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Updated May 6, 2005
Traditional Medicine is also known as Natural Therapies and Complementary Medicine.
The use of Traditional Medicine goes back into the far reaches of history. It is Medicine of the old traditions. Medicine that through use over thousands of years was determined to be effective for ailments that were quite often not able to be diagnosed because the medicine providers had not become as sophisticated as they are required to be these days.
The medicine or concoctions used in days gone by were determined by elimination and eventually were remembered because of their effect on ailments. They became tried and true ways and means to deal with sickness. The degree and type of sickness was not even understood yet. We couldn't keep using blood-letting and leaches to relieve the pressure and stress of being sick. Yet today, modern thoughts are again contemplating the use of leeches for the relief of blood blisters and maggots for removing decaying flesh from infected wounds in lieu of operations.
Over history there were many magicians and witch-doctors that played their power games and control over people by mixing all sorts of entrails and powder to brew up whatever. People like Merlin the Magician all played their part in providing remedies for ailments. It was probably more by chance and good luck that some of the recommended mixtures actually worked. There are still races of people today that use these methods. So whatever ended up being the right mix for the right fix became the recommended use by tradition - Grandma's potent "fix one fix all" remedy. This did not mean that grandma was a professional medico, but it worked a lot of the time.
Over the years there have been many learned people that got involved with medicine and brought the whole fraternity into a higher level of effectiveness and a new level of respect.
It is not by chance that Traditional Medicine is also known as Complementary Medicine. It is the history of traditional medicine that extends itself into modern medicine. Traditional Medicine still complements Modern Medicine and always will do.
Modern Medicine by its nature and purpose is the reason for Bugs and Viruses that have "learned and developed immune systems" that can fight off modern Medicine. In mankind's aim to overcome illness Modern Medicine has had to resort to tougher and stronger medication by the means of Drugs and Supplements that have a high degree of chemical input and high toxicity that may produce side-effects. Using the principle that the side-effects can be more easily dealt with that the main problem. Modern Medicine has the advantage over Traditional Medicine in that it can be quicker acting and in times of stress it might be the option that is preferred.
It must not be overlooked that Herbs can also have a high toxic factor and hence the need for caution with these potentially dangerous naturally grown products. We do not need to look too far to realise the problems caused by the legal smoking of tobacco, the use of the illegal poppy, etc. and the now relaxed "merry juarna" plant.
And now a new factor. As the public use of Complementary Medicines gains in popularity a patient must advise their medical practitioner of all that they use. The inadvertent mixing by a patient of prescribed highly potent Scheduled Drugs with over-the-counter Herbal products that may interact and cause greater problems, even though the individual prescriptions work well for their singular use.
The days when anyone could recommend any herbal medicine and freely get it are limited.
The modern day use of Traditional Medicine under the Self Regulation Guidelines of the ASA for Inspired providers will begin soon.
It is important that the public can be confident that an ASA Accredited Provider has been able to meet a minimum standard of practice. And that there is a Regulator that is ever mindful of the responsibility it has to the public to provide a safe and appropriate inspired service.
The ASA first met with the TGA on Feb 22, 2005 and held further discussions on May 5th, 2005.
The Academy is preparing for the Self Regulation of Inspired Providers.
This will provide a high quality and safe service delivered with empathy and ensured efficacy. It is a system of monitoring Services, including Products and Devices used only by Inspired Providers accredited by the ASA.
This system will raise the confidence of the public and medical profession in our use of Traditional Medicine under inspired guidance.
The ASA has a no-harm policy and aims to complement the modern day medical profession.
Any comments or enquiries are welcome. academy@spiritual.com.au |