The origins of alternative medicine, also known as holistic medicine, can be traced back thousands of years to the very roots of medicine. Many millennia ago, physicians or healers would assess the sick person's emotional condition in addition to their physical symptoms before beginning treatment. The roots of alternative medicine deal with the symptoms of the "whole" person, not merely the physical signs of illness. This is radically different from traditional medicine today.
In medicine today, people demand to be cured immediately, and the demand for medicines and treatments that do so is very high. Most physicians today are trained to assess physical symptoms and base treatments on that, without much consideration of the person's emotional or intellectual state.
Since its inception, alternative medicine has survived the ages and stages of the field of medicine. Despite the prevalence of modern medical practices, there are still millions of people worldwide that take advantage of alternative treatments for ailments or well-being. Some of these alternative treatments include massage therapy, herbal remedies, and meditation. Massage is one of the most long-standing forms of alternative treatment, and it is highly popular today as a treatment for aches and pains, and as a means of stress release and relaxation. Most people probably don't even think about massage as a type of alternative medicine.
Through the ages, every society has used their own forms of alternative medicines and treatments. There is over 5000 years of history and many types of treatments that were used far and wide, and many traditional medical treatments can even find their roots in alternative medicine from long ago.
Long ago in Europe, medical issues were treated by one of two types of healers, the physicians or the folk healers. The folk healers appealed to the poorer factions of society, in that they used natural treatments that were more affordable and easier to come by. Folk healers were often highly respected in these underprivileged sections of society. Folk healers often incorporated philosophy and religious faith into their healing practices, which helped to strengthen a sick person's mind and spirit, as well as his body.
Eventually, folk medicine evolved into the traditional medicine we are familiar with in today's world. With each passing century, many great advances have been made in treatments and cures for various diseases and conditions.
Despite the dominance of traditional medicine in the world today, there is still a place for alternative medicine. It is alive and well, and used by many people around the world through massage therapy, acupuncture, aromatherapy, herbal remedies, meditation, and many other forms of alternative treatments. Many physicians now support many of these treatments, making them less alternative.
The origins of alternative medicine were very forward thinking. Alternative medicine has survived through the millennia because it has real validity, despite a great deal of ridicule through the ages. Though they do not have the immediate effect that many drugs and treatments of traditional medicine, they are a feasible option for a person to consider.
Related Articles
6 Ways To Cure Bronchitis
By: Ron Shelf | 19/12/2006 | Medicine
It's bad enough to suffer from cough but why phlegm also?
The combination of cough and phlegm is called bronchitis, which is an inflammation of the airways leading to lungs.
The cause for the Bronchitis is usually an infection made by allergies or chemical irritations, such as pollution and cigarettes.
If you want...
Ancient Ayurvedic Herbs You Can Easily Use Today
By: Lee Dobbins | 14/01/2007 | Medicine
While today there is a boom in herbs and Ayurvedic medicine treating illnesses this way is not new and, as you probably know, the tradition of using holistic methods to treat illness called Ayurvedic medicine has been used for centuries.
Many of the herbs and spices used are ones that we...
Exploring Your Choices in Herbal Medicine
By: Gaetane Ross | 05/06/2008 | Alternative Medicine
Herbal medicine is becoming a popular option among many individuals. More and more people are starting to consider the dangerous consequences of subjecting the body to chemicals that are used in prescription and over-the-counter medications. The natural approach to health is quickly emerging as a popular trend among those that place value in their health.
Wellness - The Total Concept
By: Anne Wolski | 16/04/2006 | Health
Most people consider themselves to be well if they suffer no symptoms of serious illness or disease. They may be plagued by problems such as insomnia or headaches but nothing life threatening. Therefore they are relatively well. Or are they?
Bring Body,Mind And Soul Together - A Few Tips
By: Kenneth Scott | 03/03/2008 | Meditation
Do you know what it takes to unite your body, mind, and soul? If you did, do you realize that you would be able to achieve the balance that nearly everyone wishes they had in their lives?
Alternative Medicine - a History of Alternative Medicine
By: Emma Allen | 19/10/2007 | Alternative Medicine
Alternative history has a long and storied history, and more and more people are discovering the power of natural health care.
Healing Herbs: a Return to the Roots of Nature
By: Sarah Mcinerney | 13/07/2008 | Alternative Medicine
Thousands of years ago, when humans lived as nomads, moving around the land in search of food and shelter, they would collect wild plants, berries and roots for food. When they became ill, their instinct led them to the curative properties of these plants and they would innovatively crush and mix leaves, stems, roots and berries and produce treatments for a range of ailments. Now it seems we are looking back to ancient times for answers to modern ailments.
Natural Holistic Approach to Treating Cancer
By: Ruth Brown | 29/04/2006 | Non-Fiction
Did you know that the body was designed to heal naturally? It is our goal to help you find the best resources for a naturally healthier you.
Got a Question? Ask.
Ask the community a question about this article:
Frequently Asked Questions
Ear Wax Removal
By: Tom | 09-07-2008
Is ear wax removal painful or difficult in any way? About how long does it take on average? Is it safe?
My mother took a drug during her pregnancy with me ...
By: Mari | 09-07-2008
My mother took a drug during her pregnancy with me in 1954. She was having trouble carrying me. I do not know the name of it and I have a lot of physical problems. Hearing aids , cataracts and things like that . Do you have any idea the name that it might be
Diet pills and antidepressants
By: mikey2 | 09-07-2008
is it true that you shouldnt take diet pills if your taking an antidepressant
I am 48 yrs old, since Feb of 2008 have abnormal ...
