Alternative medicine

Discussion 1

Whenever a medic weighs between the risks and benefits of alternative and complementary medicine, it is important for them to look at how they are used to treat certain disorder. For example, cancer is a serious condition that demands immediate and effective care. Although some complementary forms of treatment can help cancer patients live longer, they should not replace conventional therapies like chemotherapy. According to Keene et al., (2019), alternative methods for treating hypertension and diabetes such as use of herbal products, can be beneficial. But it is critical to have discussions with medical specialists to ensure that alternative remedies are integrated and are supported by evidence- bases prescription.

Holistic care primarily concentrates on the general well-being of a person and stresses on the interdependence of the body, mind, and soul. It acknowledges that good health is more than just having no signs of disease and includes psychologically, and social dimensions. The advantages of Holistic care is that it may provide a deeper understanding of an individual’s condition while focusing on multiple elements of their overall health. Its disadvantages are that holistic care lacks a reliable scientific data which backs some alternative methods and this might cause harm

Allopathic care, focuses on treating the symptoms of a disease through the use of surgical procedures or prescription medications. The advantages of allopathic care are that it provides quick forms of treatments and it is also  frequently based on scientific research .Its disadvantages are that allopathic care may ignore key aspects of a person’s wellness.

As a healthcare worker, I would not have any conflict or concerns supporting a patient who chooses holistic or allopathic medicine. This is because it is extremely important that you value a patients’ choice between holistic or allopathic medicine. Patients are entitled to decide on the medical interventions they feel will benefit them the most (Lele & Patwardhan 2020).Nonetheless, health care workers need to inform their patients about risks and advantages of alternative and complementary treatments. Patients should be advised to consult with their healthcare practitioners before beginning any complementary and alternative therapies in order to guarantee that they are legal and safe.

 

References

Keene, M. R., Heslop, I. M., Sabesan, S. S., & Glass, B. D. (2019). Complementary and alternative medicine use in cancer: A systematic review. 
Complementary therapies in clinical practice, 
35, 33-47.

Lele, R. D., & Patwardhan, B. (2020). Transiting from pathy-based to people-centered holistic healthcare. 
Journal of Ayurveda and Integrative Medicine, 
11(3), A1.

Discussion 2

Throughout history, alternative and complementary medicine has thrived, predating the inception of contemporary allopathic medicine. A surge in interest, driven by personal values, beliefs, and a yearning for holistic healthcare approaches, has led people grappling with illnesses such as cancer, diabetes, and hypertension to explore alternative and complementary medicine through supplementary therapies. Complementary and alternative medicine (CAM) shelters diverse practices, such as herbal medicine, acupuncture, yoga, meditation, and homeopathy. The safety and efficacy of these therapies hinge on the modality in question and the patient’s unique attributes.

In cancer treatment, complementary therapies like meditation, yoga, and acupuncture have effectively managed symptoms and side effects of conventional treatments, including nausea, pain, and fatigue (Franzoi et al., 2021). Nevertheless, these therapies are designed to complement, not supplant, traditional treatments. Alternative treatments, such as specific dietary supplements, can undermine chemotherapy and radiation, raising safety concerns. Diabetes management may also incorporate CAM, focusing primarily on dietary and lifestyle adjustments (Kesavadev & Mohan, 2023). Despite potential benefits, it is vital to track blood sugar levels to prevent hyperglycemia or hypoglycemia closely. 

In the case of hypertension, CAM practices such as meditation, yoga, and select dietary supplements can potentially lower blood pressure when used in tandem with conventional treatment. However, without a physician’s guidance, they should not supplant antihypertensive medications. While some evidence supports the advantages of specific CAM therapies, the field’s lack of regulation and standardization also presents risks of misinformation. Patients should consult healthcare providers about CAM to safeguard the safety and efficacy of their comprehensive treatment strategy.

Allopathic medicine, rooted in rigorous scientific inquiry, boasts a solid evidence base for its safety and efficacy. It is often the primary treatment for cancer, diabetes, and hypertension. However, it has limitations and potential side effects, occasionally severe. Thus, combining allopathic and complementary medicine may yield a more well-rounded treatment strategy, optimizing benefits and minimizing potential harm.

While CAM’s potential benefits cannot be overlooked, it is equally important to consider the potential for conflict with conventional treatments. In certain cases, CAM therapies may clash with allopathic treatments, sometimes resulting in harmful consequences, especially if they lack proper regulation or oversight (Zhu et al., 2023). For instance, specific herbal supplements, although natural, may interact adversely with conventional pharmaceuticals (Zhu et al., 2023). These interactions can alter drug efficacy, potentially leading to a decrease in therapeutic effect or, conversely, an increase in unwanted side effects. Such complications can hinder a patient’s progress, prolonging or exacerbating their condition.

Moreover, some CAM practices may be inappropriate or contraindicated for particular medical conditions or disease stages. For example, vigorous yoga or certain dietary supplements might not be recommended for patients with advanced cardiovascular disease or during active cancer treatments. Although CAM may offer valuable adjunctive benefits to conventional treatments, it is crucial to consider its application carefully. Proper guidance and stringent regulation are needed to ensure that CAM use is safe and beneficial for each patient.

Patient autonomy and shared decision-making underpin modern healthcare. Despite potential apprehensions about a patient’s choices, it is crucial to ensure they possess accurate, relevant information to make informed health decisions (Brown & Salmon, 2019). This strategy involves discussing evidence, potential benefits, and risks of allopathic and holistic treatments and respecting their choices if they do not pose significant harm.

Complementary and alternative medicine and allopathic medicine are crucial in managing illnesses like cancer, diabetes, and hypertension. While conventional medicine often takes center stage, CAM can offer additional benefits, especially in alleviating side effects and enhancing the overall quality of life. Nonetheless, CAM usage necessitates careful consideration and consultation with healthcare providers to guarantee its safe and effective incorporation into the broader treatment plan.

References

Brown, S. L., & Salmon, P. (2019). Reconciling the theory and reality of shared decision‐making: A “matching” approach to practitioner leadership. 
Health Expectations, 
22(3), 275-283.

Franzoi, M. A., Agostinetto, E., Perachino, M., Del Mastro, L., de Azambuja, E., Vaz-Luis, I., … & Lambertini, M. (2021). Evidence-based approaches for the management of side-effects of adjuvant endocrine therapy in patients with breast cancer. 
The Lancet Oncology, 
22(7), e303-e313.

Kesavadev, J., & Mohan, V. (2023). Reducing the cost of diabetes care with telemedicine, smartphone, and home monitoring. 
Journal of the Indian Institute of Science, 1-12.

Zhu, Z., Dluzynski, D., Hammad, N., Pugalenthi, D., Walser, S. A., Mittal, R., … & Naik, S. (2023). Use of integrative, complementary, and alternative medicine in children with epilepsy: A global scoping review. 
Children, 
10(4), 713.