Health Care in Canada: Traditional Medicine, Alternative Treatment or Both

The blend of the various disciplines should make health care much more effective in the coming years.

Acupuncture is a method of balancing the body's energy by inserting needles under the skin at specific points along energy pathways (meridians), to prevent or cure diseases and/or disorders. Modern approaches recognize that needles inserted at acupuncture points induce biochemical changes in the body. Acupuncture Foundation of Canada Institute

Allopathy is the practice of conventional medicine, generally referred to as Western or Science-based medicine. Often the forms of treatment are technologically based and/or invasive, such as surgery or drugs. The use of substances and treatments are specifically targeted against the disease and intended to create a different effect from that produced by the disease. Canadian Medical Association

Chiropractic is a complementary, drug-free, alternative medicine whose purpose is to diagnose and treat mechanical disorders of the spine and musculoskeletal system with the intention of affecting the nervous system and improving health. Chiropractic uses manual treatments including spinal adjustment, ultrasound and other joint and soft-tissue manipulation. Canadian Chiropractic Association

Homeopathic Medicine is a gentle holistic system of healing that applies the theory that “like cures like”. Homeopathy is said to be safe for babies and pregnant women and can be taken alongside other medication without producing unwanted side effects. Remedies are derived from natural substances that come from plants, minerals, or animals and prepared by diluting the substance in a series of steps, while still maintaining the substance’s healing qualities. The Homeopathic Medical Association of Canada

Massage Therapy has proven beneficial for many chronic conditions including; back pain, arthritis, bursitis, high blood pressure etc. and can help relieve everyday tension that can lead to disease and illness. Massage is applied using stroking, kneading, tapping, compression, vibration and pressure to the muscular structure or soft tissues of the human body. Canadian Massage Therapy Alliance

Naturopathy is based on the idea that the body has an innate capacity to fight disease and heal itself. Naturopathy comprises a blend of different therapies using the most natural, non-invasive way possible by stimulating the body's own healing powers. Treatments include manual therapy, environmental medicine, aromatherapy, homeopathy, and acupuncture. A consultation usually includes analysis of your medical history, lifestyle, diet, exercise habits, stress, relationships, sleep patterns, and mental and spiritual health. Canadian Association of Naturopathic Doctors

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