Alternative medicine is a term that describes medical treatments that are used instead of traditional (mainstream) therapies. Some people also refer to it as “integrative,” or “complementary” medicine. More than half of adults in the United States say they use some form of alternative medicine. But exactly what types of
therapies are considered alternative? The definition changes as doctors test and move more of them into the mainstream. This article examines some popular alternative medical treatments and their potential risks and benefits. This is a traditional Chinese medicine technique that uses needles to stimulate specific points around the body. The person who performs this therapy (an acupuncturist) sticks thin, sterile needles
into your skin. The goal is to help your body’s natural healing process kick in. Studies show that acupuncture can be effective in treating a number of conditions, like neck and
back pain, nausea, anxiety, depression,
insomnia, infertility, and more. This practice focuses on the body’s structure -- mainly
the spine --and how it functions. A trained professional called a chiropractor uses different techniques to adjust (“manipulate”) your spine or other parts of your body so that they’re in proper form, or alignment. The goal of
chiropractic medicine is to ease pain, improve body function, and help your body to heal itself naturally. Much of the research around it has focused on low back pain. But studies show chiropractic can also be helpful for a number of other ailments, like
headaches, neck pain, joint problems in your upper and lower body, and disorders caused by whiplash. These focus on the energy fields many people believe exist in and around the body. Included in this category are: Magnetic Field Therapy. This uses magnetic or electrical fields to treat a number of musculoskeletal problems. Studies show that it may work for osteoarthritis and other pain conditions. Some studies
have even shown that it may help fractures heal faster. Magnetic field therapy may not be safe if you’re pregnant, have an implanted cardiac device, use an
insulin pump, or take a drug given by patch. Reiki. Those who practice this alternative treatment believe it taps into the body's natural energy to speed healing. The practitioner hovers their hands over
your body or places them lightly on your skin. The goal is to channel energy through their hands to your body to promote healing. There’s very little research to prove it works. Therapeutic (“Healing”) Touch. Here, a therapist uses their healing energy to identify and repair imbalances in a person’s energy field. Unlike Reiki, the therapist doesn’t touch you. They simply move their hands back and forth over your body. Research shows healing touch can reduce
anxiety in people who have cancers. It can also increase their sense of well-being. But it’s unclear if it works for other issues, as well. This alternative therapy uses parts of a plant -- its roots, leaves, berries, or flowers -- to heal the body. According to the World Health
Organization, an estimated 80% of people around the world use herbal medicine. Studies show certain herbs are effective in treating a number of health issues, like allergies, premenstrual syndrome,
chronic fatigue, and more. Unfortunately, herbal supplements can be sold without being proven to be safe or effective. Talk to your doctor if you’re thinking about using them. Ayurveda is one of the world’s oldest medical systems. It started in India more than 3,000 years ago and is still widely used in that country today. Those who use it rely on herbs, special diets, and unique practices to treat illnesses. But Ayurvedic products can also be dangerous. Researchers have found toxic minerals or metals, like lead, in some of the products. There hasn’t been enough research or
clinical trials to support that Ayurveda works. Conventional medicine is the most common type of medicine in the Western world. Many types of complementary medicine have been around for hundreds of years. However, it is only over the last few decades that doctors have started to use complementary medicines alongside conventional treatments. Complementary and alternative medicine (CAM) is the term for treatments that are not part of mainstream healthcare. The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) note that whereas people use alternative treatments in place of standard treatments, they use complementary treatments alongside them. This article provides more information on conventional and complementary medicines, including the types, benefits, and risks. It also covers the differences and similarities between these two types of medicine. Conventional medicine, also called Western medicine or modern medicine, is when healthcare professionals such as doctors, nurses, and therapists use scientific research to diagnose and treat symptoms and conditions. Examples of conventional medicine include:
People use conventional medicine to prevent, diagnose, and treat symptoms and conditions. Doctors may use complementary treatments to alleviate the side effects of conventional medicine and improve the person’s overall quality of life. For example, a person may use complementary treatments to reduce stress, balance emotions, and alleviate fatigue while undergoing chemotherapy. A 2020 study investigated the use of CAM treatments for people with fibromyalgia. Two-thirds of the participants used CAM treatments, with the most common therapies being:
The researchers found that people who used CAM treatments alongside pharmacological treatments had a significantly higher quality of life than those who used only the conventional approach. The authors of a 2020 review conclude that acupuncture is an effective treatment for cancer-related fatigue and may help improve the quality of life of those who have survived the disease. A coordinated treatment approach that combines conventional and complementary medicine is known as integrative health. Integrative health aims to heal each person and maximize their quality of life by treating their physical, mental, and emotional health. Individual needs will determine the best combination of therapies. Traditional healthcare professionals, such as doctors, nurses, and therapists, can work with complementary therapists to create a treatment plan. This plan can treat all aspects of a person instead of focusing on one area of the body. Conventional and complementary treatments have benefits and drawbacks to consider. Each case is different, so a person should talk with a healthcare professional to determine whether they are a suitable candidate for complementary therapies. Conventional treatmentsAs the law demands, experts have put conventional treatments, such as chemotherapy and radiation therapy, through rigorous scientific testing to demonstrate their safety and effectiveness. However, there are some possible drawbacks to conventional medicine. One example is the use of antibiotics, which doctors prescribe to treat bacterial infections. Antibiotic resistance occurs when bacteria change in response to the use of these medications. The misuse and overuse of antibiotics increase resistance, limiting infection prevention and control. Complementary treatmentsAs research has demonstrated, many complementary treatments — including acupuncture and various supplements — are safe and can be effective. The costs vary depending on the specific therapy, but some may be cheaper than conventional treatment. However, there is no scientific or medical evidence to show that complementary treatments can help treat or cure conditions such as cancer. Also, complementary therapies may interact with conventional treatments, potentially causing them to work less effectively or produce more severe side effects. For this reason, it is important to discuss any complementary treatments with a healthcare professional before taking them alongside conventional treatments. An integrative healthcare approach combines conventional and complementary treatments. A person should consult a doctor to learn about the potential benefits, risks, and side effects of different treatments and how they affect each other. A person can work with a doctor and complementary therapist to create a suitable and effective treatment plan. Regular checkups will allow these professionals to modify the treatment plan if necessary. What medicine is a general term for practices and systems of health care that are used to supplement conventional or Western treatments?Integrative medicine is an approach to medical care that combines conventional medicine with CAM practices that have shown through science to be safe and effective.
What is Western medicine called?Western medicine goes by different names. You may also hear these terms: Allopathic medicine. Biomedicine. Conventional medicine.
What is conventional medical treatment?Conventional treatment or Conventional therapy is the therapy that is widely used and accepted by most health professionals. It is different from alternative therapies, which are not as widely used. Examples of conventional treatment: some treatment for cancer include surgery, chemotherapy and radiation therapy.
What term means the practices and systems of health care other than allopathic?Complementary medicine refers to therapies that complement traditional western (or allopathic) medicine and is used together with conventional medicine, and alternative medicine is used in place of conventional medicine.
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What medicine is a general term for practices and systems of healthcare that are used to supplement conventional or Western treatments?
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