Allopathic Medicine Vs Alternative Medical Therapy
Alternative Medicine
Alternative medicine has become very popular in the last ten years. The main reason for this is that people have started to realize the health benefits of healthy living. With the introduction of the new millennium many more people are searching for ways to maintain or improve their health and one of the easiest ways to do this is through researching and learning about alternative methods of medical treatment. Alternative medicine has come a long way in the last hundred years. In this article I will discuss some of the major advantages and disadvantages of alternative medicine and why it may be better or worse than conventional treatment.
Medical Treatments
Research has shown that over two hundred thousand Americans use some form of alternative medicine each year. What exactly is alternative medical treatments? Alternative medical practices vary widely from person to person, from the type of disease or physical condition, to types of holistic therapies and even complementary medicine used in conjunction with conventional medicine. Some of the most common forms of alternative medicine include naturopathy, orthopedics, acupuncture, homeopathy, Reiki, and qi gong.
One of the most common arguments against alternative medicine is that it does not work because most patients who try it do not understand it. If you ask children using alternative medicine providers, on the other hand, they will tell you that they understand the advantages and benefits of such treatments. They know that there are many advantages to their parents and family.
Advantages of Alternative Medicine
One of the biggest advantages of alternative medicine is that most people who use it are generally younger than the average person. They generally have greater energy and better health and fitness. One of the biggest disadvantages of using alternative methods of treatment is that most people using it do not understand that any serious medical condition can be a result of an imbalance of something within the body. This can lead to dangerous conditions such as Scleroderma.
Not all chiropractors and other complementary practitioners practice what they preach. While it may seem like there is some uniformity in the approaches of chiropractors and other complementary health care providers, there is not. Chiropractors tend to recommend manual therapies, such as manual adjustment of spinal bones and discs. Many chiropractors believe in applying pressure only to the surface of the spine, and not to the actual joints or muscles. Complementary therapists, on the other hand, often believe that their approach should include everything from massage to heat therapy.
Manipulative Therapies
In addition, chiropractors use manipulative therapies that are more forceful than those used by alternative medicine providers. This can lead to painful complications and even dislocations. On the other hand, massage therapies, commonly referred to as acupressure, are considered safer and less forceful than traditional therapies. When done properly, they can reduce inflammation without causing discomfort and pain.
Chiropractic is probably the most popular form of alternative medical practice. In a recent national survey, almost six out of every ten adults said they had consulted with a chiropractor at some point in time. A majority of these patients were using "straight" chiropractic treatments, which are types of manipulation by a trained professional. Only 3% of these patients reported having received homeopathic remedies.
Serious Consequences
Both allopathic and alternative medicine can provide help for a wide range of conditions. However, not all people will respond the same way to either type of treatment. All patients are different, and their individual medical histories and underlying causes should be taken into account when deciding what course of action is best. Both types of treatment can have serious consequences if not used correctly. If you are interested in exploring this topic further, contact a homeopathic doctor or psychologist today and ask about using complementary and traditional forms of medicine. You may be surprised at just how much help can be obtained through the use of these alternative methods.
