Complementary and alternative medicine are alternate forms of treatment that can be utilized in addition to traditional medical care. It is used to assist patients in managing chronic diseases that are not managed by traditional treatment. Many people suffering from pain or other illness symptoms may find it helpful. Even though complementary and alternative medicine cannot treat illnesses, it can help patients manage their symptoms and delay or stop the beginning of an illness.
Alternative and complementary medicine has developed into a significant area of healthcare. For healthcare workers across all specialties, this expansion raises various ethical questions. The most evident and applicable ethical concerns related to this type of treatment are examined in this article. Using the Copyright Clearance Center's RightsLink service will allow you to reuse this article in various ways.
Chinese, Japanese, Korean, Indian, and Vietnamese cultures contributed to the development of Traditional Chinese Medicine (TCM), dating back to roughly 200 B.C. In most cases, complementary medicine is utilized in addition to or as a substitute for conventional treatment. Integrative medicine is a different name for complementary and alternative medicine. This therapy is frequently used with traditional medicine to provide a more all-encompassing treatment.
According to research, people who use alternative and complementary medicine are typically more educated and have worse health. Alternative therapies are also more likely to have their support since they are perceived as being more aligned with their values and beliefs. Additionally, compared to users of traditional treatment, alternative medicine users are more likely to be younger and more educated.
Another intriguing study examined the demographics of those who seek alternative medical treatments. People who practice complementary and alternative medicine are more likely to be highly educated and adhere to a holistic approach to health that considers the whole person. In addition, these people are more likely to be highly educated and to belong to culturally diverse groups.
There is no scientific evidence to support the claim that complementary and alternative medicine may cure cancer, even though it is growing in popularity as a treatment choice for cancer patients. Additionally, it may have adverse effects that prevent it from working with standard medical care. Therefore, patients must talk with their doctors about their available treatment options. They can potentially lessen the harmful effects of standard cancer treatments and enhance patients' quality of life.
Integrative medicine is a relationship-based treatment method that focuses on the therapeutic alliance and employs all suitable treatment methods. More than a thousand different techniques and methods are included. Although complementary and alternative medicine does not have a universal definition, numerous practices have some characteristics. For instance, many alternative therapies use methods that are not recognized by traditional medicine. A treatment plan for complementary and alternative medicine that considers an individual's symptoms is the best one.
Even though complementary and alternative medicine comes in a wide variety of forms, traditional medicines are where most first emerged. For instance, Ayurveda, which has its roots in India and has been practiced for 5,000 years, emphasizes treating each patient uniquely. Diet, yoga, meditation, and massage are all included. On the other hand, naturopathy utilizes herbal remedies and other non-invasive healing techniques. Additionally, it encompasses American Indian, Asian, and Chinese medicine.
