What is known today as alternative medicine has a history that almost starts with history of human civilization itself. Alternative and complementary medicine mark the earliest and probably the most sustained efforts of humanity to combat against diseases and ailments.
Indian Ayurveda, traditional Chinese medicine and many other forms of medication had well evolved and developed even more than 6000 years ago. These earlier methods were rooted on the concept of balance between bodily energy and natural energy. They postulated that positive energy brings happiness and health, while negative energy debilitates the body and mind. Control over mind, to avoid the accumulation of negative and harmful energies, was the central theme of many of these methods.
Through their careful study of nature and natural products, these traditional and complementary schools of medicine were also able use various herbs and natural products in treatment of different diseases. Therapies addressed the underlying cause of the disease by encouraging lifestyle changes, self-care and preventive strategies, rather than simply suppressing symptoms.
Slowly many cultures across the world developed their own systems of medications and therapies to address multiple health issues affecting. Many of them such as ‘Acupuncture’, ‘Reiki’ ‘Yoga’ ‘Therapeutic touch’ ‘Music therapy’ ‘Osteopathic’ and ‘Homeopathic’, were inherently rooted on spiritual and partially scientific methods. On the other hand, quack practices, such as ‘black magic’ and ‘spells and intonations’ also emerged that did great harm to people who choose to rely upon them.
Even after the emergence of allopathic medicine in late 19th century, many of the successful methods of alternative medicine continued to be practices by all the major doctors. Most of the good doctors of that age used the same skills as today's herbalists, osteopaths and dieticians; they were generous with time and empathy, and relied on a good bed-side manner. Prayer was important, as was "a change of air"; more dubiously, so were lots of laxatives and bleeding and leeches. Right up until the early 20th century, sick people relied on much the same kind of therapies as their ancestors.
This all changed with the breathtaking scientific researches and discoveries in 20th century, especially in the period after Second World War. The discovery of penicillin, groundbreaking advances in surgery, discovery of DNA structure, development in cell and molecular biology and stem cell research have all made the modern medical stream an omnipotent field with claims to a possible cure every thing.
And yet there are many health and pathological complications that modern medicine is unable to understand or offer any remedy. New disorders, diseases, and variants of earlier epidemics continue to strike and create havoc in world. The new age life-style of excessive and irregular hours of work burn out people, force early ageing, and create severe and often irrevocable health disorders. The failure of medicine to effectively counter them is once again encouraging people to try alternative and complementary medicine.
