Alternative Medicine History

Alternative medicine is the oldest form of healthcare known to mankind, alternative medicine history has existed for thousands of years. It was the only form of medicine and one which millions of people relied upon for curing their problems and illnesses.

Imagine a world where your health depended on your own actions. Today we tend to place too much importance on treating symptoms rather than treating the person as a whole and taking other factors into account. The next time you go to the health food store, chances are you will see ads for acupuncture and mediation alongside the business cards of Chinese herbalists, homeopaths and faith healers.

One of the oldest forms of alternative medicine can be traced back through Chinese history. The ancient Chinese based their healing on the importance of the body and spirit being in balance. Another culture that has a long line of alternative medicine history is India. Ayurvedic medicine dates back as far as 6000 years ago. It is a system of medicine that keeps a persons body, mind and spirit in tune with nature in order to maintain good health. Like other ancient healing systems, the Romans and Greeks also focused on a holistic approach.

Alternative medicine history dates back to a man named Hippocrates, a Greek physician commonly referred to as the Father of Medicine, practiced herbal medicine. Hippocrates emphasized the body’s ability to heal itself and cautioned doctors not to interfere with that natural process. Plato was another advocate of alternative medicine, advising doctors to respect the relationship between mind and body. Native American medicine focuses on healing the entire person, including mental, emotional, physical, and spiritual aspects. Medicine men and shamans believe that the body's health is intertwined with the natural and spiritual world and thus incorporates symbolic healing rituals, ceremonies, and the extensive use of natural, hebral remedies.

In ancient times, people would take into consideration many different factors before initiating a cure. They would consider not only the physical state, but the emotional and intellectual state as well. Alternative medicine concerned itself not only with the physical problem, but with the problems of the whole self. Alternative medicine history has evolved from the beginning and has survived through the age of pain pills. There are millions of people today who still live their life by the alternative medical treatments of years past. Before modern medicine, a doctor merely facilitated the healing process by ident ing and taking away obstacles that would inevitably lead to a cure. Therapy included lifestyle changes, self-care and preventative measures. Throughout most of history, doctors used the same skills as todays herbalists, osteopaths and dieticians. Until the early 20th century, people relied on much the same kind of therapies as their ancestors. The alternative medicine history will continue to grow and evolve, more than ever before; during a time where people seek alternative medicine to help them discontinue use of prescription medications.