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7 Reasons Why We Still Need Traditional Medicine
November 22, 2024When to Use Traditional Medicine (And When Not To)
Did you know that in Roman times urine was used as a teeth whitener? In the 1700’s tobacco was used as an enema. Up until the early 1900’s, heroin was used a cough syrup. There are some forms of medicine that belong in the past.
However, there are many other intricate systems of traditional medicine that are still used today and for good reasons.
What is Traditional Medicine?
Traditional medicine is recognized by the World Health Organization and is defined as the following:
The sum of knowledge, skills, and practices based on theories, beliefs, and experiences indigenous to different cultures. It is used for maintaining health and preventing, diagnosing, improving, or treating physical and mental illnesses.
The are many different systems of traditional medicine. The most common form of traditional medicine is acupuncture which comes from Traditional Chinese Medicine and is used in 113 countries worldwide.
Other popular forms of traditional medicine include herbal medicine, yoga and homeopathy.
According to a 2012 survey, it is estimated that that 49% of Canadians use some forms of traditional medicine.
Types of Traditional Medicine
There are many different types of traditional medicine. Here are some that we have studied and are familiar with:
Traditional Chinese Medicine:
At least 23 centuries old, Traditional Chinese Medicine (TCM) is a system of medicine that aims to heal or maintain health by balancing the two dynamic opposing forces Yin and Yang. When the body is in harmony, our life force or Qi energy will flow freely along meridians and channels to nourish our organs and tissues. Disharmony is caused by an obstruction to the flow of Qi along these meridians. Acupuncture helps to restore this flow of Qi to restore harmony. Acupressure, gua sha, cupping and moxibustion (burning of herbs) are all a part of acupuncture treatments. For more information on our services click here.
Ayurvedic Medicine:
Ayurveda is a 5,000-year-old system of traditional medicine originating from India. Ayurveda teaches us that we can bring balance to the body by balancing our constitutions or doshas. The doshas derive from the five elements: Fire, Water, Air, Earth, and Ether.
The doshas are as follows:
- Pitta = Fire + Water
- Kapha = Earth + Water
- Vata = Air + Ether
We all have a predominant one or two dosha, or perhaps a balance of all three (tri-doshic). Our doshas make up our physiological and psychological traits.
The goal of Ayurvedic medicine is not to keep all three doshas in balance, but rather to maintain your own natural balance whether it is Pitta, Vata or Kapha or a combination of the three.
Yoga:
Yoga and Ayurvedic medicine are closely connected as both are referenced in the Vedas. Yoga originated in South Asia over 5,000 years ago. The Vedas are a collection of ancient Sanskrit texts.
Yoga originally was used as a spiritual practice as opposed to a form of medicine. In the 1920’s, T. Krishnamacharya, who is considered the originator of modern yoga, promoted it as a way to bring balance to the body. Yoga works to balance prana flow. Prana, similar to Qi in TCM, is our life force or energy. Today Yoga can be used as a spiritual practice as well as a way to physically improve the body and focus the mind.
Hippocratic Medicine:
This is traditional medicine originating from Ancient Greece. Previously, the belief was that disease was caused by evil spirits and therefore cures were incantations to repel evil. Then around 300 B.C., the view on illness began to shift and therefore cures for diseases became more natural and less supernatural.
The concept of the four humors was developed.
The four humors were all associated with different elements:
Black bile – Dry earth
Yellow bile – water
Phlegm – Air
Blood – Fire
The goal was to balance these humors to promote health. This theory was used in Western Europe until the 17th Century. Hippocrates of Kos lived from 460–370 B.C.E. He founded the Hippocratic School of Medicine. Hippocrates and his colleagues created the Hippocratic Corpus, a collection of around 60 early Ancient Greek medical works.
Hippocratic medicine is not really used today but rather it has evolved. Hippocrates is known as the father of western medicine. The Hippocratic Oath is still used by physicians today. As holistic nutritionists, we also study the Hippocratic method, not to put in practice, but rather to understand its influence on health and modern medicine today.
Herbal Medicine:
Herbal medicine does not come from one tradition, but rather almost all systems of traditional medicine will include plant medicine of some kind. Therefore, when studying different herbs, it is important to look at the tradition from which it originated.
For instance, if you want to truly understand how to use Ashwagandha, it helps to have a basic understanding of Ayurveda. If you really want to understand how to use ginseng, a basic understanding of TCM is beneficial.
When to Use Traditional Medicine
Traditional medicine is still used today and still has a place, even though we now have modern medicine. However, it is important to know when and how to use it and to visit a qualified practitioner.
Here’s when to use it and when to not:
For “Dis-ease” not Disease
There are plenty of times when we are not sick, but we just still feel “off.” Those times when the doctor says “good news your blood work is normal” but we don’t feel normal. It is always important to do your “medical due diligence.”
Fatigue can be related to a hormone imbalance, a vitamin deficiency or it can be a symptom of cancer. This does not mean we should be paranoid, but before looking to alternatives, make sure you are not ignoring a major medical issue. If you and your doctor have determined you are experiencing general “dis-ease”, but do not have a medical problem, then you can begin to look at Traditional Medicinal options.
Some examples may be:
- Fatigue
- Sleep issues
- Stress
- Headaches
- Constipation
- Bloating
- Menstrual cramps
- Menopause symptoms
- Common colds
- General aches and pain
There are also prescription and over-the-counter medications for many of these issues, so you have that as an option as well. Please speak to your doctor before taking any herbal supplements if you take medications.
Managing Chronic Illnesses:
There are many cases when traditional medicine can be used to manage chronic illnesses and reduce symptoms. There are many chronic illnesses that medicine cannot cure, and the only solution is management through both modern medicine and traditional medicine. Here are just three examples of ways of this, but there are many more.
