The Differences Between Alternative Medicine and Allopathic Medicine - Essay Example

The Differences Between Alternative Medicine and Allopathic Medicine Alternative medicine, also called alternative therapy or natural medicine is important in the United States and around the world. It is a popular alternative to standard drugs and allopathic medicine. The reason alternative medicine is popular is because it is said to offer alternatives to traditional medicine (allopathic medicine) when traditional medicine does not provide success. As an example, Fibromyalgia patients often find relief from symptoms through alternative medicines and when allopathic medicine has not suggested relief (Ryan 990). Currently, in allopathic medicine, there are no real diagnostic tests to diagnose Fibromyalgia and no real medical symptoms. Doctors have had to rely on a non-clinical type of symptomology than on medical symptoms (Ryan 990). Because of this, alternative medicine has earned a complimentary place alongside allopathic medicine. History of Alternative Medicine Alternative medicine dates back to at least prehistoric times. Cavemen and other life forms were using alternative methods because there were no doctors available as they are today. Some alternative practices like acupuncture and Ayurvedic medicine date back to the ancient Chinese (Mork). Homeopathic medicine is more recent, dating back to 1780 when a doctor, Samuel Hahnemann, realized that a small amount of a disease could actually cure someone with the disease. This idea created a system where small amounts of the agents that cause disease can be used to resolve a problem (Mork). Today, many remedies are used to assist people with the more chronic diseases like Multiple Sclerosis (MS), Fibromyalgia, and Cancer (The Scientist Staff). Throughout the years, although alternative medicines have been controversial, more people are using them. Why People Use Alternative Medicine Generally speaking, people turn to alternative medicines when their access to traditional medicine is limited or fails (Rettner). Also, people may turn to alternative medicines because they tend to be less expensive than traditional methods and they can help in areas where traditional medicines have failed (e.g. MS, Fibromyalgia) [Rettner]. Approximately 38 percent of adults over 18 reported that they used some form of alternative medicine in 2007 and at least 12 percent of children use alternative methods (National Center for Complementary and Alternative Medicine). Differences between Alternative Medicine and Allopathic Medicine Allopathic medicine (traditional medicine) has been scientifically proven to work in certain situations. There are always drug testing for any drug that the Food and Drug Administration (ADA) approves for human consumption. In contrast, alternative methods are not always governed by the same standards as traditional methods because they do not always fit into the FDA requirements. When looking at the differences between the two types of medicine, it is important to note that alternative medicines are used differently than other drugs. For the most part, alternative medicines can be capsules, homeopathic remedies, or alternative therapies like acupuncture or naturopathic remedies. All allopathic medicines must adhere to strong guidelines. Alternative therapies can be purchases over the counter without a prescription, while some traditional methods are bought over the counter, but many require a prescription from a certified physician. Just as allopathic medicines are prescribed for certain issues, alternative medicines have a plethora of remedies that can be used for specific ailments. While many drugs have side effects, many alternative methods do not have specific side effects. Many European and Asian countries have used alternative methods for several centuries while in the United States, and are acknowledged by medical doctors (Milgrom). Also, there are many doctors who are now listening to their patients about how alternative methods work for their patients. Beneficial Effects of Alternative Medicines Lew et al. state that one of the reasons that doctors are listening is because their patients have more access to information about both types of medicines. The authors suggest that traditional doctors must have knowledge of these alternative medicines so they can help their patients understand the pros and cons of using them. As stated before, some alternative medicines work for medical conditions where traditional medicine has failed. As an example, Diamond et al. studied the effects of several focus enhancing remedies on Dementia and found that these remedies had a beneficial effect on dementia and related issues, and it could also slow it down. In another study, O’Keefe and Coat studied the attitude of consumers for using alternative medicines and suggest that doctors should make sure they understand that many of their patients will use alternative medicines to supplement traditional methods because they see it as a way to expand their healthcare choices (299). One of the challenges for physicians who want to use alternative methods is that physicians are sworn to deal with the “medical professional standard” (Van Dijk 180) which states that physicians must work within scientifically proven boundaries. Further, to work within this framework, physicians must work with medicines that have proof that they work, that the doctor has experience with, and then it has to comply with the wishes of the patient (Van Dijk 181). Because alternative medicines do not fit all three categories, they cannot be seen as being on the same level as traditional issues (Van Dijk 181). Barnett and Shale state that alternative therapies should be integrated into psychological processes because patients know so much about them and because many of them can be a help to the specific psychological issues that arise in counseling sessions. In conclusion, alternative medicines have become for many consumers, an alternative to the intake of drugs. For others, alternative medicines have become a complimentary aspect of their healthcare. Often, alternative methods are less expensive than traditional medicines, but consumers must pay for them out-of-pocket; most are not covered by insurance. As people find that traditional medicines do not work, they may try alternatives for their medical situation. Many people are turning to alternative medicines for help with MS, Dementia, and other chronic diseases like cancer. A debate still continues throughout the medical community, about the use of alternative medicines, with some physicians accepting that their patients are using them and others are still resistant to using anything but scientific methods. However, there are more clinics and hospitals that are beginning to use alternative methods to help their patients move forward with health. Works Cited Barnett, Jeffrey E., and Allison J. Shale. "The Integration Of Complementary And Alternative Medicine (CAM) Into The Practice Of Psychology: A Vision For The Future." Professional Psychology: Research And Practice 43.6 (2012): 576-585. PsycARTICLES. Web. 6 May 2013. Diamond, Bruce J., et al. "Complementary And Alternative Medicines In The Treatment Of Dementia." Drugs & Aging 20.13 (2003): 981-998. Academic Search Premier. Web. 6 May 2013. Huff, Lew, et al. "Blending The Boundaries: Steps Toward An Integration Of Complementary And Alternative Medicine Into Mainstream Practice." Journal Of Alternative & Complementary Medicine 8.6 (2002): 897-906. Academic Search Premier. Web. 6 May 2013. Milgrom, Lionel R. "Toward A Unified Theory Of Homeopathy And Conventional Medicine." Journal Of Alternative & Complementary Medicine 13.7 (2007): 759-770. Academic Search Premier. Web. 6 May 2013. Mork, Rachel. “A World History of Alternative Medicine.” Life123. 2013. Web. 05 01 2013. National Center for Complementary and Alternative Medicine (NCCAM). “The Use of Complementary and Alternative Medicine in the United States”. U.S. Department of Health & Human Services, 2008: n. pag. Web. 05 May 2013. Novella, Steven. “Why Do People turn to Alternative Medicine?” Science Based Medicine. 26 December 2012. n. pag. Web. 28 April 2013. O'Keefe, Maree, and Suzette Coat. "Increasing Health-Care Options: The Perspectives Of Parents Who Use Complementary And Alternative Medicines." Journal Of Paediatrics & Child Health 46.6 (2010): 296-300. Academic Search Premier. Web. 6 May 2013. Rettner, Rachael. “More seek alternative medicine therapies, study shows.” Alternative medicine on MSNBC. 01 February 2011. Web. 05 May 2013. Ryan, S. (2011). Fibromyalgia: an overview and comparison of treatment options. British Journal Of Nursing, 20.16, 2011: 991-995. Web. 06 May 2013. Van Dijk, Gert. "Physicians And Alternative Methods Of Treatment: Do They Go Together?." World Medical Journal 57.5 (2011): 178-182. Academic Search Premier. Web. 6 May 2013. Read More