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Photo by Sophie of sxc.hu
Alternative medicine treats the whole body instead of just isolated symptoms, creating a different point of view for addressing illness and injury.
Even when addressing physical concerns and complaints, holistic health practitioners try to take into consideration the entire body alignment, not just the specific area of complaint.
I saw this first-hand in my massage practice when a client came in complaining of neck pain. As I began the massage I followed a line of tension all the way down the back, to the hips. Later I found increased muscle tension and decreased range of motion in the muscles of the leg as well. As I began to work this myofascial restriction the client mentioned, "Oh yeah - I hurt my knee 6 months ago, I forgot to tell you." Even though it didn't seem related to the client, the pattern of compensation set up in the body because of the knee injury, caused an imbalance in the body. The client felt the pain in the neck, but the root of the problem began in the leg.
This whole-body approach to wellness extends to the mind and spirit for some alternative medicines. Tai Chi is a physical tradition that also serves to focus the mind and clear stressed emotions. Reiki and other energy techniques also address the mind and emotions of a person, in helping them find balance in all areas of life.
One of the reasons why some people prefer alternative forms of treatment is because they feel that by addressing the entire body, instead of a single, isolated symptom, they are able to achieve optimal health and wellness.
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