Alternative Medicine An Acceptable Treatment Option?

The first reason for supporting alternative medicine is because it’s effective. In fact, Traditional Chinese medicine has been used for more than 5,000 years with proof of its effectiveness (Sutton, 2010, 95). In addition, TCM has punch of methods for treating patient's widely such as herbs and other (Sutton, 2010, 94-95). That means alternative medicine has proved its worth and won people’s respect.

The complementary and alternative medicine known as (CAM) has become what is the mainstream for healthcare. Most cancer patients use this as the standard for many cancer patients. Alternative medicine is uncommon whereas individuals who use nonmainstream medicine also use conventual medicine. The integrative approach has grown within the healthcare setting in many places in the United States. Most people use medical treatment that are not a part of medicine, such as acupuncture that can help with the side effect of cancer. Practitioners try using their sound judgement on medicine. Really and truly know how safe are the treatment. Americans with the new generation that have their own traditions that are passed down from generation to generations.

Because many of the treatments of alternative medicine do not adhere to the principles of conventional medicine, whether or not to allow practice of these techniques in the United States is a major concern of the medical community today. The Food and Drug Administration is the decision making body of issues such as this and more often than not, does not approve many of these practices. Due to the fact that holistic medicine sometimes contradicts the fundamentals of biomedicine, health care regulation boards such as the FDA find it difficult to accept many of these treatments. Because the Western world is so unfamiliar with these techniques it is only natural for medical community to often disprove these methods. However, as more and more doctors discover the limitations of

In modern medicine, alternative therapies are poorly understood and studied. The preference for alternative therapies, and herbal medicine were indicated, and the fear of relinquishing information regarding these practices were almost paralyzing. It seemed as though they were ashamed to admit to cultural healing practices, and did not divulge information to practitioners regarding their usage. The cultural disconnect was present as alternative/complimentary medicines are valued as a culture, and “modern” practitioners cast judgment on their usage. This perceived stigma additionally limited the information shared by the cultural participants with modern medical treatments, potentially causing additional harm, as some herbals are potentially toxic.

Non-pharmacological interventions can be a substantial way that nurses can positively impact adult patients with hypertension. The first complementary and alternative therapy treatment of guided imagery was given to a group of pregnant patients with hypertension. Guided imagery is a way to focus one’s minds on a peaceful and calm place. In a life-threatening and serious situation, such as surgery or pregnancy, guided imagery could be a helpful non-pharmacological tool for a nurse to use to calm the patient. Results have shown a statistically significant decrease in blood pressure when guided imagery was used instead of just quiet rest. However, the findings show no significant effect of using guided imagery versus quiet rest on their anxiety level (Moffatt et al., 2010). Guided imagery can be beneficial as a nursing intervention for the appropriate patient. Using guided imagery along with the proper education can lead to better blood pressure reduction in hypertensive patients (Gignon et al., 2014; Moffatt et al., 2010).

Today 's modern health care is ever evolving in its approach to health and care of a patient revolves around being culturally and ethnically competent in their treatment. In the United States (US), the growing aging population, brings an increasing public awareness of the major risk factors that are contributing to chronic illness. The availability of knowledgeable healthcare practitioners is also growing to meet the needs of this growing population. Complementary alternative medicine (CAM) is aimed to provide a multidisciplinary and educational health care experience. In this project, it will be explained about being culturally and ethnically competent and the use of alternative medicine as an adjunct therapy or a

“More than 500 types of alternative medicine exists, and thousands of treatment approaches are possible.” (Billitteri, 9). If we have so many other options why are so many people relying on solely western medicine that can be addictive and make you sicker than you already are? Modern medicine has not always been around and sometimes people can’t afford it so they have no choice but to use nontraditional medicine. Nontraditional medicine should be assimilated into modern medicine because people used it before we had modern medicine, they can not afford it, and prescribed medication can be extremely addictive.

