The Practice of Holistic Medicine

Practitioners of holistic medicine are those that use natural methods and therapies to help restore the healing process in the body. There are many different types of holistic medicine sometimes referred to as alternative medicine. These practices have not necessarily been validated by Western medical studies. That is no way implies that they are not valid. It simply means that they have not yet been studied.

Interestingly enough, medical healing evolved at the clan level. The so-called medicine man was the main healer for each tribe. These have been developed into larger schools of thought through time. Many of these traditional practices have not been studied by Western science. Many medical studies are very expensive to conduct.

The definition of holistic medicine is the foundation for a healing philosophy. This includes many of the traditions associated with the promotion, protection and restoration of health of the body. Many of these practices have developed very sophisticated methods to treat patients. It is quite fascinating to think of how they have accumulated this information through time.

Chiropractic medicine is becoming a mainstream practice. One of the top reported health problems and the United States is back pain. Chiropractic medicine targets the diagnosing and treating of problems associated with the back. This includes the spine, musculoskeletal system and the nervous system. This industry is growing rapidly as insurance coverage is becoming available.

The chiropractic industry originated in ancient Egypt. The techniques and traditions of chiropractic medicine have changed through time. However, the focus is on using natural treatments and therapies to restore the health of the back. Many techniques are used including traction, electrical stimulation and massage chair therapy.

Another alternative form of holistic medicine is massage treatments. There are many different types of massage treatments for different ailments. These types of treatment are commonly used to reduce stiffness, aches, pain and discomfort found in the soft tissues and muscles. Different schools of massage therapy have developed in different parts of the world.

The use of acupoints is another traditional medical practice originating in China. In ancient Chinese medicine acupoints were used to stimulate and restore health in the body. Two schools of practice evolved from the use of acupoints. One branch is acupressure and the other branch is acupuncture.

Acupuncture uses small needles directed at the acupoints. They use of needles is painless as the acupoints do not have nerve endings. Acupressure is another alternative form of stimulation of the acupoints. Acupressure uses pressure and movement on the acupoints to activate them.

There is a consolidation and integration of many of these holistic practices into Western medical practices. Western science is realizing that it can only dissect things to a certain level of comprehension. A holistic viewpoint looks at the body as a complete system. This is important to finding the right balance in the medical profession.

The main disadvantage of these holistic practices is simply a lack of medical studies. Most medical studies are funded by companies hoping to profit from a beneficial treatment or drug. There simply isn't enough money to validate many of these treatments since there would be no clear owner of the process.

One of the most important validating trends for holistic medical practices is acceptance by the insurance industry. Many forms of chiropractic medicine are now being accepted and paid for by health insurance providers. Many of these forms of treatment are being used especially in the relief of back pain.

Massage Treatments
Holistic and Alternative Health Treatments