The global healthcare system has significantly improved throughout the course of history and currently possesses different techniques and ways of treatment applicable to a lot of various diseases. However, many people still prefer nontraditional or alternative healthcare practices considering them more effective and less harmful to their health conditions. Though nontraditional methods of treatment have existed since time immemorial, their implementation and application should be guided by a healthcare professional (Ratini, 2021). Apart from that, it is necessary to stress that these ways of treating diseases should not fully replace standard medical practices.
Though alternative medicine is widely used in all parts of the world, there exist several cultures these practices came from. Nowadays, due to the rise of the popularity of nontraditional ways of treatment, these cultures thrive and flourish. Usually, China is the first country that comes to mind when hearing about alternative medicine. Alternative ways of treatment have been used there for thousands of years and are still practiced on a regular basis both inside and outside the country (Matthews, n.d.). The most commonly known nontraditional healthcare practices that came from China are acupuncture, acupressure, and cupping. They are used to help the muscles relax and, as a result, alleviate people’s pains in different parts of their bodies.
The next country that is famous for its alternative treatment ways in India. It is the place of birth of ayurvedic medicine. This type of nontraditional healthcare practice is a combination of diet, exercise, herbal treatment, and lifestyle in general (Matthews, n.d.). It is widely used to ensure a healthy and long-lasting life. Ayurvedic medicine relies on the connection between the universe and people’s well-being, stating that it is necessary to live in balance with the world in order to be healthy and avoid diseases.
When speaking about alternative ways of treatment, it is wrong to avoid mentioning American nontraditional medicine. It is also called Native American medicine since its roots lie in the Indian American understanding of people’s health and how different diseases should be treated. Native American medicine is built on the concept of the unity of physical and mental health, so it is used to take care of both the body and the soul (Matthews, n.d.). There exist many different ways and techniques Native American medicine sticks to. Different practices from herbs and a natural diet to ceremonies of greeting the day or changing seasons and group meetings to share positive energy with others help people take care of their minds and souls.
When comparing these three practices related to alternative medicine, it is possible to single out the main similarity between them. All three are used to treat not only the problem itself but the body in general. Apart from that, a lot of traditional healthcare practices target not only people’s physical health but mental as well. Hence, while using these practices, people may feel better both physically and emotionally, while traditional medicine often targets only relieving symptoms without paying much attention to the patient’s emotional well-being. However, despite the fact that many people worldwide have practiced alternative medicine for years and even ages, its efficacy is yet hard to prove scientifically (Adams, 2019). Despite that fact, scientists stress that alternative medicine may be beneficial for the patient’s health if the practices are implemented wisely under the control of the experienced healthcare provider. In that case, nontraditional ways of treatment are good complementation of the standard medical techniques so that it may boost the process of the patient’s recovery.
Nontraditional treatment is widely used among linguistically and culturally diverse communities, and its use is justified in many cases. Thus, those who practice Ayurveda point out its efficacy in treating cancer, diabetes, rheumatoid arthritis, and anxiety (Adams, 2019). Though its efficacy is an object of scientific disputes, Ayurveda may be helpful as an additional treatment because it regards not only the physical but emotional state of the patient as well. Hence, it targets not only alleviating his pain but changing the way of thinking and lifestyle the patient is used to, which is extremely important for those who want to recover.
When speaking about Chinese medicine, it is necessary to state that doctors widely use its practices to prevent and treat different diseases, especially heart-related ones (Adams, 2019). The tai chi practice also helps improve the health conditions of patients suffering from knee osteoarthritis, while acupuncture relieves nausea and lower back pain that emerge during chemotherapy (Adams, 2019). In addition, herbal therapy is a good means to treat mild forms of depression or even memory loss. It is seen from the examples that though further scientific research on the point is still needed, it is already seen that alternative medicine complements the standard medicine and is beneficial for the patients.
When speaking about nontraditional healthcare practices and their popularity in the United States, it is necessary to point out that a lot of Americans implement them into their lives. The statistics say that more than half of American adults use some form of alternative treatment (Ratini, 2021). Such prevalence of nontraditional ways of treating diseases is explained by a variety of reasons. The first and the most common one concerns the fear of standard medical procedures and surgeries, as people often seek the easiest and more appealing ways of treating their disease than a surgeon’s scalpel. Apart from that, a lot of people do not trust chemistry or, to be more precise, the side effects particular medicines may have. It is common, especially for those who have children, because they think that herbs and other ways of alternative treatments are safer for their child’s health.
One more reason may concern the disappointment in standard medicine and disagreements among the doctors. Healthcare providers often find it challenging to establish the right diagnosis for a particular patient. Such uncertainty prevents them from prescribing adequate treatment, and the patient is forced to wait and fear for his life and general well-being. If he waits for too long, he loses faith in the doctors and medical treatment in general. Hence, he starts seeking alternative ways that may help him (Adams, 2019). So that he comes to nontraditional treatment because it gives him at least the slightest hope for recovery and living a full life.
To conclude, it is necessary to point out that nontraditional treatment is good complementation of the standard medical practices. Though there is insufficient scientific evidence of its efficacy when it is implemented without any additional ways of treatment, its use may be beneficial for the patient’s health conditions. However, alternative medical ways of treatment should be used under the control of an experienced healthcare professional since the wrong implementation may be harmful to the patient and deteriorate his health conditions.
References
Adams, J. (2019). Traditional medicines must be integrated into healthcare for culturally diverse groups. The Conversation. Web.
Matthews, K. (n.d.). 4 cultures that thrived on alternative medicine. Sivana East. Web.
Ratini, M. (2021). What exactly is alternative medicine? WebMD. Web.