With such names as Alpha-Stim and Microdoctor, these devices are typically powered by little more than a few AA batteries, and deliver a tiny current to the skin via clips or sticky pads. The electrical charge is so weak that it cannot usually be felt.

These gadgets are being touted as treatments for everything from joint and back pain to headaches, gout, multiple sclerosis and even depression.

With this kind of therapy, some experts are quite open to the concept. Our bodies are composed of billions of atoms, which produce electrical signals that run almost instantaneously through the body as nerve signals, controlling all bodily functions, both conscious and unconscious.

MCT device companies claim injury and illness upset these signals, and the treatment resets our ‘natural electrical currents’, aiding healing and reducing pain.

MCT typically involves electrical currents measuring less than one milliampere – a thousandth of an ampere (a measurement of electrical current). To put this in perspective, a lightbulb may use about 500 milliamperes.

Often above 60 milliamperes, to stimulate the nerves and block pain. ‘New applications are mostly used for pain relief and soft tissue injury,’ says Tim Watson, professor of physiotherapy at the University of Hertfordshire.

His team reviewed the clinical evidence for its efficacy in medical use two years ago and concluded that it is unquestionably effective. ‘There is no doubt that MCT works,’ says Prof Watson. ‘But we don’t yet know whether it’s the current strength, the pulse pattern or the treatment duration that makes a difference.’

Physiotherapist Andy Buckley says: ‘I’ve been using a microcurrent device called a Tendonworks for the past 18 months for my older patients who have suffered injuries while jogging. Normal therapy might include mobilization and exercises, and MCT works well when used in combination with these.’

One patient who has reported using MCT with remarkable results is Joanne Thompson, 32, a photographer who lives in Cambridgeshire with her husband and children.

She developed depression four years ago after her youngest daughter was born with a rare bowel condition. Joanne says: ‘By the time I went to my doctor the following December, I was having suicidal thoughts.‘I was put on antidepressants and referred to a therapist.

‘For the next two years I was anxious and frequently in tears. I suffered panic attacks and had severe side effects from the medication, tummy upsets, nausea and weight gain.

‘A friend of mine had been using an MCT machine called Alpha-Stim to help with stress and she suggested I try it alongside the pills. I was skeptical, but did some research and was impressed by the clinical studies and testimonials.

‘You attach the clips to your ears and turn it on. I used it daily for two to three hours and would fall asleep with it on.

‘Within two months I felt a definite lift in my mood. After three months I felt I was able to cope with everyday life. It was a very gradual process.’

Dr. Lesley Parkinson, a consultant clinical psychologist, believes Alpha-Stim may have had an effect: ‘The pills didn’t appear to have been working and they had been given plenty of opportunity to do so.

‘Also, Joanne wasn’t expecting MCT to work, which would indicate that the machine did help. Anything like this that doesn’t have side effects is worth a try.’

It is widely propagated in the Philippines as an ornamental and medicinal plant. Its sap from fresh leaves are used for alopecia, falling hair, burns, psoriasis, complexion care. Pounded leaves poultice for contusions and localized edema.

Research studies have shown that sabila has properties comprising of inhibitory, anti-inflammatory, regenerative, and anti-bacterial functions. The aloe vera plant has been found to have great contributions to health, both internally and externally.

Internally, sabila’s purgative properties, brought about by the existence of six antiseptic agent substances in the plant (that is, cinnamic acid, lupeol, sulphur, salicylic acid, phenol and urea nitrogen), make it ideal in eradicating parasites, harmful bacteria, and fungi in the intestinal tracts. Internal use of aloe vera gel is considered safe with no known interactions.

For hypertension, arthritis, diabetes, intestinal parasites, constipation and anti-aging properties remove the skin and take internally. The jell liquefies after a few minutes and can be mixed with other drinks.

Externally, sabila can be used for the treatment of acne, pimple burns, insect bites, dandruff, and for moisturizing and hydrating the skin. The poultices of the aloe vera leaves may be applied directly to contusions. For external use, have not been reported adverse reactions and allergic reactions are very rare.

For treatment of skin inflammation, acne, pimple, insect bites, scalds (minor burns), sunburns, and psoriasis, remove the skin of a leaf then rub Sabila (Aloe Vera) juice on your skin. For dandruff, dry or itchy scalp the sabila gel can be mixed with coconut oil apply on the scalp and leave it there for at least 30 minutes, then rinse.

