Alternative Medicine

Paper Summary:

The paper discusses the increasing trend worldwide towards alternative medicine, which encompasses a diverse group of healing therapies that include chiropractic, homeopathy, massage therapy, acupuncture, herbal medications and many others. The paper notes that although alternative medicine has been around for centuries, it is not accepted by all due to the lack of studies and medical trials, unlike conventional medical treatment. The paper goes on to discuss the differences between complementary and alternative medicine and again, how they differ from conventional medicine, both in their approach and also treatments.

From the Paper:

"Complementary medicine aims to balance the whole person physically, mentally, and emotionally, while conventional medicine aims to cure the pathology. Examples of complementary medicine are acupuncture, yoga, music therapy, massage, and aromatherapy. There are numerous alternative medications that are currently being studied to validate their effectiveness as well as assess potential side effects. Recent studies have concentrated on the use of omega-3 fatty acids for bipolar disorder, while several randomized controlled trials have investigated on St. John's Wort (Hypericum perforatum), acupuncture, and S-adenosyl-L-methionine (SAMe), a derivative of L-methionine, as alternative treatments for major depression."

Sample of Sources Used:

• American Academy of Family Physicians. (25 January 2008). NCCAM Materials can help you discuss CAM with patients. [Online.] Retrieved 27 September 2008 from the Web site: http://www.aafp.org/online/en/home/publications/news/news-now/health-of-the-public/20080125timetotalk.html
• Andreescu, C., Mulsant, B. H., and Emanuel, J. E. (2008). "Complementary and alternative medicine in the treatment of bipolar disorder - a review of the evidence." Journal of Affective Disorders, 110: 16-26.
• Bar-Yam, N. B. (2001). "The courtship and marriage of conventional and alternative medicine." International Journal of Childbirth Education.
• Crane, J. P. (1 May 2004). "Alternative practices might be good medicine, but do they save money? Researchers have not conducted the large-scale studies that would test the cost effectiveness of the treatments." Workforce Management. [Online.] Retrieved 27 September 2008 from the Web site: http://www.highbeam.com/doc/1G1-116521614.html
• Library Index. (2008). Alternative medicine - growing popularity of CAM. [Online.] Retrieved 27 September 2008 from the Web site: http://www.libraryindex.com/pages/755/Alternative-Medicine-GROWING-POPULARITY-CAM.html

More papers on Alternative Medicine:

• Term Paper # 131479 : "Alternative Medicine"
• Persuasive Essay # 105942 : "Complementary and Alternative Medicine (CAM) in Public Health"
• Essay # 72762 : "Complementary and Alternative Medicine"

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