ALTERNATIVE MEDICINE

Alternative Medicine

Alternative Medicine

Introduction

The term “complementary and alternative medicine (CAM)” is defined as a therapeutic practice that does not meet the standards of the orthodox medical community in Australia, and is not generally available at community hospitals. There are diverse types of these therapies. It is difficult to categorise them as a group, they are collectively called as 'alternative', 'natural', 'complementary', 'unorthodox', 'unproven' and 'traditional' medicine. The concepts of this medicine are contrasted with 'conventional', 'allopathic', 'orthodox', and 'scientific' medicine (Willis, Reynolds & Helen 2008, pp. 115-130).Some common forms of complementary and alternative medicine, which are widely used in Australia are:

Homeopathic medicine

Traditional Chinese medicine

Ayurveda

Mental healing

Herbal products

Naturopathic medicine

Therapeutic touch

Diet based therapies

Yoga

Osteopathic practices

Massage

Magnetic fields

Chiropractic practices

Reiki

QiGong

Thesis Statement

The use of complementary and alternative medicine has increased in Australian society, although, their safety and efficacy are controversial. There is need to make people aware about the use of these alternative medicines, so that they would be able to decide better about their health issues.

Discussion

Prevalence of CAM in Australian Society

The purpose of medicine is to solve unavoidable needs of people for their physical and emotional healing. Nowadays, the pattern of disease in most parts of world is changing. In the past, most of the diseases were communicable in nature; now 50 percent of the health issues are due to non-communicable diseases, such as cardiac diseases, hypertension, diabetes, and depression. Lifestyle, obesity, reduced physical activity, and stress are contributing factors in the development of non-communicable diseases.

Many people choose herbal products as they think, that these products are natural and are safe, however, these herbals products contain ingredients, such as prescription drugs and heavy metals. Due to their adverse effects on body, it is recommended that the people must discuss the use of supplements with learned practitioners before taking them (Bensoussan, Myers, Wu & O'Connor, 2004, pp. 17-27).

There is a common belief in Australian society that these CAM medicines are cheaper than conventional medical treatment. However, for some conditions, the cost of CAM treatment is the more than conventional medicines. There is a misconception in society that the poor people are more likely to use CAM treatments. The use of CAM is equally prevalent in rich and poor. Some CAM practitioners charge more than medical practitioners, their fees are negotiable, payment methods are flexible and they payment may depend on results of therapy. Due to these factors, it is becoming more prevalent in developed countries. People seek care from CAM healers for problems such as mental illness, chronic disorders, and impotence, they think that the medical practitioners cannot cure their disease.

The lack of product quality and lack of data about the safety of these drugs, most CAM treatments are facing major challenges in the Australian community. CAM practitioners are facing issues regarding their training, education, credentials, and licensing.

The Customers of CAM in Australia

In Australia, the use of alternative medicines such as vitamin, aromatherapy oils, evening primrose oil, mineral supplements, ginseng, chinese medicines and homeopathic medicines is very ...