what are the benefits of alternative medicine

The benefits associated with complementary and alternative medicine are broad, but three basic advantages exist:

1. Cost First and foremost, they’re relatively inexpensive. This is particularly noticeable when comparing the costs of pharmaceuticals and botanical remedies. ...
2. Fewer Side Effects Ever seen those commercials for medicines where the spokesperson quickly states all of the side effects of consumption? ...
3. Results

Full Answer

What are the disadvantages of alternative medicine?

• Minimal scientific research. When it comes to scientific proof, evidence is still limited. ...
• Longer term treatment. Traditional medical procedures can be quick and easy. ...
• Not useful in emergency cases. In case of an emergency, alternative medicines won’t do you much good. ...
• No Regulation. Much of alternative medicine isn’t approved by the U.S. ...

How safe and effective is alternative medicine?

“Complementary and integrative therapies in responsible hands are as safe as, if not safer than, traditional medical care,” he says. In fact, many alternative medicine practitioners are MDs. And if theyre not, they are often licensed in their particular field.

Does alternative medicine really work?

Nonetheless, says Salzberg, the bottom line is that studies clearly show that alternative medicine simply doesn’t work.

Why is alternative medicine so important?

Why people use complementary or alternative therapies

• Using therapies to help you feel better. People often use complementary therapies to help them feel better and cope with having cancer and treatment.
• Reducing symptoms or side effects. ...
• Feeling more in control. ...
• Natural and healing therapies. ...
• Comfort from touch, talk and time. ...
• Staying positive. ...
• Boosting your immune system. ...
• Looking for a cure. ...

What is the benefit of complementary and alternative medicine?

In general, complementary approaches may provide one or more of these health benefits: Relieves pain. Reduces anxiety and stress. Reduces nausea.

Is alternative medicine effective?

According to the World Health Organization, an estimated 80% of people around the world use herbal medicine. Studies show certain herbs are effective in treating a number of health issues, like allergies, premenstrual syndrome, chronic fatigue, and more.

How important is alternative medicine in today society?

Alternative medicine is so popular because it gives patients choices. A health conscious choice allows patients to make life style changes, understand medical alternatives to care, and be an active participant in their medical treatment.

What is the purpose of having alternative medicine act?

It is hereby declared the policy of the State to improve the quality and delivery of health care services to the Filipino people through the development of traditional and alternative health care and its integration into the national health care delivery system.

Who uses alternative medicine?

According to a new nationwide government survey, 36 percent of U.S. adults aged 18 years and over use some form of complementary and alternative medicine (CAM).

What is alternative medicine examples?

Complementary and alternative medicine includes practices such as massage, acupuncture, tai chi, and drinking green tea. Integrative medicine is an approach to medical care that combines conventional medicine with CAM practices that have shown through science to be safe and effective.

Why is alternative medicine better than holistic medicine?

Alternative medicine makes a person feel better about their treatment. If you know something is good, then you feel confident about it. Holistic medicine patients know they will be completely cared for and treated properly.

What is the best treatment for arthritis pain?

If you’re dealing with arthritis or another painful condition, alternative medicine soothes it. Techniques like Tai Chi and yoga give your mind and body natural relief to a painful problem. Plus, it does so without the use of harmful meds.

What is the benefit of alternative medicine?

Another one of the benefits of alternative medicine is that it’s all about prevention. Conventional medicine usually comes into play once a person becomes sick.

Why do you need complementary medicine?

If a patient is undergoing treatment for a specific condition, a complementary medicine doctor ensures that other aspects of the body are cared for. 7. Strengthens the Body. When you have an illness, it ravages the body. Because of that, you need herbs and nutrients to keep you strong.

What is holistic doctor?

While focusing on your condition, a holistic doctor also caters to other aspects of your healing. Not only that, but it also puts emphasis on wellness.

Does alternative medicine help with pain?

Modern medicine works well for getting rid of pain at the moment, but once it subsides, the pain returns. Alternative medicine aims to ensure the source of the pain is addressed.

Is herbal medicine natural?

Unlike conventional medicine, herbal medication is all-natural. It doesn’t contain man-made substances or unnatural elements. Therefore, you can rest assured that your body gets what it needs and nothing more.

Why do people turn to alternative medicine?

Many people turn to alternative medicine therapies for pain relief when traditional treatments fail to work. Alternative medicine also offers treatment options to individuals who do not have access to pain clinics under their health insurance plans.

What percentage of Americans use alternative medicine for pain control?

By Amber Keefer. KatarzynaBialasiewicz/iStock/Getty Images. According to Johns Hopkins University, more than 40 percent of Americans report using alternative medicine therapies for pain control when prescribed medications prove to be ineffective.

How can alternative medicine help you?

Alternative medicine can be beneficial to a person’s overall well being, as the approach focuses on healing the mind, body and spirit. Treatment methods such as massage therapy, biofeedback, meditation and visual imagery help a person to relax and reduce stress.

