Over the past few years there has been greater interest in the alternative modes of therapy. One of the reasons for this is the been some disenchantment with the conventional western medicine but the problem remains that despite some interest in alternative medicine, people are not able to get the right kind of information. There are widely conflicting stories circulating in the media as to the efficacy of alternative medicine.
Here is an attempt to answer a few basic and important queries regarding alternative medicine.
A complete definition of alternative medicines is difficult to derive as it means Groupdifferent things to different people. In general terms Alternative therapy is all those modalities and techniques of health care which are not provided by the conventional allopathic practioner.It is an all encompassing term for systems of medicine like ayurveda, acupuncture, homeopathy, reiki etc. Even if you do not know what alternative medicine are you would have used them in one of other way in your own life. if you have ever had tea with Tulsi leaves and a bit of ginger in it, or if you have decided to fast for a day because of an upset stomach you have already used alternative therapy techniques if you have ever massaged your temples to case a headache applied an ice pack to a sprained ankle or listened to your car radio to de-stress during a traffic jam ,you have already practiced some simple natural healing techniqiues.In fact, the World Health Organization estimates that between 65 and 80 percent of the worlds population (about 3 million people) rely on traditional (alternative) medicine as their primary form of health care.
There is a growing realization that contrary to previously held beliefs conventional medicine. (The medicine that most people are familiar with anti surgery, etc.) Cannot solve all of our health problems .And that this system of medicine is giving as many problems as it is solving.
There is a growing acceptance that health is more than just the absence of disease and involves more than just the physical body. Also Alternative Therapy treats you as a person who is a part of the nature rather than just a case of a particular disease has brought more and more people to the fold of Alternative Therapy. Scientific research, as well as public awareness are busy establishing that many alternative medical treatments are more effective more economical. and less invasive and less. harmful than conventional medical treatments.
