MAKING A MOVE TO ALTERNATIVE MEDICINES

The fall season is here to bring us pumpkin spice and changing of the colors. It’s time to start planning for the holidays, sorting out our winter fashions, cozy recipes and family time sipping hot chocolate in front of the fireplace. It is also time for allergies, cold, cough and other ‘not-so- fun’ things. With the last 2 years we have had, even a simple cold seems scarier than usual. To add to this, it is not easy to get an appointment to visit a health care provider on short notice. It is common practice to consume or give generic medicines such as Tylenol, Motrin, Advil, Benadryl etc. Have we ever stopped to think if there is a better way to do this? Well, the good news is – THERE IS. There are various options available in the world of alternative and complementary medicines. Chances are that you might already be following it.

Let us start with why it is worth exploring and committing to the idea of alternative medicines. The basic difference stems from the approach of the two paths. Western medicine, also known as allopathic or biomedicine has a philosophy related to a technocentric approach – the body is a machine. Alternative medicine works on a holistic level that focusses on treating a human being as a whole body. Complementary medicine is nonconventional medical approaches as a complementary or positive addition to conventional treatment. CAM (Complementary and Alternative Medicine) includes acupuncture, acupressure, Ayurveda, chiropractic, hypnosis, yoga, reiki, massage therapy, homeopathy, naturopathy, etc. There has been a significant increase in the number of people adopting holistic treatments over allopathic ones.

While there are no exact statistics as to how many people prefer Alternative Treatments, it was predicted that more than 60% of the global population uses some or the other form of traditional medicine as of 2015. Read more for detailed statistics. The reason behind this, according to Jama Network is “because they find these health care alternatives to be more congruent with their own values, beliefs, and philosophical orientations toward health and life”. There are several benefits to CAM which is why more and more people are choosing to practice it over conventional medicine. Alternative medicine aims to treat the actual cause of pain or disease by finding the root cause. Using alternative medicine can be a way to improve our quality of life.

The effect of CAM is long lasting since it aims are working on root levels. It is also safer than mainstream medicine. This is because either the treatments are external or if anything has to be consumed, only natural and safe remedies are used. If done correctly, at no point lab-made materials are consumed by the patient. Natural remedies almost never have side effects. Even if they do, it is less discomfort than modern medicine. Alternative medicine allows more flexibility. CAM practitioners can customize and alter treatment plans to suit the lifestyle or needs of their patients. This helps to receive a treatment plan that is convenient, regular and effective in the long run. Alternative medicine focuses on healing pain and disease by balancing out other aspects of your life. It looks after all angles of your lifestyle. It has a well-rounded approach. It is important to understand that Alternative Treatments should be followed and practiced with care. In the beginning, it is better to get some guidance to understand our body and follow the treatment carefully. Transitioning to an alternative medicine doesn’t have to be difficult. Those who are dealing with major illnesses can start by complementary treatments along with western medicine.

Researching on common medicines to keep on hand to use in place of generic ones is also a good place to start. We need to remember that excess of anything can be bad for health, including natural substances. It is a good idea to look for a Homeopathic, Naturopathic or Ayurvedic practitioner and have an introductory visit. They can help guide us with what to keep on hand and how much to consume in time of need. It is also a good idea to talk to our grandmothers and great aunts. They are a knowledge house of home remedies. Documenting it and trying it (unless it is too crazy) before attempting to pop pills is another way to start. Learning about proper massage techniques, properties of medicinal oils, healing properties of spices etc, are also positive practices to lead a healthier lifestyle. Even though alternative medicine is a healthier choice, nothing precedes having a good diet and exercising regularly. It is necessary to eat clean, balanced and sufficient food to sustain our mind and body. At Green Schools Green Future, we believe that everyone deserves to make a choice for themselves and their bodies. It is not necessary that the most famous form of medication/treatment is the best for everyone.

Prices for modern medicine are skyrocketing and there are countless cases of people finding help and relief from alternative medicine. Making this change will definitely bring a positive difference in our lives.

Sources:
https://www.evergladesuniversity.edu/blog/benefits-alternative-medicine/ https://www.healthline.com/health/why-more-people-are-turning-to-complementary-and- alternative-medicine#takeaway

https://www.hilarispublisher.com/open-access/2020-market-analysis-report-complementary– alternative-medicine-september-2526-2020–montreal-canada.pdf

https://www.takingcharge.csh.umn.edu/what-are-holistic-practices https://greatist.com/health/alternative-medicine-therapies-explained

Blog Image Credit: Lisa Hobbs on Unsplash.com

 

 

Wriiten By Kritika Rao

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