Alternative Medicine
More and more people than ever before are becoming interested in natural medicine and a more natural alternative to drugs and surgery for certain health conditions. The already huge market is ever expanding with everything from essential oil therapy to nutritional supplements.
So, why are so many people choosing alternative medicine, as it is widely known? Or, to be more direct, what is the definition of alternative medicine? Basically, alternative medicine is known simply as a healing practice that does not fit into the defined methods or traditional or allopathic medicine, or conventional western medicine, as it is also known.
Everything from “old folk remedies” to “Native American remedies” as well as Homeopathy, Chinese Herbs, Bach Flower Remedies, Acupunture and Chiropractic to name a few would fall into the category of “Alternative Medicine.”
But, what is the meaning of alternative medicine? The fact is that, in actuality, for much of history, what is known today as alternative medicine was simply known as simply medicine. From many of the “medical home remedies” or old fashion home remedies came the basis for many of today’s modern pharmaceuticals. The earliest synthetic drugs were often based on the well-known medicinal properties of common botanicals, flowers and herbs.
There are many different types of alternative medicine available today and there is an ever-growing interest in everything from a homeopathic remedy for arthritis to finding qualified complementary alternative medical practitioners in a particular area. People want to know things like what is the best detoxification program and things like what are the best nutrients for treating and preventing certain conditions.
So many Americans are becoming interested in how holistic healing works as an alternative to prescribed drugs, many of which treat symptoms rather than deal with the underlying causes of disease. Even prescription drugs that are aimed at eliminating the cause of the ailment have serious side-effects that sometimes outweigh the benefits.
One simple example of alternative medicine in the area of coronary artery disease is the use of garlic in the diet as a supplement. There are numerous clinical studies that can be found that show that Garlic can lower trigycerides, inhibit platelet aggregation, lower blood pressure and more.
Honey was used as a treatment for wounds and raw un-pasteurized honey has wonderful healing qualities including anti-bacterial properties.
So, where did alternative medicine start? Many of the practices that are widely known today have their origins based in ancient cultures from different parts of the world. Some of the oldest healing practices come from Chinese Medicine and Chinese healing herbs and are over 5000 years old. Ayurvedic Medicine from the East also has a history dating back around 6000 years. Hippocrates (c. 460-377 BC), a Greek physician frequently referred to as the Father of Medicine, practiced herbal medicine and was known for saying “let thy medicine be thy food and they food be thy medicine.”
Article by Adam Brenner
http://www.natures-medicine-chest.com
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Commenting usually isnt my thing, but i’ve surfed an hour on the blog, so thanks for the great information .
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Yes, you are correct. Ayurvedic medicine has a very long history. It is a science of health the empahsizes prevention, stay healthy as far as possible.
It is "personalized medicine" at its best. According to Ayurveda, all of us have a unique "cosntitution" defined by a mix of Doshas: Vata, Pitta or Kapha. Our unique Dosha combination defines our physical and emotional make-up, what foods are best, what health conditions we are susceptible to, and more.
To find out your Dosha go to Nature’s Formulary web site by clicking here and take their Dosha.
By the way try Nature’s Formulary Chyawanprash, this is made using the original thousands years old recipe. It is an herbal fruit jam that tastes great for the immune system.
Harness the healing power of natural herbs to treat common health disorders and to live a healthier life.Explore various natural herbs that may help you lose weight naturally without harming your body.Discover herbal supplements that can help you live a longer, healthier and more youthful existence.
Hey there,
I became interested in alternative treatments a couple of years ago and so I tried acupressure with my second pregnancy. Although I was skeptical at first I was pleasantly surprised when it actually worked to lessen the pain from my contractions and I was able to give brth without asking for any painkillers.