Discuss the safety and effectiveness of alternative and complementary medicine for the treatment of specific illnesses such as cancer, diabetes, and hypertension|Course hero helper

Posted: February 20th, 2023

Discussion: 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?

Requirements:

Formatted and cited in current APA 7

The discussion must address the topic

Rationale must be provided

Use at least 600 words (no included 1st page or references in the 600 words)

Use 3 academic sources. Not older than 5 years

Not Websites are allowed.

Plagiarism is NOT allowed

SOLUTION

Alternative and complementary medicine (CAM) refers to health practices that are not part of conventional medical care. This includes a wide range of therapies, such as acupuncture, herbal remedies, massage, and meditation. While CAM may be appealing to patients due to its perceived naturalness and lack of side effects, the safety and effectiveness of these treatments are still being debated.

When it comes to specific illnesses such as cancer, diabetes, and hypertension, there is limited scientific evidence to support the use of CAM as a primary treatment. In the case of cancer, for example, many CAM therapies are promoted as natural remedies that can cure the disease or alleviate symptoms. However, there is little evidence to support the effectiveness of these treatments, and some may even be harmful. For instance, some herbal remedies have been found to interact negatively with cancer treatments or cause adverse reactions.

Similarly, CAM treatments for diabetes and hypertension may not be effective in managing these conditions. While some studies have suggested that certain herbs or supplements may help lower blood sugar or blood pressure levels, more research is needed to determine their safety and efficacy. In some cases, relying on CAM therapies to manage these conditions may lead to complications and worsen the disease.

It is important to note that not all CAM therapies are ineffective or harmful. Some therapies, such as acupuncture and massage, have been shown to have benefits for certain conditions, such as chronic pain. However, it is important for patients to consult with their healthcare provider before pursuing CAM therapies, as some may interfere with conventional treatments or worsen underlying conditions.

In contrast to CAM, conventional medicine, or allopathic care, is based on scientific evidence and has undergone rigorous testing to ensure safety and effectiveness. Conventional treatments, such as chemotherapy for cancer or insulin for diabetes, have been shown to be effective in managing these conditions and improving patient outcomes. While these treatments may have side effects, they are closely monitored by healthcare providers to ensure patient safety.

Holistic care, on the other hand, is an approach to healthcare that takes into account the whole person, including their physical, emotional, and spiritual well-being. Holistic care may include conventional treatments as well as CAM therapies and focuses on treating the person as a whole rather than just addressing the symptoms of the disease.