Holistic Medicines are Greener Medicines
Here are some of the best natural cures
Holistic medicines include massage; even small babies can benefit. Picture thanks to Valentinapowers
Holistic medicines can offer us a lot of benefits. There are holistic and natural medicines to suit all needs and practically all ailments.
Holistic therapies are ones which concentrate upon the whole person - mind, body and even soul.
Most of these natural therapies are definitely greener because they place fewer demands upon the planet's resources.
This page takes a look at some of the problems thrown up by conventional medicine and then goes on to explore some of the best natural cures around. There are many natural remedies to choose from - treating all sorts of complaints. Some will provide cures for some people seeking better health and some will provide effective palliation. Most natural remedies are well suited to green living and an eco-friendly lifestyle.
Is modern medicine green?
The answer has to be no not very!
Holistic medicines can offer many real alternatives, which may suit people trying to adopt a green living approach.
See below for examples of "green" therapies.
But first, a little about modern medicine.
Modern medicine or green, holistic medicines?
Here are some of the ways that modern medicine fails to be green. And some reasons why most conventional medicine fails to be environmentally friendly.
Modern conventional medical treatments often involve the use of many toxic drugs. Some of these have environmental effects. Even the contraceptive pill has been blamed for contaminating water supplies and causing problems in the reproductive cycles of fish.
Spiralling energy needs
Hospitals and drug companies use huge amounts of energy, generating an enormous amount of carbon-dioxide (a greenhouse gas). This might seem facile, but if fewer people actually needed these services the planet would be under less stress from greenhouse gases.
If more people used greener, holistic medicines as a first option, at least for non-life-threatening complaints, this might be a realistic goal. Most types of alternative medicine are far less energy dependent.
The energy issues of hospitals are being addressed to some extent by government agencies and health organisations as the frightening facts about become clearer.
But even such a new hospital as the John Radcliffe Hospital in Oxford, England is predicted to be using above the maximum recommended energy of 55 giga-joules per 100 square metres per year. This hospital has been designed with close attention to environmental issues, even down to the choice of linoleum covering the floors. Even so, it fails this basic environmental test.
Spiralling treatment cycles
Holistic medicines don't normally include pills. The best natural cures are usually more subtle and sustainable. Picture thanks to Rodrigo Senna
Some modern medical treatments ...
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