Over the years, modern medicine has transformed to the point, where it’s now practically possible to just have medication, to change your whole appearance in the name of injections. More people are, however, more skeptical by the day concerning these drugs with the claims of too many chemicals to only address a particular symptom. As a matter of fact, some have stuck to herbal methods for the longest time, and it works just fine for them. I have come dozens of traditionalist Hindus who’ve not once in their lives seen the doctor’s office. Nature is their doctor and that has not disappointed them.
That notwithstanding, it is important to give credit to wherever it’s due. Modern medicine has saved millions of lives. Actually, the Westerners have made a trillion-dollar industry in perfecting medicine to what it is today. Nevertheless, the East has adamantly refused to let go of the powerful traditional forms; the West has actually started taking note of all the possibilities in Traditional Chinese Medicine! Perhaps, this is where they will actually come up with a cure for cancer and the likes. But why is holistic medicine slowly gaining popularity at an age where everyone depends on Western forms of medication?
Holistic Medicine & Traditional Chinese Medicine
Let’s first get to understand what exactly these forms of medicine are. Holistic medicine is wide per se and involves forms of modern medicine too. It basically involves using the healing power of the body to address issues. Modern medicine, on the other hand, uses a different approach whereby the medicine act to address the disease. Holistic medicine, however, caters for the patient – the individual rather than the problem.
How does it work? Holistic medicine goes to the root of the problem; whether emotional, spiritual deficit or a disconnect from the body. It applies forms of acupuncture, and traditional Chinese medicine too to give an appropriate diagnosis. The secrets of healing here are in using the natural energy released by the body to self-heal oneself. The herbs are conveniently used to combat imbalances brought about by the body, and different conflict plus any forms of disharmony.
The Concept
Chinese medicine is deep but can be easily summarized. Every being operates under the basic principles of Yin and Yang. Where there is light, there is darkness; where there is good, there bad. The two contrasting forces are also used to create a balance in all life-forms. The two need to be balanced and in harmony for one to have a perfect condition.
This is where alternative medicine forms come in. Chinese medicine, for instance, addresses all issues that might have brought about the state of imbalance and also investigates on how the channels leading to the basic body components may be compromised. This gives the traditional healer a chance to address the issue as it is thus preventing any future occurrences. This is why the holistic medicine forms are becoming so rampant in the West.
It also gives recognition to the basic tenets of Qi alternatively known as the body’s vital energy. The energy flows through meridians that have branches interconnected in different parts of the body. Disease here is thus recognized as a disharmony of the components mentioned.
Forms of Traditional Chinese Medicine & Holistic Curative Practices
Acupuncture
The human body is believed to have as many as 2000 different pressure points. Applying just the right amount of pressure is known to bring about an interconnection to the different meridians through which Qi flow in. This simple manipulative practice brings about a healing state or restorative state, as the body reconnects with itself. Generally, acupuncture forms just keep a balance between Yang and Yin creating a perfect flow of chi throughout the 12 meridians.
Tui Na Massage
Pronounced as “twee naw”, the practice is not particularly used for relaxation and basic comfort but to address issues of disharmony in the body. It comes in quite handy especially when there are issues of musculoskeletal problems, superficial trauma, and certain injuries. The goodness with such practices is that the health physicians will also direct you on how to conduct self-massage at the confines of your home and certain activities which also count.
Tui Na literally means ‘pinch and pull’ and involves various massage techniques and acupuncture combined. The combined mixture has a sensational effect on the body and anyone should have a taste of that experience.
Cupping/Scraping
Cups are placed on the body while inverted after heating is used to drain off all air. As the cup cools down while on the body, it creates a lower-pressure region which leads to a vacuum. This allows the cups to get stuck on the body and usually leave red spots after the healing process is done. Scraping, on the other hand, involves getting rid of toxins that might have covered the skin layer. It makes use of smooth bones or animal tasks, smooth stones or horns.
Herbs
Chinese herbs offer the widest range of alternative medicine. The herbs have actually been in use since even before people understood the meaning of science as we know it. Old doctors have used these Eastern herbs to curate almost every condition known to man. Ancient literature text has recorded more than 100,000 medicinal recipes, all of which form an important point of study for modern medicine and science. As a matter of fact, several Chinese herbalists are pursuing FDA clinical trials to market and sell their products as approved medicinal forms in the U.S and Europe.
Why Alternative Forms Are Gaining Popularity
Holistic medicine comes in as the medicinal form that does not degrade the body as is the case with western medicine. It functions by using the body’s capability and healing power to work on the body. First and foremost, it gives the patient the keen determination to get better – whatever their condition might be. This creates unison between the patient, the physician and the treatment which makes the medication much more effective.
More importantly, the alternative approach makes use of all-natural forms to heal the body. The lack of introduction of toxins and chemicals particularly appeals to a good number of people making such forms more acceptable. The remedies used are all provided by Mother Nature with a lot of work from you.
