases body awareness, relieves chronic stress patterns, relaxes the mind, centers attention and sharpens concentration. Self-Awareness Yoga strives to increase self-awareness on both a physical and psychological level. Patients who study yoga learn to induce relaxation and then to use the technique whenever pain appears. Practicing yoga can provide chronic pain sufferers with useful tools to actively cope with their pain and help counter feelings of helplessness and depression. Mental Performance a common technique used in yoga is breathing through one nostril at a time. Electroencephalogram (EEG) studies of the electrical impulses of the brain have shown that breathing through one nostril results in increased activity on the opposite side of the brain. Some experts suggest that the regular practice of breathing through one nostril may help improve communication between the right and left side of the brain. Studies have also shown that this increased brain activity is associated with better performance and doctors even suggest that yoga can enhance cognitive performance. Mood Change and Vitality Mental health and physical energy are difficult to quantify, but virtually everyone who participates in yoga over a period of time reports a positive effect on outlook and energy level. Yogic stretching and breathing exercises have been seen to result in an invigorating effect on both mental and physical energy and improved mood.

PET THERAPY Definition

Animal-assisted therapy (AAT), also known as pet therapy, utilizes trained animals and handlers to achieve specific physical, social, cognitive, and emotional goals with patients.

Origins
The enjoyment of animals as companions dates back many centuries, perhaps even to prehistoric times. The first known therapeutic use of animals started in Gheel, Belgium in the ninth century. In this town, learning to care for farm animals has long been an important part of an assisted living program designed for people with disabilities. Some of the earliest uses of animal-assisted healing in the United States were for psychiatric patients. The presence of the therapy animals produced a beneficial effect on both children and adults with mental health issues. It is only in the last few decades that AAT has been
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more formally applied in a variety of therapeutic settings, including schools and prisons, as well as hospitals, hospices, nursing homes, and outpatient care programs.

Benefits
Studies have shown that physical contact with a pet can lower high blood pressure, and improve survival rates for heart attack victims. There is also evidence that petting an animal can cause endorphins to be released. Endorphins are chemicals in the body that suppress the pain response. These are benefits that can be enjoyed from pet ownership, as well as from visiting therapeutic animals. Many skills can be learned or improved with the assistance of a therapy animal. Patient rehabilitation can be encouraged by such activities as walking or running with a dog, or throwing objects for the animal to retrieve. Fine motor skills may be developed by petting, grooming, or feeding the animal. Patient communication is encouraged by the response of the animal to either verbal or physical commands. Activities such as writing or talking about the therapy animals or past pets also develop cognitive skills and communication. Creative inclusion of an animal in the life or therapy of a patient can make a major difference in the patient's comfort, progress, and recovery. SUMMARY: Alternative Medicines includes those practices that differ from the usual traditional ones in the treatment of disease. Complementary therapies are those which work in partnership with traditional medical practice. Complementary therapies help the practitioner view the client in a holistic manner REFERENCES: Mary C.Townsend(2006), PSYCHIATRIC MENTAL HEALTH NURSING CONCEPT OF CAREIN EVIDENCE BASED PRACTICE, 5th edition, F.A Davis publication, Philadelphia,page:322-335.

NET REFERENCE: http://en.wikipedia.org/en/wiki/ http://www.minddisorders.com/Kau-Nu/Nutrition-and-mental-health.html http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC2248201/ http://www.mentalhealth.org.uk/help-information/mental-health-a-z/D/diet/ http://courses.washington.edu/mhe501/Chiropractic/chiro_overview.pdf http://www.enotes.com/therapeutic-touch-reference/therapeutic-touch-172458 http://ttmassagetherapy.com/Benefits.htm http://www.therapeutictouch.org.au/TherapeuticMore.php http://www.drnespor.eu/12.pdf http://www.medindia.net/patients/patientinfo/physiotherapytypes_therapeutic.htm http://www.yogapsychology.org/yt_mental_ill.html http://www.lifepositive.com/body/yoga/yoga-benefits.asp http://www.healthline.com/galecontent/pet-therapy
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