Modern medicinal science has come into the existence since the last 150 to 200 years. What has sustained mankind this long are the traditional healing and healthcare systems, which have been around for thousands of years and are still relevant.
There is no attempt to devalue the significance and contribution of the allopathic medicines. The detailed and accurate diagnosis of the disease and emergency care are something that an alternate medicine may not offer, but for the ailments, which are chronic in nature, like cancer, asthma, diabetes and arthritis, the alternative or complementary healthcare systems provide a much better approach towards healing.
Overlooking the overall health of an individual, there are relatively much lower side effects of the alternate therapies; it is cheaper and can be administered easily than the contemporary medical science. Mentioned below are some of the most popular therapies, which are renowned world over:
*Acupuncture
Acupuncture is one of the oldest branches of medicines and has emerged from China. As per the principles of acupuncture, the energy (qi) moves throughout the body, which when obstructed, can lead to disorders in the system. To stimulate the flow of energy in the body, tiny needles are penetrated at certain points of the body that brings relief to the patient. In order to become an expert acupuncturist, one can acquire a degree or diploma in acupuncture.
*Ayurveda
Ayurveda is an ancient Indian science, which finds its roots in the Atharva Veda that was written around 1200 BC. The centuries-old medical therapy believes that all organisms are made of 5 basic elements – earth, water, fire, air and sky. Any imbalance in these constituents would result in ailments and suffering. The treatment aims to provide relief to the patient at the level of body, mind and spirit. To become a practitioner of Ayurveda, one can pursue a five and a half year course.
*Homeopathy
Homeopathy was invented by Samuel Hahnemann more than 200 years ago. One of the popular practices, homeopathic therapy relies on the principle of ‘like kills like’, for example; to treat someone who has been poisoned, the venom of the snake or bee might be used. The various remedies are extracted from different plants, animals and minerals, and also through a process called potentization. The abstracts from plants and animals are diluted until a few molecules of the primary elements (abstracts) are left. The remnants are used along with sweet and tiny white balls. Homeopathy can be studied, through a bachelor’s course of 5 years.
*Naturopathy
Naturopathy as the name suggests, aims to heal people by undertaking natural measures. It mainly operates by making changes in the diet and applying natural techniques for healing. The comprehensive well being of an individual is maintained through the proper intake of balanced diet, good living habits and following certain purification methods. Some of the natural procedures include – hydrotherapy, mud packs, cold packs and massage. To practice the therapy of naturopathy one can either go for 1/2 year diploma or a degree course.
*Aromatherapy
As an alternative medicine, aromatherapy is fast becoming very popular. This therapy mainly seeks to provide relief and calm through inhaled fragrance of natural oils extracted from flowers, leaves, stems, roots or other components of a plant. The healing thus provided is both physical and psychological. The aroma is believed to stimulate the brain and if massaged into the body it rejuvenates the body. The essential oils can be used as a pain reliever or mood enhancer to promote brain’s cognitive ability. It can be studied through a 1/2 year course.
*Music Therapy
Another form of healing which is rapidly accepted as a complementary healthcare solution is the music therapy. Many kinds of health issues are sought to be treated through it.
These days there are many recognized alternative medicine schools that offer alternative medicine courses, which are well organized and present very good career opportunities to the students after completion. One may choose to start his or her private clinic, or get into an academic field. Various pharmaceutical and research organizations also employ the services of knowledgeable people or practitioners of the alternative medicine. Hence, it is a good career oriented alternative, which would not only make a person informed about a healthy way of living, but also open a door of opportunities to make a successful career in health industry.
