Traditional medicine vs. alternate medicine, is a subject of great scrutiny and speculation. An important point to understand is that both the systems share the same objective - a healthy and a safe body. While experts differ in their view on this subject, it is important to deduce the pros and cons of both the branches of medicine. A judicious mix of both can be a good way forward.
The Systems
Traditional medicine, as we commonly know includes modern health science, medical technology, surgery and associated practices.
This can also be referred to as contemporary medicine or the western medicine. Alternative medicine is the collection of all the knowledge, skills and practices based on age-old theories or experiences. It comprises a wide range of procedures native to different cultures around the world. Alternative science is a combination of all the unconventional practices which are used to prevent, diagnose, improve and treat any form of illness.
Apposing Different Aspects of Both Sciences
Traditional approach focuses on the cause of ailment. It concentrates on factors causing the disease, its prevention, remedies and deals with the abnormality as an independent entity. The person affected, the environment or the circumstances under which the disease occurred is insignificant in this system. It is limited to the scientific study of an anomaly and ways to remove it.
The alternative approach is an ancient concept and varies according to person and place. It has evolved in different regions of the world over a long period of time. Traditional Chinese medicine, ayurveda, yoga, naturopathy or homeopathy are some of the practices which come under this category.
The underlying principle of these systems is the same viz. considering the ailment as a dynamic entity of the system and ways to uproot its foundation. It considers disease as an upset of balance between a body and its surroundings. Therefore, it focuses on