Role of alternative medicine in modern society

Role of alternative medicine in modern society

Typically, alternative medicine differs from traditional medicine in that alternative medicine is older and what we might call unconventional or non-Western medicine. Alternative medicine does not follow the traditional science and research that current medicines go through. Alternative medicine could also be referred to as complementary or traditional medicine, or therapies that can be integrated into current medicine. The staff of the National Library of Medicine of the United States classified alternative medicine in the category of complementary therapies in the Medical Subjects section. This happened in 2002. The definition was that alternative medicine therapeutic practices were not considered an integral part of traditional allopathic medicine. Therapies like acupuncture, diet, physiotherapy like exercises or yoga, etc. are called alternative medicine. These therapies are called complementary when used alongside traditional treatments. When performed in place of traditional treatments, they are called alternative treatments.

In April 1995, the National Institutes of Health Panel in Bethesda, Maryland, worked on Definition & Description, CAM Research Methodology Conference, Office of Alternative Medicine. The panel defined alternative medicine and complementary medicine as those healing resources that include all health systems and practices that differ from the dominant health system of a particular society or culture. Typically, therapies such as Ayurveda, herbal medicine, folk medicine, homeopathy, acupuncture, naturopathy, dietary practices, chiropractic, music therapy, massage, pranic healing, etc. are classified as alternative or complementary medicine. People who do not find a cure, cure or success in allopathic medicine generally try alternative medicine. Such people generally suffer from cancer, arthritis, acquired immunodeficiency syndrome (AIDS), chronic back pain, etc. Therapies that fall under alternative medicine will no longer be included in this category once their effectiveness is proven and they are considered safe and effective. They are then considered part of traditional medicine. An example would be chiropractors. Twenty years ago, insurance wouldn't pay for them because they were seen as "alternative and ineffective." Today, thousands of people have been helped by chiropractors and are now recognized in the medical community. A similar movement is underway in the dietary supplement and nutraceutical industries.

Over the years, more and more people have used alternative medicine because traditional medicine doesn't work for them. The 2004 US National Center for Complementary and Alternative Medicine survey found that in 2002, about 36% of Americans used alternative medicine. When alternative medicine is used in conjunction with traditional allopathic medicine, an integrative doctor is the best option for a person. Some traditional doctors are strongly opposed to complementary medicine or simply don't believe in it, even though research continues to show the benefits of many compounds. Your doctor should be informed of other approaches you may be using. If you are not comfortable with this, you can always choose another doctor. This would allow the doctor to anticipate possible complications or a better time to apply complementary therapy. The concern surrounding the use of alternative medicine stems from the fact that some alternative medicine practitioners do not have an accredited medical degree and therefore do not hold a valid medical license. However, in recent times, many educational institutions and universities are offering courses in Homeopathy, Ayurveda, Siddha, Unani, Acupuncture and Naturopathy. The recent growth in this industry is reflected in many people demanding different, and in some cases better, care than what they receive in “modern medicine.” They no longer accept the fact that they must suffer from pain or illness because the modern pharmacy does not have a miracle cure for them.