Alternative and Complementary
Medicine: Old Medicine, Current Synergies
by Howard Tiano
The phrases alternative
medicine and complementary medicine are often incorrectly used
as synonyms. Actually, the expression alternative medicine relates
to medicine systems like homeopathy or chiropractic, that are utilized
instead of conventional medicine, while complementary medicine refersto
those therapies like massage that are used in combination with conventional,
or allopathic medicine.
Both end up assumining
the same role in diverse western nations, who are starting to concur
that that these medicinal therapies are a significant component of
healing. That is why in popular usage, alternative medicine has come
to be known as complementary medicine.
Interestingly, an essential
facet of complementary and alternative medicine (CAM) is that it focuses
on the patient as a whole. The treatment is based not only on the
patient's physical symptoms, but also on the individual's lifestyle,
surroundings, nutrition, mental and emotional well-being ; in some
instances even their spiritual health. For this reason alternative
medicine is sometimes called holistic medicine.
Most devotees concur that
acupuncture, osteopathy,
chiropractic, Ayurveda, homeopathy and herbal medicine
as the most important types of alternative and complementary medicine.
Other than homeopathy, almost all of the alternative and complementary
medicine systems 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 encourage what has come to be known as medical tourism.
A considerable amount of westerners are flying to these Asian Regions
to look for holistic cures. In the West too, a substantial number
of women are applying aromatherapy and massage, while men are resorting to alternative
and complementary medicine to feel better from sports traumas or back
injuries.
The other medical problems
for which followers are turning to CAM are chronic illnesses like
arthritis, cystitis,
asthma or chronic fatigue. Even the World Health Organization (WHO)
has acknowledged the value of holistic treatments. Amidst the maladies
that WHO considers can be cured with these methods are asthma, eczema,
digestive disorders and headaches.
This burgeoning adoption
of alternative and complementary medicine is a healthy signal for
the globe, because the Synergies that have been so created are helping
to take on many incurable diseases. In the final analysis, we should
not forget that alternative and complementary medicine systems developed
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
