A friend from the United States just visited me for a couple of weeks. Along with the usual cargo of modern traveling (cell phone, toothbrush, credit card), she also came with an arsenal of pills. Some are prescribed to lower her blood pressure, which she says is borderline high. As she has a family history of heart attacks, she wants to go on medication early, “just in case.”
If one were to get in a serious accident, then immediately heading to the hospital for an extensive treatment using the latest technology and pharmacology is not a bad idea. It should be understood that modern medicine is an expensive, easy option for those who can afford it. I live in a country where health care is a luxury that few can afford – certainly not a given right that most citizens of well-developed countries claim. As such, Thai native medicine is abundant in herbs, hot compress and acupressure massage.
When taken together, these basic yet efficient remedies often stop diseases from getting out of hand. The art is to start early and invest a little more care to ourselves. Pharmaceuticals should be used as a last resort, not for the sake of convenience or as a quick-fix. Though useful in emergencies, the ‘take a pill and get on with your life’ mantra that most pharmacological giants propagate is designed for a greater dependency on chemicals, nothing more.
The holistic approach, which involves specific, minimally invasive remedies can yield results just as well, if not better, than modern medicine. I encourage everyone to give it a try — start with the little things like incorporating more greens into your diet or a bit of yoga regularly. Miracles can happen, but it does take more of an effort than swallowing a pill.
Born in Chicago, raised in small town Thailand, worked as a journalist for a US Military publication and reported from DC during the September 11 crisis. That drove me to yoga and beach life. Awe is my baby.
