|
The phrases alternative medicine and complementary medicine
are often mistakenly used as synonyms. In reality, the term alternative medicine
refers to medicine systems like Auyerveda or herbal medicine,
that are practiced in lieu of conventional medicine, while complementary medicine
refersto those therapies like massage that are practiced in addition
with conventional, or allopathic medicine.
Both end up serving the same purpose in many
western nations, who are beginning to perceive that these medicinal therapies
are a crucial element of healing. That is why in popular jargon,
alternative medicine has come to be known as complementary
medicine.
Noteably, an important feature of complementary and alternative
medicine (CAM) is that it centers on the individual as a whole. The
treatment is based not only on the patient's physical symptoms,
but also on the person's lifestyle, environment, nutrition, mental
and emotional health; occasionally even their spiritual well-being.
That is why alternative medicine is considered holistic medicine.
Most devotees perceive acupuncture, osteopathy,
chiropractic, Ayurveda, homeopathy and herbal
medicine as the most noteworthy kinds of alternative and complementary
medicine.
With the exception of homeopathy, most of the alternative and
complementary medicine disciplines evolved in ancient periods
in countries like Egypt, Tibet, Persia and the Far East. Some countries,
notably India and China, are applying their knowledge of alternative
and complementary medicine to popularize what has come to
be known as medical tourism. A great number of westerners
are journeying to these Asian Regions to look for holistic cures.
In the West too, a considerable amount of women are utilizing
aromatherapy and massage, while men are moving towards
alternative and complementary medicine to heal from
sports traumas or back trouble.
The other medical issue for which therapists are
turning to CAM are chronic illnesses like arthritis, cystitis,
asthma or chronic fatigue. Even the World Health Organization
(WHO) has accepted the value of holistic therapies. Among
the diseases that WHO believes can be alleviated with these
approaches are asthma, eczema, digestive disorders and
headaches.
This promising adoption of alternative and complementary
medicine is a healthy signal for the planet, because the
Synergies that have been so created are helping to tackle
many incurable diseases. In the ultimate analysis, we
should not forget that alternative and complementary
medicine systems emerged thousands of years ago, and
have been successful in healing millions of people through
the ages.
Copyright © 2005 Howard Tiano, has studied optimum health
techniques for three decades, and came to alternative medicine
through a family health crises. Alternative-Medicine-Resources.com
was created to inform visitors of available treatments beyond standard
medical solutions, and cut through the politics and hype! Know your options,
and optimize your health! http://www.alternative-medicine-resource.com
Go to Home-Based Business
Can't find what your looking for? Try a Google search:
|
