Alternative vs Conventional Medicine
Alternative Medicine vs. Conventional Medicine
Abstract
The paper discusses the differences and similarities between conventional medicine and alternative medicine. The major differences concern the educational level, attitude to diseases, theoretical support and researches, patient participation, time, and cost. The main similarities include healing purpose, the human factor, and some common methods used. Keywords: alternative medicine, conventional medicine, approach, patients
Alternative Medicine vs. Conventional Medicine
Sooner or later, every person deals with conventional or alternative medicine. It is interesting to consider the difference between these two approaches to understand which approach is more effective. According to the World Health Organization, alternative medicine is “a broad set of health care practices that are not part of the country’s own tradition and are not integrated into the dominant health care system” (Medicines, 2013, Page 1). Conventional medicine is a traditional scientific approach based on evidence and research; it relies on tests, theories, and analysis. There are several considerable differences between conventional and alternative medicine that concern scientific proof, the level of education, economics, treatment focus, and other factors.
Conventional medicine is a conservative approach which everyone has experienced going to hospitals and polyclinics. Conventional medicine has two main directions: surgical intervention and pharmaceutical treatment. Alternative medicine involves numerous practices concerning diet and nutrition, herbal remedies, manual healing methods, acupuncture, mind/body intervention, pharmacological and biological treatment, and others (Steyer, 2010).
First, the conventional approach implies taking into account efficacy studies for treatments. On the contrary, alternative medicine does not consider scientific
Abstract
The paper discusses the differences and similarities between conventional medicine and alternative medicine. The major differences concern the educational level, attitude to diseases, theoretical support and researches, patient participation, time, and cost. The main similarities include healing purpose, the human factor, and some common methods used. Keywords: alternative medicine, conventional medicine, approach, patients
Alternative Medicine vs. Conventional Medicine
Sooner or later, every person deals with conventional or alternative medicine. It is interesting to consider the difference between these two approaches to understand which approach is more effective. According to the World Health Organization, alternative medicine is “a broad set of health care practices that are not part of the country’s own tradition and are not integrated into the dominant health care system” (Medicines, 2013, Page 1). Conventional medicine is a traditional scientific approach based on evidence and research; it relies on tests, theories, and analysis. There are several considerable differences between conventional and alternative medicine that concern scientific proof, the level of education, economics, treatment focus, and other factors.
Conventional medicine is a conservative approach which everyone has experienced going to hospitals and polyclinics. Conventional medicine has two main directions: surgical intervention and pharmaceutical treatment. Alternative medicine involves numerous practices concerning diet and nutrition, herbal remedies, manual healing methods, acupuncture, mind/body intervention, pharmacological and biological treatment, and others (Steyer, 2010).
First, the conventional approach implies taking into account efficacy studies for treatments. On the contrary, alternative medicine does not consider scientific
References: Medicines (2013). World health organization. Retrieved from http://www.who.int/medicines/areas/traditional/definitions/en/index.html Steyer, T.E. (2001). Complementary and alternative medicine: A primer. American Association of Family Physicians. Retrieved from http://www.aafp.org/fpm/2001/0300/p37.html What is complementary and alternative medicine (CAM)? (n.d.). National Center for Complementary and Alternative Medicine. Retrieved from: http://cim.ucdavis.edu/clubs/camsig/whatiscam.pdf