Types of Alternative Medicine

Types of alternative medicine may vary from treatment to treatment, but the one thread they share in common is the method of treating the entire body rather than an isolated set of symptoms.

A little over a century ago, medicine was a buyer's market. If one type of medicine didn't work, you could always try a different type until you found something that cured you. But by the early 1920s, the pharmaceutical company had eradicated all competition, and today we, the consumers, are primarily offered only one type of medicine. 

We've been brainwashed into believing that other types of medicine - that were used and that worked for centuries - were quackery and ineffective. Nothing could be further from the truth.

The types of alternative medicine you can use to promote wellness from chronic illnesses.

Mind you, pharmaceuticals aren't all bad. For acute needs, pharmaceuticals can be highly effective. But for long-term illnesses, alternative medicines tend to be far more effective. That's because alternative medicines respect you as an individual rather than a package of individual body parts.

What all these alternative medicines have in common is the recognition that the human body is a complex, interconnected organism. No illness or injury works in isolation. Rather, every illness affects the body as a whole, and treatment must consider the whole body as well.

So, the next time you are struggling with a chronic illness, consider these four types of alternative medicines.

Types of Alternative Medicine

Here are four types of alternative medicine to consider the next time you aren't feeling well.

Acupuncture

Acupuncture is one alternative medicine that has been practiced in China for thousands of years. Like other alternative medicines, acupuncture recognizes that an imbalance in the human body can cause illness. The medicine of acupuncture also recognizes that energy exists in the body that can be stimulated to promote healing.

With acupuncture, very thin needles are inserted into the skin at specific sites, called acupuncture points or meridians. This form of medicine can be a powerful way to treat pain because it blocks the nerve receptors, bringing relief from a painful injury.

Chiropractic Care

Chiropractic care emphasizes diagnosing and treating problems relating to your spine. Because your entire nervous system is tied into your spine, any disorder there can affect all of your nerves and, as a result, your health. By manipulating your spine, joints, and other soft tissues, your spine is brought back into alignment, promoting better health and well-being.

But be very careful when seeking out chiropractic care. A bad chiropractor can do far more harm than good, so be sure to ask around and find a chiropractor with a good reputation and a history of good results.

Naturopathy

Naturopathic medicine relies on the innate healing ability of the human body to heal itself. A naturopath will teach you about diet, exercise and lifestyle changes among others to help your body ward off and fight disease. They also realize that symptoms of illness and disease will continue to return unless the root problem is found and treated.

Naturopaths focus on education and prevention of illness. They consider themselves coaches rather than practitioners.

They also believe symptoms should never be suppressed, as they are the body's attempt to heal itself. They also believe in the rule of "first, do no harm." To that end, they will try to find the least invasive method of treatment available.

Homeopathy

Homeopathy is yet another alternative medicine that treats the whole body, rather than the symptoms. Traditional doctors dismiss homeopathy as quackery, but research has shown that homeopathic medicines help with sleeping disorders, and it has had a powerful healing influence in my own life.

We have used homeopathic medicine in our family for years for a whole range of symptoms, from teething pain in our three children to migraine relief and help with my husband's tennis elbow. Homeopathy uses minute substances found in nature to trigger a healing response within the body. You can learn more about it here.

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Herbal remedies are a great way to ease minor ailments, such as a sore throat or an earache. Learn how to make an herbal tincture here. You can also learn about antiviral herbs by clicking here. 

Juicing vegetables are another way to give your body the fuel it needs to recover from many illnesses. Learn about juicing by clicking here.

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About the Author

My name is Sue Merriam, and I began the journey of self-reliant living more than three decades ago, which enabled me to stay home with my children. Fifteen years ago, I founded Joyful Homesteading to help others save money and face the future without fear. My goal is to give you practical, honest advice so you can save money and experience the joy of simple living. I hope you join me.

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