Medical Practice Vs. Conventional Medicine

It could be considered that conventional medicine has indirectly contributed to the rise of complementary and alternative medicine. A broad definition of Complementary and Alternative Medicine (CAM) is “a broad set of health care practices that are not part of that country’s own tradition or conventional medicine and are not fully integrated into the dominant health-care system” (The World Health Organisation, n.d.). Expanding on this definition it is important to address the variable similarities of CAM modalities. CAM therapies across the various modalities have in common a shared, in varying degrees, holistic approach and subscribe to some form of vitality - a contrast from the science-based view point of conventional medicine prevalent in western society. In spite of CAM therapies empirical nature and efficacies, it is suggested that dissatisfaction of conventional medicine underpins the popularity it has garnered, thus, it will be examined further as to how and why. A further discussion will be made to related dangers of both alternative and science-based medicine; providing an opportunity to constructively educate the public on the differences between the two systems.

Throughout the years there have been two traditions within the practice of medicine. One is the 'art of healing ' which involves its own specialised brand of training. The art of healing is dependent on the prescriber 's foreknowledge and the clients’ viewpoint of the prosperous results. The 'Science of healing ' is based on scientific and technological ideas. This tradition results in a lower liability for practitioners regarding the showing of an original approach to medicine, however the results of this method are more calculable (Kayne 2002). It is believed that the tradition of the ‘art of healing’ is increasing in popularity. The World Health Organisation states ' 'that the terms ' 'complementary medicine ' ' or ' 'alternative medicine’ ' are used interchangeably with traditional medicine in some countries. They refer to a broad set of health care practices that are not part of that country 's own tradition and are not integrated into the dominant health care system” (World Health Organization 2000). This type of treatment, is commonly known as ‘Complementary and alternative medicine’ (CAM). The word complementary derives from the meaning ‘together with’ established practices and the word alternative refers to ‘in place’ of established practices. Some patients choose to participate in complementary therapies along with the medication prescribed by their general practitioner whilst others prefer complementary therapies as opposed to the medications

Many traditional Native medicines and healing practices were discouraged with the advent of Western medicine, but now there is a movement to return to traditional ways (Zubek, 1994, p. 1924). Modern Western medicine treats the symptoms to cure a diseased state when the body is out of homeostasis. Native American healing traditions do this as well with herbs and plants suited to the purpose. These Native healing traditions also include sacred rituals, chants, and purification rites to help bring the spirit and mind of the afflicted back into balance. In effect, treating the whole person, not only the disease. A blending of these two healing practices could bring about better prognoses for today's patients. The purpose of this paper is

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

The Native American woman interviewed has a strong holistic approach when viewing medicine compared to Western civilization. Before seeking any medical attention she states she will first try teas, herbs and other supplements in soothing common ailments. She often bakes

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.

Hippocrates, a physician of Greece believed in scientific reasoning and the power of natural healing his belief continued until the 19th century (2300 years). During the second century Galan, another Greek physician was the first to promote the key to healing and soon every health problem were fit into a classification (as it is today). His ways were strict and only doctors had access to the healing knowledge. During the dark ages natural healing was embraced once more. The Arabs brought alchemy and pharmacy into Western medicine. They introduced new ointments elixirs, pills, suppositories, carcinogenics, and inhalations to the masses in the 12th century herbal pharmacies were common in every neighborhood. In the 16th century Paracelsus taught that alchemy and chemistry were a way to unlock the secrets of nature. Both the alchemist of his day, and the chemists of our day, adhere to the beliefs

Today we have alternative medicine which was developed thousands of years ago and have a long-standing historical value of effectiveness, advantages, and some drawbacks. Diagnosis was the first approach to any illness. Alternative medicine looks at the factors of equilibrium and the environment in which one lives and the disease is considered an imbalance between the two; cleansing the whole body than on a particular problem to get the balance back in sync. Very much the description of the Buddhist and the Greek cultures of medicine and healing the

In “Some of your favorite household products have absurd medicinal histories,” author Eleanor Cummins discusses the historic use of favorable household items as a form of medical treatment. Cummins offers examples of these products as well as their medicinal purpose and active ingredient that persons relied upon to treat their health issue.

In Policy and Medicine’s blog, a response to an article posted in The Atlantic, Thomas Sullivan recounts whether modern medicine is on the decline verses alternative medicine becoming a more popular choice despite evidence that points to the contrary. By addressing the article in The Atlantic entitled The Triumph of New-Age Medicine by David H. Freeman, Sullivan’s thesis not only questions whether contemporary medicine is falling short in providing care but, loudly exclaims the opposite is true. Staying in tune with the pace of the article the main point is brought out early in the paper through data and statistics. Sullivan wastes no time in taking an implied view against alternative medicine. Implied because Sullivan does not overtly state opposition to alternative medicine, but by tone and supporting evidence it is clear he believes modern medicine has been given a bad rapport. In this rhetorical

A large portion of the United States population believes that alternative approaches to health care are less evasive and more effective than so-called Western medicine. This report looks at the efficacy of homeopathy. As this therapy moves into the mainstream there is a need for doctors and nurses to understand its benefits and possible adverse effects.

Medicine in its purest definition can generally be defined as the practice of diagnosing, preventing and the treatment of various ailments or diseases. Alternative medicines are those actions that may be undertaken for the same principles, but concentrate on techniques that are not generally considered part of what may be considered standard care. Remedy’s or treatments have been an integral part of both human and medical history since the dawn of time, and has evolved in various forms through the course of time. This fact was highlighted on a timeline of The History of Medicine, I will present two historical events that form the starting point of recorded medicine history:

The physician-patient relationship has greatly evolved in the twenty-first century when compared to previous centuries in which the Hippocratic Oath and not patient’s rights was the forerunner of the medical system. The shift to a balanced physician-patient relationship has entailed more rights for patients, such as less abortion restrictions and physician-assisted suicide. As patients obtained more medical rights, individuals explored more nontraditional medical practices as a way to heal. As a result, alternative medicine gained a lot of traction. However, homeopathy, a prominent alternative medicine treatment, has received a great amount of resistance. Within this practice doctors believe the use of “large doses of a

Homeopathy is a form of alternative medication that has been increasing in popularity in today’s society. It is often substituted for conventional medication14. Homeopathy was created in the seventeen hundreds when German doctor Samuel Hahnemann concluded that if a substance can induce the symptoms of an illness in a healthy person, then it can treat those symptoms in an ill person. He first tested Cinchona bark, a treatment for malaria, on himself and said to have experienced the symptoms of malaria. He also concluded that the medicine was more effective in a lower concentration therefore he invented the process of succession to reduce the side effects of the medicine and to increase its ability to heal13.

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).