The term 'alternative medicine' that is so commonly used today is somewhat unsuitable since that would seem to indicate that it is a form of treatment departing from so-called 'traditional' scientific practices and is just a possibility for a new treatment of disease. The truth is, so called 'alternative' medicine is the natural treatment of disease that was in effect in ancient times long before conventional medicine was ever introduced. Alternative medicine is traditional, whereas conventional medicine is relatively new and not traditional. So conventional medicine should rightly be deemed 'alternative.'

Upon the introduction of conventional medicine, what is now called alternative medicine was suppressed, insomuch that many sufferers are very distrustful of the use of ancient treatments because they have been made to believe that such treatments are ineffectual or even dangerous.

Yet, many ancient practices as Chinese, water treatment, herbal remedies, massage and Ayurveda (Indian medicine believed to be the oldest and most complete medical system) are still being practised with great results; and, in recent times, other systems also based upon the ancient forms of natural healing have emerged. These include such therapies as homeopathy, osteopathy, chiropractic, aromatherapy, nutritional medicine, naturopathic, and many other natural therapies that have proved to support the natural healing function of the body with excellent results.

In spite of this, there are persons who would prefer to suffer than give such treatments a chance. However, when all else fail, many of those same persons are now returning to such therapies with the hope of finding relief.

Although there are different alternative therapies with varying beliefs and techniques, there are common principles under which they are all operating:

1. The body can heal itself naturally and remain stable.

2. Health problems can be contributed to factors of mind, body and emotions.

3. It is more important to get to the root cause of an illness and treat the whole person than to concentrate upon symptoms only.

4. A person can contribute to his own healing if he pays more attention to his health.

5. The same method of treatment cannot be suitable for everyone since each person is unique in his physical, mental, and spiritual build. This is why two persons may be diagnosed with the same disease and the same level of illness, and one survives and the other succumbs. Your mind can work wonders.

The main difference between so-called alternative medicine and conventional medicine is that the latter is too concerned with treating the symptoms of disease by scientific techniques and technology instead of treating the whole person and the cause of disease. On the other hand, alternative medicine puts much emphasis upon the prevention of disease (as mentioned above), and seeks to treat the whole person so as to strengthen the immune system to bring about a sustained healing.

Many diseases that have been deemed "incurable" are being

healed by natural 'alternative' means today but, unfortunately, they have never been heard of by countless sufferers. I enjoy making my own natural remedies from nature's herbs, vitamins and nutrients. I have been doing this for years and have always been quite healthy. You too can avoid the effects of costly synthetic prescription drugs used as medicines. It is up to you to stop poisoning yourself, maintain good health and save.

This article is written for information only and is not intended to suggest treatment of any disease. Information contained herein is based on research I have done and just want to share with interested persons. Anyone suffering from a disease is advised to consult a recognized practitioner for advice.

Part 2 to follow ...