Many individuals argue that traditional medicine is superior to complementary and alternative medicine. When comparing them, keep the following points in mind:
Evidence-based on science
One of the most significant advantages of conventional medical treatment is that it is subjected to extensive investigation. Scientists can evaluate if certain procedures, drugs, and treatment regimens are useful and safe through clinical trials and studies.
Alternative medicine is being studied by several scientists using these approaches. However, data is not always as plentiful or as trustworthy. Some forms of alternative medicine, such as homeopathy, are based on minimal scientific evidence.
There are several exceptions. Alternative therapies have been well examined by science, allowing doctors to offer them to patients confidently. Yoga and meditation, as well as acupuncture, are examples of this. Acupuncture is recommended as first-line therapy for lower back pain by the American College of Physicians.
Ingredients
Some people feel alternative medicine is superior to traditional medicine because it frequently employs natural ingredients, which they believe are safer, kinder, or more fit for the human body than manufactured pharmaceuticals.
Natural medications, like conventional drugs, can induce adverse effects, drug interactions, and toxicity if used in improper doses. Some genuine goods may include dangerous ingredients that aren’t specified on the label. Some Ayurvedic goods, for example, contain naturally-occurring poisons like mercury and lead.
Even when natural goods are safe, firms may find it more challenging to maintain consistent levels of potency and purity. Third-party testing can help with this, although not all businesses employ it.
Accessibility
Traditional medicine is more difficult for certain people than the other remedies accessible in their communities. Alternative medicine, in comparison to the US healthcare system, maybe:
more cost-effective
closer to where a person lives, simpler to practice alone, more familiar or easier to grasp, more congruent with a person’s values or culture
These are significant characteristics that may increase the attraction of alternative medicine. People who have had bad experiences with healthcare may want to look for alternatives.
Summary
Alternative medicine refers to non-traditional medical treatments. This phrase is used in the United States to refer to various therapies and medical systems, ranging from Ayurveda to reflexology.
Whatever therapy a person selects, it’s critical to think about the evidence behind it, the dangers and side effects, and whether or not the practitioner is completely certified. Always consult a medical practitioner before using alternative remedies, as they may include hazards.