Health
3 Alternative Medicine Techniques and What They Do
For many generations, modern societies around the world have invested heavily in improving and developing healthcare. Thanks to the invention of modern medicine, life expectancy has increased, and the well-being of people has generally been enhanced.
But with growing industrialization, it is more likely for a person to contract a disease or suffer from illnesses that even modern medicine has difficulty curing.
Although modern medicine is still considered superior and more effective, many believe that complementary and alternative medicine offer alternative ways to seek relief.
Alternative medicine is more common in the East, rather than in the West. These days, different forms of alternative medicine are widely recognized and practiced. Here is a closer look at some of them.
Ayurveda
Ayurvedic medicine is based on a philosophy that a person’s health and well-being depend on balancing the body, mind, and spirit. It is primarily practiced in India and has been around for more than 3000 years.
The US recognizes Ayurveda as a form of alternative medicine where an Ayurvedic practitioner may administer treatment. The main goal of Ayurveda is to achieve holistic balance in your body by expelling undigested food.
Cleansing your body of toxic elements may involve the prescription of various natural remedies, such as a turmeric drink. Turmeric has long been used in Ayurveda to treat ailments related to digestion.
Chinese or Oriental medicine
Perhaps one of the most popular forms of alternative medicine is that which is practiced in China. Oriental medicine has been around for thousands of years and is still prevalent today. Similar to Ayurveda, Chinese medical philosophy has a holistic approach to treating diseases. Oriental medicine also takes many forms, including:
- Acupuncture
- Herbal medicine
- Tai Chi
- Meditation
- Cupping
Experts believe that traditional Chinese medicine is generally safe, as long as you seek treatment from a practitioner who is trained and experienced. This is true, especially in acupuncture and cupping.
On the other hand, drinking herbs and other concoctions using traditional Chinese medicinal ingredients may be slightly tricky.
Since conventional herbal medication does not go through FDA regulations, it is not likely for anyone to be thoroughly familiar with the ingredients, let alone know the potential side effects of ingesting these ingredients.
But the reputation of traditional Chinese medicine has infiltrated even in the West. As a precaution, it is essential to always seek the assistance of an expert before trying any conventional form of medication.
Homeopathy
The practice of homeopathy began in the 1700s in Germany. While popular mostly in Europe, it is not as well-known in the US. The premise of homeopathy revolves around the belief that anything that causes symptoms can also treat an illness if administered in minimal doses.
Homeopaths usually weaken the effect of ingredients they use to treat various diseases by adding water or alcohol.
Homeopathic drugs and remedies may be bought from health stores and drug stores. The potency and effectiveness of these products greatly depend on the manufacturer. Anyone who is undergoing any kind of modern medication should consult a doctor first before trying homeopathic remedies.
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