Angie's Acupuncture

Archive for the ‘Alternative Medicine’ Category

What is Alternative Medicine?

Alternative medicine refers to any healing practice “that does not fall within the realm of conventional medicine”.   Alternative medicine is often based on the belief that a particular health regimen has efficacious effects.  In practice, alternative medicine encompasses therapies with a historical or cultural, rather than a scientific, basis.  Commonly cited examples include naturopathy, chiropractic, herbalism, traditional Chinese medicine, Unani, Ayurveda, meditation, yoga, biofeedback, hypnosis, homeopathy, acupuncture, and diet-based therapies, in addition to a range of other practices.

What is Holistic Medicine?

Holistic medicine is a system of health care which fosters a cooperative relationship among all those involved, leading towards optimal attainment of the physical, mental emotional, social and spiritual aspects of health.

It emphasizes the need to look at the whole person, including analysis of physical, nutritional, environmental, emotional, social, spiritual and lifestyle values. It encompasses all stated modalities of diagnosis and treatment including drugs and surgery if no safe alternative exists. Holistic medicine focuses on education and responsibility for personal efforts to achieve balance and well being.