The terms alternative medicine and complementary medicine
are often mistakenly used as synonyms. Really, the term alternative medicine
refers to medicine systems like herbal medicine or homeopathy, that are utilized instead of conventional medicine, while complementary medicine
refersto those treatments like holistic medicine that are utilized in league
with conventional, or allopathic medicine.
Both end up serving the same purpose in numerous
western countries, who are starting to affirm that these medicinal treatments
are a significant part of healing. That is why in popular usage,
alternative medicine is commonly referred to as complementary
medicine.
Noteably, a crucial feature of complementary and alternative
medicine (CAM) is that it centers on the person as a whole. The
treatment is based not only on the person's physical symptoms,
but also on the person's lifestyle, environment, nutrition, mental
and emotional well-being
; occasionally even their spiritual health.
That is why alternative medicine is known as holistic medicine.
Most followers perceive acupuncture, osteopathy,
chiropractic, Ayurveda, homeopathy and herbal
medicine as the most noteworthy varieties of alternative and complementary
medicine.
Other than homeopathy, a large majority of the alternative and
complementary medicine systems developed in ancient periods
in nations like Egypt, Tibet, Persia and the Far East. Some countries,
notably India and China, are utilizing their knowledge of alternative
and complementary medicine to promote what has come to
be known as medical tourism. A great amount of westerners
are flocking to these Asian Countries to look for holistic remedies.
In the West too, a significant number of women are using
aromatherapy and massage, while men are given to
alternative and complementary medicine to recover from
sports traumas or back injuries.
The other medical problems for which therapists are
turning to CAM are chronic illnesses like arthritis, cystitis,
asthma or chronic fatigue. Even the World Health Organization
(WHO) has recognized the value of holistic treatments. Amidst
the diseases that WHO considers can be cured with these
approaches are asthma, eczema, digestive disorders and
headaches.
This burgeoning adoption of alternative and complementary
medicine is a healthy signal for the globe, because the
Partnerships that have been so created are helping to tackle
many incurable diseases. In the final analysis, we
should not forget that alternative and complementary
medicine systems emerged thousands of years ago, and
have been successful in treating millions of people through
the ages.
Copyright © 2005 Howard Tiano, has studied optimum health
techniques for three decades, and came to alternative medicine
through a family health crises. Alternative-Medicine-Resources.com
was created to inform visitors of available treatments beyond standard
medical solutions, and cut through the politics and hype! Know your options,
and optimize your health! http://www.alternative-medicine-resource.com
