Ayurvedic Medicine Essay Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 1500 words

Ayurvedic Medicine - Essay ExampleOne of the most common physical sequelae of pregnancy is illness and vomiting. While exact figures vary, most research indicates that anywhere from 70 to 85 percent of pregnant women have nausea and/or vomiting during pregnancy (Flake et al., 2004 Wilkinson, 1999). Quinlan and hillock (2003) indicate that generally nausea and vomiting begin between the fourth and seventh week after a womans last menstrual period, and resolves by the twentieth gestational week for 90% of women Wilkinson (1999) notes simply that morning sickness usually starts early in the pregnancy with symptoms peaking at 8-9 weeks and then disappearing by most the 14th week. Meltzer (2000) wisely notes Studies of nausea and vomiting in pregnancy are often made more challenging be drift of the subjective nature of the symptom of nausea versus the objective sign of vomiting.One indisputable danger from uncontrolled nausea and vomiting is development of hyperemesis gravidarum. Hype remesis gravidarum, defined as, persistent vomiting that is serious enough to cause fluid and electrolyte disturbance (Jewell, 2003a) often necessitates hospitalization to rehydrate the woman and ameliorate electrolyte imbalances. Though the prevalence of hyperemesis gravidarum is estimated at only .3% (Fisher-Rasmussen, 1990) to 3% (Hollyer et al., 2002), its consequences can be tragic if untreated. malady and vomiting during pregnancy (NVP) impacts more than only the pregnant woman. Hollyer et al. (2002) report study findings where almost 50% of employed women reported reduced work efficiency payable to pregnancy-related nausea and vomiting, 25-66% reported having to take time off from work, with almost 50% reporting that the nausea and vomiting negatively affected their relationship with their partner including having an unfavorable effect on the partners italics added day-to-day life. Clearly, finding a treatment to lessen NVP is long overdue, but fraught with risks. Since the 1960s thalidomide tragedy, research on medications used for pregnant women has been limited. estimable concerns preclude experimentation of medications or treatments for a pregnant woman, thus much research relies on that which is known to date or is discovered spuriously.Treatments for NVP span both(prenominal) traditional (Western) and complementary (Eastern) medicine. A lengthy discussion of these treatment alternatives is beyond the scope of this newspaper, though Jewell (2003b) provides a concise summary in Clinical Evidence. This paper focuses on one particular treatment for NVP, the use of Zingiber officinale (ginger). As will be noted, ginger can be found in vary forms (syrup, tea, capsules, food products) and this variation may confound the inter-study correlations.Zingiber officinale (ginger), as noted in the Alternative Medicine Review (2003), has a long history of medicative use, primarily in India and China, dating back 2,500 years. Though the reasons for its anti -emetic effect are not well defined, it is thought, the aromatic, spasmolytic, carminative, and absorbent properties of ginger suggest it has direct effects on the gastrointestinal tract (Alternative Medical Review, 2003). Combining the known benefits of ginger in Ayurvedic and Eastern