From Naturopathy to Unani, 5 alternative medicine systems popular across the world – YourStory

Alternative medicine systems were the order of the day way before modern-day medicines gained popularity across the world.

Ayurveda which originated in the Indian subcontinent is believed to be over 3,000 years old. The word is a portmanteau of Ayus (life) and Veda (science) which translates to the science of life.

Ayurveda takes a comprehensive approach via herbs, exercise, meditation, massage, exposure to sunlight, and controlled breathing to keep the body, mind, and spirit in balance.

People use this treatment to cure several ailments, including diabetes and heart and neurological ailments.

While scepticism surrounds the benefits of alternative medicine, people across the globe still choose traditional systems for holistic healing.

From Asian to Native American medicine systems, SocialStory takes a look at five traditional systems deemed to benefit people.

With origins in Europe, naturopathy diagnoses ailments as an indication that the bodys natural ability to heal itself is compromised. It goes beyond treating the ailment to restoring the natural processes by which the body heals itself.

Naturopathy, which translates to nature disease, is practised throughout Europe, Australia, New Zealand, Canada, and the US.

The holistic system combines alternative systems like homoeopathy, acupuncture, and herbal medicine, and the often use of more modern practices like bio-resonance, ozone therapy, and colonic irrigation.

Acupuncture is derived from ancient Chinese medicine and is based on the release of energy in the body

Acupuncture is a treatment derived from ancient Chinese medicine, where fine needles are inserted at certain sites in the body for therapeutic or preventative purposes.

The practice involves the stimulation of subcutaneous sensory nerves and the muscles, which leads to the body producing natural stimulants such as pain-relieving endorphins.

The release of Qi leads to the restoration of good health. Acupuncture is believed to provide relief from chronic pain, tension-related migraines, and headaches. Besides, it is used in the treatment of joint pain, toothaches, insomnia, anxiety, depression, and infertility.

Most people say the treatment causes little to no pain, with only a slight soreness after the session.

Unani medicine or Tibbis a traditional Arabian system that can be traced back to the texts of ancient Greek physicians like Hippocrates and Galen, later refined by Arab physicians like Avicenna.

Unani medicine is based on achieving harmony and balance between the body, mind, and the soul. The system believes a healthy body has a balance between seven principles arkan (elements), mizaj (temperament), akhlat (bodily humour), aaza (organs and systems), arwah (vital spirit), quwa (faculties or powers), and afaal (functions).

Tibetan medicine or Sowa Rigpa (the science of healing) is an ancient healing practice from Tibet based on the principle that the basic purpose in life is happiness.

Practitioners analyse the patients unique inborn nature or constitution and recommend supportive lifestyle choices. The system goes to the source of the problem to help achieve health by striking a balance. It believes the mind is the source of suffering, and a healthy mind will lead to a healthy body.

Based on the Four Tantras that keep the three bodily humours wind rlung, bile mkhris pa, and phlegm bad kan in balance, these tantras are

Tibetan medicine treats an individual based on their nature and constitution

Japanese or Kampo medicine system is over 1500-years-old and has its roots in Chinese medicine.Based on herbal formulations, Japanese medicine has around 148 Kampo formulas, officially approved as prescription drugs.

In fact, some doctors use Kampo medicine with chemotherapy in cancer treatment. It is a popular choice for people with gastrointestinal tract disorders and inflammatory bowel diseases. Kampo also prescribes acupuncture and moxibustion but relies primarily on herbal formulas.

Moreover, several universities have begun research in Kampo medicine.

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From Naturopathy to Unani, 5 alternative medicine systems popular across the world - YourStory