In the early 1900’s antibiotic medications appeared thus decreasing the use of complementary and alternative therapies, however their popularity was regained in the 1970’s (Kramlich, 2014). The use of complementary and alternative therapies is an increasing trend that individuals seek out if they need relief from other medical approaches, if they feel they are missing something from Canada’s health care system, to increase over health and to prevent further illness. These therapies are a trend that has increased in the last two decades in Canada (Miller, 2001). A cross-sectional study was conducted by a Canadian Community Health Survey (CCHS) nationally, directing 400,055 Canadian’s ages thirteen and older in 2001 to 2007 to participate. The CCHS established that around 12% of Canadians used some form of complementary or alternative therapy aid in the past 12 months (Metcalfe et al, 2001). Debra Kramlich wrote an article titled “Introduction to Complementary, Alternative and Traditional Therapies” (2001) and compared statistics across numerous studies that were performed on complementary and alternative therapies. One study showed the rates of disclosure by individuals using complementary and alternative therapies. Two-thirds reported that they did not disclose their use of these therapies to their physicians. A cross-sectional survey discussed the increasing lack of disclosure rates in pregnant women that went from 1% in 2006 to 50% in 2013. A systematic review was briefly

Over the last century, religion, spirituality, and science have all played a major role in health care, although they have never been integrated with traditional medical science in the United States. Complementary and Alternative Medicine (CAM) is a set of medical and health care systems, practices, and products that are not part or integrated as part of Western medicine which is the dominant health care system in the United States. Religion and spirituality have both played dominant roles in healing since the beginning of history. Today it is believed that prayer and faith can bring healing and is referred to as holistic healing, or focus on the mind, body, and spirit rather

On the same NHS website page (UK, NHS UK, 2017), herbal medicine is described as being a common complement to its conventional counterpart. Remove conventional medicine from the equation and herbal medicine is deemed to be alternative. There is also a third category of integrative medicine “where complementary therapies are used within a conventional medical setting as part of a prescribed treatment” (Nursing Times, 2008). It is important to understand that these definitions are placed within a cultural, social and indeed historical context which makes them subjective. Whilst orthodox Western medicine is the dominant mainstream in the UK, we should be aware that this is not the case in other countries and cultures.

It is true, alternative medicine is growing within the scientific community. If you think about it, all of the medical research at one point was an alternative or uncharted territory of medicine. Maybe soon, the alternative methods will be the new standard with research to back it up. Even with well-known prescription drugs, there is limited research; just as here is limited research with alternative medicine. I think you have a great point that “education and knowledge of the topic is needed throughout hospitals and the healthcare field.” It would be a great addition to the medical education system if soon-to-be doctors, nurses, physician assistants, etc. learned about natural remedies as well as synthetic remedies in school. It would not

Alternative medicine has been considered the “hidden mainstream” of patient care in America. As biomedicine increased in popularity, alternative methods of healing arose as a response to the treatments used by physicians. Historically, alternative (or “complementary”) medicine conveyed itself by highlighting its “natural” attributes. These characteristics attracted those who were wary of the chemicals used in allopathic medicines. Much of the skepticism that has accompanied complementary alternative medicine (CAM) stems from the lack of scientifically-based evidence that shows its efficacy; there is no “alternative” medicine there is simply “unproven” medicine (Fontanarosa and Lundberg 1618). This argument suggests that medicine and

By examining some of the most popular, enduring alternative medical systems, one can begin to see some general trends of the systems, understand some recurring flaws, and understand the attraction and usefulness of alternative medicine in today's health care system. However, alternative medicine remains controversial. Whether it can be supported scientifically or not, alternative medicine may be useful to encourage both physical and mental well-being via a placebo effect. For this reason, alternative medicine must be considered by physicians as a complement to modern medicine.

These therapies have proved to be of much benefit in supporting the normal healing course of the body. Even though there are many modern alternative remedies, with different beliefs, all of them operate under some common principles. One of these principles is that the body has the capacity to heal naturally and maintain stability (Paquette, 2000). The other one is that adverse health conditions can occur as a result of factors emanating from mind, emotions and the body. Alternative medicine, according to Goldberg, Trivieri and Anderson, (2002), focuses on determining the chief cause of a particular condition, and dealing with the whole person rather that concentrating on symptoms. If a person pays close attention to his/her health he/she can contribute to his/her wellbeing. Alternative medicine holds firmly to the principle that one treatment cannot be used for all people even though they may be suffering from the same condition. Each and every person as per alternative medicine has distinct bodily, mind and spiritual make up (Goldberg, Trivieri and Anderson, 2002).

Many doctors see alternative therapies as only a joke in the medical field. New ideas and procedures without surgery or the use of medication are being portrayed as fake, unneeded and ineffective. Many are not considered serious medicine by the medical field specialists. There has to be another way to help heal the body instead of cutting patients open, or shoving all types of medications into patient’s bodies. Although alternative therapies are not taken seriously by doctors, the therapies are becoming increasingly more popular each day. Society is looking for better and more practical ways to achieve healthier lifestyles. Many patients are interested in new and safer ideas to stay healthy. Information regarding alternative therapies