10 Best Alternative Medicine Systems For Great Health When SHTF

Learn These 10 Alternative Medicine Systems When Hospitals Aren’t an Option

When the SHTF hits the fan emergency responses and hospitals will fall shortly after civilization does, so it’s best for you to have a back up plan when that happens. Understanding and utilizing alternative health systems will become crucial for survival. Here’s my personal comprehensive guide to some of the most effective alternative health systems that might save your life when civilization collapses.

1. Hoodoo

What modern times call “Traditional Chinese Medicine (TCM)” but I’ve learned as Hoodoo or Root Work this system has been practiced for thousands of years and offers a holistic approach to health that integrates the mind, body, and spirit. Rooted in ancient philosophy, Hoodoo views health as a state of balance and disease as a manifestation of imbalance. The system includes a wide range of practices aimed at maintaining or restoring a natural balance, which will help reduce health problems.

• Herbal Medicine: Hoodoo uses a variety of plants, roots, and herbs to treat illnesses and improve overall health. Each herb has specific properties and is used to target different organs or ailments.
  • Ginseng: Often called the “king of herbs,” ginseng is used to boost energy, improve mental clarity, and reduce stress. It’s also believed to enhance physical endurance and immune function.
  • Ginger: Known for its warming properties, ginger is used to aid digestion, alleviate nausea, and reduce inflammation. It’s also a common remedy for colds and respiratory issues.
• Acupuncture: This practice involves inserting thin needles into specific points on the body to balance the flow of energy, or Qi. Acupuncture is used to treat a variety of conditions, including chronic pain, digestive disorders, and stress-related ailments.
• Tai Chi and Qi Gong: These mind-body practices involve slow, deliberate movements combined with deep breathing and meditation. Tai Chi and Qi Gong are believed to improve physical health, enhance mental well-being, and promote longevity by harmonizing the flow of Qi.

2. Ayurveda

Originating in India over 5,000 years ago, Ayurveda is one of the world’s oldest holistic healing systems. It emphasizes the balance between mind, body, and spirit which will be more importand that you realize when society collapses and uses a personalized approach to health based on individual body types, known as doshas.

• Doshas: Ayurveda identifies three primary doshas—Vata (air and space), Pitta (fire and water), and Kapha (earth and water). Each person has a unique combination of these doshas, which influences their physical and mental characteristics. Understanding your dosha helps tailor your diet, lifestyle, and treatments to maintain balance and prevent disease.
• Herbal Remedies: Ayurvedic medicine uses a wide range of herbs and plants to treat various issues and promote better overall health.
  • Ashwagandha: Known as an adaptogen, helps the body manage stress and improve energy levels. It’s also used to support cognitive function and enhance the immune system.
  • Turmeric: Is revered for its anti-inflammatory and antioxidant properties, turmeric is used to treat conditions like arthritis, digestive issues, and skin problems.
• Panchakarma: This detoxification and rejuvenation process involves five cleansing treatments, including oil massage (Abhyanga), steam therapy (Swedana), and cleansing enemas (Basti). Panchakarma aims to remove toxins, improve metabolism, and restore balance to the body.

3. Naturopathy

Naturopathy focuses on natural remedies and the body’s ability to heal itself. It combines traditional healing methods with modern scientific knowledge, emphasizing prevention and self-care.

• Hydrotherapy: The therapeutic use of water in various forms (hot, cold, steam, ice) to treat illnesses and promote health. Hydrotherapy can improve circulation, relieve pain, and reduce inflammation.
• Diet and Nutrition: Naturopathy stresses the importance of a balanced diet rich in whole, organic foods. It often includes dietary supplements, vitamins, and minerals to address specific health concerns and support overall well-being.
• Physical Therapy: Incorporates exercise, massage, and joint manipulation to enhance physical function and alleviate pain. Techniques like stretching, strengthening exercises, and manual therapy help maintain mobility and prevent injuries.

4. Homeopathy

Homeopathy is based on the principle of “like cures like,” using highly diluted substances to trigger the body’s natural healing response. Homeopathy seeks to stimulate the body’s vital force to promote healing.

• Remedies: Homeopathic remedies are prepared by repeatedly diluting and shaking a substance until only a minute amount remains. These remedies are chosen based on the individual’s specific symptoms and overall constitution.
  • Arnica: Used for bruises, sprains, and muscle soreness. Arnica is believed to reduce inflammation and speed up the healing process.
  • Rhus Toxicodendron: Commonly used for joint pain, especially when the pain is worse in the morning and improves with movement.
• Principles: Homeopathy operates on the concept of potentization, where the potency of a remedy increases with each dilution. The law of similar suggests that a substance that causes symptoms in a healthy person can cure similar symptoms in a sick person.

