Final Research Project

Lisangel Tineo

Prof. Nargiza Matyakubova 

ENGL 21003 

12/13/23

Research Paper 

Alternative Medicine vs. Conventional Medicine

The contrast between traditional and complementary medicine in today's changing healthcare environment has been generating discussion in the past years. The conflict between these two strategies has significant ramifications for patients, healthcare professionals, and the larger healthcare system. Conventional medicine has long been the primary form of healthcare, offering tried-and-true therapies and interventions that can save lives. It does this through conducting thorough research and adhering to established protocols. However, alternative medicine opposes the dominant paradigm by providing individualized and frequently unorthodox approaches to wellness. It does this by drawing heavily from holistic philosophies and centuries-old traditions. This essay explores the complexities of this ongoing dispute, pointing out the advantages, disadvantages, and possible benefits of complementary and alternative medicine. It also discusses the implications for patient care and the future of healthcare systems around the globe.

Conventional medicine, also known as allopathic or Western medicine, is a system of healthcare that is widely practiced and taught in medical schools. It is based on the principles of evidence-based medicine and is characterized by the use of drugs, surgery, and other interventions to treat symptoms and diseases (Syed Amin Tabish, 2009). Conventional medicine often relies on a reductionist approach, breaking down complex systems into individual components for analysis and treatment.

The roots of conventional medicine can be traced back to ancient civilizations, but its modern form began to take shape in the 19th and 20th centuries (Veatch, Robert M). The development of germ theory, advances in anatomy and physiology, and the discovery of antibiotics has significantly influenced the evolution of conventional medicine and equally, the establishment of medical schools and the formalization of medical education further contributed to its growth and dominance in the healthcare system.

Key Strengths:

Scientific Evidence:

Conventional medicine places a strong emphasis on scientific research and evidence-based practice. Medical interventions and treatments undergo rigorous testing through clinical trials to ensure their safety and effectiveness. This commitment to scientific inquiry has led to the development of many successful therapies and advancements in medical technology.

Standardization of Treatments:

Conventional medicine benefits from standardized protocols and treatment guidelines. These guidelines help ensure consistency in healthcare delivery and enhance patient outcomes. Standardization also facilitates communication among healthcare professionals and allows for the widespread adoption of proven treatments.

Accessibility:

Conventional medicine is widely accessible in many parts of the world. Hospitals, clinics, and healthcare professionals trained in conventional medicine are readily available, making it convenient for individuals to seek medical care. The infrastructure supporting conventional medicine often includes well-established healthcare systems, medical insurance coverage, and regulatory frameworks.

On the other hand, alternative medicine, also known as complementary medicine, encompasses a diverse range of therapeutic approaches that fall outside the scope of conventional medicine. These practices often focus on treating the whole person—mind, body, and spirit—and may include treatments such as acupuncture, herbal medicine, chiropractic care, meditation, and various forms of traditional medicine (Kisling, Lisa, 2022). Alternative medicine approaches are characterized by their non-mainstream nature and are often used in conjunction with or as alternatives to conventional medical treatments.

The roots of alternative medicine can be traced back to ancient healing traditions that predate modern medicine. Many cultures around the world have developed their own traditional healing practices, such as Traditional Chinese Medicine (TCM), Ayurveda from India, and indigenous healing methods (Syed Amin Tabish, 2009). In the 20th and 21st centuries, there has been a resurgence of interest in alternative medicine, with a growing number of individuals seeking complementary approaches to enhance their well-being. 

As seen in this graph, alternative medicine has been gaining popularity over the past few years, with its market gaining more and more traction. Its market size was calculated to be   Complementary And Alternative Medicine Market Report, 2030, Grand View Research, 2020   worth USD 117,210.3 million in 2022, and between 2023 and 2030, it is projected to grow at a compound annual growth rate (CAGR) of 25.1% (Grand View Research (GVR), 2020). 

Key strengths of alternative medicine:

Holistic Approach:

One of the key strengths of alternative medicine is its emphasis on a holistic approach to health. Practitioners often consider the interconnectedness of various aspects of an individual's life, including physical, emotional, and spiritual well-being. This holistic perspective aims to treat the root causes of illness and promote overall balance and harmony within the body.

