Natural Medicines vs Modern Medicines
The benefits of orthodox (allopathic) medicine are undisputed, and advances in scientific research and modern technology are bringing new and dramatic lifesaving discoveries every day. In spite of this, alternative forms of healing and prevention of illness are becoming more widely recognized and accepted. One of the reasons for this is that many practitioners of orthodox medicine, and people in general, are concerned with the side effects of chemically manufactured drugs and are turning to natural forms of healing where possible.
Treatment by alternative (or “traditional”) medicine need not be a complete break-away from the orthodox, but allied with it. A partnership of both, one taking over where the other is unable to complete a cure, or a combination of both, is happening already. Some clinics, as well as private practitioners of orthodox and alternative medicines, work in conjunction with each other. A selective use of both when needed is an individual choice. A number of people have, however, found renewed health by following alternative methods only.
Most alternative medicines have in common a holistic philosophy, which profoundly, yet subtly, activates the healing of the entire person, that is body, mind, and spirit. Nearly all these forms of healing use herbs in certain ways during treatment. Meditation is essentially part of holistic philosophy also. Different types of atural therapies are an integral part of the curative routine prescribed in alternative medicines, and you will find that treatment is combined with one or more therapies to achieve the final goal.
Specialized books provide detailed explanations of particular alternative medicines and therapies. Amongst these methods are acupuncture, the Alexander technique, medicine, aromatherapy, biochemics, Bach remedies, color therapy, chiropractic, crystal healing, the Feldenkarais method, homeopathy, macrobiotics, hydrotherapy, naturopathy, osteopathy, psionic medicine, pyramid healing, shiatsu, tai-chi, and yoga. Three are discussed briefly here.
Naturopathy is one form of alternative medicine. After diagnosis, the patient is advised on diet and inner cleansing and is treated with herbal medicines, tablets, ointments, teas, and special oils. These treatments are sometimes used in conjunction with various other therapeutic skills including massage, manipulation, aromatherapy, and others mentioned earlier. The ancient Egyptians practiced the art of aromatherapy, where skilled practitioners prescribe certain oils, which according to the ailment, may be used internally, massaged into the skin, or used to purify the air. Physiotherapists who are trained in this therapy claim to be able to change a person’s mood by using oils with different aromas – some oils are said to improve the memory, others help concentration and meditation, induce tranquillity, influence recovery from illness, and so on.
Homeopathy, another form of healing, is very highly regarded and has also the Royal seal of approval. In the 18th century Dr Samuel Hahnemann, a German physician, after long observation and study, and successful treatment of patients, revealed this particular form of medicine. “Like cures like” is one of the basic principles of homeopathy. Medicines are made from plants, trees, flowers, weeds, minerals, and some animal products. They are individually prepared so that they may be given to patients in small, diminishing doses, until the “trilogy” of mind, body, and spirit is generated into the healing process. People on homeopathic treatment keep a range of these medicines, which they use every day, and even have a special kit to use when traveling.
Bach remedies, discovered by Dr Edward Bach in the 1930s, also have a distinguished reputation; they are made from the essential energy found within flowers and trees. The essences are extracted in a unique way and are meticulously prepared for individual use, in a way that is similar to homeopathy. There are a great many specialist homeopathic doctors throughout the world today, many of whom have also completed their orthodox medical training, who prescribe homeopathic and Bach remedies for their patients. As with any form of healing, it is important to seek the advice of a registered, experienced, and reputable practitioner.
The remedies and cures detailed in this chapter are merely household “simples” and are not intended to replace any medication that may have been prescribed by a doctor or other registered practitioner. Some of these household remedies have been quoted from Lotions and Potions and some are from Dr Kunzle’s Herbs and Weeds. Naturopathy, homeopathy, and Bach remedies require study, training, and a thorough background knowledge, which takes many years to acquire.
