There are lots of terms floating around health care these days…a variety of approaches to treatment beyond the neighborhood doctor. Just what is traditional medicine? Or, Western, allopathic, Ayurvedic, Chinese, integrative, alternative, and complementary medicine?
Let’s take a brief look at these terms…
First, Western and allopathic medicine both refer to that neighborhood doctor. It’s a system in which medical doctors, M.D.s, and other related health care professionals such as nurses, pharmacists, and therapists, treat symptoms and diseases using drugs, radiation, or surgery. It’s also called conventional, mainstream, or orthodox medicine.
Doctors of Osteopathy (O.D.s) are also considered a part of this category, although their focus on the needs of the whole patient led to the term “holistic” medicine.
Traditional medicine, according to the World Health Organization” (WHO), “…is the sum total of knowledge, skills and practices based on the theories, beliefs and experiences indigenous to different cultures that are used to maintain health, as well as to prevent, diagnose, improve or treat physical and mental illnesses.”[1]
Traditional practices include acupuncture, chiropractic, foot- and body reflexology, massage, rhythmic music and dance, and healing with foods and herbs.
Ayurvedic and Traditional Chinese medicine are both ancient forms of traditional medicine. Each focuses on establishing and maintaining balance of the life energies within us, rather than on individual symptoms. Each uses different combinations of medicinal herbs, changes in diet, and cleansing. Yoga and Tai Chi are gentle movements that promote strength, flexibility, and body balance.
Integrative medicine pulls practices from traditional medicine into the Western medical model. It provides a way for doctors to look at their patients as whole people, not just diseases or disorders.
Complementary medicine is name some prefer to show that these practices are used in conjunction with Western medical science and have scientific evidence to support their effectiveness.
Alternative medicine includes all health care practices that are not part of the Western medical model.
A simple example:
If you go to your doctor, who just opened an Integrative Center because you’re experiencing muscle pain, he may, in addition to tests, refer you to his staff massage therapist… a complementary approach to your treatment.
If, however, you choose to go directly to your independent message therapist, you’re choosing an alternative approach to the treatment of your muscle pain, by-passing your doctor altogether.
Remember the term “Western medical model.” If we really want to take charge of our health care, we’ll need to create a new medical model. You’ll read more about this as this blog grows.
Blessings,
Judy
P.S. Please let me know about your approach to health care, and what practitioners you’ve put on your health team.
