ABSTRACT
The first chapter of this book deals with the classifications (domains) of CAM and a description of some of the modalities available in each one. CAM in the United States today is, without a doubt, a confusing labyrinth of options. Some of these modalities are new introductions of the techniques of other cultures, the revival of ancient traditions, or the “modality du jour” in keeping with the latest trends or fads. To make matters worse, some offerings combine a trendy approach with ancient tradition in a haphazard fashion. Yoga is not a lifestyle direction in the United States, but a weekly (or perhaps daily) workout routine. A type of yoga meant for warriors in ancient India was made into something called “power yoga” to satisfy our aggressive American appetites. It has been heralded as proof that yoga is not just for “women and wimps.” This plays on stereotypical views of yoga, women, and the Western sacrilege of being nonaggressive in an almost nasty way. At its very best, practicing power yoga in this way may get people to exercise who may otherwise have stayed sedentary. At its worst, it bastardizes yoga to the point of being unrecognizable, in a similar way that processing and bleaching flour will give us a quicker carbohydrate buzz but avoids the inconveniences (and benefits) of fiber. Finally, in Chinese taoist terms, it speaks of our belief that only the yang (or masculine principle) is good, and that balance of yin (or female principle) and yang is somehow undesirable.