Aloe vera or Sabila contains vitamins B1, B2, B6, vitamin C, choline, niacin amide and 18 amino acids. You can mix the Aloe Vera extract with fruit juice and other drinks.

Aloe Vera is also an anti-oxidant in which, it prevents oxidation of certain fats and gene cells, preventing ailing conditions like tumors and cancers.

Since it is an anti-oxidant, it has anti-aging properties. It also reduces free radicals, which can damage the arteries.

To those who have not known the medicinal benefits of akapulko, they used it as an ornamental plant because of its beautiful flowers and its good looking leathery leaves.

It can be kept as a full sun or light shade ornamental. It is a fast growing plant and a drought tolerant plant. The oblong leaves bilaterally and symmetrically opposed, is wide open during the day but it folds up together at night time.

Akapulko is used by folks in the rural areas as treatment for various fungal infections by crushing the leaves and applied it to the infected area. Fungal infections like tinea versicolor, commonly known as ‘an-an’, ringworm, scabies, athlete’s foot and eczema.

The medicinal shrub contains chrysophanic acid, a fungicide used to treat fungal infections, and it also contains saponin, a laxative that is useful in expelling intestinal parasites.

Decocting leaves are used as expectorant in bronchitis and dyspnea, as astringent, mouthwash and a wash for eczema.

Its root, flower and leaf decoction are used as laxative and weight loss. Its extract from the akapulko plant is now used by dermatological companies as chief ingredient for their lotions, soaps and shampoos.

It is a shrub that thrives in open plain, rolling to mountainous terrain of which it does not need a formal propagation because it grows together with other common weeds, shrubs and trees that are propagated by nature.

Long before the plant has been found to have a therapeutic value in the medical world, rural folks had it in the Philippines traditionally used the aromatic plant, by decocting the roots or leaves in the treatment of various ailments.

The shrub aromatic plant is among the ten approved herbal plant by the Philippine Department of Health (DOH) as an alternative medicine in treating specific disorders.

It is an anti-urolithiasis and work as a diuretic agent which helps dispose of excess water and sodium (salt) in the body.

Sambong has the essential camphor oils that is particularly safe and effective treatment of hypertension, dissolving kidney stones and other ailments, according to the Department of Science and Technology (DoST).

The roots of sambong is used to treat cough, colds, asthma, bronchitis, other respiratory problems while its leaves is used to treat stomach ailment, headache, mild hypertension, astringent for wounds and cuts, in dissolving kidney stones and it has been used as postpartum bath for women.

Sambong is not only used as herbal medicine in the Philippines, but it is used by the Javanese and Chinese as tea for the relief of cough, the Europeans used it in treating cataract infection.

In Cambodia for the treatment of skin infection while other parts of the world as treatment for dysentery, chronic uterine discharges, beri-beri and lumbago.

Lagundi leaves had been clinically tested to be effective in the treatment of colds, flu, bronchial asthma, chronic bronchitis, and pharyngitis.

The roots of Lagundi are also used as treatment for rheumatism, dyspepsia, boils, and leprosy.

The flowers are recommended as a cardiac tonic, as cure for liver diseases, and other internal disorders such as diarrhea and cholera.

Lagundi can prevent the body’s production of leukotrienes, which are released during an asthma attack.

Leukotrienes are a naturally occurring chemical substance that promotes an inflammatory response.

When produced and released in the body, this chemical causes airway constriction, the tightening of muscles, and excess mucus and fluid.

Lagundi contains Chrysoplenol D, a substance with anti-histamine and muscle relaxant properties.

A decoction (boiling in water) of the roots and leaves of Lagundi are applied to wounds, and used as aromatic baths for skin diseases.

Boiled seeds are eaten in order to prevent the spreading of toxins and venom from bites of poisonous animals.

Now, pharmaceutical companies made lagundi available commercially in capsulized and syrup form, used for the treatment of cough and bronchial asthma.

After flowering, the tree bears large clumps of oval nut-like fruits and which the seeds once matured can be used in propagation.

Its leaves are large, oblong to elliptic-ovate, about 2 to 4 inches in width, 5 to 8 inches in length.

Banaba usually sheds its leaves in the early months of the year. Prior to shedding, the matured leaves become bright orange or red in which during this time it is thought to contain higher levels of corosolic acid.

Corosolic acid is a potent compound that has insulin like effect to lower glucose in the body and is effective in treating diabetes.

Its ability to lower blood sugar is attributed to a triterpenoid glycoside, believed to facilitate glucose-transport into cells.

