The phrases alternative medicine and complementary medicine are often wrongly utilized as synonyms. In reality, the expression alternative medicine refers to medicine systems like Auyerveda or chiropractic, that are used in place of conventional medicine, while complementary medicine refersto those therapies like holistic medicine that are utilized in harmony with conventional, or allopathic medicine.
Both end up performing the same purpose in numerous western nations, who are starting to acknowledge that these medicinal therapies are a significant component of healing. That is why in popular usage, alternative medicine has come to be known as complementary medicine.
Interestingly, a crucial aspect of complementary and alternative medicine (CAM) is that it centers on the individual as a whole. The treatment is based not only on the patient's physical symptoms, but also on the individual's lifestyle, environment, diet, mental and emotional health; in some instances even their spiritual well-being . For this reason alternative medicine is thought of as holistic medicine.
Most devotees recognize acupuncture, osteopathy, chiropractic, Ayurveda, homeopathy and herbal medicine as the most noteworthy types of alternative and complementary medicine.
Excluding homeopathy, virtually all of the alternative and complementary medicine systems evolved in ancient eras in countries like Egypt, Tibet, Persia and the Far East. Some countries, notably India and China, are utilizing their expertise in alternative and complementary medicine to popularize what has come to be known as medical tourism. A substantial amount of westerners are journeying to these Asian Regions to look for holistic remedies. In the West too, a large number of women are using aromatherapy and massage, while men are leaning towards alternative and complementary medicine to heal from sports injuries or back soreness.
The other medical matters for which therapists are turning to CAM are chronic illnesses like arthritis, cystitis, asthma or chronic fatigue. Even the World Health Organization (WHO) has accepted the value of holistic therapies. Amidst the ailments that WHO believes can be healed with these approaches are asthma, eczema, digestive disorders and headaches.
This flourishing adoption of alternative and complementary medicine is a healthy sign for the planet, because the Partnerships that have been so created are helping to tackle many incurable diseases. In the ultimate analysis, we should not overlook that alternative and complementary medicine systems started 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