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What is Alternative Medicine in the Modern Generation
Long before the Western medicine was born, there was a body of knowledge and practices that people have been using to heal ailments and provide relief to pains. Acupuncture, Ayurveda, herbal medicine, naturopathic medicine, yoga and herbal medicine are just some of these. Through time and upon medical discoveries that led to the development of medicine based on science (Western medicine), these old practices and knowledge became less popular but were never really gone. Recently, with the rising popularity of everything 'organic' and 'natural', the arts of healing from generations past were resurrected. These are now labeled as alternative medicine to differentiate it from Western medicine. People can't help but ask: What is alternative medicine all about?
Alternative medicine is the term used to define or refer to any healing practice other than the customary practices and approaches used in Western medicine. Interestingly, it is the Western medicine that is referred to as traditional or conventional medicine when it is the various forms of healing under the umbrella of alternative medicine that came first. These were traditionally used before modern medicine came into being. Some of these are regarded as arts like acupuncture and yoga for being entrenched so deeply into the human culture for thousands of years but having no scientific basis.
Certain practices are regarded as complementary alternative medicine (CAM) if, despite involving nontraditional approaches, it can harmoniously work with Western medicinal practices. In a strict sense, alternative medicine means using only nontraditional methods without being combined with Western or traditional medicine. The alternative medicine modalities are vast ranging from Chinese, Indian and Native American medicinal practices to massage therapies and use of crystals. Additional examples of alternative medicine include chiropractic techniques massage, meditation, spiritual healing, Tai Chi and aromatherapy.
What is alternative medicine as a philosophy? The fundamental value of alternative medicine is not merely confined on the treatment of the symptoms which is what Western medicine aims for. Rather, it seeks the root or deeper causes of the ailment. Treatments can take the forms of holistic remedies, herbal solutions, massage therapy, acupressure or acupuncture for the purpose of the bringing harmony to the body and thoughts. The advocates view the entire body as one with all its parts being connected. This means that wellness cannot be attained by providing individual solutions to separate ailing parts.
Why are people turning to alternative medicine? In the first place, most modalities of alternative medicine have a track record involving thousands of years from man’s early cultures. These are deeply ingrained in the culture and consciousness of humans and transmitted through generations of anecdotal evidences. It is like a solid wall that stood the trials of time which is why it was never really lost despite waves of breakthroughs in western medicines. It was held back for a little while in the course of human history but the practices never really left. Those who have been very sick who can’t be helped anymore by Western medicine were motivated to go back to what nature and holistic healing can provide.
The modern age that is going back to basic and everything natural and organic is now embracing alternative medicine. Notice how schools are offering alternative medicine courses as part of medical curriculum or as standalone courses. Many professional medical practitioners are, in fact, trying to integrate CAM in their practice to meet the demand of their patients. It is not unusual anymore to see doctors who can also provide chiropractic and acupuncture treatments as well as use of supplements.
Herbal medicine is also recognized as a form of alternative medicine. Many plants are recognized to have active ingredients that help in the treatment, management and prevention of many diseases and disorders. Inasmuch as the demand for organic and natural is becoming the trend, science is doing its share by verifying the active ingredients, applications, indications, contra-indications, side effects through clinical trials. For convenience, much of these natural remedies are being commercially prepared into pills and supplements. Approved as supplements by U.S. FDA, these can only claim results but are not required to support such with clinical trials. This is why it is important that consumers read the labels, research about the components and consult physicians especially when one is suffering from certain disorders.
What is alternative medicine for the people of this generation? Alternative medicine is an option. It defies use of chemical drugs and surgeries. It runs counter to anything and everything unnatural. It believes in the power of holistic natural healing.
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