For decades, individuals have turned to medical professionals for help with the management of illness and to maintain their general health. This is still largely the case as the medical community continues to play a vital role in safeguarding human health. However, a number of changes are being witnessed and these changes are forcing practitioners to adapt. The emergence of alternative medicine is among these changes. Essentially, alternative medicine refers to the approaches and interventions that individuals are embracing as they move away from conventional medicine. Homeopathy and acupuncture are examples of alternative medicine that have been adopted across the globe. The different types of alternative medicine have a number of advantages. However, they also carry some risks that have caused concern.
Pros
One of the key benefits of alternative medicine lies in its holistic approach. As opposed to conventional medicine which is primarily concerned with maintaining bodily health, alternative medicine aims to treat the body and the mind as well (Montross-Thomas et al., 2017). The practitioners who offer alternative medicine believe that there are deep inter-connections between the mind and the body. By treating the mind, they treat the body as well. Given this advantage, it is little wonder that alternative medicine is gaining traction as more and more patients seek holistic care. The personal attention that the practitioners of alternative medicine offer is another advantage that those who seek their services enjoy (DeBar, Schneider & Ritenbaugh, 2003). For example, suppose that an individual approaches an alternative medicine practitioner for help with back pain. This patient can expect highly personalized care that addresses their every need. This is as opposed to conventional medicine whose systems are overwhelmed and ill-equipped to attend adequately to the needs of patients.
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One of the drawbacks of conventional medicine is that if reduces patients to mere recipients of care. On the other hand, alternative medicine empowers the patients. It allows them to participate actively in the treatment process (Barrett et al., 2004). In essence, when they embrace alternative medicine, individuals find the power to take charge of their health and general wellbeing. Another advantage of alternative medicine is that it is highly accessible and fairly affordable (Barrett et al., 2004). For example, some forms of alternative medicine do not require the supervision of a practitioner. Certain diets make part of alternative medicine. These diets simply require an individual to purchase particular foods and follow a prescribed regimen. This is as opposed to conventional medicine which tends to be prohibitively costly and must be administered by a competent practitioner. In the US, thousands of people find conventional care to be beyond reach. Given this fact, one can expect that alternative medicine will continue to grow in popularity and use.
It is well understood that the lifestyle that one has adopted has a bearing on their health. For example, eating fatty and sugary foods increase one’s chance of obesity and developing various ailments like heart disease. While its scientific basis is questionable, alternative medicine has incorporated some elements of established scientific knowledge. This type of medicine accounts for the lifestyle factors that influence health (Winter & Korzenik, 2017). As a result, it makes it possible for individuals to modify their lifestyles as they seek to achieve positive health outcomes. For example, those grappling with heart disease may be advised to embrace certain diets. This example shows that alternative medicine recognizes that one’s environment and behavior have a bearing on their wellbeing. That alternative medicine can be integrated into conventional care is yet another benefit that it presents (Winter & Korzenik, 2017). In most cases, individuals turn to alternative medicine because they have been disappointed by conventional medicine. This does not need to be the case. By embracing certain types of alternative medicine, conventional practitioners can ensure that patients enjoy the benefits of the two types of medicine. For example, conventional medication can be combined with meditation and diets to improve outcomes. However, before integrating alternative medicine into care, practitioners should verify that the alternative approaches have been proven to be effective and safe.
Cons
The discussion above allows one to understand why an increasing number of patients are embracing alternative medicine. While it is crucial to recognize the benefits of alternative medicine, it is also helpful to consider its disadvantages. That alternative medicine has not been established to be safe is among the disadvantages (Myers & Cheras, 2004). There is little scientific evidence that confirms that alternative medicine is safe. As they turn to alternative medicine, individuals need to understand that they risk their health. Some alternative medicines may cause more harm than good. It is therefore best for individuals to seek care from qualified conventional practitioners. Another disadvantage of alternative medicine is that it is shrouded in mystery and its full impact is not fully understood. As Myers and Cheras (2004) lament, most of those who use alternative medicine are misled into believing that since it is based on natural approaches and products, alternative medicine is inherently safe.
The lack of appropriate regulatory frameworks and policies further expose those who use alternative medicine to serious health risks (Bellanger et al., 2016). In the US and other nations, conventional medicine is strictly regulated. Before a product is approved for human use, it is usually subjected to rigorous testing. Such stringent policies and practices are not enforced on alternative medicine. The lack of regulation has created conditions allowing for unscrupulous individuals to develop products that they present as alternative medicine without presenting any evidence that proves the effectiveness and safety of the products. For alternative medicine to become safer and gain mainstream status, there is a need for concerned stakeholders to institute regulatory measures.
It is true that despite posing safety risks, some alternative medicines are indeed effective. However, the applications of alternative medicine are rather limited. They present the greatest benefit if they are administered over a substantially long period of time. In emergency situations, alternative medicine is practically useless. For example, suppose that an individual has suffered a heart attack. In this case, such forms of alternative medicine as using herbs or diets will not yield any meaningful relief. This example shows that whereas it may be gaining popularity, alternative medicine will never replace conventional medicine.
In conclusion, alternative medicine is rapidly becoming popular. Across the globe, millions are embracing alternative medicine, believing it to hold the key to holistic, affordable and personal care. Alternative medicine has indeed made care more accessible especially for those who lack the finances needed to pay for conventional medicine. However, it is difficult to ignore the numerous shortcomings and disadvantages of alternative medicine. Safety concerns and the lack of research regarding the effectiveness of alternative medicine are some of these flaws. Using alternative medicine could cause one to suffer complications. Furthermore, there is no scientific evidence that conclusively determines the effectiveness of alternative medicine. To promote safety, there is a need for further and more rigorous research. It is also important for conventional practitioners to be receptive of alternative medicine and identify ways of incorporating it into care. Until research proves that alternative medicine is safe and effective, individuals should express a preference for conventional medicine and approach alternative medicine with extreme caution and tremendous skepticism.
References
Barrett, B., Marchand, L., Scheder, J., Plane, M. B., Maberry, R., Appelbaum, D., Rakel, D., & Rabago, D. (2004). Themes of holism, empowerment, access, and legitimacy define complementary, alternative and integrative medicine in relation to conventional biomedicine. The Journal of Alternative and Complementary Medicine, 9 (6). DOI: https://doi.org/10.1089/107555303771952271
Bellanger, R. A., Ramsinghani, S., Franklin, C., & Seeger, C. (2016). Safety of complementary and alternative medicine (CAM) treatments and practices. Side Effects of Drugs Annual, 38, 513-22.
DeBar, L. J., Schneider, J., & Ritenbaugh, C. (2003). Use of complementary and alternative medicine for temporomandibular disorders. Journal of Orofacial Pain, 17 (3), 224-36.
Montross-Thomas, L. P., Meier, E. A., Reynolds-Norolahi, K., Raskin, E. E., Slater, D., Mills, P. J., MacElhern, L., & Kallenberg, G. (2017). Inpatients’ preferences, beliefs and stated willingness to pay for complementary and alternative medicine treatments. The Journal of Complementary and Alternative Medicine, 23 (4). DOI: https://doi.org/10.1089/acm.2016.0288
Myers, S. P., & Cheras, P. A. (2004).
Winter, R. W., & Korzenik, J. R. (2017). The practical pros and cons of complementary and alternative medicine in practice: integrating complementary and alternative medicine into clinical care. Gastroenterology Clinics of North America, 46 (4), 907-16.
