As the name suggests, alternative therapy takes a holistic approach to health care. Instead of traditional or conventional medicine, they provide a means to alternative therapies in health and medicine. This does not form a part of the standard health care. It does not follow the rules set by hospitals or health care institutes. Instead, holistic healing therapies work as integrative medicine. In fact, they are now finding a respectable place in conventional health care as well. Slowly but steadily, medical professionals and patients alike, have shown a great level of acceptance of alternative therapies in health and medicine.
A few examples of alternative therapy are Acupuncture, Acupressure, Chiropractic medicine, Reiki, Homeopathy, Ayurveda, Naturopathy, etc.
Practitioners believe that alternative therapies in health and medicine go beyond the surface level. They encompass the physical, spiritual, and emotional aspects of the patients. They also taking into consideration the environmental effects on their health and well-being. Holistic healing therapies target and address the root cause of diseases, rather than merely treating the symptoms. Hence, they significantly reduce the chance of a relapse or recurrence. While conventional medicine helps millions every year, there is compelling research that brings forth the merits of holistic healing therapies. They highlight the importance of a good diet, healthy lifestyle choices, and looking after mental and emotional well-being.
The demand for alternative therapy increases by the day
Experts believe that this wave of change is the product of an exponential rise in demand from the patients. Health care systems across the world previously used traditional medicines to treat various illnesses. The influence of western culture also led to the westernization of medicine and health care. However, people are now going back to their roots and preferring alternative therapies in health and medicine. They believe that it aligns with their views of health and wellness over conventional medicine.
Another reason for the increase in demand for alternative therapy is due to the growing dissatisfaction with conventional treatment.
Health care goes beyond prescribing ills and conducting surgeries. Often doctors, don’t even take into consideration the many adverse side effects of pharmaceutical medicines. These side effects tend to give birth to several new issues that they have to tackle along with the actual disease.
But it also seems to have a deeper, more primal reason why people are turning towards the holistic health care approach. The medical staff of doctors and nurses are perpetually overworked. There seems to be an everlasting shortage of support staff, and meting out personal attention to individual patients is tough.
In comparison, holistic therapists dedicate a considerable amount of time trying to understand both physical and psychological factors affecting a patient’s health. The treatment feels tailor-made, catering to the needs of the patient.
But, the question remains: is alternative therapy the future?
To embrace integrative medicine is not to completely reject conventional forms of medicine. It is an acknowledgment of the many factors that play a vital role in the effectiveness of any medical treatment. There has been a consistent increase in the number of studies that suggest modifications in diet and lifestyle along with conventional medication can add decades to the life of cancer patients.
That lifestyle changes, food, and physical activity can reduce the risk and cure several illnesses is indisputable. To this effect, there is also a paradigm shift in the way doctors perceive the treatment of certain illnesses as well. They are now reluctant to prescribe medication that can have potential side effects. In diseases, such as diabetes and blood pressure, they often recommend lifestyle changes and modified dietary strategies.
Looking at the bigger picture, we realize that a radical change in the landscape of the healthcare system is still a faraway dream that will not occur overnight.
There is still a long way to go for alternative medicine to enjoy unanimous acceptance though. A growing majority of doctors, patients, and other health care experts are vocally in favor of alternative therapies in health and medicine. However, many top pharmaceutical executives and insurance companies are ardently resistant to extending their acceptance.
The more educated patients are aware of the existence of alternative medicines. They want to consider all the possible treatment approaches before deciding what best suits them. The less aware lot wants treatment plans that show the quickest results.
Holistic healing therapies have been around far longer than the conventional medicines and their relevance prevails. It does not belittle the importance of conventional treatment helping many people. But a more complementary approach that combines the conventional with the alternative is becoming more preferred in the current scenario. The rise of an alternative approach towards the health and well-being of the people, definitely means that holistic healing therapies are here to stay and play a vital role in everyone’s lives.
