Religious factors in vitalistic practices of complementary and alternative medicine

Abstract

This article examines the vitalistic (holistic) foundation of modern complementary and alternative medicine (CAM). It substantiates that, according to the principles of holistic medicine, health is associated with the harmonization of the elements and forces that constitute human nature on both the physical and spiritual levels of existence. Regarding the religious foundations of CAM practices of Eastern origin, the systems such as yoga, Daoism, and Ayurveda perceive energy as an impersonal force that an individual can accumulate, balance, and influence through physical and spiritual exercises to achieve health, longevity, and personal self-improvement. These systems are vitalistic, as they recognize impersonal energy as the fundamental basis of existence. In contrast, the conceptual foundation of CAM practices of Western origin differs fundamentally from Eastern approaches. These practices are not rooted in Christianity, despite having emerged in countries belonging to Christian civilization. This is because, in Christianity, the source of existence is God-Person, which significantly diminishes the ontological status of impersonal energy. As a result, Western CAM practices have developed an instrumental approach to vitalistic methods, adapting many Eastern techniques to the Western cultural and anthropological context. Additionally, they are based on various personal quasi-scientific systems, such as Mesmer’s magnetism, Hahnemann’s home-opathy, Palmer’s chiropractic methods, and others. To an external observer, these methods may appear impressive. However, whether a physician chooses to incorporate them into their practice depends entirely on their personal experience and convictions.