From gadgets to television programs, we now have exhaustive lifestyle options. Even the field of medicine has caught up with this diversity, and for most individuals, this is a welcome change. The popularity of alternative medicines is just one of the various manifestations.
Alternative medicine is characterized by health approaches that do not fall within the bounds of convention. These new-age healing principles are, typically and ironically, anchored in old health tenets and can either be used independently or to supplement existing medical treatments and procedures.
In a joint study conducted in 2002 by the U.S. National Center for Complementary and Alternative Medicine and the National Center for Health Statistics (CDC), which had respondents aged 18-year-old and above, results showed that 74.6% of those surveyed had subscribed to at least one alternative healing method.
It is even projected that by 2016, the Dietary Supplement Industry, which is highly reliant on the principles of alternative medicine, will reach a growth amounting to $250 billion. This staggering statistic only shows the industry?s considerable command in the healthcare niche.
Some of today?s most popular alternative medicines, and healing procedures and principles are as follows:
Traditional Chinese Medicine
This set of alternative healing principles is rooted in a 2,000-year Chinese tradition, which constitutes several medical forms including herbal medicine, Tiu na massage, acupuncture, dietary treatment, and an ancient mode of exercise called qigong.
Some of the old tenets incorporated in these healing techniques are the cosmological concepts of yin and yang, as well as the doctrines found in texts like the Treatise on Cold Damage and the Yellow Emperor?s Inner Canon.
In traditional Chinese medicine, diseases are mainly triggered by ?six excesses,? such as the excess of wind, dryness, cold, summer-heat, fire heat, and dampness.
Naturopathy
This health principle believes in the existence of a vital energy or force that regulates basic bodily functions, like metabolism, growth, reproduction, and adaptation.
Holistic medical approach is fostered by naturopathy and this may include acupuncture, botanical medicine, chelation therapy, homeopathy, live blood analysis, cranial osteopathy, brainwave entrainment, and a wide array of nature-cure.
Naturopathy adamantly opposes indiscriminate use of drugs and invasive surgery.
Homeopathy
An alternative treatment that dates back to the 16th century, thanks to a certain Samuel Hahnemann, homeopathy adapts the ?similia similibus curentur? health dogma. This Greek phrase literally translates to ?like cures like,? which basically captures the essence of the principle. The exact cause of a disease?s symptom can also serve as the cure for that ailment.
One of the basic procedures involved in homeopathy is the introduction of a specific substance in a type of liquid, typically water, to alter the latter?s properties. These substances are normally derived from plants, animals, minerals, and synthetic ingredients.
Ayurveda
Ayurvedic treatment originated in India and has now amassed a wide following in the Western world. The entire healing principle is comprised of eight components, namely, internal medicine, paediatrics, surgery, ophthalmology, psychiatry, toxicology, immunity and rejuvenation, and aphrodisiacs.
This alternative medicine puts much importance to the concepts of balance and harmony in one?s lifestyle and personal urges. It also fosters the importance of hygiene and srotas (channels), which are said to facilitate the body?s fluid transfer. Use of herbal medicines is also an integral part of ayurvedic treatment.
Marc Webster is a health and wellness writer who is a believer in modern medicine, but is not readily dismissive of alternative treatments. He also works at All Time Medical, a provider of high quality elderly mobility aids such as wheelchairs, rollators and walkers.
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