Research Assignment

RESEARCH ASSIGNMENT
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Institution
Introduction
A medical specialty is a branch in medical science. After finishing medical school, surgeons or physicians further their education in a particular medical specialty by finishing a few years in residency so that they become medical specialists. The specific system of modern specialties evolved during the nineteenth century. The particular subdivision of medical practice onto certain specialties is different from one country to another and is somehow arbitrary. The aim of this paper is to analyze the medical specialties like Aromatherapy, homeopathy and hydrotherapy, look at the education and certification necessary for providers and age groups of patients needing attention in that particular specialty.
Aromatherapy is a practice of using natural oils extracted from bark, flowers, roots, stems, leaves or other plant parts to enhance physical and psychological well-being (Buckle, 2003). Once an individual inhales the aroma from these natural oils, it is widely believed that it stimulates brain function. Additionally, these oils can be absorbed through an individual’s skin then travel through the blood stream thus promoting whole body healing. Aromatherapy is gaining momentum even though it is a form of alternative medicine. This treatment is used for a number of applications, including increased cognitive function, mood enhancement and pain relief.
Aromatherapy is among the fastest growing and most misunderstood complementary therapies. The use of essential oils requires aromatherapy certification from an accredited organization (Buckle, 2003). Currently, many physical and occupational therapists are being certified to practice in this field. However, massage therapists, neurologists, chiropractors and physicians are among the few examples of professionals recognizing the importance of getting certified and using clinical aromatherapy. For occupational therapists or any other health care practitioners interested in becoming certified, they should attend a certification course. An example of a course on aromatherapy certification is the one by Jane Buckle Associates. With our deadline-driven society and the added pressure, stress is now a top cause of sickness. One study done recently suggests that individuals of all nationalities and age groups experience some stress (Buckle, 2003). Since aromatherapy is an alternative medicine and a common form of relaxation, it has been used to deal with stress thus it is good for individuals of all ages. However, although aromatherapy can be a remedy for people of all ages, there are recommended doses for every age group of children (Buckle, 2003). Therefore, it is important that one consult with an aromatherapy professional before using the natural oils on children.
The Law of Similars is the main idea behind homeopathy. During the late eighteenth century, a German doctor known as Samuel Hahnemann read somewhere that quinine that contained Peruvian bark cured malaria (Altunc et al., 2007). Therefore, he swallowed a certain amount and began feeling feverish, agitated, drowsy and extremely thirsty-the symptoms of malaria. Therefore, he started experimenting more thus forming the theory known as the Law of Similars: it stated that when one substance in large quantities causes certain symptoms, in lesser quantities it could cure the same symptoms. Medical practitioners can use herbs, venom from snakes, minerals and some other substances to come up with homeopathic remedies. They are diluted repeatedly or shaken vigorously during each dilution. This process of sequential dilution is known as potentization.
Homeopathic remedies begin with substances like herbs, animal products and minerals. The aim of homeopathic remedies is stimulate the healing mechanisms of an individual’s body (Rossi et al.,2009). Homeopaths have the belief that any disease has an emotional and mental component. Therefore, a homeopathic diagnosis must include physical symptoms, current psychological and emotional state and an individual’s constitution. An individual’s constitution includes attributes related to initiative, stamina, concentration, persistence, creativity and physical sensitivities. The right remedy will take these aspects into account, therefore, remedy and diagnosis is individualized. This means that three individuals with hay fever can get three very different prescriptions.
Preliminary evidence suggests that homeopathy might be helpful for treating childhood diarrhea, ear infection, menopause symptoms such as hot flashes, chronic fatigue syndrome, fibromyalgia, asthma, respiratory tract infections and many other diseases (Rossi et al., 2009). Some homeopath professionals specialize in treating serious conditions such as mental illness, cancer and autoimmune diseases. Actually, several studies show that there may be a homeopathy role in improving quality of life and symptom relief among cancer patients. However, it is advisable not to treat a life-threatening conditions using homeopathy alone.
Since homeopathic medicines are diluted, they generally do not have side effects. However, a number of patients report feeling bad briefly after beginning homeopathic remedies. The homeopaths interpret such situations as an individual’s body temporarily simulating the symptoms as it tries to restore health. Homeopathic remedies do not interfere with conventional drugs (Rossi et al., 2009). However, if one considers using homeopathic medicine, he or she should consult a doctor. They should consult a doctor since one can purchase homeopathic medicine without the prescription of a doctor. There are homeopathic training programs and schools, although no certificate or diploma from any institution gives a license to practice. Most homeopaths are medical doctors, although homeopaths get licenses in almost each health professional category. However, in most states, homeopathy practitioners must be health care providers with licenses. Among these practitioners is the respiratory therapist who can use homeopathic care to prevent upper respiratory tract infections among children. Although homeopathy is associated with old people, it is crucial to note that it is safe and effective for indivi...