Decoct banaba leaves taken regularly as a tea is widely used in the Philippines for kidney cleansing and in dissolving kidney stones.

Aside from the medicinal value of banaba, it contains high concentrations of dietary fiber and minerals such as zinc and magnesium. The leaves can be boiled and taken daily as tea.

The roots, barks, leaves and budding fruits has the properties to treat gastroenteritis, diarrhea, and dysentery. Crushed fresh leaves are used to treat open wounds and skin ulcers.

The leaf decoction is taken as treatment for coughs, sore throats and chest ailments. It is also gargled to relieve mouth sores, inflamed and bleeding gums.

Guava leaves are chewed to relieve toothache, to cure bleeding gums and treat halitosis. The extracts from guava bark and leaves have shown to have a vitro toxic action against numerous bacteria.

The leaves of guava are rich in flavonoids which have demonstrated anti bacterial activity. This anti bacterial property of guava leaves in what causes benefit to the teeth and gums.

Guava is known to be a good source of vitamins C more than that of an orange or citrus. It is also rich in potassium, calcium and iron. It also contains carotenoids and polyphenols both anti oxidants, giving an edge in high dietary antioxidant value among plant foods.

Guavas that are red and orange in color have more potential value as anti oxidant sources than yellowish green ones.

In the recipe department, there are innumerable recipes for utilizing guavas in pies, cakes, puddings, sauce, ice cream, jam, relish and other products.

Dehydrated guavas may be reduced to powder which can be used to flavor ice cream, confections, fruit juices or boiler with sugar to make jelly or utilized as pectin to make jelly.

This process is how the health profession goes to a cycle of diagnosis, treatment and prescription. If anyone were to give you herbs for medication or treatment, you would probably say, that the person is a quack. But nowadays, studies are being conducted to see if there is really any merit to what is called as natural medicine.

Natural medicine is the use of natural methods by applying herbal medications and the traditional way of healing ailments. Every culture has a natural approach of doing it. In ancient cultures, people who has acquired the knowledge and expertise in healing ailments the natural way either through herbal or ritual, served as the medical doctor of the community.

Their knowledge and expertise had been passed through them by their elders and subsequently they will pass their know how to the immediate succeeding generation.

Natural medicine refers to the ancient traditional practice of treating ailments that were already in place before the advent of modern medicine. This includes herbal medicine and photo-therapy, which is prevalent in Chinese, Indian and Greek medicine.

During the advent of modern medicine, many medical professionals discarded the idea of using herbal in favor of man-made synthetic medicines when the fact is, that these medicines are derived from the healing properties of herbs used in traditional healing.

Good examples are opium, digitalis, quinine, and aspirin all have their derivatives from traditional medicine.

Though some people think that natural medicine can be considered as a lost healing art. This does not mean that it has lost its efficacy over time. In some cases, natural therapy is actually better than modern medicine has to offer. This leads some doctors to seriously consider and study the possible uses of natural medicine to supplement their medical knowledge.

However, it is important to note that not all the natural remedies are legitimate. It would help to only try those remedies which have been thoroughly tested and are relatively known to be effective and risk free.

A lot of herbal medicines had already been used and found them effective in healing ailments. However, only those that deal with minor ailments such as cough, colds, fever, skin rashes, were likely been recommended by health professionals.

These remedies are even sometimes superior to synthetic medicine, this is because herbal medicines are less likely to cause negative side effects.

Currently, there are several non-governmental organizations that study the effects and advocacy of natural medicine – among them is herbal medicine. Some governments and health agencies who are openly advocating the use of natural means because they are inexpensive and safe to use.

As their studies are compiling, more herbs and treatments are added to the list of accepted medicines. However, there are also some herbs and treatments that have been proven to be bogus and this represents a challenge for both the user and the agencies involved because they have first to ascertain that the treatments they are either using or advocating are legitimate ones.

There are many alternative medical treatments that exist today that fall under natural medicine category. However, not all of them have been proven to be effective. It would pay to consult the experts or a government health regulatory body as to the legitimacy of these treatments.

Right now, the current collective medical thought suggests that natural medicine would only be used to supplement modern medical practices and not vice versa.

The practice of modern medicine revolves around diagnosing an illness and then prescribing treatments. Natural medicine is helpful in the sense that treatment shall not necessarily be given except only when one is sick.

Natural medicine strives to make each patient practice good health habits. These habits include good diet, healthy living, and the regular natural treatment.

