When the first congress on alternative medicines was organized by the Faculty of Medicine in the University Of Rome in the year 1973; private practitioners from across the world presented more than one hundred and fifty brands of alternative medicines (Whistler 14). The congress, which sought to establish the validity and effectiveness of alternative medicines established that most of the alternative therapies were indeed functioning and that they could be tested and proven scientifically. Some of the therapies were found to be common in more than one community with most of the communities coming from the Asian continent. The therapies ranged from physical therapies to spiritual interventions connected to old religions that had been in place for thousands of years. Additionally, most of the medicines and therapies especially those made and used by the eastern communities had been in place for well over three to five millennia. This paper seeks to explain why and how traditional, western medicine can be substituted by alternative therapies that are older than the modern day medicine.
Modern day doctors are fast embracing the idea of complementing ancient, alternative therapies with the western medicine that is taught in schools and forms the foundation of the modern day medical professions such as pharmacy, human medicine and surgery as well as such specialties as dental surgery and orthopedic surgery (Sissi & Benzie 26). The reason behind the acceptance of such alternative therapies is that they have managed to remedy conditions that the traditional, western medicines cannot cure.
Additionally such alternative remedies have emerged as an economical way of handling such ailments as cancer and mental diseases. As a matter of fact, the alternative remedies have many merits that may be unknown to the untrained mind. Before focusing on the types of alternative therapies, it is imperative to evaluate a couple advantages that accrue to the use of alternative remedies. One of the advantages that are common to all the alternative therapies is that they are more affordable than the western medicines.
The second advantage of using the traditional medicines over the western medicine is that the alternative remedies are natural and are not likely to bring negative side effects. On the contrary, the western medicines are full of synthetic chemicals that may cause more harm than good to the ailing individuals. The chemicals used to manufacture the medicines and other pharmaceutical products may injurious to the wellbeing of the person (Grossinger 31). The third merit is that such alternative medicines and therapies are associated with spiritual wellbeing as well as upholding of culture. Such preservation of culture is particularly beneficial as it keeps the community united and living in harmony. The traditional therapies used in India and china are usually religious and spiritual. They tend to link the individual to the Supreme Being and emphasize on the relationship between the body and soul.
One of the most common alternative therapies that have been in use, in both the eastern and the western worlds for thousands of years, is the massage therapy. The massage therapy concerns itself with the application of pressure to the muscles of the individual at a regulated pace and following some pattern (Sissi & Benzie 31). The major aim of this alternative therapy is to get the muscles of the individual relaxed and improving the blood flow in the body. This therapy, which is more than 5000 years old, has been tested and proven to be effective in releasing muscle tension, reducing stress, and achieving better flow of blo0opd in the body. Massage has become a popular therapy and is currently, in addition to healing, used as a recreational activity. It is offered in beauty and relaxation parlors especially in the urban areas.
The second alternative therapy is psychotherapy. Commonly referred to as counseling is one of the most common therapies in the modern world. This alternative is used in dealing with those conditions that affect the mind and the general mental wellbeing of an individual. The therapy, commonly known for curing such conditions as stress and depression entails the guidance by another individual, who is usually experienced in the helping profession (Whistler 51). The helper, as they are usually referred to, first seeks to know the exact problem from the one suffering. Upon identifying the problem, the helper tries to give the victim reasons as to why they should focus on the optimistic part of life. The helper tries to restore the hope of the affected individual by trying to explain why all is not lost. Additionally the helper will try to make the person reflect on their lives from a positive perspective. By such encouragement, the affected individual can overcome their troubles and have a fresh look at life. This therapy is most common in reducing the problems related to the mind, Stress and depression being the most common. Currently, counseling is a profession taught in the universities and professional institutions. The professionalizing of this therapy was necessitated by the fact that the contemporary world is full of drivers of stress, the most common being such dangerous illnesses as HIV/AIDS.
