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Alternative Medicine – Why Controversial

Probably in the medical field nothing is as controversial as alternative therapies and medicine in general. This controversy can be seen right from the definition of alternative medicine. In the modern western world, any healing practice that does not fall within the boundaries of conventional mainstream medicine is considered alternative medicine. Alternative therapies are diverse in both their foundations as well as in their methodologies. Alternative medicine practitioners usually make claims that the medical community is not willing to accept. This is because alternative medicine is based on traditional medicine, spiritual beliefs, folk knowledge and other new approaches to healing.

However, this controversy has not deterred people from pursuing alternative medical treatments. For example a systematic review showed that about 31% of cancer patients substitute conventional medical practices with some form of alternative therapies and complementary medical approaches. Some estimates have even suggested that at least half of all practicing physicians are alternative practitioners. In Germany, half of all doctors prescribe herbs, an alternative medical practice. Consider also the fact that what may be considered complementary in one country may be considered conventional in another. Thus, in some countries, alternative therapies and medicine are seen as alternatives to satisfying the demands that cannot be met by conventional practices. Alternative medicine is also seen as diversifying the medical framework concept.

In the United States, alternative medicine is usually not taught in medical schools and is generally not available in US hospitals. In some circles however, the combination of conventional and alternative medicine has given rise to what is called integrated medicine. Some of these integrated medical practices have some scientific proof of efficacy. The Washington Post defined integrated medicine as ‘conventional medical care that incorporates strategies such as acupuncture, reiki and herbal remedies.

The use of alternative therapies and alternative approaches seems to be on the rise in developed nations. Advocates of alternative medicine hold that some of these medical practices have proven to be effective in specific treatments. Often used in palliative care, alternative therapies are seen as forms of treatments that offer additional support while not endangering the patient. Most are designed to reduce pain as well as improve the quality of life of ailing patients.

It seems that the controversy over alternative medicine will not end soon. These controversies seem to spill over into religious freedom debates as well as over what branches of alternative medicine should be under the jurisdiction and which should remain unregulated. In the meantime, alternative therapies and medicine seems to be going mainstream.

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