There are many forms of alternative medicine, but in this article I will be dealing with just two: Ayurvedic medicine and Homeopathic medicine.
Ayurveda is India’s traditional, natural system of medicine that has been practiced for more than 5,000 years. Ayurveda is a Sanskrit word that when literally translated means “science of life” or “practices of longevity.” It was the system of medicine developed by the seers (rishis) and natural scientists through centuries of observations, experiments, discussions and meditations. For several thousand years their teachings were passed on orally from teacher to student. However, in about the fifth to sixth century BC, elaborately detailed texts were written in Sanskrit, the ancient Indian language. There are over 500 remedies and 700 vegetable medicines.
Ayurveda emphasizes the prevention of disease, rejuvenation of our body systems and extension of life span. The profound premise of Ayurveda is that not only can we prevent heart disease and make our headaches go away, but we can also better understand ourselves and the world around us, live a long healthy life in balance and harmony, achieve our fullest potential and express our true inner nature on a daily basis.
In Ayurvedic philosophy, five elements combine in pairs to form three dynamic forces or interactions called doshas. The Ayurvedic practitioner may prescribe mineral or herbal remedies (usually prescribed in liquid form, dried herbs, powder or even tablets) to correct imbalances in the doshas. The ingredients are pre-prepared, but the blends are prescribed individually. Every ingredient is classified by the effect it has on increasing or lowering the levels of the doshas. One usually adds eight cups of water to the herbs and boils the mixture until the water is reduced down to one cup. The remedy is then taken two or three times per day.
Many Ayurvedic practitioners will also advise you on lifestyle, food and exercise. Yoga is emphasized strongly, as well as sweat treatments and oil massages. Sweat treatments are recommended in steam baths to further cleanse the pores of the skin, and massaging herbal oils into the skin help eliminate undesirable toxins.
Homeopathy is a form of alternative medicine, first proposed by German physician, Samuel Hahnemann, in 1796. Since then, homeopathy has been widely used throughout the world for over two centuries.
Homeopathic healing is based on treating a person with nontoxic highly diluted substances normally in tablet form, which is expected to trigger the body’s natural system of healing. Based on their experience of symptoms, a homeopath will match the most appropriate medicine to the patient. It works on the principle of “like cures like” — that is, a substance that would cause symptoms in a healthy person is used to cure those same symptoms in illness. For example, one remedy, which might be used in a person suffering from insomnia is a remedy made from coffee.
Homeopathy treats the person rather than the named “disease.” So, potentially, it can help patients with a wide range of conditions, both acute and chronic. Illnesses commonly seen by homeopaths in clinic include recurrent infections (such as colds, tonsillitis and cystitis), skin conditions, chronic fatigue, migraine and stress related symptoms such as anxiety and insomnia.
The lack of convincing scientific evidence supporting homeopathy’s efficacy, and its use of remedies lacking active ingredients have caused homeopathy to be described as pseudoscience in some circles.
Nevertheless in 2000, the House of Lords’ Select Committee on Science & Technology in the UK cited homeopathy as one of the five Group One therapies, having “an individual diagnostic approach” along with osteopathy, chiropractic, herbal medicine and acupuncture.
The regulation and prevalence of homeopathy is highly variable from country to country. There are no specific legal regulations concerning its use in some countries, while in others, licenses or degrees in conventional medicine from accredited universities are required.
Arab News