You probably have nothing special to say about the "Western medicine" or "English medicine" system that we all know. But did you know that there are other complete medical systems in this world? These are things that have developed over time in different cultures, either in parallel with the Western medical system, or completely different from it. In our country, Ayurveda is something very close to us. So today, let's talk about some of the major "Whole Medical Systems " in the world.
What are these Whole Medical Systems?
Simply put, this is not just about one medicine, or one treatment. This is about methods that have entire theories and treatment systems that explain how a disease occurs, how the body works, and how to treat it . It's as if each method has its own "rule book."
The main systems in Eastern countries are Traditional Chinese Medicine (TCM), Kampo medicine in Japan, and Ayurveda in India. In Western countries, there are also systems such as Homeopathy and Naturopathy. Let's look at some of these in more detail.
Traditional Chinese Medicine (TCM)
This is a complete healing system with a written history that dates back as far as 200 BC. Even countries like Korea, Japan, and Vietnam have developed their own unique medical systems based on this Chinese system.
According to TCM, our body is a delicate balance of two opposing but inseparable forces: "Yin" and "Yang."
- Yin: This represents a cold, slow, or passive nature.
- Yang: This represents a hot, excited, or active nature.
A central belief in this system is that health is achieved when the body is in balance between these yin and yang. Disease occurs when this balance is disrupted. They believe that this imbalance causes blockages in the meridians through which vital energy , called "Qi," flows. TCM practitioners use herbs, acupuncture , and massage to restore the body to its normal state by releasing this blocked vital energy.
How does acupuncture work?
Acupuncture is a method now used around the world to relieve pain and treat a number of other health conditions. In particular, research has found it to be effective for conditions such as nausea and vomiting caused by cancer treatment, discomfort after surgery, back pain, neck pain, knee pain, headaches, and toothaches.
While Western medicine cannot fully explain how this works, there are some theories. One theory is that when a needle is pricked, certain nerves are stimulated, increasing the body's production of natural painkillers like endorphins . It is also believed that it changes brain chemistry, which controls the perception of pain.
Chinese Materia Medica
This is like a standard book with information about the medicinal substances used in Chinese medicine. These herbal medicines contain many biologically active compounds. But one of the biggest challenges with these is that even the same plant, its properties can vary depending on the region where it was grown, the time it was harvested, and how it was subsequently processed.
For example:
- Chinese doctors had recognized that the plant Artemisia annua controlled fever. In the 1970s, scientists isolated a chemical called artemisinin from it. Today, effective drugs for malaria are made from this.
- *Tripterygium wilfordii * (Thunder God vine): Although it is used for autoimmune diseases, some studies have found that it can have adverse effects on the kidneys, heart, and reproductive system . Therefore, it is important to consult a qualified physician when using this product.
Ayurvedic Medicine
Ayurveda, which means "science of life," is a natural healing system that originated in India.
The primary goal of Ayurveda is to restore balance to the body, mind, and spirit and maintain the health of the individual.
For this, various treatments such as diet, exercise, meditation, herbal medicine, and massage are used. Although Ayurveda has treatments for conditions such as diabetes and heart disease, research on the success of these treatments in accordance with modern scientific methods is still limited. Therefore, the scientific community is of the opinion that further high-level research is needed in this regard.
Naturopathy
This is a system that originated in Europe. The basic belief here is that the body has a natural power to heal itself . They see illness as a disruption to that natural process. This system is based on principles such as "first do no harm" and "the doctor as teacher."
See some of the main treatment methods used in this method in the table below.
| Treatment method | A simple explanation |
|---|---|
| Dietary changes and nutritional supplements | Providing a diet that suits the individual and the necessary vitamins and minerals. |
| Herbal medicine | Using herbal extracts and medicines for various diseases. |
| Hydrotherapy | Treatment using hot and cold water in various ways. |
| Lifestyle counseling | Providing advice on how to reduce stress, such as exercise. |
Homeopathy
This is also a complete medical system that originated in Germany. Its founder is Dr. Samuel Hahnemann. The basic theory here is a little different.
The principle of homeopathy is the "principle of similars." This means that a substance can cure a patient with symptoms similar to those of a healthy person, by giving the same substance in very small doses.
Imagine that when you cut an onion, tears come out of your eyes and a runny nose comes out, right? So what happens in this case is that a person with a cold who has similar symptoms is given a highly diluted medicine made from onions.
The doses of medicine used in this treatment are so small that sometimes not even a trace of the original substance remains. For this reason, there is great doubt and debate in the scientific community about its success. While some studies have reported positive results for certain diseases, other studies have not shown such results. Therefore, it cannot yet be said that homeopathy is a definitively proven treatment for any condition.
Take-Home Message
- In addition to Western medicine, there are a number of entire medical systems in the world that think differently about disease and healing.
- Ayurveda, Chinese medicine, and homeopathy are a few of them.
- Many of these methods are based on the belief that the body has the power to heal itself, and they address both the body and the mind.
- The scientific evidence for these treatments varies greatly. Some have good evidence, some don't.
- Most importantly: If you are seeking any alternative or traditional treatment, only see a qualified, experienced practitioner. It is also very important to inform your Western doctor (doctor) about all the treatments you are receiving.
💬 අදහස් (0)
තවමත් කිසිදු අදහසක් පළ කර නොමැත. ඔබේ අදහස පළමු වරට මෙහි එක් කරන්න.
ඔබේ අදහස එක් කරන්න