“Conversation Starter Lesson Series: Upper-Intermediate” is designed for intermediate-level ESL learners who want to improve their fluency and confidence in speaking English.
Each lesson includes an engaging reading material with audio, vocabulary and expressions, comprehension questions, and discussion questions to be used for one to one class, group class, or self-study for both online and offline classes.
Unit 3: Health and Wellness
Story 04: Exploring Natural Remedies and Approaches
Key Lesson Vocabulary & Expressions: Look over and review before proceeding.
- Non-invasive
- Whole person
- Chronic pain
- Alignment
- Hands-on techniques
- Herbal medicine
- Echinacea
- Holistic healing
- Complement
- Natural remedies
Read or Listen to the following passage:
Alternative medicine and holistic healing are becoming increasingly popular as people seek more natural and non-invasive methods for healing and improving their well-being. This type of medicine emphasizes the importance of treating the whole person, including the body, mind, and spirit, rather than just treating symptoms.
One example of alternative medicine is acupuncture, a technique originating in China that involves inserting thin needles into specific points on the body. This practice is believed to stimulate the body’s natural healing processes and can be used to treat a variety of conditions, including chronic pain, anxiety, and depression.
Another example is chiropractic care, which focuses on the alignment of the spine and nervous system. Chiropractors use hands-on techniques to adjust the spine and improve overall body function, with the goal of promoting natural healing and preventing future health problems.
Herbal medicine is also a form of alternative medicine that uses plants and plant extracts to treat various health conditions. For example, chamomile tea is often used to soothe digestive issues and promote relaxation, while echinacea is used to boost the immune system and fight off infections.
Holistic healing also encompasses practices such as meditation, yoga, and tai chi, which emphasize the connection between the mind, body, and spirit. These practices are believed to reduce stress, improve mental clarity, and promote overall well-being.
While alternative medicine and holistic healing may not be appropriate for all medical conditions, they offer a valuable complement to traditional Western medicine. By emphasizing natural remedies and non-invasive approaches to healing, they provide patients with more options for maintaining their health and treating illness.
Comprehension Questions:
- What is alternative medicine and holistic healing?
- What are some examples of alternative medicine?
- How does acupuncture work?
- What is chiropractic care and what does it focus on?
- What are some examples of practices that fall under the category of holistic healing?ough youth sports?
Conversations Starters:
- What is your personal experience with alternative medicine or holistic healing?
- In what ways do you think alternative medicine can complement Western medicine?
- Do you believe that treating the whole person, rather than just symptoms, is important for achieving optimal health? Why or why not?
- What are some non-invasive methods for treating chronic pain that you have tried or heard of?
- How do hands-on techniques, such as massage or chiropractic care, promote alignment and improve overall health?
- What are some of the benefits and drawbacks of using herbal medicine as a natural remedy for various health conditions?
- Have you ever used echinacea as a natural remedy to boost your immune system? Did you find it effective?
- In your opinion, what role does holistic healing play in maintaining overall well-being?
- Do you believe that natural remedies are more effective and safer than traditional medicine? Why or why not?
- What is your outlook on the future of alternative medicine and holistic healing? Do you think they will become more mainstream and widely accepted?
