Alternative Medicine Essay Research Paper The Power — страница 3

Peppermint oil is one of the more traditional aromatherapy remedies for headaches. It can be applied as a compress, or straight- one or two drops directly to the back of the neck. A significant reduction in pain, as well as positive mood change, and noticeable performance improvement was seen in aromatherapy patients in a large experiment in 1990. (Earle & Rose,1996) Natural remedies are said to increase the body’s resistance to disease by improving its ability to fight infection. No single essential oil will heal a person, but many plants have immune modulating properties. (Rosenfeld,1996:45) Essential oils should not be solely relied upon in cases of serious illnesses, but may be integrated into any therapeutic program such as physiotherapy, or massage therapy.

Aromatherapy is both a specific science, and a deeply complex art. An understanding of the human body and the interrelated functions of all its systems allow the aromatherapist to act as both an artist, and a scientist for their patient. This form of unconventional medicine is slowly making its way into acceptance in society. In the past few years, acupuncture has also established itself as an effective and considerable form of medicine in North America. It’s recognition has increased in the conventional medical world, and has also made an impression on the public. Acupuncture has a reputation for treating the person as whole, as well as curing specific ailments and complaints, and its growing role in the west is matched by an increasig demand for well trained and qulaified

acupuncturists. Acupuncture invloves using very fine needles that peirce the skin, which work as antennae to draw Qi (pronouned “chee”) into the body at specific points and along certain meridian lines. (Monte,1993:247) It works by stimulating the body’s own healing abilities. The fine hair-thin needles do not inject anything into the body, but instead, the healing components of the body are broadened, directed, and generally made stronger in order to manage future health problems. (Nash,1996:15) According to the Chinese, a huge group of pathways run throughout the body. These pathways flow from organ system to organ system, and connect with every cell of the body. Along these pathways, close to the surface of the skin are little nodules, or acupuncture points, that only a

trained acupuncturist can feel. (Galem,1997) When these points are stimulated by heat, touch, or penetration by a needle, the nodules cause a chain reaction of events that affect many aspects of the body, mind, and spirit. (Nash,1996:15) These pathways, or meridians were explained by the Chinese as being channels of energy, or Chi (pronounced “chee” and sometimes spelled “Qi”). Dr. Ben Galem says that: “Each person is, in reality, an energetic body with a physical body contained within. By cultivating and building Chi in the body, we strengthen ourselves so that our body works better, our immune system gets stronger, our energy level grows, and we have a greater sense of well being.” (1997) A concept of Chinese medicine that influences acupuncture, is that of yin and

yang. Everything is composed of opposites, which need each other to exist- like a cycle. Hot does not exist without cold, and vice versa. Sometimes these opposing forces become out of balance with each other, and acupuncture, and other Chinese medicine can turn up or turn down the Chi and cause a balance to return to the individual who is being treated. (Eisenberg & Lee,1995:52) For example, if a person is too hot, then hot can be turned down, and cold raised. If a person is too cold, the cold can be turned down, and the hot raised. (Galem,1997) Another way acupuncture works, is by countering outside influences such as cold weather. Acupuncture can help build the body’s immune system so that catching common colds and other viruses is less likely. If treatment is given in

the early stages of cold, symptoms will be less intense. If it is given in the late stages, it can speed up recovery time. Duration and frequency of treatment depend on the initial patient condition and severity of the disorder. Usually, patients see their acupuncturist twice a week for the first two weeks, then once each week, and then less frequently as symptoms settle. After therapy is over, maintenance visits are five times yearly. The goal is to maintain homeostasis in the body for longer periods of time. (Galem,1997) Acupuncture can be used to treat many conditions including migraines, asthma, bursitis, tendonitis, menstrual pain, aid in weight loss and quitting smoking, back pain, sports injuries, and much, much more. It is a very well known type of therapy, and its