Alternative & Complementary MedicineThe terms alternative medicine and complementary medicine are often mistakenly used as synonyms. Indeed, the expression alternative medicine relates to medicine systems like homeopathy or chiropractic, that are utilized instead of conventional medicine, while complementary medicine refers to those therapies like massage that are practiced in addition with conventional, or allopathic medicine. Both end up performing the same role in many western nations, who are beginning to recognize that these medicinal treatments are an essential part of healing. That is why in popular parlance, alternative medicine has come to be known as complementary medicine. Interestingly, an important 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 person's lifestyle, environment, nutrition, mental and emotional well-being ; occasionally even their spiritual health. That is why alternative medicine is referred to as holistic medicine. Most therapists concur that acupuncture, osteopathy, chiropractic, Ayurveda, homeopathy and herbal medicine as the most noteworthy varieties of alternative and complementary medicine. Other than homeopathy, most of the alternative and complementary medicine disciplines developed in ancient periods in countries like Egypt, Tibet, Persia and the Far East. Some countries, notably India and China, are applying their knowledge of alternative and complementary medicine to encourage what has come to be known as medical tourism. A considerable quantity of westerners are flying to these Asian Nations to look for holistic cures. In the West too, a significant number of women are using aromatherapy and massage, while men are given to alternative and complementary medicine to heal from sports traumas or back pain. The other medical problems for which devotees are turning to CAM are chronic maladies like arthritis, cystitis, asthma or chronic fatigue. Even the World Health Organization (WHO) has accepted the value of holistic therapies. Amidst the illnesses that WHO believes can be cured with these methods are asthma, eczema, digestive disorders and headaches. This flourishing adoption of alternative and complementary medicine is a healthy signal for the globe, because the Collaborations that have been so created are helping to tackle many incurable diseases. In the ultimate analysis, we should not overlook that alternative and complementary medicine systems emerged thousands of years ago, and have been successful in treating 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
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