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Alternative Forms of Health Care

lternative practitioners use various methods for removing these obstructions. In this way, balance is restored to the holistic system of the body.

Many of the ideas of holistic medicine are based on the influences of Eastern philosophy and religion. In fact, many ancient systems of Asia are becoming increasingly popular in the United States today. For example, acupuncture is a popular form of alternative medicine which originated in China thousands of years ago. Acupuncture is based on the idea of balancing the life force known as qi (or chi) in the body. Whenever the flow of qi becomes blocked, the acupuncturist places tiny, thin needles just below the surface of the patient's skin (Randall, 1994, p. 16). The purpose of this type of treatment is to balance the "opposing but complementary" forces of yin and yang (Acupuncture, 1994, p. 54). It is believed that yin (the female principle) and yang (the male principle) are found not only the physical actions of the body, but also in all things of the world. Scientists are not sure how acupuncture works; however, there is evidence that the placement of the needles causes the brain to release natural pain-blocking chemicals and anti-inflammatory agents into the bloodstream (Acupuncture, 1994, p. 55). Even though scientists are uncertain of how acupuncture works, it is apparent that it does work in many medical cases. In this regard, the World Health Organization (WHO) has recognized over forty medical problems which are alleviated by acupuncture techniques (Randall, 1994, p. 16). These include headaches, allergies, asthma, high blood pressure, pre-menstrual syndrome, drug addiction, and others.

Another Eastern medical system which is gaining popularity in the Western World today is ayurveda. Ayurvedic medicine is an ancient practice from India, and it is based on the traditions of Yoga and Hindu belief. According to ayurveda, there are three forces (or humors) which must ...

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Alternative Forms of Health Care. (1969, December 31). In LotsofEssays.com. Retrieved 11:46, March 29, 2024, from https://www.lotsofessays.com/viewpaper/1689713.html