One of the oldest therapies in Chinese culture is acupuncture. This is a traditional method that concerns itself with the use of thin needles to deal with the part of the body that is experiencing pain. The therapy which requires that the sick person be quite courageous entails the piercing of the affected part with multiple pins that are medically prescribed by the physicians. The pins are placed around the area in such a way that they relive the pain in a uniform manner (Alam 85). Like many other traditional therapies, acupuncture is based on the premises that the body must maintain some balance internally for it to eliminate pain and disease. Related to this therapy is acupressure. Acupressure is exceptionally much similar to acupuncture. The only difference is that, as opposed to acupuncture, acupressure does not employ the use of pins. Instead, pressure is applied on the affected parts using the human finger or something similar to the human finger. Just like acupuncture, acupressure is based on the principle of internal balance.
The oldest alternative therapy used in India is referred to as Ayurveda. The therapy is one of the most effective according to scientific studies. The therapy, which entails the use of various aroma and such things as natural concoctions has been proved as being able to cure quite a number of diseases especially those affecting the respiratory system (Alam 99). The only disadvantage associate with this therapy is that the smell and the taste of the concoctions used are quite irritating, and may provoke so much vomiting and allergic reactions such as sneezing. The therapy is more than five millennia old and has been passed over from generation to the next trough apprenticeship. The physicians pass on the skill to their children or other equally talented members of society. The therapy is based on the belief that diseases are caused by internal imbalances in the body of a human being.
In Ayurveda therapy, the physicians test for the illnesses by observing the pulse rate of the affected individual and performing some specialized examinations on the lower sides of the tongue. The medicines used in this therapy can be combined with some nutritional counseling and spiritual intervention so as to achieve effectiveness. Worth noting is the fact that this therapy is used together with many other therapies, both physical and spiritual. Most notably, the therapy is combined with such physical therapies as massage. Additionally, such spiritual therapeutic measures as prayerful interventions are used. It is for this reason that the therapy has been described as the most effective alternative therapy, especially on the Asian continent (Sissi & Benzie 46). The herbs and all other ingredients used in the making of the concoctions are purely natural and have no side effects. Meditation is used together with this therapy as the Indians believe that meditation links one with gods.
Meditation on its own is an alternative therapy that is commonly used in Asia. Notably, meditation was a common practice among most Chinese religions as well as Indian ethical practices. The process of meditation entails serene reflection upon one’s self. The process may take long hours or even the whole day. During the meditation period, one is supposed to remain uninterrupted, and in solitary state so as he can communicate with his highest spirits. The process may be emotionally involving and may entail such things as crying and hysteria if done in an uncontrolled environment. The process of meditation relieves such conditions as stress and depression as well as such attitudes as despair and emotional weakness (Liu 61). The main difference between meditation and prayer is that prayer entails communication between an individual and God. On the contrary, meditation is communication between an individual’s mind and the self or the soul. The meditation therapy is, however, associated with some property of religion. This one has been described as a proved method of dealing with stress and migraines.
One of alternative therapies that are most commonly used in the contemporary world is the Emotional Freedom Technique. This therapy was invented by one Gary Craig of the United States. The therapy which employs the use of such things as guidance videos and musical arts is used by the individual from the calm of their homes, at their opportune time. The healing entails slow and well coordinated body movements. The movements need much concentration. Such concentration, much like meditation help the mind relax. On the other hand, the movements help the muscles in the body expand and contract in such a manner that the flow of blood is made even and steady. This helps maintain internal balance, as well as physical wellbeing of the people practicing it (Li 126).
Related to the massage therapy is the aroma therapy. This is an alternative to the industrial medicines that entails the use of natural oils extracted from plant flowers and leaves. The oils are consumed and used in various ways. One of the most common ways in which the therapy is administered is thorough massage. The oils are massaged into the affected parts of the body continuously. The physicians do it continuously so as to make sure the oils get into the body more effectively. Alternatively, the oils can be administered through aroma. The smell of the aroma is deemed therapeutic, and it is for this reason most scientists have taken keen interests in establishing the correlation between the mind, body and the sense of smell of a human being (Whistler 65). Though research has not yielded much, aromatherapy is one scientifically proven to be effective since it has healed many bodily diseases.
