Alternative Medicine Over Conventional Medicine: Who Has the Cure?

Alternative medicine has gained its share in the market of medicines. This has set the competition of conventional medicine and a lot of reviews have come up regarding the potency of each type. Everyone is primarily aware that conventional medicine is the practice of using pharmaceutical products to cure or prevent diseases with a prescription of a licensed physician. Alternative medicine, on the other hand, deals with medicines that sought alternative techniques in curing such as therapies or herbal medicines. The former has been regulated by drug authorities while the latter is not.

The different and most common types of alternative medicines are herbal medicines, chiropractic, acupuncture, aromatherapy and massage therapy. Herbal medicines entail the use of herbs to cure diseases such as diabetes, kidney problems, and heart disease; and at the same time aid in detoxification through the use of aloe Vera, tea and other detoxifying herbs. Herbal medicines have also claimed to help lose weight in a natural way. Another popular type of alternative medicine is chiropractic, which focuses on spine-related problems. It primarily involves in manipulating the spine and other soft tissues in the body. It revolves around the thought of the body being able to heal by itself. The third type of alternative medicine which is acupuncture involves the use of needles or needlelike objects to relieve stress, body pain and other body disorders. On the other hand, aromatherapy uses scent or essential oils to aid in detoxification and clear up the circulatory system and lymph nodes. This is commonly used side by side with massage therapy.

Despite the popularity that alternative medicine has gained and being widely used, it has raised a lot of controversies. The following has been the disadvantages that have been pointed out on alternative medicine.

• Safety and effectiveness

Since alternative medicine has not been regulated by the food and drug authorities, the issue of safety is always brought in question. A lot of medical practitioners insist on testing its efficacy as well. Different researches, have given various results in terms of its safety and efficacy. Others prove it to be effective while some find it aggravating.

• Side- effects

One main concern often pointed out on the use of alternative medicine is that its side-effects cannot usually be determined in a short time but may take some time for it to be manifested.

• Abuse in usage

In comparison to the most conventional medicine that requires a prescription; alternative medicine does not need any. Anyone can buy different amounts with no specific dosage being indicated. Anyone, with an addictive behavior can overuse this type of medicine.

• Components may cause allergic reactions.

Due to the lack of regulation being provided in alternative medicine, the ingredients in one medicine can be overlooked, which might cause allergic reactions if one is allergic to any component.

• Lack of Information Dissemination

It has been a common practice that alternative medicine is often used alongside with conventional medicine without the knowledge of the licensed physician. This can be very dangerous since some components in a certain medicine can be harmful when used with another medicine. The physician is often uninformed, which can detriment a patient’s medical condition.

However, different arguments have been brought up to support alternative medicine. The following has been reasoned out:

• Availability

Alternative medicine can be found everywhere without the hassle of a prescription. It can even be found in one’s backyard in terms of herbal medication.

• Cheaper alternative

Pharmaceutical companies levy huge prices on their medication which makes it less accessible and the lesser option.

• It’s the natural way.

It has been argued that alternative medicine is, in the least, harmful since it is harmonious to nature’s way of healing by using natural remedies.

• Holistic approach to medicine

One approach that has often been neglected by conventional medicine is that it does not encompass the mind, body and spirit in its treatment. This holistic approach is being used by alternative medicines, which make it more gratifying.

So who holds the cure? Well, both medicines offer diverse setbacks and benefits, which are mainly dependent on a consumer’s awareness and convenience.