Alternative medicines are treatments or methods that are used to cure the side effects of mainstream or modern medicines. As per the studies conducted in 1997, 50% of patients have seen physicians using a few forms of alternative treatments.
Although they have not been tested for treating major diseases like cancer, some doctors or practitioners recommend and use them to treat patients.
Here in this article, we will know whether alternative medicines or treatments are helpful for patients or not. Moreover, we will discuss the benefits and drawbacks, types and differences between the alternative therapies and others.
What Is An Alternative Medicine?
Alternative medicine is practices, therapies, and treatments used for treating several diseases or preventing diagnosis. These approaches are used in place of traditional medicines.
Alternative medicines include practices that are outside of mainstream medicine.
Even though no scientific evidence shows the credibility of alternative medicines, it has taken a significant place in people’s lives.
These days individuals diagnosed with cancer prefer alternative methods over conventional medicines. It helps them to overcome the side effects of cancer treatments.
What Are The Major Types Of Alternative Medicine?
1. Traditional Chinese Medicine (TCM)
Traditional and Chinese alternative medicines are made of several herbal formulas and herbs. It helps organs function properly and leads to good health. TCM also emphasizes the healing properties of food. Every food carries different energies that help organs in quick recovery.
2. Ayurveda
Ayurveda is a natural approach that helps maintain the life balance and energize the body. In Ayurveda, it is believed that the balance between mind, spirit, and body is the key to good health. The three most famous forms of Ayurveda are ayurvedic therapy, ayurveda massage, and panchakarma treatment.
3. Homeopathy
Homeopathy is an alternative system of medicine founded on the principle of “like cures like” and the use of highly diluted substances to treat illnesses. Despite its historical roots and widespread use, the scientific community regards homeopathy as pseudoscientific.
4. Naturopathy
Naturopathy is a holistic alternative medicine system. As per this medicine, the human body naturally has the potential to heal itself. Naturopathy includes ample nutrition, herbal medicine, physical therapies, and hydrotherapy. All these therapies promote health and wellness.
5. Chiropractic Medicine
Chiropractic medicine is another form of alternative medicine. It treats and diagnoses musculoskeletal disorders, specifically those related to the spine and nervous system.
6. Herbal Medicine
Herbal medicine is the traditional system of medicine. These alternative medicines are made of plant extracts and plants because of their therapeutic quotes. Plants are believed to have various active compounds that offer plenty of health benefits. Herbal medicines alleviate symptoms to support the entire well-being.
7. Aromatherapy
Aromatherapy is also an alternative medicine practice. In this medical approach, the aromatic essence of plants is extracted in the form of essential oils. This therapy promotes emotional and physical wellbeing. It is believed that the inhalation of plant extracts positively impacts the body and mind. However, aromatherapy is not the right choice for severe medical conditions.
8. Meditation and Mindfulness
Both meditation and mindfulness are alternative approaches and promote wellbeing and health. Meditation consists of practices of concentrating practices of one’s attention and eliminating distractions. It leads to a more relaxed and contemplative state. On the other side, mindfulness asserts being fully present in the moment, observing feelings, and observing thoughts.
9. Acupuncture
Acupuncture is a traditional Chinese medicine that helps improve energy flow and restore the body’s balance. In this alternative approach, thin metal needles are inserted into specific points in the body. These points are known as acupuncture points.
10. Energy Healing
Energy healing concentrates on manipulation and balancing the energy system. In this alternative approach, many techniques are used, such as visualization, hands-on or hands-off methods, and intentions. All these methods help direct the energy to remove blockages and restore harmony.
11. Reflexology
This alternative approach emphasizes the belief that specific realms on the hands, ears, and feet correspond to several organs and systems in the body. Practitioners of reflexology apply pressure to these particular points. It promotes relaxation, improves circulation, and encourages the body’s natural healing processes.
Pros And Cons Of Alternative Methods
Alternative medicines have different pros and cons.
Pros
- Alternative medicines have no or fewer side effects than conventional medicines. Therapies like meditation, mindfulness, herbal medicine, homeopathy, and naturopathy are safer options.
- It follows a holistic approach to healing. These therapies concentrate on the whole person instead of just treating the symptoms of specific conditions.
- Alternative therapies work slowly before starting the treatment; practitioners take time to know their patients. Moreover, they create a personalized treatment plan as per the patient’s needs and health goals.
- People who choose alternative medicines participate actively in their own health and wellbeing. This is because alternative treatments promote a sense of control over their bodies and their lives.
Cons
- The holistic approach generally takes much longer than traditional or contemporary therapies. It could not be used in emergency cases. These medicines focus on treating from the roots that takes time.
- Due to the lack of scientific research and evidence, alternative medicines are unreliable. Additionally, therapies and approaches are only appropriate for some patients. It’s different from one that fits all sizes.
- There is no scientific proof that shows alternative methods can heal every disease or every person. The US Food and Drug Administration still needs to approve alternative approaches. The treatment and time vary between people.
- It’s essential to identify the disease and consult the doctor before opting for alternative treatments. Despite this, if you take alternative medicines, you must play an active role throughout the healing process.
Is Alternative Medicine Similar To Other Medical Approaches?
All alternative medicines, integrative, holistic, complementary, and conventional medicines, represent different categories of medical approaches.
Alternative medicine is different from other medical approaches. But some alternative methods have been used in conventional medication to heal diseases. They all refer to different approaches:
1. Integrative medicines
Integrative medicine is also known as integrated medicine. It alludes to incorporating contemporary medicine and alternative medicines into comprehensive treatments. It concentrates on healing and health in place of diseases and treatments.
2. Holistic medicines
Holistic medicines are an attitudinal approach to health care. It considers the uniqueness of every patient and the patient and doctor’s relationship.
Holistic treatment also involves a person’s responsibility to their own health care. In this approach, all types of healthcare are used for treating patients. It can be an alternative medicine to conventional medicine.
3. Complementary medicines
Complementary medicines cannot be bought without the doctor’s permission. These are non-prescription medicines. They consist of ingredients like plant materials, minerals, and vitamins.
4. Conventional medicines
Conventional medicines refer to those medicines that all doctors use to diagnose and treat symptoms and conditions. It is also known as modern medicine. For example, pharmaceutical medications, psychotherapy, physical rehabilitation, surgery, and radiation therapy are conventional medicine.
Conclusion
To sum up, health is one of the most important things one should focus on. Keeping yourself healthy should be your priority. Alternative medicines can help you to fight several diseases unless you choose the proper method for the right illness. However, holistic approaches can help you overcome the side effects of complementary or contemporary medicine.
