Alternative and Complementary Medicine:

Aged Medicine, Fresh Collaborations

The phrases alternative medicine and complementary medicine are often mistakenly used as synonyms. In effect, the designation alternative medicine pertains to medicine systems like homeopathy or chiropractic, that are utilized in lieu of conventional medicine, while complementary medicine refersto those therapies like holistic medicine that are utilized in addition with conventional, or allopathic medicine.

Both end up serving the same function in many western nations, who are beginning to perceive that these medicinal therapies are an important element of healing. That is why in popular jargon, alternative medicine is commonly referred to as complementary medicine.

Interestingly, a crucial aspect of complementary and alternative medicine (CAM) is that it centers on the patient as a whole. The treatment is based not only on the person's physical symptoms, but also on the individual's lifestyle, surroundings, diet, mental and emotional well-being ; in some instances even their spiritual health. Thus alternative medicine is known as holistic medicine.

Most therapists concur that acupuncture, osteopathy, chiropractic, Ayurveda, homeopathy and herbal medicine as the most essential varieties of alternative and complementary medicine.

Other than homeopathy, most of the alternative and complementary medicine systems developed in ancient times 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 large quantity of westerners are flying to these Asian Countries to look for holistic cures. In the West too, a considerable number of women are using aromatherapy and massage, while men are given to alternative and complementary medicine to recuperate from sports injuries or back discomfort.

The other medical matters for which devotees are turning to CAM are chronic ailments like arthritis, cystitis, asthma or chronic fatigue. Even the World Health Organization (WHO) has acknowledged the value of holistic treatments. Amongst the disorders that WHO believes can be remedied with these approaches are asthma, eczema, digestive disorders and headaches.

This flourishing acceptance of alternative and complementary medicine is a healthy signal for the globe, because the Synergies that have been so created are helping to take on many incurable diseases. In the ultimate analysis, we should not forget that alternative and complementary medicine systems started thousands of years ago, and have been successful in healing 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