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Sunday, July 26, 2015

By Phyllis Schroeder


It is almost like reverting to another era to eschew modern drugs for natural remedies. Looking at natural alternatives to prescription drugs is not a modern way of thinking. But it is a wise approach, given the harmful side effects that are possible. With the Internet, there is a brave new world out there of products and answers for anything that ails you. We are discovering old ways for the first time.

Alternative medicine can heal in ways that science does not fully understand. Thus, it is embraced widely when conventional medicine fails or does not appeal. Various approaches can cure illness and revitalize the spirit at the same time. The body often uses its own defense mechanisms to overcome adversity and restore well-being.

The work of modern drugs is well known, for good and ill. After all, much as happened in the wake of the discovery of the miracle drug penicillin. We have come to rely on science, even for nonscientific issues, but it does not address the mind body connection. There are great sources of information about the new world of healing. To help patients understand their treatments, it has classified well-known methodologies in a logical manner. It has organized what has been around for centuries, helping mankind find physical and mental stasis. It cannot, however, fathom the complexities of each program and the spiritual philosophies behind them. It has given us useful division of the larger subject. Among the largest medical systems are Homeopathy, Ayurveda, Acupuncture, Naturopathy, Traditional Chinese and Tibetan Medicine, and Native American ones.

This organization performs the service of classifying the various therapeutic alternatives into categories. It is a general system that helps patients understand their treatment methodology. We view it in a different way than centuries ago when they were first developed. Many are part of a larger philosophical/spiritual system you can enter as you receive treatment. It enriches the experiences and enhances the process. The categories commonly employed to describe alternative medical systems are: Homeopathy, Ayurveda, Acupuncture, Naturopathy, Traditional Chinese and Tibetan Medicine, and Native American ones.

You can also break treatment down into biological therapy, meaning that it is nature based in plants and herbs, or other natural supplements. When selected careful, these comestibles can improve immune function and resistance to disease. No wonder they are so popular in this day and age. Be wary of miracle cures however that have no basis in any tradition.

Then there are biologically-based treatments that focus on what nature has to offer to the process of healing and that improve immunity and defense. Herbs are well known examples as are dietary supplements and related natural products. They are not necessarily clinically proven: it is more anecdotal at best. They are, however, the stock in trade of alternative medicine in one form or another.

An interesting offshoot of alternative medicine involves mind-body interventions. Curing comes from the power of the mind and the chemical messages sent to areas of the body. Mind control takes practice, but it can be the impetus of a cure. The body is thus a natural independent healer. The therapist can stimulate various parts by touch for positive curative effect. Manipulative and body-based approaches are characteristic of massage therapy and chiropractic treatment.

It is clear that alternative medicine is on the rise. It is a unique approach to self-healing and complete personal restoration at the hand of others. The patient must decide what would work best in his or her case. If the right approach is undertaken, well-being and good health can be achieved.




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