FIRST DRAFT
In today's rapidly developing world, mankind is witnessing a rise in health problems that are
often attributed to modern lifestyles and seem resistant to contemporary treatments. Some people
advocate for the use of alternative medicine as a solution, while others remain skeptical. These
two opposing views are intriguing, as despite numerous innovations in the scientific field
proving some traditional cures to be useless and even harmful, certain old-fashioned methods
have persisted over time and can complement modern ones. This dichotomy raises significant
questions: Can traditional medicine offer a promising approach to these new diseases, or is it
merely a nostalgic yearning for a healthier past? Are there any paths where both these concepts
can thrive and assist humankind for a brighter tomorrow in the medical and health field?
The reasons why some people reckon that medieval cures are worth a go stem from the rise of
modern lifestyle health issues, such as the overconsumption of fast food and alcohol, antibiotic
abuse, sleep deprivation, lack of fitness activities, and stressful work environments. These factors
have exacerbated health problems like depression, body dysmorphia, obesity, and antibiotic
resistance, and have even led to incurable genetic traits such as diabetes and cardiovascular
diseases. Given the counterproductive nature of most modern medicines against these issues,
many believe that alternative medicines offer a viable solution.
Some particular alternative medicines have shown promise in treating conditions deemed
incurable by conventional medicine. For instance, mind-body therapies and biologically based
practices have been beneficial. The Gale Encyclopedia of Medicine (2002) noted that herbal
treatments, prevalent from ancient history to the present day, are more effective than modern
medicines in alleviating common diseases like the cold and flu, especially due to rising antibiotic
resistance. Additionally, Kenneth Bock suggested in "Alternative Medicine" that dietary methods
could alleviate psychological issues like autism and ADHD more effectively than traditional
therapy and medication. Obesity, largely due to fast food consumption and lack of exercise,
remains resistant to modern medicine, with the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention
(CDC) reporting a high incidence of obesity in the U.S. in 2017. Diet and physical exercise are
widely acknowledged as the only effective means of achieving weight loss without harmful
reactions.
Furthermore, many alternative medicines complement modern treatments, enhancing patient
outcomes. The World Health Organization (WHO) reported that over 80% of the world’s
population uses some form of traditional medicine, such as herbal medicine, yoga, Ayurveda,
acupuncture, and indigenous therapies. These methods play a crucial role in treating chronic
illnesses like bone and joint disorders, cardiovascular diseases, neurological disorders, metabolic
disorders, and gastrointestinal disorders when combined with modern treatments.
However, alternative medicines face substantial criticism, primarily due to a lack of scientific
validation. The National Health and Medical Research Council (NHMRC) in 2015 concluded
that homeopathy should not be used for serious health conditions, as it poses significant health
risks by delaying proven treatments. Contaminants like heavy metals and toxins in some
alternative treatments can be extremely harmful, as documented in a 1992 study by De Smet.
Furthermore, using unvalidated and unprescribed methods can be dangerous. A systematic
review by Ernst (2010) documented deaths following acupuncture due to causes like
pneumothorax and punctures to vital organs. Similarly, chiropractic treatments have been
associated with fatalities, outweighing their benefits.
Additionally, many alternative medicines give patients false hope and misinformation, which is
unethical. Pseudoscientific methods like homeopathy rely on the placebo effect, misleading
patients into believing in their efficacy. Kevin Smith (2011) argued that this deception conflicts
with the ethical imperative of informed consent. The anti-vaxxer movement, which rejects
validated vaccines and promotes natural disease resistance, poses a significant public health risk,
as seen during the COVID-19 pandemic.
Pseudoscientific alternative treatments that can harm practitioners should be restricted under
certain conditions. There should be requirements for valid paperwork and licenses for those who
practice these types of treatments to avoid incidents like those associated with unregulated
traditional treatments. Additionally, the public should be made better aware of the merits and
demerits of traditional treatments. Despite numerous warnings from reputable medical
organizations, many people still have faith in traditional practices. Educating the public on how
alternative medicines work can enhance their understanding and promote safer treatments.
Finally, a smooth integration of traditional practices and modern medicine should be promoted.
Many diseases require a combination of modern medicines and alternative practices, such as
body-mind practices, meditation, and dietary habits. Jacqueline L. Longe, in "The Gale
Encyclopedia of Medicine 2" (2002), emphasized that treatments should incorporate both
modern medical and alternative methods.
In conclusion, after close consideration, it becomes evident that most alternative medicines,
when used alone, are pseudoscientific and potentially harmful. The optimal approach likely lies
in combining modern medicine with selected traditional practices. Despite longstanding debates
and significant opposition from the scientific community, the controversy over the superiority of
alternative medicines persists. If the public remains unclear about how these medicines work and
their limitations without modern medicine, and if movements like the anti-vaxxers continue,
another pandemic could endanger millions of lives. Therefore, a balanced approach that
leverages the strengths of both modern and traditional medicine is crucial for a healthier future.
