Page 73 - READING COMPANION TO ENGLISH EXAMS

4.4 ALTERNATIVE MEDICINE

The Ancient Path to Health

The history of alternative medicine dates back thousands of years, covering a kaleidoscope of cultural traditions
and healing methods from around the world. Many ancient civilisations, such as those in Egypt, China, and
India, progressed their own systems of medicine based on spiritual healing, natural remedies, and herbs to
get back on their feet. In ancient Egypt, for instance, priests served as healers and employed various
techniques and rituals to rescue people from being at death’s door. Traditional Chinese medicine keenly
emphasises the balance of yin and yang energies and the flow of Qi (vital energy) through the body to have
a clean bill of health. It rests on acupuncture, herbal remedies, and practices like Tai Chi and Qigong. Ayurveda,
the traditional Indian system of medicine with a history of 5,000 years, adjusts the harmony between mind,
body, and spirit, utilising diet and meditation as therapeutic tools. Throughout the 20 century, interest in
th
alternative medicine increased; especially, the 1960s and 1970s witnessed an acceleration in holistic health
movements. This was kindled by a desire for a more comprehensive and individualised approach to healthcare.
In recent decades, alternative medicine has become relatively integrated into mainstream healthcare systems.
Before they go under the knife, many people receive traditional therapies, having gained recognition and
acceptance. However, these therapies may turn into a cure worse than the disease. Vigorous debates continue
regarding the scientific evidence, safety, and efficacy of certain alternative therapies.

a Match the highlighted words and phrases in the passage to the definitions below.

1. : in a way that involves strong or deep feelings or awareness
2. : appreciation or acclaim for an achievement, service, or ability
3. : an increase in how fast something happens
4. : to develop towards an improved or more advanced condition
5. : to a quite large degree, especially in comparison to something else
6. : to change something slightly to make it more suitable for new conditions
7. : full of energy, enthusiasm, or determination
8. : to change and become someone or something different
9. : to depend or rely on somebody or something
10. : including everything or almost everything that may be involved

b Replace the phrases in bold with one of the underlined phrases in the passage.
1. Despite the challenges of limited knowledge, the ancient physicians of Greece diligently pursued their
quest for medical enlightenment to help people become healthy again.

2. In the realm of ancient medicine, only the most desperate and courageous patients would
have an operation, willingly subjecting themselves to the unreliable hands of surgeons.

3. During an epidemic in history, only a few fortunate people would escape from the clutches of infection and
be blessed with a healer’s decision that they were healthy.

4. While alternative medicine may offer promising remedies, there are examples of unsuccessful
pursuit of alternative therapies that can produce a more negative outcome than the illness does.

5. Although doctors do not recommend it, an increasing number of individuals suffering from
incurable diseases turn to alternative medicine when they are seriously ill and likely to die.

72
Ortaöğretim Genel Müdürlüğü Öğretim Programları ve Ders Kitapları Daire Başkanlığı