Personalized Treatments:

Alternative medicine often employs personalized and patient-centered approaches to care. Practitioners may take the time to understand an individual's unique health history, lifestyle, and preferences, tailoring treatments to address specific needs. This personalized approach is often appreciated by individuals seeking alternatives to one-size-fits-all conventional treatments.

Focus on Preventative Care:

Many alternative medicine modalities prioritize preventive care and lifestyle modifications to maintain health and well-being. This proactive approach may include dietary changes, stress reduction techniques, and wellness practices aimed at preventing illness before it occurs. 

Complementary and alternative medicine (CAM) is used by about half of the general public in developed nations. According to a May 2004 survey conducted by the National Center for Complementary and Alternative Medicine, a division of the National Institutes of Health in the United States, 36% of Americans reported using an alternative therapy in the previous year, and 50% reported using one lifetime, alternative therapies that include the Atkins diet, yoga, meditation, and herbal remedies, etc. Most people (54.9%) combined complementary and alternative medicine (CAM) with traditional medicine (Syed Amin Tabish, 2009). For the most part, CAM is used to treat and/or prevent conditions related to the musculoskeletal system or other conditions that cause persistent or recurrent pain. 

The placebo effect may contribute to some of the benefits that some patients experience from alternative therapies, but supporters of alternative medicine point out that this does not lessen the therapies' validity. They think that by giving people more options and empowering patients, alternative medicine may improve people's health. This point of view worries researchers who assess treatments through the scientific method because it ignores the potential ineffectiveness of alternative therapies. Despite this, most doctors agree that most forms of complementary medicine are acceptable as long as they are used in conjunction with conventional treatments. 

When alternative medicine is used only after all other options have been exhausted, the risk of it influencing traditional medical procedures is reduced. Many patients believe that complementary and alternative medicine can assist in managing chronic conditions for which traditional medicine can provide neither a cure nor a treatment. Conventional medicine rejects many forms of alternative medicine because the treatments' efficacy has not been proven through double-blind randomized controlled trials. In contrast, conventional drugs are only approved for sale after their efficacy has been established through such trials.

Due to the placebo effect, the cyclical nature of illness or its natural recovery, the regression fallacy, or the possibility that the patient never had a true illness in the first place, a person may attribute symptomatic relief to an otherwise ineffective therapy. CAM advocates point out that this might also be relevant in situations where traditional therapies have been applied and critics respond by pointing out that this does not explain the success of conventional medicine in double-blind clinical trials.

In conclusion, individuals should have the freedom to select any form of healthcare they desire, but it is imperative that they are informed about the safety and effectiveness of each option. Individuals who select alternative medicine might believe they are selecting a secure, reliable treatment, but in reality, they might be receiving hoaxes. Both conventional and alternative medicine will continue to coexist in the future. “ The key lies in collaboration, open-mindedness, and a commitment to providing the best possible care for individual patients. Patient outcomes should guide the integration of conventional and alternative approaches based on the best available evidence” (Marrero, Ramon. Interview, 2023).

Works Cited

“Complementary and Alternative Medicine Market Report, 2030.” Complementary And Alternative Medicine Market Report, 2030, Grand View Research, 2020, www.grandviewresearch.com/industry-analysis/complementary-alternative-medicine-market.

Huizen, Jennifer. “Alternative Medicine: Definition, Examples, Benefits, and Risks.” Medical News Today, MediLexicon International, 6 Jan. 2021, www.medicalnewstoday.com/articles/alternative-medicine#mind-body-therapies.

Kisling, Lisa  A, and Regan  A Stiegmann. “Alternative Medicine - Statpearls - NCBI Bookshelf.” Alternative Medicine, 5 July 2022, www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/books/NBK538520/.

Marrero, Ramon. Interview conducted by Lisangel Tineo, 25 November 2023.

Tabish, Syed Amin. “Complementary and Alternative Healthcare: Is It Evidence-Based?” International Journal of Health Sciences, U.S. National Library of Medicine, Jan. 2008, www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC3068720/.

Veatch, Robert M. “Modern vs. Contemporary Medicine: The Patient-Provider Relation in the Twenty- First Century.” Kennedy Institute of Ethics Journal, Johns Hopkins University Press, 1AD, muse.jhu.edu/article/18529.