CROSS CULTURAL COMPETENCE
Global Learning and Digital Communication
Complementary and alternative medicine, (CAM) is the practice interventions and beliefs that are not part of conventional medicine to solve health problems such as infections like common cold and digestive complications. The practices involve yoga, acupuncture, meditation, dietary supplements and herbs among others.
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In the Mexican culture, it is believed that diseases either originate from poor dietary intake, sorcery or occur naturally. They have incorporated the use of both religion and science to eliminate disease. Traditional herbs were the first remedy for disease used in Mexico, most of their remedies involved herbs as compared to the Peruvians (Lyle & William, 2014). Both Mexicans and Peruvians assess wellness based on temperature and moisture, which resulted to the four regions relatable to the four seasons.
They both believe that wellness is a result of a balance between the four bodily fluids, which are phlegm, yellow bile, white bile and blood. There is a relationship between the bodily fluids in the human body and their specific features that complement each other. The balance between the humors determines the remedy to be applied to resolve a health issue.
Wormwood was used by the Mexicans to treat digestive tract complications such as colic, diarrhea and constipation. It also contains anti-inflammatory agents and effective as an antiinflammatory and pain reliever. Marigold was used to counter bacterial infections and severe digestive tract symptoms. Tobacco used to relieve skin infections such as herpes. Ipecac is useful only in small doses to improve appetite and solve skin irritations (Lyle & William, 2014).
Different parts of peanuts were used to treat a variety of ailments such as, infertility, parasitic manifestations and inflammation among others (Lyle & William, 2014). Cocoa was useful in relieving dysentery symptoms and pain during child labor.
Complementary and alternative medicine is still in practice and plays a crucial role in health today. It is less expensive than modern medicine, relieves symptoms before seeking specialized medical care. Practices such as yoga focus on mental health hence reduce stress and relax the mind. It is a natural approach resulting to less adverse effects.
With the invention of conventional medicine, I would not opt for alternative medicine. They are not reliable and require long-term use to solve a health condition unlike modern medicine. It is ineffective in emergencies, as it needs preparation before consumption; it also lacks dosage regulation, which can cause severe effects.
References
Jones, E., Nissen, L., McCarthy, A., Steadman, K., & Windsor, C. (2019). Exploring the use of complementary and alternative medicine in cancer patients. Integrative cancer therapies, 18, 1534735419846986.
Lyle, William H., "Herbal and Holistic Medicine in Latin America" (2014). Honors College
Capstone Experience/Thesis Projects. Paper 472.
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