Introduction to Alternative Medicine

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.

Q. What is ‘Alternative Medicine’?
A complete definition of alternative medicines is difficult to derive as it means different things to different people. In general terms, Alternative therapy is all those modalities and techniques of healthcare which are not provided by the conventional allopathic practitioner.

It is an all encompassing term for systems of medicine like ayurveda, acupuncture, homeopathy, Reiki etc.

Even if you do not know what alternative medicines are you would have used them in one or 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've ever massaged your temples to ease a headache, applied an ice pack to a sprained ankle, or listened to your car radio to de-stress during a traffic jam, you've already practiced some simple natural healing techniques.

In fact, the World Health Organization estimates that between 65 and 80 percent of the world's population (about 3 billion people) rely on traditional (‘alternative’) medicine as their primary form of health care.

Q. Why is everybody talking of Alternative Medicine?
There is a growing realization that, contrary to previously held beliefs, conventional medicine (the medicine that most people are familiar with: antibiotics, 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 folds 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.