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Tuesday, June 16, 2009

Holistic Medicine Practitioners

By Susy K Esquire

The concept of holistic medicine is using natural methods, procedures and therapies to help heal the body as one unitary system. Holistic medicine has been practiced in many forms and in virtually all parts of the world. There is the concept of the medicine man, shaman or healer. In the absence of the scientific method, most medical treatments were practiced with a holistic or systems viewpoint.

Each culture throughout the world had different theories of medical healing. Many of these practices have not been validated through studies by scientific medical methods. It is certainly not because they are invalid, but because of economics. Undertaking a large study takes a lot of money and requires a way to recuperate this investment.

Holistic medicine is a rather broad descriptive term for a healing philosophy. Holistic medicine includes healing traditions that promote the protection and restoration of health based on a systems perspective of the body. This is the foundation of many of the traditional medical practices throughout the world.

One of the top health problems in the United States is back pain. It is estimated that over $50 billion a year is spent on the treating and diagnosing of back related problems. Chiropractors have grown tremendously in this market for treating the spine. Insurance companies are now beginning to cover many of these chiropractic treatments.

The chiropractic industry originated in ancient Egypt. The techniques and traditions of chiropractic medicine have changed through time. However, the focus is on using natural treatments and therapies to restore the health of the back. Many techniques are used including traction, electrical stimulation and massage chair therapy.

Massage therapy is another alternative form of holistic medicine. It uses different movements and pressures on muscles and soft tissue areas. This form of treatment helps to reduce stiffness, tension and relieve pain. There are many different forms of massage therapy found throughout the world.

The use of acupoints is another traditional medical practice originating in China. In ancient Chinese medicine acupoints were used to stimulate and restore health in the body. Two schools of practice evolved from the use of acupoints. One branch is acupressure and the other branch is acupuncture.

Acupuncture uses small needles directed at the acupoints. They use of needles is painless as the acupoints do not have nerve endings. Acupressure is another alternative form of stimulation of the acupoints. Acupressure uses pressure and movement on the acupoints to activate them.

Many of these treatments are now being combined into many chiropractic and medical environments. Just as globalization is making the world smaller, many medical and traditional treatments are being combined in successful ways. This is an important step of validation for many of these holistic methods.

A better balance is now being struck between Western medical science and traditional holistic medicine. For almost a century, Western medicine has shunned traditional medicine. Now it is beginning to be integrated as valid practices. Many of these practices simply have not been studied to date.

One of the most important validating trends for holistic medical practices is acceptance by the insurance industry. Many forms of chiropractic medicine are now being accepted and paid for by health insurance providers. Many of these forms of treatment are being used especially in the relief of back pain. - 17273

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