Based on the research it is, maybe not all but most. It helps and it is safer than prescribed Western Medicine, it helps effectively and reduces symptoms. A lot of herbal medicine is hard to find but it is sometimes more affordable than modern medicine. There is a lot of research done about it. “The similarities and the differences between herbal ingredients and western drugs were deeply explored” ( Peng 10).
Complementary therapy takes a holistic approach to healing the body. This is an inexpensive type of treatment can be used in conjunction with conventional medicine, which is the using of drugs to treat illnesses and other health conditions, in order to reintroduce balance in the functionality of an individual. On the other hand, when used in place of conventional medicine it is referred to as alternative medicine. It is believed that an individual need to be completely balanced holistically to be considered healthy; this means that the mind, body and spirit needs to be treated along with any illness that occurs. Complementary therapy takes many forms that falls under five (5) categories: Mind-body therapies, biologically based therapies,
For example, meditation and acupuncture were practices in China. Dissection, operations and drug therapy were also performed. But how did theses societies – who did not have as much technology as today – found out about the different illnesses and their cures? The western medicines usually compromise the use of folk remedies and prayers. They now believed that sickness was not a result of punishments sent from gods, but something ‘natural’.
(1) The ideas that the ancient Chinese had about the organs of the body, and their functions, as well as the causes and development of disease, show large differences when compared with Western medicine. (2) The Chinese do not think of theory, as we do in the West, as needing to be proven to reach the highest degree of truth. A Chinese doctor can look at the kidney as a machine and think of it as a reflection of universe. (2) He can apply two different disease classification systems, cold damage or warm damage where he feels it is appropriate, without being deterred by contradictions between the two. (3) One (Western) method of gaining knowledge is analysis.
Health is considered a complete wellness of a body including physical, mental and social well-being and Holistic Health is considered a wellness of a whole body including mind, body and spirit. According to American Holistic Medicine Association “Holistic medicine is the art and science of healing that addresses the whole person – body, mind and spirit” (Wollumbin, page 3). Holistic Health is an alternate way to treat, prevent, and wellness of an illness and achieves the best possible level of health. It focuses on the whole body rather than just symptoms or diseases. It is an approach to heal the physical, psychological, environmental, spiritual, nutritional health of one’s being.
Eastern medicine is all natural with no dangerous sides effects. The healing process takes longer but general outcomes can often be longer lasting. The cost of treatment is substantially lower yet most are still not recognized as healthcare by insurance companies therefore, are not covered. Eastern medicine is not a substitute for conventional healthcare but, by a composition of Western medicines scientific knowledge and the holistic approach of Eastern medicine, we could actually maximize our healing potential.
In addition, there is no "father" of alternative medicine who is solely responsible for its growth. In fact, the recent upsurge in popularity of alternative medicine has been a gradual process aided by the establishment of health maintenance organizations which favour cost-effective alternative therapy programs over costly surgical and chronic illness procedures. Acupuncture, for example, is an ancient technique which originated in China as long ago as 2689 B.C. it is the stimulation of special points on the body usually with fine needles. Yoga is also among the oldest known systems of health practiced in the world today.
The western and eastern hemispheres have very different approaches to health and medicine. In western hemisphere countries, such as the United States, medical practices are very scientific. Medicines and surgeries are common practices for the treatment of various ailments in western medical practices. Countries in the eastern hemisphere, such as China, are much more spiritual and energy based in their medicine. Many of Chinese medical practices have survived from ancient time because of their success.
Holistic medicine provides countless natural ways to cure the pains of the body. The concern for the health of an individual should not stop when the pain disappears for the time being. Medicine must focus on the body throughout a lifetime. In addition, wellness should incorporate the whole body as found in the practice of holistic medicine. The methods of holistic medicine are less expensive and are more accessible to individuals.
This way you can get the most effective product and be safe at the same time. I think that this new era of using natural herbal medicine is great and I support it greatly. Trying something new for a change is good. Even though some kinds of herbal medicine can produce harmful effects, many of the others are good. The only problem I see is that the Food and Drug Administration didn’t make it a requirement for the makers to submit studies on the drugs.