The Importance of Non-Traditional Health Care Practices

Non-traditional care practices consist of practices with a healing power that is impossible to prove or disprove. Non-traditional practices had been neglected for many years and decades. This is because herbs and other plants were despised despite forming a crucial and pivotal component in all the conventional medicines stocked in the pharmacies. Furthermore, the non-traditional practices were associated with superstition and the dark world. In the recent past, things have started to change since people have known the importance, efficiency, and affordability of the health practice. The practices are now considered as alternatives to conventional medicines and traditional drugs have started to lose their value. This is because many drugs are easy to counterfeit, unlike the non-traditional practices (Kantor, 2009).

This paper tries to expound and look at the benefits of non-traditional methods, their use, and importance to the society. The paper will also try to enumerate the reasons why people resort to this type of medication over the others. 

Different popular non-traditional health care practices

We have different types of non-traditional healthcare practices which include acupuncture, aromatherapy, Balneotherapy, homeopathy, and chiropractic. All these methods emanate from different cultures in the world. It has been proved that some of these practices have healing power unlike others (Micozi, 2003).

Non-traditional health care practices in different cultures

Acupuncture

This practice is a form of alternative medicine. In this specific exercise, thin needles are inserted into the body of an individual. The needles are inserted in specific parts of the body by a specialist. It is believed that the needles help in the flow of ‘chi’ (energy). This is a component of Chinese medicine. Acupuncture has several benefits which include helping to relieve tension, headache, and migraines. Research has proven that acupuncture also helps in cases of low back pain, neck pain, and many other conditions. It is a safe practice that is recommended by world health organization’s research for the treatment of high and low blood pressure.

Homeopathy

This is also a form of alternative medicine meaning it is distinct from the conventional western medicine. This treatment was developed, by a German doctor known as Samuel Hennerman, in the 1790s.

The central principle underlying here is that ‘like cures like.' In common layman language, a substance that causes a particular symptom can help to remove such a sign. It is grounded in a process known as succusion which involves dilution and shaking. Doctors believe that the power to cure a substance is increased when it is diluted.  This form of alternative medicine is presumed to cure condition such as asthma, infection of the ear, and psychological conditions such as stress, nervousness, despair, and hay fever it can also be used to treat allergies caused by certain foods.

Aromatherapy

Aromatherapy is a practice that entails the use of natural oils found in plants to enhance psychological and physical health of individuals (Kim, 2006). The oils may be extracted from the roots, barks, leaves, stem, or the flowers of plants. The inhaled aroma from these oils is believed to arouse the function of the brain. The stimulation caused by these oils will ensure that certain processes within the body are functioning properly. 

Several clinical studies have suggested the importance of using these oils. It is proposed that oils from lavender rose have medicinal properties that are important to pregnant mothers. In the early days, competent midwives applied franchises to expectant women making them have less anxiety and fear. These oils helped women to have a stronger sense of security during labor. Expectant women, who used these oils, did not require painkillers during and after delivery (Krebs, 2006).
 
In addition, oil from peppermint is further proposed to relieve nausea and vomiting during labor. Also, oil from neroli helps to lessen blood pressure and relieves anxiety for individuals experiencing colonoscopy. 

Non-traditional health care options in the United States

Nontraditional health care methods in the United States include balneotherapy which involves use of aqua for theurapy (Micozi, 2003). Reflexology is another method that entails application of pressure on specific areas of the body. It is almost similar to acupuncture. There is also naturopathy which involves application of the healing power of nature. The specialist here will try to understand the physical, mental, and spiritual manifestation of a condition by studying the patient. Finally, we have the biofeedback. In this technique, people try to control the processes of the body. The processes controlled are those that occur subconsciously and involuntarily for example blood pressure and skin temperature.
It is estimated that about a third of the population in the United States is using the non-traditional health care option. The rationale behind the development is that many people have had mistrust and frustration in the current health care systems put forward by the government (Kantor, 2009)

Reasons behind the increased popularity in non-traditional practices 

Firstly, is the increased information available to people mainly from the internet. According to the information from the internet, doctors tend to prescribe conventional medicine without taking time to look at the methodology, risks, and the benefits of those treatments. This has led to a decreased tolerance among patients who have resorted to non-traditional practices for their medications over the conventional ones.

Secondly, there is this perception that the non-traditional option tends to be much safer, easier to understand, and cheap. When patients compare and contrast this method with the conventional method, they tend to fall for this due to its affordability. With the current increase in economy, individuals are looking for the cheapest but efficient method to meet their health problems.

Thirdly is that in America, there are a lot of cultures that have tried these methods or are still performing them. People from such cultures will be attracted to alternative therapies which are more harmonious and consistent with their cultures. Such people may also decide to use the methods to have a sense of belonging.
Fourthly, the media has played a very pivotal role in sensitizing the general public about these alternatives. Some people would not be aware of such practices were it not for the media houses. The media has helped people to learn about different practices through advertisements. It has also tried to bring out the effects and the expenses that are associated with conventional medicine.

Finally, the sophisticated marketing practised by the manufacturers of supplements will always lure people to try these practices. After a successful attempt and positive results are seen, various patients will not look at anywhere else. Some of these non-traditional methods may be performed as a form of relaxation during leisure time (Micozi,2003).

Conclusion

Despite the superstition and rumors that were attached to the non-traditional methods, they are gaining popularity at a fast rate. Conventional medicines are soon losing the high glory which they had in the past due to their exorbitant prices. It should be noted that conventional medicine can work together with other alternatives. This will ensure a healthy and strong nation that is free from diseases. Normal human beings will always look for alternatives if they are not satisfied with what they have.

Reference

Kim JT ,M Wajda, G Cuff, D Serota, M Sclame..pain.., 2006-Wiley online library Evaluation of aromatherapy in treating postoperative pain; pilot study,

Krebs.M – advance for practitioners, 2006 – europemc.org Promote wellness with aromatherapy,

Micozi MS- P&T (2003)-researchgate.net Intergrative medicine in pharmacy and therapeutics,

Kantor.M -journal of American college radiology, 2009- Elsevier. The role of rigorous scientific evaluation in the use and practice of complementary and alternative medicine