Why Alternative Medicine and Why Now? tells of how our society has progressed through a series of decisions that have resulted in the polarization of all aspects of our perception of reality. We have fragmented our lives and created this chaotic culture; which we have come to love and despise at the same time. Unless we can understand what has happened then we will not be able to find the way to correct our problems. I have tried to illustrate how this process has affected western medicine. In spite of our elaborate technology, physical illness is still rampant. In addition, we have managed to disrupt our spiritual, mental and emotional health as well. We do have diagnostic aids and therapies that seem almost miraculous, yet we do not have optimal health. Many people have material success but are not happy. Frustration, confusion and depression are prevalent. We have not only systematically fragmented our society but have also fragmented ourselves into many sub- specialties. Healing consists of identifying the pieces we have fabricated and putting ourselves and our world back together. Becoming healthy consists of becoming whole again!
If all were well with our system then there would be little interest in alternative therapies; which run the gamut of every healing practice known to mankind since things were recorded. It's as if, intuitively we know that some key fundamentals that were known in the past, are missing and have probably been discarded. If it weren't for the mixing of eastern and western cultures, we would not have been able to see our way back to a more holistic view of health. Unless we openly acknowledge our spiritual side; and insist that we take it into our daily activities, then the reality of spirit will repeatedly be denied because of our scientific process. I humbly offer this theory as a framework to help us restore the missing ingredients so that we will be able to approach the future with optimism and joy.
You might wonder why a book on holistic health would have this symbol for enduring world peace on the cover. A true and lasting peace is dependent on our seeking and attaining this personal optimal health. Without approaching health in this manner there is little chance for a lasting peace.
About the Author
T. Anthony Kampner M.D. graduated from Loyola University and Medical School in Chicago. He spent his residency in Long Beach and Santa Barbara California. Dr. Kampner has worked in traditional practice of primary medical care since the 1970s. He has been interested in the holisitc approach to health care for 33 years.
