Conventional Medicine

Conventional medicine is considered the mainstream approach to medical care and focuses on treating illness symptoms and finding cures through the use of prescription medications. In contrast, traditional medicine is more holistic and often relies on plants, herbs, massage, and lifestyle changes to heal the patient. Many countries and cultures around the world use traditional medicine to supplement or complement conventional medicine. Traditional medicine includes a number of different practices such as homeopathy, Ayurveda, acupuncture, and Christian Science that are practiced in various countries and cultures. Homeopathy is a form of medicine based on the belief that “like cures like”; by exposing a person to a small amount of a substance that can cause disease, the person will be healed. Ayurveda is a system of healing from India based on restoring balance in the body; it uses herbs, minerals, and specialized techniques to treat the patient. Acupuncture is a form of traditional medicine that utilizes needles to balance the flow of energy around the body. Christian Science is a religious-based approach to healing that believes in the power of prayer and mental healing. These traditional forms of medicine can often provide an effective and less expensive alternative to conventional medicine. In some cases, conventional medicine and traditional medicine can be complementary to each other. For example, a doctor can suggest a combination of prescription medications and traditional healing methods in order to treat a chronic illness. In other cases, traditional medicine can be used as a preventative measure or as a means to help maintain good health. There is a great deal of debate over the effectiveness and legitimacy of traditional medicine. Some people believe that traditional medicine is an effective and safe way to treat common ailments such as colds or headaches, while others believe that traditional medicine is merely a superstition. In general, however, traditional medicine is a valuable form of healing that has been used for many years in many cultures around the world.