The New Alchemy
Alchemy cannot be easily defined due to the multiplicity of its definitions and the variety and diversity of its conceptions. It is often described as a religious and spiritual based science, most closely related to chemistry. Despite the connotations of mysticism, alchemical practice played an important role in the evolution of modern science. Alchemy itself is no longer practiced but there are modern day fields that could be considered the new alchemy. I believe alternative medicine could be considered the new alchemy. Alternative medicine consists of a variety of medical treatments or therapies that are not regarded as conventional and the effects and safety are not entirely proven. The term alternative medicine covers a
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Alternative medicine typically incorporates lifestyle changes into the treatment processes, such as diet changes or changes in exercise habits, to maximize the benefits of the treatments. In a study done by the Canadian Journal of Public Health, it was found that users of alternative medicine had more good health habits than nonusers. Similar to this, alchemists require a process of self purification in order for one to attain enlightenment. The process of self purification involves a kind of mind-body connection to shed the “toxicity” from the outside world and ultimately reach this state of enlightenment. This idea of mind body connection is used in certain alternative therapies to reach a better state of health. Biofeedback therapy is one of these therapies; this is a technique in which individuals practice and learn to modify their physiology for the purpose of improving health. Because of the required self adjustments required in both fields, alchemists and holistic practitioners can blame the subject for any failures rather than their work. Holistic practitioners can say a treatment did not have the expected results because the subject did not make the correct lifestyle changes and alchemists can say the subject did not complete the process of purifying one’s soul. This also makes it hard to prove or disprove the effectiveness of these …show more content…
In alternative medicine, researchers can see the effects but are often unsure why these therapies work, which is parallel to alchemists focusing on results. Aromatherapy/the use of essential oils is one of these therapies. The effects of the plant materials used in these oils, such as reducing anxiety and improving sleep, have long been documented but researchers still struggle to find out how and why these effects occur.
Safety is an uncertainty in both of these practices. During the time alchemy was practiced the adverse effects of mercury on one’s health were not known. It is likely that many alchemists died from mercury poisoning due to the excessive use of mercury in alchemy. In alternative medicine researchers are unsure of how safe the treatments are. Researchers are hesitant to approve these treatments because of this uncertainty of long term health effects.
Alchemy was also a very costly practice given that expensive materials were used and sometimes people were taken advantage of. One could argue the same with alternative medicine. Therapies that use things such as herbal remedies can be very costly due to the particular products used and processes used to make them
Alternative medicine is often related to medical care. By definition, medicine is that the medical techniques that area unit typically not accepted or practiced by standard medical practitioners. Most various medicines
The Alchemyst by Michael Scott is a fast-paced novel with diction that makes it easy to understand as well. Recommended for particularly teenagers, but adults as well, this book introduces a new world of magic where everything is unsuspected and will leave the reader guessing at all times. This book mainly focuses on the issue between the good and the evil (known as the dark elders). Firstly, we are introduced to Sophie and Josh Newman, who both have part-time jobs and are ordinary teenagers. Sophie works at a coffee shop and Josh works at a bookstore. Little do they know, Josh’s boss, Nicholas Flamel, was originally supposed to die in 1418 according to the records. Although, he’s still alive because he holds the most powerful book (known
An ancient Chinese proverb proclaims, "Nature, time and patience are the three great doctors". Nowadays more and more people choose to be treated by methods that are not based on Western systematic techniques that are the knowledge and practice of medicine which is usual in the West. These methods are known as “Alternative medicine”, which consists of homeopathy, acupuncture, aromatherapy, chiropractic medicine and others. Chinese medicine is also gaining popularity among people. The alternative way of treatment has verified its efficiency and is methodically founded, but, unfortunately, has its little disadvantages and needs a scientific base. For that reason, the alternative medicine is not generally available in all countries, and people have to pay for their individual treatment. Whereas some people consider it an ambiguity and do not dare try it because they consider it might be quite dangerous or insecure, some others just think about it as nonsense and pay little or no attention to it. People who feel anxious or doubtful of it claim that if non-traditional medicine had really worked, then appropriate doctors would have used it. Nevertheless, since the early 1980s, the alternative medicine has become increasingly popular, and although it is not officially accepted by the medical base, some doctors do accept that such methods can be effective in treating some types of illnesses. Moreover, usual medicine has its boundaries, since some illnesses are untreatable and some others which are caused by mental troubles cannot be cured by its methods (Kowalski, 1998).
Acupuncture, ayurveda, chiropractice, homeopathy, meditation, osteopathy, and yoga are just a few of the many types of medicine practiced all over the world. According to the western establishment, all these forms of medicine are called alternative medicines. However, some of the aforementioned techniques have been in continuous use for over six thousand years, predating western medicine by over four thousand years. Yet, still many M.D.'s reject alternative forms of medicine. One of the buzzwords in medicine in recent years has been "holistic medicine". Physicians are becoming more aware of the need to treat the whole patient rather than just certain symptoms. Due to this realization, a small percentage of doctors are turning to ancient forms of medicine as a guide to alternative treatments. As alternative forms of medicine emerge in the western world, Christian scientists need to determine the moral, religious, and scientific validity of such techniques in order to gain a more holistic approach to medicine.
