Alternative Medicine

Acupuncture
Acupuncture comes from traditional Chinese medicine, and has existed for over 5000 years. It was introduced to Western Culture a lot later, in 1972, by U.S. President Richard Nixon, who first experienced it when he went to China. The basic principle is fairly simple; according to this method, there is a flow of energy that passes through the body. Any problems or sicknesses are caused by a blockage of this flow through the body. The application of fine needles to the skin in strategic areas targets this energy imbalance and allows it to flow correctly.

Osteopathic Medicine
This type of medicine was introduced in the United States as early as 1870 by its founder, Dr. Still. First, he discovered that the deformation of vertebrae was often the cause of digestive, nervous, and circulatory problems in his patients. He then started focusing his treatment method on the manipulation of vertebrae and articulations and found impressive results. The same method of treatment is still used today. Dr. Still considered that the human body is already in possession of all it needs to treat itself, as long as it is fed the adequate minerals and vitamins necessary to its functioning.

An interesting supplement
The important thing to remember is that alternative medicine should be used as a supplement to traditional medicine, so as not to deprive anyone with a very serious illness of any other beneficial treatments. That’s why it’s important to find the right balance between both worlds. If you have a serious illness that is already at an advanced stage, it is very important not to disregard the more traditional means of treatment available to you.

The final verdict
It’s fairly difficult to distinguish between the treatments that are effective and those that are not, since scientific studies have not yet been able to demonstrate the tangible advantages of alternative medicine. Skeptics can legitimately stand by their point of view, as can believers. Everyone is different, and each person’s body has potentially different reactions to each type of treatment. The best advice we can offer you is to try different kinds, and see which works best for you.

Please note:
This article is designed for educational purposes only. You should not rely on this information as a substitute for personal medical attention, diagnosis or hands-on treatment. If you are concerned about your health or that of a child, please consult a health care provider immediately.