Alternative medicine is any form of medical practice that does not base itself on scientific methods, but instead relies on what we would call ‘spiritual beliefs’ and the use of therapies and practices which directly, or indirectly, clash with scientific findings. It is what you’d call traditional medicine – the medical practices which ranged from witchcraft to the divinations of the past. A particular category within this is traditional Chinese medicine (TCM), a medical practice which has over 2,500 years of history within it.
Traditional Chinese medicine in Auckland is simply based on one basic foundation – the concept of ‘qi’ (i.e. also called ‘chi’). This can be translated as ‘vital energy’ and is basically some form of spiritual energy believed by the Chinese to reside in our bodies. This qi circulates our body in a much similar fashion to blood in the circulatory system; it does this through the channels which are called as ‘meridians’. The Chinese believe that the imbalance, or the improper circulation of qi is the main cause behind illness, and traditional Chinese medicine attempts to rectify this imbalance through five main practices: • Herbal medicine – as the name suggests, this is a method of therapy which uses many different kinds of Chinese herbs and plants. However, it also makes use of animal, human and mineral products in its concoctions. It is used to cure many diseases, ranging from haemorrhoids to acute pancreatitis.
• Acupuncture – this is the famous therapy which involves the insertion of thin needles into the body at points which are called ‘acupuncture points’ (which the Chinese believe are 500 points in total). The therapy is used to cure stress, pain relief, infertility and many other maladies.
• Tui na (Massage) – also known as ‘tuina’, this is often used. It consists of massaging certain pressure points of the body to relieve many musculoskeletal conditions.
• Qigong (Exercise) – the most prominent comparison to qigong would be yoga, which you might be familiar with (or even be a practitioner of). Like yoga, qigong consists of relaxation, meditation and exercise to promote the healthiness of the body and the mind.
• Dietary therapy – this is basically something like adhering to a prescribed diet for a specified period of time. Unlike a normal diet, this will consist mainly of various types of Chinese foods.
While traditional Chinese treatment has often been under the scrutiny of many scientific groups for its unscientific basis, there are still many cases of its efficacy in curing many various kinds of illnesses and conditions; thus, it has spread well beyond China and it is used as a form of alternative medicine throughout the world.
Sadly when it comes to in home aged care services, there is no rating system available which would enable clients to make decisions likely. Without any ratings and ranks available the selection process might turn out being a bit tough. Yet you need not worry as there is a wide array of wonderful old age care facilities that you can enjoy. However, you need to ensure that you make the selection with vigilance.
If you too are looking for an aged care service, then make sure that youdo browse through a few essential tips which would assist in narrowing down your choice:
• Do understand that your first thought or impression is vital
The value of a good in home aged care does not correspond to the furniture, appealing brochures or the age of the building. You need to make sure that if you are taken to an aged care home by an agency, you need to have a proper tour of the facilities that they would provide you with. Do ensure that you have a proper interaction with the residents there as well as the staff members working in that old age centre. Observe, whether the residents are happy when the staff are conversing to them? Are the staff members attentive and caring? Do also take note about the hygiene and cleanliness part and does it smell clean or dirty? Does it look more as a hospital or is it inviting, warm and gives you a happy feeling to be around at this place? Do you notice people laughing? Also notice whether the residents are taking part in everyday activities and are they dressed up well, neat and tidy?
• Would the location be convenient for you?
The location is necessary as your family and friends would come in to visit you from time to time. This is an occasion when the resident gets an opportunity to move out and connect with the community as and where possible (shops, events, etc). Especially for aged people, loneliness becomes quite a serious issue and this is why it is necessary for them to stay connected with family, friends and the community as much as it is possible. Do ensure that you ask the agency about outings and know if it would be possible for you to take residents out from time to time to local community events.
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