Looking for Complements Rooted in ancient healing traditions,
non-Western medicine aids wellness In the fifth century B.C.,
Hippocrates taught that disease was caused by imbalance and
instability of the four “vital Humors” within a patient’s body.
Treatment of illness involved laxatives, purges, herbs, rest,
and hydration to rebalance the Humors. Over the following
centuries, many medical traditions evolved to heal sickness and
ease suffering. Most embrace the idea of restoring balance to
cure disease. Chinese medicine involves yin and yang, ayurveda
teaches about the three doshas, and Japanese Reiki harmonizes
vital energy to heal and improve health. Modern medical
diagnoses involve precise and scientific descriptions of
pathologic processes within a body, but the basic premise is the
same: Imbalance and instability result in illness. Advances in
modern medical technology have resulted in amazing lifesaving
treatments for critical injuries, massive infections, and
catastrophic illness. Current medical and su