We have been practicing natural therapies for thousands of years. However their popularity in the Western world has grown enormously in the last decade.
As the limitations of conventional Western medicine have become more apparent, increasing numbers of people are turning to natural therapies. This doesn't mean rejecting the advice of your doctor. Indeed most natural therapies work in an entirely complimentary way with prescribed medication.
The main difference is one of philosophy. Where Western medicine tends to emphasis treating particular physical symptoms, with holistic treatments the aim is to heal the mind, body and spirit as a whole entity.
Ancient Chinese medical principles were based on the idea that there is a life force which flows around your body. When this energy or 'chi' becomes blocked, illness or pain can result. Whether you believe this or not, even the most conventional Western doctors accept that stress has a negative impact on your immune system and can contribute to poor health.
Therefore treatments that help your mind and body to relax not only make you feel better, they can really help to improve your overall well being as well as easing specific conditions or problems.
So some people use natural therapies as a stand alone alternative solution or use it in conjunction with convnetial medicine to maximise the benefits, so the choice is yours.