Acupuncture and Arthritis:
One of the most common uses for acupuncture is pain and inflammation. A 2018 systemic review of 43 studies concluded that acupuncture alone or with other treatments can reduce symptoms for those with rheumatoid arthritis and improve overall quality of life. A 2022 meta-analysis and systemic review investigated the effectiveness of acupuncture and acupuncture-related treatments (e.g. moxibustion and electro-acupuncture) as a complimentary treatment to modern medicine for those with rheumatoid arthritis. People who received TCM treatments in addition to modern medicine showed significant reduction in the following (compared to those that just received modern medicine):
- Inflammatory markers
- Swollen and tender joints
- Self-reported pain
The Arthritis foundation recognizes acupuncture as an effective method to relieve pain in those with both osteoarthritis and rheumatoid arthritis.
Herbal Medicine and Type 2 Diabetes Mellitus and Metabolic Syndrome:
There are many herbs that have been traditionally used to manage type 2 diabetes and have now shown promising results in scientific studies. Some herbs may contraindicate with medications so please check with a health care practitioner prior to taking any herbal supplements.
One of the best times to use herbal supplements is during the pre-diabetic phase. If your doctor has not prescribed any medication but only asked that you make some dietary and lifestyle changes, you can add some herbal supplements to your routine as well (but you still have to make the dietary and lifestyle changes).
Cinamon has been shown in studies to lower fasting blood sugar levels and improve hemoglobin A1C levels. Cassia cinnamon (cinnamon typically found in the store) has high levels of coumarin which may harm the liver in high doses. Therefore, cinnamon used for its medicinal purposes should be Ceylon cinnamon or true cinnamon.
Panax ginseng has also been shown to reduce blood sugar levels by 20%. Other herbs that have been shown to help with blood sugar levels and diabetes are aloe vera, gynemma and berberine. An herbalist can help you choose the right supplements for you and the appropriate dose.
Yoga and Mental Health
The view of yoga in the west often involves complicated postures and dynamic movements. However, the asanas or postures is only one branch of yoga.
Yoga involves breathing exercises, meditation, cultivating focus and mindfulness, principles and observances. A study published in the Internation Journal of Preventative Medicine concluded that yoga can help with stress, anxiety and depression. The study was conducted on 52 women who found improvements after just 12 Hatha yoga sessions.
Yoga can therefore be used as a complementary practice to conventional mental health treatments including medications and therapy.
Complementing Conventional Medicine for Acute Illness
There are also cases of traditional medicine being used as a complementary therapy in more acute cases. Acupuncture is an effective adjunct to modern medicine, as there are no side effects or contraindications with medications. If you have a serious disease, injury or other medical issue, you should always check with your doctor before starting a new therapy.
Acupuncture & IVF
Acupuncture is commonly used to augment IVF fertility therapy and recent studies have shown that can increase the live birth rate by 30%. The treatment works best when acupuncture is performed just before and after IVF treatments. Acupuncture can also improve fertility for couples conceiving the conventional way.
Acupuncture for Traumatic Brain Injury & Stroke
A 2017 study showed that acupuncture can help with neurological recovery after a traumatic brain injury. The study found that acupuncture treatments increased the production of brain-derived neurotrophic factor, a growth factor for the brain.
Acupuncture also increases blood flow to the brain and releases endorphins. A 2015 systemic review concluded that acupuncture and electro-acupuncture can reduce spasticity after a stroke and brain injury. This helped patients regain motor control when combined with rigorous physical therapy.
Acupuncture for Cancer Symptoms and Treatment of Side Effects
Acupuncture, acupressure and electro-acupuncture have been shown to help cancer patients improve their quality of life, reduce symptoms and side effects of both cancer and chemotherapy. A 2021 article in the journal of Cancer discussed how these treatments can help with fatigue, stress, pain, anxiety and depression; all associated with cancer and the treatment itself.
Acupuncture and electro-acupuncture have also been shown to help with CADS, chemotherapy associated dyspepsia syndrome. This is the nausea, vomiting, diarrhea and anorexia associated with chemotherapy. Sometimes, patients can postpone or even terminate treatment due to severity of CADS therefore mitigating these symptoms is an important part of cancer treatment.
When not to use Traditional Medicine
Traditional medicine is not meant to be used alone in the case of acute injuries and illnesses. It is also not meant to be used without a qualified practitioner. Practitioners of traditional medicine have studied their field for a long time and take it very seriously. They require those in their care to divulge any pre-existing medical conditions, medications and other supplements they are taking. All practitioners must follow the law and all safety procedures. In Ontario, most practitioners of traditional medicine are regulated by a third party.
- College of Traditional Chinese Medicine and Acupuncturists of Ontario
- THE OHMA | Ontario Homeopathic Medical Association | Toronto, Ontario
- Ontario Herbalists Association
- Home - Ontario Herbalists Association
- The Ontario Homeopathic Medical Association:
- THE OHMA | Ontario Homeopathic Medical Association | Toronto, Ontario
Traditional Medicine, when used properly, can improve quality of life, augment medical treatments and improve overall health. Using traditional medicine does not mean denying progress or ignoring your doctor’s advice, but instead integrating the wisdom of the past with modern medical advancements for a well-balanced approach to health.
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Kirsten Colella, CNP, a Holistic Nutritionist who graduated from the Institute of Holistic Nutrition with high honours, is also a certified yoga teacher. As a yogi who teaches individuals, groups and soon online, Kirsten does her best to live a full yoga-styled life, incorporating the best from herbs with her farm-fresh foods. Living on a farm with her family, Kirsten prepares a wide variety of farm-to-table meals, sharing her delicious recipes, colourful food pics and health-promoting food ideas on our Instagram page @essentialbalanceholistic.
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