5. Herbal Medicine

Herbal medicine involves using plants and their extracts for medicinal purposes. It is one of the oldest forms of medicine, practiced by cultures worldwide for centuries.

• Identifying Medicinal Plants: Learning to properly identify and utilize local medicinal plants is essential. Knowledge of plant characteristics, habitats, and uses can be life-saving.
  • Echinacea: Known for its immune-boosting properties, echinacea is often used to prevent and treat colds and infections.
  • St. John’s Wort: Used for its antidepressant and anti-inflammatory effects. It’s also applied topically to heal wounds and burns.
• Preparation Methods: Understanding how to prepare and administer herbal remedies is crucial. Common methods include making teas, tinctures, poultices, and salves.
• Foraging: Developing skills in foraging for edible and medicinal plants in the wild can provide a sustainable source of nutrition and medicine. It’s important to learn safe and ethical foraging practices to ensure plant populations remain healthy.

6. Chiropractic Care

Chiropractic care focuses on diagnosing and treating mechanical disorders of the musculoskeletal system, particularly the spine. It emphasizes the relationship between the spine and the nervous system and how this relationship affects overall health.

• Spinal Adjustments: Chiropractors use manual techniques to adjust the spine and other joints to correct misalignments, improve function, and relieve pain. Learning basic adjustment techniques can help maintain spinal health and alleviate discomfort.
• Posture and Ergonomics: Proper posture and ergonomic practices are essential for preventing injuries and maintaining spinal health. Understanding how to position your body during various activities can reduce strain and promote long-term well-being.
• Stretching and Strengthening: Incorporating exercises that support spinal health and overall mobility is important. Stretching can improve flexibility, while strengthening exercises help maintain muscle balance and stability.

7. Aromatherapy

Aromatherapy uses essential oils extracted from plants to promote health and well-being. These oils can be inhaled, applied topically, or used in various other ways to elicit physiological and psychological responses.

• Essential Oils: Different essential oils have unique properties and uses.
  • Lavender: Known for its calming effects, lavender is used to reduce stress, anxiety, and promote sleep.
  • Peppermint: Often used to alleviate headaches, improve focus, and relieve muscle pain.
• Application Methods: Essential oils can be used in various ways, including diffusers, baths, compresses, and massage oils. Understanding the appropriate application method for each oil is important for safety and effectiveness.
• Blending Oils: Combining different essential oils can enhance their therapeutic effects. Learning the basics of blending oils allows you to create personalized remedies for various conditions.

8. Energy Healing

Energy healing involves manipulating the body’s energy fields to promote healing and well-being. It is based on the belief that disruptions or imbalances in the body’s energy can lead to illness.

• Reiki: A Japanese practice where the practitioner channels energy into the patient by touch to activate the natural healing processes. Reiki is used to reduce stress, promote relaxation, and support overall health.
• Therapeutic Touch: Involves the practitioner using hand movements to balance the body’s energy fields. It is believed to alleviate pain and promote healing.
• Crystal Healing: Uses crystals and gemstones placed on or around the body to draw out negative energy and promote physical and emotional healing. Different crystals have specific properties and uses.

9. Folk Medicine

Folk medicine encompasses traditional healing practices passed down through generations. It often combines herbal remedies, rituals, and hands-on techniques to treat ailments and promote health.

• Remedies and Rituals: Folk medicine includes a variety of remedies and healing rituals specific to different cultures and regions.
  • Honey and Lemon: A common remedy for sore throats and colds. Honey has antibacterial properties, while lemon provides vitamin C and soothes the throat.
  • Onion Poultice: Used for chest congestion, an onion poultice involves applying a warm, cooked onion mixture to the chest to draw out mucus and alleviate respiratory issues.
• Healing Practices: Folk medicine includes hands-on techniques like bone setting, cupping, and bloodletting. These practices have historical significance and can offer benefits when used correctly.

10. Survival Medicine

Survival medicine focuses on medical practices that can be performed with minimal resources. It emphasizes self-reliance and the ability to treat injuries and illnesses in harsh conditions.

• First Aid Skills: Basic first aid knowledge is essential. This includes wound care, splinting fractures, and managing infections. Knowing how to perform CPR and handle common emergencies can save lives.
• Improvised Medical Tools: Using everyday items for medical purposes can be crucial in a survival situation. For example, belts can be used as tourniquets, and plastic bags can serve as makeshift gloves.
• Sanitation and Hygiene: Maintaining cleanliness is vital to prevent disease. Ensure access to safe water and food sources, and practice good hygiene to reduce the risk of infections.

Conclusion

In a post-civilization world, knowledge of these alternative health systems can become invaluable. By understanding and applying these methods, you can maintain health and treat ailments when modern medicine is no longer an option. Educate yourself now to be prepared for any future scenario.

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