Can alternative medicine cause side effects?

In most cases, effective alternative therapies have fewer or no side effects as opposed to the frequent and sometimes severe effects of many prescription medications and other conventional medical treatments. But depending on what medical conditions a person might have, even natural remedies and other alternative therapies can sometimes cause adverse side effects. Not all natural remedies have been scientifically tested, nor does the FDA regulate them. Treatment modalities such as therapeutic massage and acupuncture are generally considered to be safe, but always talk to your doctor before using any alternative medicine therapies.

Is alternative medicine cheaper than conventional medicine?

Alternative medicine therapies can be less expensive than conventional medical treatments. Although some alternative therapies are not cheap, many herbal remedies and other natural treatments still cost less than prescription medications and treatments. Acupuncture and chiropractic sessions can cost significantly less than conventional pain therapy treatments.

Does chemotherapy cause nausea?

Chemotherapy, although effective in increasing the survival rate of many cancer patients, can produce unpleasant side effects. Some cancer patients are able to tolerate chemotherapy treatments better when using an alternative treatment such as acupuncture to control side effects like fatigue, headache, nausea, vomiting, night sweats and aching.

Is chemotherapy good for cancer?

Alternative medicine therapies used together with conventional medical treatments can alleviate some of the symptoms of cancer, as well as lessen the negative side effects of conventional medical treatments. Chemotherapy, although effective in increasing the survival rate of many cancer patients, can produce unpleasant side effects.

How does biofield therapy work?

Biofield therapies. These therapies aim to help people by manipulating invisible energy fields. According to some medical systems and practices, the energy around the body can influence health. By addressing disturbances or blockages in energy, practitioners believe it is possible to treat certain conditions.

What is TCM in Chinese medicine?

Traditional Chinese medicine (TCM) TCM is a complex system based on a belief in two opposite forces: yin and yang. For the body and mind to be in good health, practitioners believe that yin and yang must be in balance. TCM practitioners use a combination of herbal, mind-body, and physical therapies to achieve this.

What is the best way to reduce blood pressure?

Meditation . Meditation is an ancient practice that is prominent in religions such as Hinduism and Buddhism. Today, there are many forms of meditation people can try; some are religious in nature, and some not. Many studies have verified that meditation has health benefits. It can lower blood pressure and stress levels.

What is holistic medicine?

Holistic medicine: This refers to treatment that considers a person’s health as a whole, rather than focusing on one organ or bodily system. Some types of alternative, complementary, and integrative medicine are also holistic. Some people group “complementary and alternative medicine” together under the acronym CAM.

What are the benefits of standard medical care?

One of the main benefits of standard medical care is that it undergoes rigorous research. Through clinical trials and studies, scientists can determine whether certain techniques, medicines, and courses of treatment are effective and safe. Many scientists use these methods to study alternative medicine, too.

What is a naturopathic system?

Naturopathy is a system that includes a mixture of traditional and alternative approaches to medicine. It focuses on using natural and noninvasive ingredients and techniques, such as herbs, exercise therapy, dietary changes, and massage, among many others.

What is alternative medicine?

The term “alternative medicine” describes any form of medicine or healing that does not fall into conventional medical practice. In the U.S. it refers to forms of medicine that are not widely accepted or practiced by medical doctors, particularly those that do not have as much scientific evidence to support them as more mainstream methods.

What percentage of people use alternative medicine?

Alternative Medicine: Pros. Recently, the National Center for Complementary and Alternative Medicine (NCCAM) reported that about 38 percent of U.S. adults and about 12 percent of children are using some form of alternative medicine. Here are some of the reasons:

Why do alternative medicine practitioners offer patients personal attention?

Personal attention. Because of the emphasis on whole-body care, alternative medicine practitioners often offer patients a great deal of personal attention. Traditional physicians can be strapped for time and pressured by insurance companies and packed waiting rooms. Alternative medicine practitioners, because of different philosophies ...

What is the purpose of acupuncture?

Acupuncture, tai chi, and various forms of energy medicine are designed to bring the body into balance, which in theory, can help restore health. This principle of balance is an important one to keep in mind when considering alternative medicine for yourself or a loved one. There are many benefits of using complementary ...

What is traditional medicine?

Traditional medicine views disease as a distinct entity from the person who carries it. The growing trend toward specialization in medicine has led to many treatment advances, but also has distanced physicians from the “healthy” parts of their patients.

Is alternative medicine good?

Alternative Medicine Pros and Cons. Not all alternative treatments are a good idea. Here's what you need to know before using alternative medicine. A basic principle behind many kinds of alternative medicine is balance. Acupuncture, tai chi, and various forms of energy medicine are designed to bring the body into balance, which in theory, ...

Does alternative medicine help with disease?

Whereas traditional medicine tends to intervene once disease is present, many types of alternative medicine encourage patients to have “well visits,” treatments that are focused on preventing disease before it occurs, in addition to being cared for when sick.