Folk medicine

Folk medicine refers to the healing practices and ideas of body physiology and health preservation known to some in a culture, transmitted informally as general knowledge, and practiced or applied by anyone in the culture having prior experience.

Definition

Folk medicine consists of the healing practices and ideas of body physiology and health preservation known to some in a culture, transmitted informally as general knowledge, and practiced or applied by anyone in the culture having prior experience. Folk medicine differs from traditional medicine, which refers to systems such as traditional Chinese medicine, Indian Ayurveda and Arabic Unani Medicine, and to formalized aspects of folk medicine.

History

The history of folk medicine is as old as human civilization itself. It has been practiced by various cultures around the world for thousands of years. The knowledge and practices related to folk medicine are passed down from generation to generation, often orally.

Practices

Folk medicine practices vary widely across cultures, but they often include the use of herbs, spiritual healing, and physical therapies. Some common practices include the use of herbal medicine, acupuncture, massage therapy, and spiritual healing.

Criticism

While folk medicine has been widely practiced for centuries, it has also been criticized for its lack of scientific evidence. Critics argue that many folk medicine practices are not based on empirical evidence and can potentially be harmful.

See also

• Alternative medicine
• Traditional medicine
• Herbal medicine
• Acupuncture
• Massage therapy
• Spiritual healing

References

Folk medicine Resources
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