It is the same line of thought that leads our parents to tell us to eat our vegetables. Yes, a healthy lifestyle and will do no harm to our well-being. And this is the foundation of natural medicine – may it be massage, herbal medicine, aromatherapy or others.

It is funny but true that science, in its quest for excellence, is studying the knowledge of the sages past. This, surprisingly, leads us back to the remedies of what nature has to offer.

The thrust of finding remedies to every human illnesses by natural means are encouraging. Studying their remedies are worthwhile and verifying their therapies and treatment are advantageously helpful to our health and society in general.

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In the real world, an acupuncturist would customize the treatment to a patient’s symptoms. Rather than proving that acupuncture does not work, the study may suggest that it works even when administered poorly.

But the real lesson, acupuncture supporters say, is how difficult it can be to apply western standards to an ancient healing art. The research and other acupuncture studies have fueled speculation that a prick of a needle can influence the way the body processes and transmits pain signals.

In a 2007 study of 1200 back pain patients, it has shown that about half of the patients or 50 percent had less pain after treatment compared with only 27 percent of those receiving traditional back cure.

The researchers speculated that inserting needles may have caused a “super placebo” effect, touching off a series of reactions that changed the way the body experienced pain.

In a 2004 study by the National Institute of Health found that acupuncture significantly reduced pain and improved function in knee arthritis patients compared to routine knee care.

Researchers at Henry Ford Hospital in Detroit, Michigan compared acupuncture to drug Effexor that significantly reduce hot flashes in breast cancer patients.

The results were striking. Acupuncture relieved hot flashes just as well as Effexor with fewer side effects. However, “There are some things you can’t study the same way we do with drugs,” said Dr. Eleanor Walker, director of breast radiation oncology at the Henry Ford Health System.

“The thing that can’t be argued in my study is the duration of the effect. It lasts, and the placebo effect doesn’t last once you stop a treatment.” But acupuncture believers say it doesn’t really matter whether studies find that the treatment has a strong placebo effect.

After all, the goal is to harness the body’s power to heal itself, whether that power is stimulated and effected by placebo or by skillful placement of needles.

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Studies have revealed that kidney stones, are the most common problems of people affecting their kidney. They are pieces and clumps of waste products formed in this specific body organ.

Kidney stones can be literally compared to real stone because they are hard and can be painful specially when they grow in terms of numbers. But, unlike the real stones, kidney stones can be dissolved once they are diagnosed early.

Treating kidney stones the natural way is still the best option. Although this can be done by using medication or through simple medical procedures, it is always best to do it the natural way.

Drinking tea, has been proven to give people lot of benefits, while it helps cleansed out the body’s system from toxins that could jeopardize one’s health if not removed, it also helps dissolved kidney stones.

kidney stones sufferers tend to agree that tea whose ingredients contain some Chinese herbs such as plantain leaf, meadow sweet, Joe-pye weed, and sarsaparilla, has helped in dissolving kidney stones because it has the natural properties, that are good in the elimination of excess uric acid in the body.

In China, people there, are using the aforementioned herbs, in the form of tea in treating kidney stones.

Combining with other herbs such as corn silk, wild yam root, hydrangea root, yarrow leaf, and cramp bark in the tea preparation.

To make the tea more effective, longer time in its preparation is advised. This is done to ensure that all the natural properties will not be lost.

Although, a lot of people attest as to its effectiveness, it may not work for everyone especially to those who bleed easily.

Another means of dissolving kidney stones the natural way is through diuretic tea. For this type of tea, you can choose either dandelion or corn silk.

Many people say that these herbs are the two most popular choices of diuretic that can produce early results.

When combined with other herbs such as nettle leaf, fennel seed, and oat straw, diuretic tea can be more effective in dissolving even medium-sized kidney stones.

To prepare for a diuretic tea, you need the ½ teaspoon of each mentioned herb and a quart of water that is boiling. Once it has reached the boiling point, cover the pot and set it aside for about 30 minutes.

Before drinking it twice daily, one cup in the morning and one cup in the evening, it needs to be filtered it first.

If you are not the type of using herbs as a natural means of fighting kidney stones, there are much simpler ways to do it such as:

*** By drinking at least 8 glasses of water daily, it can help flush out body wastes from your system.

*** Taking in lemonade preparation to delay the development of stones;

*** Eat foods that are rich in fiber but low in protein, calcium, and salt because these three are the primary sources and causes of kidney stones.

*** Engage on a regular physical exercise regimen to be mobile and active. Sedentary living can only lead faster to the formation of kidney stones.

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