And the other aims at attacking the symptom. It s a matter of strengthening the constitution, the alternatives say. Some people call it the vital force, the Chinese call it chi. The Ayurvedics call it prana. Certainly acupuncture is becoming more and more accepted.
Many physicians practice it themselves or refer to another.
Certainly, nutrition has become an important part of medicine and many doctors are referring patients to nutritionists. Also many physicians have great respect for the role exercise plays in relieving stress that causes many diseases, especially cardiac diseases. There are many referrals now to meditation, to yoga and tai chi and other forms of therapy that integrate mind and body. And there s a recognition of the importance of physical therapy and massage. Things like Reiki and Semei find it harder to get through to the orthodox community.