When Einstein introduced his theory of relativity in 1905, our way of viewing the uni-
verse changed dramatically. Einstein said that all matter is energy, energy and matter
are interchangeable, and all matter is connected at the subatomic level. No single
entity could be affected without all connecting parts being affected. In this view, the
universe is not a giant clock, but a living web. The human body is animated by an
integrated energy called the life force. The life force sustains the physical body but is
also a spiritual entity that is linked to a higher being or infinite source of energy.
When the life force flows freely throughout the body, a person experiences optimal
health and vitality. When the life force is blocked or weakened, organs, tissues, and
cells are deprived of the energy they need to function at their full potential, and ill-
ness or disease results. As the costs of conventional medicine grow and people con-
tinue to suffer from chronic illnesses and degenerative diseases, alternative medicine
is a more and more appropriate system for the maintenance of this life.What Are the Theoretical Foundations of the Two Systems?
In understanding and comparing conventional and alternative medicine, it is help-
ful to study the assumptions that are basic to their theories, practices, and research.
These include assumptions about the origin of disease, the meaning of health, the
healing process, and the nature of healthy living (see Table 1.3).TABLE1.3 Paradigms of Medicine
Conventional Medicine Alternative Medicine
Mind/body/spirit are... separate one
The body is... a machine a living microcosm or
universe
Disease results when... parts break energy/life force becomes
unbalanced
The role of medicine is to... combat disease restore mind/body/
spirit harmony
Approach is to... treat and suppress symptoms search for patterns of
disharmony or imbalance
Focuses on... parts/matter whole/energy
Treatments... attempt to “fix” broken parts support self-healing
Primary interventions drugs, surgery diet, exercise, herbs,
include... stress management, social
support
A system of... sick care health careCHAPTER 1 WHAT IS ALTERNATIVE MEDICINE ALL ABOUT? 9