Traditional medicines
More people are now turning to traditional or alternative forms of medicine to improve their health or simple stay well. Many of these therapies aim to restore the body’s natural state of balance, or harmony.
Acupuncture: acupuncturists treat illness by interesting needles into the skin at particular points. These points lie along invisible energy channels, known as meridians that are linked to internal organs. The needles unblock, increase, or decrease the flow of energy to restore balance and health.
Ayurvedas: the oldest system of Indian medicine is Ayurvedas, from the Sanskrit, which means `the science of life’. Remedies, mainly plants, are chosen for their ability to harmonize the balance between a patient and the basic influence of such life, such as diet, work, or home life.
Yoga: this well-known Hindu system combines physicals, mental and spiritual health. The most common form Hata Yoga, a course of exercises and postures designed to promote physical and mental well-being. Yoga has been practiced in India for thousands of years.
Homeopathy: homeopathy uses a minute does of a substance that, in large amounts, produces the same symptoms from which the patient is suffering. The aim is to stimulate the body’s defenses so that they fight the disease. Its founder was the German Physician Samuel Heinemann.
Customs and rituals
Throughout the world, different societies have their own traditions for marking important events such as the birth of a child, or the harvesting of crops. These traditions are called customs and rituals, and many of them are based around the cycle’s f nature, and the mystery of life and death.
Greetings: a greeting is a means of friendly communication between two or more people.
Handshake: the gripping and shaking of hands is a formal greeting around the world.
Bow: bowing is a greeting in the Far East, showing politeness by lowering head.
Nose Rub: the Maoris’ greeting is called a hongi. It is usually made on ceremonial occasions.
Wave: a friendly waving of the hand and arm means hello or good bye, all around the world.
Gestures: a gesture is an action that sends a visual signal to an onlooker.
Thumbs up: Raising the thumb is a friendly gesture. It is assign of approval, or that all is going well.
V for victory: the victory gesture was made famous by Sir, Winston Churchill during World War II.
Ssshhi!: a finger pressed to the lip is a worldwide sign meaning ``keep quiet’’ or ``keep this a secret’.