Complementary and Alternative Medicine
Complementary
and alternative medicine includes a wide variety of therapies and practices
that are different from conventional medicine but focused on the same
objective, which is to heal or treat diseases. Many people use it as a
complement to the medications they use in their treatments or as an
alternative. Its principles are based on the fact of treating people in a
comprehensive way, that is, it goes beyond treating only specific symptoms.
This is a topic that is important to address due to the boom it has had in
recent years. Therefore, in this essay we are going to address what is meant by
complementary and alternative medicine, the paradigm shift it has generated and
its application in daily life.
According
to Nogales-Gaete (2004, p. 4), complementary and alternative medicine is
understood as “the set of diverse systems, practices and medical and health
care products that are not currently considered part of conventional medicine.”
That is, it does not focus only on specific symptoms, but rather seeks to
improve people's health in a comprehensive manner and enhance their general
well-being. Examples of these practices include acupuncture, magnet therapy,
yoga, meditation, herbal therapy, energy healing, among others. The above has
implied a paradigm shift reflecting an evolution in society regarding the use
of natural and holistic methods. Astin, Harkness and Ernst (n.d) point out that
more and more studies of various types including randomized trials that
evaluate the effectiveness of such complex aspects as the power of prayer,
distant breath and healing touch. The above has confirmed in turn that there is
no single method to treat diseases. Today, complementary and alternative
medicine has made it possible to combine the best practices of both branches of
medicine and offer a more personalized treatment for patients.
Complementary
and alternative medicine represents a new method of healing in the modern
world. However, it is necessary to know its scope, limitations, the paradigm
shift it implies and how it is applied in daily life. Many of these practices
lack scientific support, therefore, it is necessary to evaluate their safety
and effectiveness. Despite the above, these practices combined with
conventional medicine can offer patients more options for their physical,
mental and spiritual well-being. Therefore, I consider it a good option and
when it comes to improving our health we can take advantage of the benefits
that both medical worlds offer us.
References:
Nogales-Gaete, J. (2004).
Medicina alternativa y complementaria. Revista Chilena De Neuro-psiquiatríA,
42(4). https://doi.org/10.4067/s0717-92272004000400001
The Efficacy of “distant healing”: A systematic review of randomized trials. (n.d.). Astin JA, Harkness E, Ernst E., 132: 903-910.
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