The Benefits of Alternative Medicine over 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.

Also, there is not enough evidence to show the benefits of alternative medicine other than people’s stories. However, insurance companies still should cover alternative medicine because they have been proven successful around the world and are used in some hospitals and clinics in China. In addition, Western medicine has its faults: ”The patient is a machine composed of individual body parts that when broken or lost, can be fixed or replaced by new parts”(Marcum, 2008, 105). In other words, they compare us to machines, which is not true and it’s a fallacy, because not any parts of our body can be replaced. Thus, the choice for patients should be theirs to satisfy their

Dr. James Marcum, a cardiologist at the Chattanooga Heart Institute in Tennessee claims, “Pharmaceutical drugs don’t heal people.” In fact, he states, “Much of the time they do more harm than good”(Milner). U.S. Citizens need to stop taking harmful pills and start using more natural, holistic healing methods. Everyone has probably used a pill before to relieve their pain, but there are healthier ways to feel just as good. According to the results of the National Health Interview Survey, “In 2012, 33.2% of U.S. adults used complementary health approaches”(What Complementary and Integrative Approaches Do Americans Use?). While some people believe conventional medicine is a better choice, it is clear that holistic healing can replace prescription drugs because they are more safe and effective than prescription drugs, and they are more practical in many ways.

Complementary and alternative medicine which is also known as CAM is the term for practices and medical products that aren’t part of standard medical care practices. Complementary medicine is treatments and medicine that are used with standard medical treatments, but its not considered to be a standard treatment. Alternative medicine treatments are different. Alternative medicine is used instead of standard medical treatment.

There needs to be a closer look at attitudes and education of information on complementary/alternative medicine, also known as CAM. Earlier Americans to the new world came with their own traditions and practices of medicine and treatments that have been passed down from generation to generation. Since most families came to America with no money, they used a lot of natural remedies, and ancient traditions to treat their ailments, which cost little or nothing. This form of medicine and treatment has been forgotten, and more traditional practices have been pushed to the front of mainstream medical community, which is government regulated treatment and medicine. High cost of health care today and the urge to seek new treatments and cures

Though the question does not indicate whether the word has negative or positive associations the majority of participants chose words that expressed either full support for the idea or skepticism and words that pain “natural medicine” in a negative light. Out of the 12 answers two were devoid of any type of connotation, such as; herbal and from the land. These two were the outliers to the rest of the answers, which were on opposite sides of a spectrum, one positive the other negative. Five answers held the theme that “natural medicine” is a more thorough medicine two examples being; holistic and wellness. The other five words given held more negative tones, such as; placebo and dated. The two themes that were present in the negatively associated

 I, personally am not a fan of pharmaceuticals unless it is life-saving. I avoid taking medication at all cost. Unless it is a last resort, meaning before a doctor visit or ER visit. I also avoid medical services, partly because of insurance coverage. Alternative and complementary medicine is also starting to develop a bigger audience now because, of so many celebrities and talk show doctors presenting it. It is disappointing that we look for guidance from these people to promote and bring awareness to other medical options, which our government and doctors are neglecting to

Alternative Medicine is defined as any practice that is not included in traditional medicine care. There are various reasons why hospitals or health care settings include alternative medicine. Some health care facilities are experimenting with different therapies to advance the health care system. One therapy that has been proven to have positive results is the doll therapy for patients with dementia. In “Doll therapy: Therapeutic or Childish and Inappropriate?”, doll therapy is examined and the ethicality of the medicine is discussed. The qualitative experiment carried out in the article shows the ways that patients, families, and staff feel about using dolls in the care plan of dementia patients. The authors, Julia Heathcote, and Moira Clare, hypothesize that the dolls are positive ways to increase patients’ wellbeing because the dolls encourage a childish happiness for many clients (Heathcoat & Clare, 2014).

There are so many wonderful complementary and alternative therapies being practiced today to help relieve many of the symptoms one faces living with Alzheimer's and other dementias. The main goal of these therapies are to assist with feelings of loneliness, frustration, and agitation one may suffer from this incurable disease. Many are turning to essential oils, massage and doll therapies to help reduce the undesirable effects of Alzheimer's Disease and other dementias.

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

“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.

The converse line of attack is likewise conceivable and more common. Many individuals have officially utilized numerous conventional medicines without acceptable results and are currently looking for homeopathic medicine to treat their conditions. As individuals turn out to be progressively acquainted with homeopathy, it is likely that they will utilize these normal and more secure medications before the more unsafe medications offered by conventional doctors. The key to making either homeopathic or conventional medicines work is to consult professionals that are well trained in their field and to give the medications sensible time to

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 remedies, sometimes known as complementary remedies, offer a wide variety of products and methods in improving well-being separate from contemporary medicinal practices. According to

Before we get into what exactly African Traditional Medicine is we have to talk about what exactly Traditional Medicine is in general. Traditional Medicine is often referred to as folk medicine or alternative medicine. Folk Medicine is one of the oldest and most traditional forms of a health care system in Africa and has been tested time and time again. This method is an ancient form of healing that humans have used to cope and deal with many diseases that have threatened human existence. Which explains why Traditional Medicine is so broad and diverse. Different cultures have developed different forms of homegrown healing methods which explains why there is no universally accepted definition to the term of Traditional Medicine (Traditional Medicine). “According to the World Health Organization, Traditional Medicine is “the sum total of the knowledge, skills and practices based on the theories, beliefs and experiences indigenous to different cultures, whether explicable or not, used in the maintenance of health, as well as in the prevention, diagnosis, improvement or treatment of physical and mental illnesses.” Traditional healer, on the other hand, is “a person who is recognized by the community where he or she lives as someone competent to provide health care by using plant, animal and mineral substances and other methods based on social, cultural and religious practices”” (Traditional Medicine).