Question 1

can you tell me how is alternative medicine more "holistic" than western medicine?

Accepted Answer

Alternative Medicine: The problem is that there is not a firm definition for alternative medicine or holistic medicine.  Some people think of "holistic" medicine as meaning never prescribing any medications.  It is true that "alternative medicine" often has other tools besides prescriptions.   Truth be told, western medicine has tools other than prescriptions, too, but at least in an insurance model, there isn't time.

Question 2

is complimentary and alternative medicine an alternative approach to conventional allopathic medicine?

Accepted Answer

No: If you get seriously sick, the treatment you get is evidence based. You're not getting it because it's "conventional" or because of a cultural or power-grab conspiracy, it's because it's what's most likely to work, as can be shown in the courts of science and the law. "Alternative" stuff like laetrile and gallstone flushes preys on the gullibility of desperate people.

Question 3

what are examples of alternative medicine?

Accepted Answer

Phony stuff: Evidence-based medicine is tested as stringently as anything in science. Complementary medicine offers comfort and help, is labor-intensive and does not pretend to cure but often helps. "Alternative" as my friends use it today encompasses the cruellest scams perpetrated against the sick -- from laetrile to the gallstone flush. Be discerning and ignore conspiracy and "love" talk.

Question 4

is complementary and alternative medicine safe?

Accepted Answer

Usually: Since most aspects of complementary and alternative medicine have never been put to clinical trials, they are mostly ineffective.  But the placebo effect is generally safe, so although you might be wasting your money, the only harm is the avoidance of getting an actual real diagnosis and proper treatment from a real doctor.

Question 5

what is complimentary and alternative medicine?

Accepted Answer

CAM: Complementary and alternative medicine ("cam") is a group of diverse medical and health care systems, practices, and products that usually aren't considered a part of conventional medicine. "complementary" treatments might be used in conjunction with conventional ones; "alternative" treatments would be used instead of conventional ones.  For a lot more info, see:  http://nccam.Nih.Gov/.

Question 6

alternative medicine is not real medicine-thoughts?

Accepted Answer

Different philosophy: There are many definitions to alternative medicine but usually it is defined as methods of care that do not involve pharmaceutical drugs and procedures.  It can be acupuncture, homeopathy, supplements, nutrition, srt, etc to name a few.  Many of them are well studied and others are not.  Working with integrative medicine physicians can often help link traditional & alternative medicine together.

Question 7

what drugs are classified as complementary and alternative medicine?

Accepted Answer

None: Drugs are regulated by the fda and require proof of efficacy and safety.  Remedies used by naturopaths and similar providers have not been tested for either efficacy or safety and in fact are totally not subject to any federal oversight unless they are found to be dangerous in clinical use.

Question 8

what's alternative medicine considered to be in a more global society?

Accepted Answer

Just that: Alternative medicine is alternative medicine.Although some cultures have long tract records of using accupuncture, herbals, meditation, etc;there are still not enough controlled studies to advocate most of these therapies as primary care to most medical conditions.On individual cases some have proved helpul for selective issues on some pts especially as adjunct treatments.

Question 9

what is the definition or description of: complementary and alternative medicine?

Accepted Answer

Non Western Medicine: Complementary or alternative medicine is a number of different medical approaches that do not fall under the scope of traditional western medicine.  Often the methodologies have not received the same level of  scientific scrutiny as standardized western approaches.  However, this does not mean that a number of these approaches are not effective.

Question 10

how come alternative medicine practitioners always seem more caring and considerate?

Accepted Answer

It's the person: It may seem that alternative medical providers are more caring and considerate, however it more likely has to do with the person than the fact that they are an alternative practitioner. Many traditional physicians are just as caring as holistic practitioners. The best way to find the right provider for you is by interviewing their patients. If the patients love them, likely you will too.

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Doctor answers about:

Western medicine vs alternative medicine

A member asked:

Can you tell me how is alternative medicine more "holistic" than western medicine?

A member asked:

Is complimentary and alternative medicine an alternative approach to conventional allopathic medicine?

A member asked:

What are examples of alternative medicine?

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Is complementary and alternative medicine safe?

A member asked:

What is complimentary and alternative medicine?

A member asked:

Alternative medicine is not real medicine-thoughts?

A member asked:

What drugs are classified as complementary and alternative medicine?

A member asked:

What's alternative medicine considered to be in a more global society?

A member asked:

What is the definition or description of: complementary and alternative medicine?

A member asked:

How come alternative medicine practitioners always seem more caring and considerate?

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