What is aromatherapy? In an article titled “Phytotherapy Research” by Amr Edris, he describes aromatherapy as, “The use of essential oils and their volatile constituents are widely to prevent and treat human disease.” Aromatherapy is said to be an alternate form of medicine that uses essential oils, which are made up of volatile plant materials. With these essential oils it is said that they help to alter a person’s mood, health, mind, and cognitive function. It is also said that aromatherapy could substitute as treatment or prevention for certain diseases. There are many different types of oils used for aromatherapy in different ways for different outcomes. Such methods include the topical application, aerial diffusion, and direct inhalation. Topical application is any direct contact with the oil, used such as placing the oil in a bath or directly on to the skin. Aerial diffusion is where the oil is placed on the carpet around you or even on to a pillow or bed. Direct inhalation is a method where the oil is placed on the hands and rubbed together then while cupping your hands under your face to inhale the oils, this has a very powerful effect when used. Some uses of aromatherapy are for used as anti-depressants, relive stress, help with relaxation, insomnia, acne, itching and many more. To cure anxiety lavender, chamomile, rose, vanilla, and cardamom oils are all used for this. Lemon, jasmine, rosemary, sandalwood, and peppermint oils are all used to help with depression. When dealing with fatigue it is said that basil, cedarwood, clove, and eucalyptus all help. Headaches can be cured with lemon grass, thyme, ginger, and cinnamon oils. Caraway, chamomile, lavender, and rosemary oils are all used to help with menstrual cramps. The...
For many centuries, humanity has been on an eternal quest for cures and treatments for many chronic conditions. At the present time, conventional medicine is mostly performed by doctors and other health care professionals, with the extensive use of pharmaceutical drugs, surgery or radiation treatments for disease treatment. Conversely, even though not as popular, complementary and alternative medicine and treatment options are slowly gaining popularity and becoming an addition to traditional medicine.
The majority of the population gets sick or gets some medical condition and will head straight to the doctor for a prescription; prescriptions that will have a long list of side effects that sometimes seem worse than the original problem. They will buy pricey visits with specialists, when after visiting ten doctors the problem just keeps coming back, if it even ever went away at all. There has to be a simpler way. Something that doesn't come with a large price tag and doesn't have side effects; it fixes the illness and doesn't just mask the symptoms. Alternative medicine is becoming more and more popular because it attempts to find the underlying cause of the patient’s condition rather than focusing solely on symptomatic treatment. With many conditions there are simple, natural, and effective cures that could be considered next time as an alternative to traditional medicine or used with traditional medicine to reach optimal health.
Alternative medicine can also be defined as the result of a series of important changes occurring within the American health care system today. For example, health care practitioners are coming to the realization that conventional biomedicine cannot solve many of America’s health problems. Therefore many doctors have begun to accept the idea that Holistic Medicine is based on, that is, that health involves more than just the physical body. They have also found many alternative medical treat...
Our life is an age of previously unimaginable medical breakthroughs. The technology we know today is one that emulated witchcraft to our great grand parents. Yet, with all that we can do, all of the healing we can accomplish by this modern medicine, we seen to be resorting back to the idea of natural holistic health care. Maybe, the Native American People had the right idea.
This motivates me to study and practice alternative medicine which has a different approach to healing than conventional medicine. Alternative medicine uses treatments such as herbalism, massage therapy, acupuncture, and exercise, in order to give the body a chance to heal itself. Alternative Medicine uses natural forms of treatment in order to aid the body to become successful in healing itself. Forms of Alternative Medicine can relieve pain, stress, prevent and treat illnesses and have the potential to heal and cure sicknesses and disease. I know that people are suffering and losing their lives to varies forms of diseases and cancers and many of them result to receiving conventional medical treatments but, find that the medications seem to be harsh to their bodies and too expensive. My goal is to help those searching for an alternative that would have less side effects and be more affordable. I decided to go into this field of medicine because I want to provide medicine that would not only treat the symptoms of illness and disease but actually cure the problem and allow people to live a healthier
In today’s world, many people assume that the latest medical technology and treatments are always the best option. However, all over the world, different techniques for curing diseases and aliments are being used. These methods fall under the category of complementary and alternative medicine.
There are many ways to examine the subject of alchemy, including alchemy as a source of symbolism, psychology, and mysticism. It has also been an influence on the world view of various writers, artist, and musicians. The focus of this report is alchemy as a pre-chemistry, which gave a new impulse towards the preparation of medicinal remedies and also was a major influence on today's scientific investigations.Alchemy is an ancient art, practiced in the Middle Ages. The fundamental concept of alchemy stemmed from Aristotle's doctrine that all things tend to reach perfection.
About 40% of Americans use some type of method outside the mainstream of conventional medicine. When hearing medicines that are being described outside the mainstream, you hear terms like complementary, alternative, or integrated medicine (CAM). Complementary medicine is usually referred to as medicine being combined with conventional medicine. Alternative medicine is usually ref...
Being Saudi Arabian is to be faithful and authentic to one important religion symbol of Islam which is being believer of Allah but no one else and being the believer that Mohammed is the prophet of Allah, which is considered very essential aspect of the culture. Saudi Arabians are the people who have strong affiliation and loyalty to the authentic, generous, wise Arab tribes who settled in the Arabian Peninsula many years ago. In addition, being Saudi Arabian represents being loyal to the country that fully contributed to provide free healthcare, education, and public services for the citizens. Saudi Arabians are the people who care and help others when they face any life disasters. The Saudi Arabians have many symbols that represent them. First, the date tree is an important symbol of the culture, which represents them as the glorious and authentic people who serve dates besides Arabic coffee together in celebrating any special occasion such as family gatherings, weddings, and funerals. The date tree also represents them as the people who always give to their families, and community...
http://www.susantannermd.com/articles/benefits-of-natural-medicine.html#.VivAwH6rS00 In a perfect world, alternative medicine and conventional medicine would find ways to co-exist. Helping people balance the benefits of using both. If the world we live in could only find the proper remedy in using both approaches to overall healing, we would have longer life spans. However, today’s society does not allow these medical treatments to co-exist and Americans tend to pick one form of treatment over the other. WORKS CITED Harter, Leona.