Wednesday, January 9, 2013

Medicine and Yoga

By Sam Dworkis

For years, there has been a raging debate regarding holistic and alternative approaches to health and healing versus more conventional western, or allopathic approaches to medicine. Although many people feel strongly about one approach or the other, many are confused as to what holistic and alternative medicine is. Holistic and alternative medicine is currently defined as "non-traditional" systems of health care; such as acupuncture, homeopathy, chiropractic, herbal medicine and yes, even yoga. Holistic and alternative medicine centers on a cooperative relationship between a person and "healer" leading towards optimal attainment of physical, mental, emotional, social and spiritual aspects of health. Holistic and alternative medicine looks at the whole person; including scrutiny of physical, nutritional, environmental, emotional, social, spiritual and lifestyle values. Holistic and alternative practitioners, including yoga teachers, emphasize education and responsibility to achieve balance and well-being.. In contrast, allopathic or western medicine has traditionally emphasized a strong doctor-driven relationship that focuses upon accepted science, differential diagnosis, prescriptive medicines, regular checkups, and when necessary, surgery in order to attain healing. In this model, ill persons are often encouraged to comply with physician directives without challenge.
 

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