Tuesday, October 20, 2009

The System of Holistic Medicine

By Camilla Daugerty

Holistic medicine is the practice of utilizing natural treatments and therapies to restore the health of the body. There are many different branches of holistic medicine that have been practiced since the beginning of time. Many of these practices have not been studied in detail by Western medical science. Many of these practices are increase seen in popularity as people demand more natural treatments to their ailments.

Interestingly enough, medical healing evolved at the clan level. The so-called medicine man was the main healer for each tribe. These have been developed into larger schools of thought through time. Many of these traditional practices have not been studied by Western science. Many medical studies are very expensive to conduct.

Holistic medicine is a rather broad descriptive term for a healing philosophy. Holistic medicine includes healing traditions that promote the protection and restoration of health based on a systems perspective of the body. This is the foundation of many of the traditional medical practices throughout the world.

One of the top health problems in the United States is back pain. It is estimated that over $50 billion a year is spent on the treating and diagnosing of back related problems. Chiropractors have grown tremendously in this market for treating the spine. Insurance companies are now beginning to cover many of these chiropractic treatments.

The chiropractic industry originated in ancient Egypt. The techniques and traditions of chiropractic medicine have changed through time. However, the focus is on using natural treatments and therapies to restore the health of the back. Many techniques are used including traction, electrical stimulation and massage chair therapy.

Another alternative form of holistic medicine is massage treatments. There are many different types of massage treatments for different ailments. These types of treatment are commonly used to reduce stiffness, aches, pain and discomfort found in the soft tissues and muscles. Different schools of massage therapy have developed in different parts of the world.

The use of acupoints is another traditional medical practice originating in China. In ancient Chinese medicine acupoints were used to stimulate and restore health in the body. Two schools of practice evolved from the use of acupoints. One branch is acupressure and the other branch is acupuncture.

Acupressure uses pressure and movement on the acupoints. Acupuncture requires the use of needles to be placed directly into the acupoints. The acupoints do not have any nerve receptacles and are not painful when a needle is inserted. Acupressure uses specific movements to help stimulate the acupoints.

It is interesting to see how fast many of these traditional treatments are being integrated into Western medical practices. Many doctors are realizing the benefits of many of these holistic therapies. They are being used to supplement the treatments already been provided or as an alternative to surgery. This is an important step to bring a better balance of medical service to everybody.

These are some of the more common holistic methods that are becoming more mainstream in our society. Western medical science is beginning to accept many of these traditional concepts. The body is a complex organ and is sometimes tough to study in isolation. This has held by the acceptance of many of these important therapies.

The age of the holistic medicine is just beginning to develop. The merging of both Western medical science and holistic treatments is a positive sign. Both of these branches can provide tremendous benefit to patients. Now, or of these traditional practices RBN offered as routine services and many health environments. - 16890

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