Defining Alternative
Medicine: al·ter·na·tive med·i·cine n.
The treatment of illness using remedies not considered part of mainstream medicine, for example, homeopathy or naturopathy. There are over 100 systems alternative medicines practiced all over the world. Alternative medicine include Chinese medicine, Ayurvedic medicine, acupuncture, bio-feedback, chiropractic, energy healing, homeopathic, herbal medicine, massage or bodywork and nutrition to name a few.
The Complementary medicine is the use of conventional medicine and natural healing therapies such as massage and acupuncture. When complementary medicine is used in place of conventional medicine it is called Alternative Medicine. Complementary and alternative medicine is also referred to as CAM.
The path or journey of alternative medicine is to be proactive, meaning the practice of Alternative Medicine is geared towards the causes of disease and prevention.
The practice of alternative healing does not work on the;
“if it isn’t broken don’t fix it” therapy.
Wellness and Alternative Medicine
In the past decade the evolution of “Wellness” provided a plethora of modalities and other alternative choices for people to consider when looking for a kinder gentler way of treatment. Alternative medicine provides alternative choices – do you really need that surgery, look at other ways to help your everyday ailments like a cold, stomach aches, head aches, or simply get a good nights rest. The option is to replace the pill popping remedies that are harsh on the body. Natural therapies not only address the symptoms but also address the reason for the symptoms.
Example of an Alternative Choice:
Rather than treat a cold with an over the counter medicine that will in the long run cause allergies or lower immunes of the body, consider the alternative of including certain herbs incorporated into a diet taken regularly which can be a preventative to a common cold. Flu remedies include vitamin C, zinc lozenges, collidal silver, herbal tea and homeopathic cold and flu tablets.
Making Alternative Choices Wisely
Integrated Alternative Medicine exists to empower you to improve your health by improving your four pillars of healing: interpersonal relationships, diet, environment, and your innate system of detoxification and repair.
Does that mean you throw out all your medications and pills or stop seeing your doctor. Of course not, that is not what Wellness is all about. It is about finding common ground and having the option to have choices rather than be told this is the way it is take it or leave it. After all medicine should not be a one size fit all attitude.
So when it comes to health and well-being, consider all the options and ask tons of questions until you are blue in the face. By the way there may be a treatment for that too.