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The
word "natural medicine" was used since 19th century, but
the therapies and the philosophy on which natural medicine is based
have been effectively used to treat diseases for thousands years.
Natural medicine has extensive concept, scope, and evolved into a
medical system of its own. It is the achievement of civilization jointly
created by mankind in countries like China, India and Greece etc.
The history of mankind combating diseases has been a history of the
evolvement of natural medicine. Only in the last two centuries, natural
medicine was partly replaced by moden medicine in treating diseases.
Hippocrates, a physician who lived 2400 years ago, is often considered
the earliest predecessor of natural medicine physicians, particularly
in terms of his teaching that "nature is healer of all diseases"
and his formulation of the concept "the healing power of nature."
This concept has long been at the core of indigenous medicine in many
cultures around the world and remains one of the central themes of
natural medicine philosophy to this day.
Natural Medicine was first established as a distinct profession in
North America at the turn of the 20th century by Benedict Lust, a
German immigrant to describe various combinations of natural medicines.
In 1902, he founded the first natural medicine college in New York
City, which includes classes in natural regimen, herb treatment, homeopathy,
chiropractics and relaxation healing etc. Around 1920, from coast
to coast, there were a number of natural medicine schools, thousands
of natural medicine physicians, and scores of thousands of patients
using natural medicine therapies.
It is a developing period of natural medicine from the early part
of the 20th century to 1930s. After that period, western medicine
established its legal status in national health system while natural
medicine’s development was hampered.
With the development of our society, people tend to have longer life
expectancy, the paces of life is faster than ever, our environment
are being seriously polluted. The influences on our health are increasingly
obvious. The conventional medicine begins to show its limitations.
People begin to realize the side effects and harms done by chemical
drugs.
Natural medicine’s holistic approach and its effectiveness in treating
some incurable diseases and some particular diseases are being recognized
by more and more people. Its influences are increasing worldwide.
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