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making your way through today's alternative landscapehome > alternative health > making your way through todays alternative landscape
Of course, having a general overview of the types of alternative treatments out there today is crucial to any informed decision.
By definition, an alternative practitioner is a certified professional who employs theories, methods and practices that originate in Eastern cultures and which therefore fall completely outside the realm of Western medicine. Homeopaths, naturopaths, acupuncturists and those practicing traditions Chinese medicine or Ayurveda would be some of the more common examples. Where a conventional doctor will recommend surgery, radiation or chemotherapy to treat cancer, a naturopath might simply suggest a special diet and homeopathic extracts. It is important to keep in mind that many of these alternative and complementary treatments have actually been around for thousands of years - a point often emphasized by alternative practitioners looking to extol the benefits of these treatments and scientists looking to discount their lack of vigorous research and documented studies. A practitioner of acupuncture treats various diseases and allergies by stimulating anatomical points on the body with thin needles, a method of healing that was first developed in China 2,000 years ago. Chiropractors use manipulative therapy that center around the spine to treat a variety of muscular conditions, while practitioners of Ayurveda combine diet, herbal remedies and 5,000 years worth of Indian tradition to focus on one's body, mind and spirit in the prevention and treatment of chronic illnesses. Other alternative practitioners use everything from aromatherapy and hypnotherapy to flower remedies and meditation to treat their patients. In the end, only you are responsible for your health. Educating yourself can be a matter of life and death. If you are interested in finding out more about alternative or complementary medicines - a huge variety of sites can be found at: DMOZ: Alternative Health. |
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