Among the most ancient therapies that have their foundation in ancient science and belief, in the power of the cosmos, is astrology. Astrology is an alternative to the industrial medicine and has been used since the days of the ancient kingdom of Greek when ancient philosophers and religious leaders were at conflict over the nature of the earth and space. The scientist and ancient philosophers argued that there was some mystical power in the cosmos and that everyone was somewhat linked to the forces of space. As such, one could predict their future by analyzing the alignment of the planets the moon and the earth. The ancient scientists developed charts which made use of colors and light. This charts could be used to predict one’s health and future, this way, the individual could spend their lifetime in such a conduct that they avoid those incidences that appear ill on the chart. This therapy has been critiqued as being an unverifiable fallacy. Even so it somehow worked in the ancient days when science and philosophy were becoming acceptable aspects of society.
In ancient Egypt, auricular was one of the most common therapeutic activities. The act, which was based on the belief that all part of the body was linked to the nerves of the ear, was administered by physicians that were known particularly for this act (Amanze 115). They were believed to have some distinct powers that could enable them feel each and every nerve of the ear through carefully massaging and palpating the outer parts of the ear such as the earlobe. This act was exceptionally common in the late seventeenth century and at the wake f the eighteenth century. The physicians could palpate the ear, and this could make the patient recover almost immediately. People believe that the act is still carried out in contemporary practice across some parts of northern Africa.
Related to auricular is the alternative therapy referred to as reflexology. This is one therapy that is widely used in china and Japan currently. The therapy is based on the belief that all body parts are connected to the limbs. The internal, vital organs are believed to be connected to the hands while other parts are connected to the legs. This way, the illnesses can be traced through the use of some electronic devices that induce a faint electric shock on the part corresponding with the ailing internal organ. The physicians can then prescribe the most suitable remedy. Alternatively, an individual that feels unwell is subjected to a serious massage all over the legs and hands. This way, the diseases are believed to have been washed.
Among the most mysterious therapies that have been found to work are the use African herbals. African herbal medicine has been in active use since time immemorial (Johnston 67). The use of herbs as the main source of healing is and was common among all tribes and communities in Africa. The use of tree barks and leaves to make concoctions was the most common way of administering the drugs. There were and still are various methods of administering the drugs. One of the most common ways was to boil the leaves and barks and then consuming the water. Alternatively, they could burn the herbs and give the ash to the sick person. Massaging is as well a way of administering the drug. African and American herbal therapies are comparatively the same except for the herbs used.
Another alternative healing method that has its roots in religion, especially the Islamic religion, is fasting. Fasting entails long periods of prayerful meditation. During this period, an individual is required to be holy. As such, the individual is not supposed to take food, at least for the better part of the day. This alternative method is said to clean the body by eliminating toxins and other disease causing agents (Moore 112). This therapy is widely used in most Arab countries, where Islam is widespread and fasting is accepted by all. While modern doctors have described it as potentially dangerous, it works effectively where there are toxins in the body.
Midwifery has been inexistence for as long as man has existed. The use of innate and apprenticed skills to help the pregnant women deliver is a common practice. While the procedure may sound easy to carry out, it requires much knowledge of the skill. This is one of the most verifiable alternatives to the western procedures. While the doctors advise against unprofessionally trained midwives, they are exceptionally essential in the society since they may handle emergency births and unforeseen disturbances (Amanze 116). Midwifery is a practice that has been in use amongst all communities. It has, however, been criticized of only being able to handle normal births. According to critics, the method of traditional midwifery cannot effectively handle such complicated cases as those that require the application of cesarean section in the western hospitals.
In winding up, it is apparent that, from the foregoing, the alternatives to the western medicine and medical services are quite many and healthy. For instance, massage, aromatherapy, and intercessory prayer are exceptionally healthy and relaxing. The alternatives can as well be complementary to the traditional, western medical care. Such alternatives as massage are healthy parts of the modern day physiotherapy. Among the principal advantages of these alternatives is that they are cheaper compared to the conventional western medical care. Additionally, they are all natural and do not employ many chemical substances (Alam 89). Such chemical substances as the ones conventional doctors use to cure cancer are extremely dangerous to the human body. They are sometimes said to bring more damage than good. It is for this point that even the conventional doctors opt for the alternatives. They are currently advising people to start embracing the use of herbal medicine and therapies. The fact that most of the alternatives enable an individual to reflect upon their souls and minds makes such alternatives popular as they tend to link an individual with the Supreme Being. Other alternative therapies include biofeedback, autogenic training and Alexander therapy.
Works Cited
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