A comparison of the strategies of traditional physicians and holistic

A comparison of the strategies of traditional physicians and holistic healers

Using p[plant medicines to heal the body has been practiced for thousands of years, in every culture in the history of mankind. The discovery of penicillin marked a turning point in modern medical practice. Instead of having to down cups of a less than appetizing tea, containing several herbs, to cure a respiratory infection, this 'magic bullet' pill of Penicillin would do the trick. This seemed a much better, easier and more convenient way to deal with that illness. Thus, modern medicine gained in popularity and acceptance from the general public. The herbal medicines and holistic healers rapidly fell by the wayside. The pharmaceutical, chemical creations quickly shifted the so-called holistic healer into the medical past.

However, as with many 'easy' solutions, there comes a down side. Today, as pharmaceutical medications become more sophisticated, the unwanted side effects of the medication often become greater, sometimes causing another, seemingly unrelated ailment with which the health care practitioner, and patient must deal. The almost guaranteed yeast infection a woman develops after a round of antibiotics is a case in point.

During the late 1960s and early 1970s, the holistic healer's methodology enjoyed a resurgence in popularity among people looking for natural health remedies which cured the ailment, but without the unwanted side effects.

Let's take a look at the differences in approach between the traditional physician and the holistic practitioner. You decide what makes better sense.

For example, let's say you suffer from acne and boils. The traditional physician is likely to prescribe an antibiotic, lance boils and advise you on dietary changes that will help prevent future outbreaks. On the other hand, the holistic healer views the acne and boils as a symptom of an underlying cause, specifically an excess of toxins in the bloodstream. Thus, the holistic physician may prescribe herbal blood cleansers to flush those toxins from your system. Instead of lancing boils, the holistic healer may apply a poultice of herbs which draw out the infection. Both the traditional and holistic healer generally agree on dietary changes.

In summary, the major difference between these two types of health care practitioners is that the M.D. Treats the symptoms, while the holistic professional looks for the root cause of the symptom.

The holistic strategy usually does not effect a cure as quickly as modern pharmaceuticals. On the other hand, the holistic remedies are usually more thorough.

Of course, there are obvious exceptions. If you break your arm in a fall, the traditional route with a cast is your best bet.

If you suffer from a heart condition or other serious disease, a naturopathic physician (N.D.) can advise you on the use of pharmaceuticals and plant medicines and how you might be able to transition safely to herbals or possibly combine therapies.

So you decide. The holistic healer's treatments are certainly worth a look.