Traditional vs Alternative Medicine
Traditional Versus Alternative Medicine
Traditional versus alternative medicine is an issue that requires a great deal of inspection and assumption. The purpose of both types of medicine is to have a healthy, strong, and fit body. Specialists differ in their opinions on this topic and their views are based on the advantages and disadvantages of both types of medicine. This essay will define in clearer terms how Alternative medicine differs from Traditional medicine in its definition, approaches, and advantages.
Traditional medicine can be defined as conventional or contemporary health science, medical technology, surgery, and related practices. It is based on the scientific study of diagnosing, treating, or preventing a disease (MacIntosh). Alternative medicine, on the other hand, is the aggregate of knowledge based on age old skills and practices (Magar). This knowledge is derived from the theories and beliefs of different cultures and societies for maintaining health. Thus, alternative medicines use unconventional methods for the prevention, diagnosis, improvement, and treatment of any form of disease. Practices such as massage therapy, aroma therapy, herbal medicines and acupuncture are included in alternative medicine and are not typically considered traditional.
Traditional medicine is also referred to as contemporary or western medicine. This approach concentrates on the cause of the illness and the attempts to describe the factors that result in the disease, how to prevent it, and what its remedial measures are. Traditional medicine usually uses dosages of synthetic drugs and surgical practices. Such types of medical practices treat each body part as a separate entity and are based on the theory that by studying each body part independently, an understanding of the body as a whole can be achieved. Traditional medicine is referred to as the educational approach, where what is learned through years of schooling is applied. Alternative medicine is a
Traditional versus alternative medicine is an issue that requires a great deal of inspection and assumption. The purpose of both types of medicine is to have a healthy, strong, and fit body. Specialists differ in their opinions on this topic and their views are based on the advantages and disadvantages of both types of medicine. This essay will define in clearer terms how Alternative medicine differs from Traditional medicine in its definition, approaches, and advantages.
Traditional medicine can be defined as conventional or contemporary health science, medical technology, surgery, and related practices. It is based on the scientific study of diagnosing, treating, or preventing a disease (MacIntosh). Alternative medicine, on the other hand, is the aggregate of knowledge based on age old skills and practices (Magar). This knowledge is derived from the theories and beliefs of different cultures and societies for maintaining health. Thus, alternative medicines use unconventional methods for the prevention, diagnosis, improvement, and treatment of any form of disease. Practices such as massage therapy, aroma therapy, herbal medicines and acupuncture are included in alternative medicine and are not typically considered traditional.
Traditional medicine is also referred to as contemporary or western medicine. This approach concentrates on the cause of the illness and the attempts to describe the factors that result in the disease, how to prevent it, and what its remedial measures are. Traditional medicine usually uses dosages of synthetic drugs and surgical practices. Such types of medical practices treat each body part as a separate entity and are based on the theory that by studying each body part independently, an understanding of the body as a whole can be achieved. Traditional medicine is referred to as the educational approach, where what is learned through years of schooling is applied. Alternative medicine is a
Cited: Hildreth, Caroln J. The Journal of the American Medical Association Migraine Heachache Vol 301, No. 24 JAMA 24 June 2009.Web. 26 September 2011. Hirsch, Larissa. Complementary and Alternative Medicine: Teens Health. N.p., Novemeber 2009. Web.21 September 2011. MacIntosh, Anna. Conventional, Alternative, Complimentary, Integrative and Natural Medicine:The Grisanti Report. Townsend Letter. July 13, 2002. Web. 21 September 2011. Magar, Prashant. Traditional Vs. Alternative Medicine. N.p.n.d. Web. 21 September 2011.