Natural Therapies, such as Herbalism, do not Work in the Same Way as Modern Medicine
Natural therapies (of which herbalism is one) work on different assumptions and from a different basis to modern medicine. The approach used by herbalists and other who work in natural medicine is based on the following assumptions or principles.
- 'Do no harm'. This is the basis of all natural medicine - the principle was proclaimed by Greek philosopher and physician Hippocrates more than 2,000 years ago. This was the tradition of modern medicine. However, modern medicine has strayed far from its routes. It is not difficult to suggest that all pharmaceutical drugs and most medical procedures cause harm - even if they are attempting to improve symptoms. Natural therapy practitioners still uphold the basic principle 'do no harm'. This means that herbalist use the whole plant and are very cautious about using any of the dangerous herbs and any high doses.
- Nature has healing powers. This means that given a chance and with the right encouragement the body is able to correct and heal itself (at least for most situations). The role then of the natural therapist/herbalist is to help the person create the right conditions for their body to cleanse, restore and heal itself. Modern medicine attempts to change what the body is doing with the use of pharmaceutical drugs or cuts out the part of the body causing problems with surgery. The drugs used frequently suppress the natural reactions of the body - suppress the symptoms. The natural therapist sees the body's natural reactions as evidence that it is trying to adjust to adverse circumstances and that these reactions can be 'worked with' rather than suppressed. At the same time the natural therapist will work on correcting the adverse circumstances and remove the need for the body's 'reaction' - thus correcting imbalances and restoring function.
- When treating a person the natural approach is to treat the whole, integrated person - that is their mind, body, emotions and environment. These aspects of a person all interact and there is going to be an effect from one to the other. The natural therapist works with the integrated whole and not just one aspect of the person. For the herbalist this means using a combination of whole herbs to gain the desired effect for the person. All the signs and symptoms that the person display are considered important and there is an attempt to get to the real underlying cause of the problem. This comprehensive approach is in contrast to the approach of modern medicine which frequently only treats the symptoms and doesn't look at the underlying reasons for the symptoms. The natural therapist is aiming to improve the overall health and wellbeing of the person. Modern medical practice however deals with illnesses and does little for the promotion of actual health.
- One of the main roles of the natural therapist is as a teacher. The role is to empower the person, with knowledge, skills and attitudes so that they are able to make decisions regarding their own health and wellbeing. This means that they will not be dependent on the therapist - but will be able to effectively manage their own health. A part of this approach is the idea that prevention is better than cure and that people have responsibility for decisions and making health oriented changes.
There are many differences in the approach to health and illness taken by natural therapists compared to modern medical practitioners. These differences mean that when you are using a natural therapist such as a herbalist then you need to understand what they are aiming at - what they are doing and not to assume that they are taking the same approach as a medical practitioner. You are more likely to get the most out of using herbs and other natural therapies if you understand these differences.
See how herbs and other natural therapies can work together to gain and maintain your health. Get your copy of Safe Colon Cleansing Your Good Health Guide and begin now. Then get on with really enjoying life.
29.07.2007. 17:29
This article hasn't been commented yet.
Top
Write a comment
* = required field