The Mahdi Times The Mahdi Times, Issue #28, March 2015 | Page 11

massage therapist in Wauwatosa, WI.
"Different scents have
different effects. Lavender helps
bring peace and balance and has
been known to help ease respiratory
problems such as asthma and
bronchitis; basil helps
stimulate brain function; mandarin
has a cheerful refreshing and
inspiring effect in the individual" (in
Wolf 7).
Acupuncture, considered a form of
alternative medicine in Western
culture, is considered mainstream in
China. Acupuncture involves using
needles to treat a variety of
ailments. Dr. Lizhi Wei of an
acupuncture practice in Shorewood,
Wei reports it is used to treat "back
and neck ailments, arthritis,
anxiety, headaches/migraines,
indigestion and even infertility" (in
Wolf 8).
Through these various forms of
alternative medicine, Native
American beliefs pertaining to
nature and spirituality are being
awakened in American culture.
Why is alternative medicine
becoming so popular? Are people
starting to doubt the effectiveness of
Western medicine? Wolf notes that
"In some instances, individuals
suffering from chronic ailments

become disenchanted with
Western medicine's ability to help
them cope with those ailments. In
other instances, individuals have
chosen alternative methods to take a
more proactive stance on treating
their ailments" (1). Americans
looking for new ways to
cure themselves from various
illnesses may be finding that
escaping from all the technology and
stress of the Western medical society
makes it easier to deal with their
illness and to focus on getting better.
Herbal remedies are not as stressful
and depressing as some medical
techniques because the main focus is
on making peace with nature and
the whole body, not just the place of
illness. According to the Office of
Alternative Medicine (OAM),
"Pharmaceutical drugs are seen as
over prescribed, expensive and
dangerous whereas herbal
remedies are seen as less expensive
and less toxic" (185).