Discuss the safety and effectiveness of alternative and complementary medicine for the treatment of specific illnesses such as cancer, diabetes, and hypertension. Share your opinions about holistic and allopathic care.
Would you have any conflicts or concerns supporting a patient who chooses holistic or allopathic medicine?
Sample Solution
Alternative and complementary medicine is a broad term that encompasses a variety of medical treatments such as herbal remedies, acupuncture, yoga, massage therapy, and homeopathy. Although these treatments are often used to treat specific illnesses such as cancer, diabetes, or hypertension they have not been studied extensively enough to be deemed completely safe and effective.
When it comes to treating cancer specifically there is some evidence that certain alternative therapies may offer relief from symptoms associated with the disease such as pain or nausea; however the majority of current research does not support the use of any alternative therapy for treating cancer itself. Similarly for diabetes and hypertension there is limited evidence supporting the efficacy of many alternative therapies so patients should proceed cautiously when considering them.