By: tinalsamuel | 09-07-2008
I am 48 yrs old, since Feb of 2008 have abnormal periods. This past one after an 8 day cycle stopped bleeding for 1 day then bled bright red heavy for 23 days. Had ultrasound which reports Prominent vasculature within the adnexal regions bilaterally. Does anyone know what this means?
Would you get braces in Mexico
By: BellaX | 09-07-2008
Would you get braces in Mexico if you lived nearby and knew he was reputable?
Asthma
By: lovealot9 | 09-07-2008
If you never had asthma and were in a un ventalated room 12*12 and you were exposed for a undertemined amount of time to vapors from a chemical could or would that cause you now to become asthmatic still after 1 year and 4 months?
Q&A Powered by:
Latest Health Articles
Getting To The Bottom Of Internal Hemorrhoids
By: Jose Rossello | 19/07/2008
Remedies for internal hemorrhoids ranges greatly: from surgery to medication, changes in diet, suppositories, natural herbal remedies or a combination of these. Hemorrhoid medications are designed to soothe the pain of the condition, shrink the swollen tissue and act as an anti-inflammatory.
Dental Cleanings: Why Semi-annual Dental Cleanings are Essential
By: David Siegel | 19/07/2008
Dental cleanings are essential to good dental health.
How To Lose Fat And Gain Muscle
By: Cliff Baker | 19/07/2008
The pace of life is getting faster for most of us. This is one of the reasons why fast food restaurants are popping up like mushrooms wherever you go. It's easy to opt for quicker food stops since no one really has time to cook and fix healthy meals. It may be a quick fix, but done everyday, all the bad stuff in fast food is going to creep up
Mold Exposure and Health Problems
By: Richard Barthallo | 19/07/2008
If you are one of the millions of people that do suffer from allergies, then you know how annoying and painful they can be. A large percentage of visits to the doctor are allergy related. A significant amount of money spent every year for over the counter and prescription remedies that will help to ease allergy sufferer's discomfort.
Twelve Qualities of Spirit - Health
By: Peri Enkin | 19/07/2008
When we think of health only in terms of the physical body we think too small. And when we think small we find ourselves trying to deal with "symptoms" and "conditions" at the surface level and not achieving the results we want.
Free Exercise to Make Your Penis Bigger
By: Tyler Williams | 19/07/2008
Do you know how to make your penis bigger naturally? You'll know once you read this article.
Where to Look for Arthritis Back Pain Relief Products
By: Scott Goodman | 19/07/2008
Arthritis is an illness that is mainly characterized by pain and swelling in the joints. The term arthritis is actually an umbrella term that includes more than 100 different conditions, all which are considered in some way as being a form of arthritis.
What is the Difference Between Fat and Carbohydrates (carbs)?
By: Ronald Godlewski | 19/07/2008
There are three primary macronutrients that are necessary to promote healthy life, carbohydrates, fats and proteins. Carbohydrates and fats are two very different macronutrients, and your body requires different amounts of each in order to promote the right level of health.
More from Ken Snow
Know Your Fishing Location With Combined Fish Finder And GPS
By: Ken Snow | 20/03/2007 | Sports and Fitness
The most revolutionary change that fish finders have undergone has been of the amalgamation of the Global Positioning Systems within the sporting unit in the usual models and the portable units. One of the first aspects that you will think of while shopping for a fish finder is likely to be the GPS since it is such a useful tool.
What Are Radar Detectors?
By: Ken Snow | 20/03/2007 | Automotive
Radar detectors are products that have been developed to allow you to escape the harassment of being pulled over by policemen. It can be extremely harrowing when you are cruising at a nice even speed with no other vehicle in sight and yet you are forced to pull over by the local police.
Healthy Eating Tips For The Elderly
By: Ken Snow | 02/03/2007 | Health
The body composition of man is always in a dynamic state and hence keeps changing, especially in old age. This affects the nutritional requirements of the body and hence healthy eating can be a challenge particularly for the elderly.
Can You Afford To Retire?
By: Ken Snow | 22/02/2007 | Non-Fiction
Looking to make investments for retirement always seems to be something that you think I'll do it in another few years. However, anyone thinking in this way couldn't be more wrong.
The Benefits Of Exercise For Seniors
By: Ken Snow | 22/02/2007 | Fitness
Fact is as we grow older, we need to keep in shape more than the younger generation. With age the capabilities of the entire body system, muscles, organs, and mind, deteriorate and need more care than before.
Provide For Your Funeral Costs With Burial Insurance
By: Ken Snow | 22/02/2007 | Non-Fiction
Most of us avoid talking about death and funerals but the fact is that there are funeral costs to be borne and in the event one has not provided for it, the family has to undertake the expense. Funeral costs are not only a matter of affordability but of timing as well.
10 Tips To Reduce Migraine Headaches
By: Ken Snow | 16/02/2007 | Non-Fiction
Migraine headaches must be one of the most debilitating illnesses on earth. If you are a sufferer you will know what I mean. The frequency and severity can vary from person to person but many people still loose 2 or 3 days a month to migraine. Yes, that is lost money in your pay cheque or lost quality leisure time with family and friends.
What Is Time Management?
By: Ken Snow | 13/04/2006 | Self Help
Because each of us is unique and different, we have to find out what works best for us in our own ways. This path to this starts with the basics in our own time management. Basic time management is setting up goals and plans that are reachable.
Health 
