Holistic medicine vs. conventional medicine

Holistic medicine vs. conventional medicine

The definition of holistic or alternative or complementary medicine is consistent with the World Health Organization's description. The WHO states that health is a state of complete well-being on physical, mental and social levels. A holistic approach to treatment can be different for two patients suffering from the same disease - it advocates for personalized and targeted remedies. Conventional Western medicine or allopathy defines health as the absence of disease. It advocates a more standardized approach to treating health disorders.

How the two forms of treatment work

Conventional Approach: The conventional medical system uses allopathic medicines to treat diseases. The patient is assessed based on their medical history. This is accompanied by a physical examination of the patient and the results of various tests carried out in the laboratory.

Conventional treatment consists of medications that suppress the body's natural immune responses. People who resort to this method seek treatment only when the disease strikes. Therefore, there is very little scope for any kind of preventative treatment. Conventional medicine considers biochemical imbalances, pathogens, bacteria and viruses to be the main cause of any type of illness. The procedures used to treat serious and life-threatening diseases are highly therapeutic.

Common treatment methods used by conventional medicine practitioners include medication, surgery, and radiation. Nutrition, physiotherapy and exercise as well as stress management are part of the conventional treatment method.

Alternative Approach: In the holistic or alternative treatment method, health is viewed as a balance of the body's emotional, mental and spiritual states. Practitioners of the holistic treatment system see the three aspects as interconnected. Disturbance or disharmony in any of these states is believed to cause disease.

Holistic medicine views the human body as equipped to resist illness and heal injuries sustained. Patients are empowered to heal themselves by addressing the underlying causes of their illness. Treatment includes a wide range of therapies that help the body strengthen its own defense mechanisms. After treatment, patients are recommended to make changes in their lifestyle to feel completely comfortable.

The holistic form of treatment is more cost-effective compared to its conventional medical counterpart. This form has produced effective results in conditions such as rheumatoid arthritis, gastrointestinal disorders, cancer, heart problems, asthma and many other conditions. Holistic or alternative medicine places emphasis on preventing the disease rather than focusing on the symptoms. The methods implemented support self-healing and allow your body to return to its former healthy self. Treatments with the holistic form of medicine achieve slow but lasting results. They also do not cause any dangerous side effects.

Growing popularity of alternative medicine

Various forms of alternative medicine and remedies, including yoga and meditation, are becoming increasingly popular. This is the result of growing dissatisfaction with the results and side effects of expensive conventional treatments. But those who cling to the conventional form of treatment have expressed doubts about the authenticity of holistic medicine. Some doubts have also been raised regarding possible side effects of natural products if not administered in the correct proportions.