Choosing Healthcare

Modern healthcare has given us so much, but have we in the process lost the valuable knowledge and wisdom of traditional practices?

I remember as a child how my mother used to massage away the tension in my shoulders if I had a headache; when it was exam time she would make me some almond milk to drink. I didn’t at the time know why she did this but I knew she was nurturing me to ease my body in the lifestyle that I had. And of course now we know how muscle tightness can restrict blood flow to the head leading to tension headaches; how nuts and seed in fact are full of good quality oils that help us to concentrate.

Many ‘traditional’ techniques have been passed down generation to generation and are often seen as non scientific yet through observation and critical deduction many have passed the test of time and blended into what is now being classified as traditional health care.

Recently I was at Herbfest - a herbal conference and gathering of like minded practitioners. Many different branches of herbal medicine were represented – western, Chinese, Ayurvedic, African, all of which I found hugely interesting as each brings their own traditions and experiences into the modern world. Ayurveda, the traditional medicine of India is based on over 5000 years of knowledge and its principles of healing all make sense and can still very much be applied today. Keeping yourself well involves a whole integrated approach combining – daily practices of eating wholesome food, taking time to sit quietly to eat, taking care of your emotional health, exercising regularly, taking adequate rest and integrating into community life.

Whilst we in the west have such a wealth of information, technology and resources to help us address symptoms, have we come so far as breaking health down into its component parts for so long that we have lost the bigger picture? Prince Charles, recently addressed this issue in his speech to the World Health Assembly in Switzerland where he urged us to look at a more integrated approach to our health care, blending the best of modern with the best of ancient. And it is already happening as some hospitals and GP’s practices are opening up to new ideas of integrated health care.

With so many complex modern diseases we need to be able to use what is available to us in order to reduce suffering. In a new system of health care, perhaps you may find yourself with a team of practitioners looking after you: GP, hospital specialist, naturopath, osteopath and massage therapist. Your medicine cabinet may contain not just pharmaceutical drugs but also natural medicines and supplements all contributing to your health, wellbeing and life.

For more information on natural health register with Rumana’s e-newsletter at her website.

Rumana Zahn is a Naturopath and Medical Herbalist and runs clinics in Newcastle (within a GPs practice), Darlington and Seaham Hall’s Serenity Spa. She is a leader within the field of Natural Medicine, writes and speaks extensively on the subject. She can be contacted on 01325 722803 or www.rumanahealth.com

Rumana is a member of the British Register of Complementary Practitioners.

 

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