Culture Difference
Research different popular nontraditional health care practices.
Describe nontraditional health care practices in different cultures. Compare at least three cultures.
Explain the importance of these practices in providing holistic and quality health care.
Identify the nontraditional health care options in your areas, and identify the number of people choosing to use them over traditional medical practices. Propose reasons why the number of people using nontraditional health care options is rising.
Nontraditional health care practices, also known as complementary and alternative medicine (CAM), are a wide range of therapies and treatments that are not typically taught in medical school or used in medical facilities. CAM practices have been used for centuries in cultures all over the world, and they are becoming increasingly popular in the West.
Here is a comparison of nontraditional health care practices in three different cultures:
China
Traditional Chinese medicine (TCM) is one of the most well-known and widely practiced systems of nontraditional medicine in the world. TCM is based on the belief that the body is a complex system of energy and that health is achieved when this energy is flowing in balance.
Some of the most common TCM practices include:
- Acupuncture: Thin needles are inserted into specific points on the body to stimulate energy flow.
- Herbal medicine: A wide variety of herbs are used to treat a wide range of conditions, from the common cold to cancer.
- Massage: Massage is used to promote relaxation, improve circulation, and relieve pain.
- Tai chi: Tai chi is a gentle form of exercise that involves flowing movements and deep breathing.
- Diet and nutrition: Ayurveda emphasizes the importance of eating a balanced diet that is appropriate for one's dosha type.
- Herbal medicine: Ayurvedic herbal medicine is used to treat a wide range of conditions, from the common cold to chronic diseases.
- Massage: Ayurvedic massage is used to promote relaxation, improve circulation, and balance the doshas.
- Yoga: Yoga is a mind-body practice that involves postures, breathing exercises, and meditation.
- Herbal medicine: A wide variety of herbs are used to treat a wide range of conditions.
- Massage: Massage is used to promote relaxation, improve circulation, and relieve pain.
- Spiritual healing: Many traditional Latin American healers believe that illness can be caused by spiritual imbalances. They may use rituals, prayers, and other spiritual practices to help heal their patients.
- Acupuncture
- Herbal medicine
- Massage
- Yoga
- Tai chi
- Ayurveda
- Homeopathy
- Naturopathy
- Chiropractic care
- Osteopathic medicine
- Reiki
- Qigong