Q. Why is alternative medicine called "alternative"?
Doctor Answer is medically reviewed by SecondMedic medical review team.
Alternative medicine is referred to as “alternative” because it is not part of conventional medical treatments that are typically taught in medical schools, used in hospitals, and/or reimbursed through insurance companies. Alternative medicines usually rely on therapies such as herbs, acupuncture, biofeedback, chiropractic care, homeopathy and massage therapy to treat illnesses. Even though mainstream doctors may not be familiar with these therapies or consider them valid forms of treatment for various conditions, the growing number of people who have found success using complementary and alternative therapies have led many established healthcare organizations to study and recognize their effectiveness.
Additionally, there is a great deal of evidence that suggests alternative medicine can provide patients with unique health benefits compared to conventionally prescribed medications. For example: studies have shown that treatments like acupuncture can reduce pain more effectively than some prescription drugs; herbal remedies often help improve overall health without triggering serious side effects; relaxation techniques including yoga can help alleviate stress and anxiety disorders; guided imagery has been linked to improved outcomes when managing chronic conditions such as cancer; dietary changes may assist individuals suffering from diabetes manage their blood sugar levels better than drug based interventions alone - the list goes on!
The term “alternative medicine” refers not only to an array of healing practices but also acknowledges the fact that they are outside the realm of traditional Western medicine. This means they are generally considered safe and effective when approached holistically with a complete understanding of how they interact with other elements in one's lifestyle such as diet and exercise habits. Ultimately, each person may choose what works best for them while being mindful that proper consultation should always be sought out before engaging in any form of treatment.
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