THE ORIGINS OF ALTERNATIVE MEDICINE
This chapter discusses the origins of alternative medicine
which in large partis a return to a return to a more holistic and natural approach to healing. Often what is old becomes new again. Such is the case with alternative medicine. Many of the healing therapies utilized in the current practice of alternative medicine incorporate energy therapies such as qi gong which has been an ancient tradition of Chinese culture for 3000 years and was first published in the Yellow Emperor''s Classic of Internal Medicine. Ayurvedic medicine considered another type of alternative medical system integrating the mind body and spirit had its origins in India and as been practiced for some 5000 years. The theme of this chapter is revisiting the pastand the chapter explores the ancient healing traditions that are classified as alternative and complementary forms of healthcare.
Alternative medicine to many people connotes foreign novel and unique therapies somehow quite innovative procedures such as chelation therapy however what many consumers may be surprised to learn is that if you pray exercise or take vitamins you are practicing forms of alternative medicine. the term alternative literally means making a choice between options available. knowing what available options are is critical in making that decision.
As stated in the introduction the National Center for Complementary and Alternative Medicine an official arm of the National Institutes of Health notes five categories of alternative and complementary medicine that are outside the realm of allopathic medicine alternative medical systems mind body integration bologically based therapies manipulation and body based methods and energy therapies.
ALTERNATIVE MEDICAL SYSTEMS
Alternative medical systems include Chinese medicine ayurvedic medicine naturopathy and homeopathy.
Chinese Medicine
Traditional Chinese medicine focuses on two opposing life energies, the yin and the yang. Disease is caused by blockage in this life energy resulting in either pain or illness. Some of the treatment methods include acupuncture body therapies nutrition and herbal medicines.
Ayurvedic Medicine
Ayurvedic medicine is an ancient medical system originating in India several thousand years ago and emphasizes integration of the mind body and spirit and the ability to restore health through that integration. According to ayurvedic medicine a persons constitution which embodies both physical and psychological aspects determines the bodies optimal functioning. There are body types known as doshas which are divided into three categories vata pitta and kapha. Each of these body types is thought to be characterized by personality types and tendencies toward certain health problems. Various imbalances in the doshas can occur as a result of a number of factors namely unhealthy diet insufficient exercise and lack of proper protection from the elements germs or various chemicals.