Alternative Medicine

What is alternative medicine?

Alternative medicine is any other way of treating an illness that doesn't rely on scientific, peer-reviewed, proven and doctor-dispensed medicine.

Why do people use alternative medicines?

People use this because there are still no cures for certain syndromes such as AIDS or some types of cancer so they turn to alternative ways of improving their health.

How does alternative medicine work?

Many alternative treatments are intended to consider the patient as a whole, instead of using mainstream medicines to target a specific problem or part of the body.

How popular is alternative medicine?

Since the 1980s, alternative treatments have become popular. Approximately, 1 in 5 people in Britain have used alternative medicines.

How are prevention methods used as alternative medicine?

There has been more focus on preventing illnesses rather than curing them. This is done through living healthy lifestyles, regularly exercising, and avoiding sugary, fatty foods.

What are some examples of alternative medicines?

There are four examples of alternative medicines used in Britain.

• ❖ Aromatherapy.
• ❖ Acupuncture.
• ❖ Hypnotherapy.
• ❖ Homeopathy.

Why do some people oppose alternative treatments?

People oppose alternative treatments for different reasons:

• ❖ There is a lack of regulation. Anyone is able to practise alternative medicine without formal qualifications.
• ❖ There is a lack of scientfic proof that it works. Doctors in particular often dismiss it as 'quackery'.