In the past, it was not unusual for those who practiced western medicine to disavow treatments of traditional healers or any holistic therapies. However, western medicine has begun to embrace the concept of patient first, disease second. Spiritual soundness and physical touch therapies, such as massage, offer practitioners of western medicine a way to monitor the whole patient.
Traditional Medicine
The term traditional medicine refers to the practice of incorporating medicines that can be found in nature. In addition, some traditional medical practices include physical manipulation and spiritual healing practices. While traditional medicine can seem slow in comparison to a rapid correction, such as surgery, or a western medication designed to make a radical change to the entire body, traditional medical practices are used in combination to address particular illnesses, long-term conditions or simply to maintain the patient's well-being.
Western Medicine
Western medicine tends to see the body as a collection of different parts that can be treated separately, removed or sometimes replaced as necessary. In addition, many women find that western medicine, as a practice, tends to treat the female body primarily from the gynecological viewpoint. This practice is also known as bikini medicine.
The focus on reproduction first and woman second has, unfortunately, put some women in danger when taking medications that have primarily been tested on men. The number one cause of death among American women is heart disease, yet research dollars often are directed at cancer, particularly of the breast.
It should be noted that western medicine demonstrates a high degree of innovation. Research funding certainly contributes to this creative force. The pharmaceutical industry spends more on research and development of new medications than is spent on most other industries in the US, EU, and Japan.
Holistic Medicine
Holistic medicine refers to a combination of both traditional medical practices to heal and balance the whole body, whereas western medicine tackles the disease. This combination of highly researched and targeted therapy in combination with holistic treatments, such as acupuncture, massage, or aromatherapy, is also known as integrative therapy, the best of both approaches. This combination of treatments offers anyone facing a health challenge the option to feel in control of their treatment because they are more than just a disease or failed organ.
When you're facing a health crisis, you may feel as though your life is spinning out of control. Getting the chance to work with a team of healers from multiple traditions can put you back in charge of your health.
We only get one body in this lifetime so we should care for it well. Furthermore, we shouldn't spend our whole life hating the only body we'll ever have. If you want to focus on your health and learn to work with your body, try a Wellness Coaching Program!