Conventional vs Alternative Medicine Conventional medicine Standard Medicine

Conventional vs Alternative Medicine

Conventional medicine “Standard Medicine” Based on the findings of a variety of biological sciences. �

Alternative medicine Defined as those therapies or practices that are not a part of conventional, or “mainstream” health care and medical practice.

Complementary and Alternative Medicine (CAM) Used together with conventional medicine �

How is CAM different from conventional medicine? The whole person Scientific knowledge of the body

Why do people use alternative medicine? More accessible Increase spirituality Personal growth Environmentalism Preventive medicine Failure of traditional medical interventions Deal with side effects of conventional medicine’s treatments � � � �

Frauds

Domains of alternative medicine

Common practices Acupuncture Chiropractic Herbal medicine Homeopathy Naturopathy Ayurveda Magnetic therapy Massage therapy

Pros and cons of alternative medicine ADVANTAGES Few side effects Natural products No surgical interventions No drugs Less aggressive DISADVANTAGES There is a lack of regulation of natural and herbal products “Natural” does not imply that a product is safe Many products, including some herbs, can be toxic in large doses Practitioners often do not have the years of education given to conventional medical staff No clinical trials on products

Side effects The drugs they tell you need http: //www. youtube. com/watch? v=UIk. Zh 07 e 0 e. M