Whether you are researching which type of medicine is right for you and your family or deciding where and how to take your career in nursing a step further, this guide will aid you in making some decisions. There are many arguments for and against different types of treatment, but the choice is yours to make.
What is Defined as Conventional Medicine?
The therapy that is commonly utilized and accepted by most health professionals is known as conventional treatment or therapy. Medical doctors and other healthcare professionals including nurses, pharmacists, and therapists use medications, radiation, or surgery to treat patients’ symptoms and diseases. Allopathic medicine, mainstream medicine, orthodox medicine, biomedicine, and Western medicine are all terms for the same thing. Many people are experiencing dissatisfaction with this form of medicine and are looking into alternatives.
Many certified nurses are choosing to adapt their skills and knowledge and use it to further a meaningful career in the various branches of medicine by encouraging patients to lead healthy lifestyles. Most of these “newly” developed categories demand conventional training before broadening their horizons into avenues other than mainstream medicine. A good example of such training is Baylor University’s post-baccalaureate accelerated BSN program, which is a full-time program that uses a variety of teaching methods, including online programs, as well as lab and clinical assignments.
How is Functional Medicine Defined?
Different types of medicine that cater to patients’ individual requirements and preferences have been developed as medical technology and information have advanced over time. Functional medicine is a branch of medicine that focuses on the underlying causes of sickness, which are driven by genetic predispositions as well as one’s environment. This is one of the more common approaches to improving health. Individualized therapies are often used in functional medicine to determine what the root of the problem is, and special testing is used to determine whether imbalances formed before the disease or because of certain treatments for chronic sickness.
The functional medicine approach is based on the premise that a single condition might have multiple causes, or that a single cause can have multiple illnesses. The GOTOIT framework is used by many functional medicine practitioners to get to the bottom of a patient’s problems. “Gather, Organize, Tell, Order, Initiate, and Track” (GOTOIT) means that each of these steps is followed by the physician to develop a relationship with their patients, identify and detect unhealthy patterns, get to the source of their problem, and develop customized therapies, treatments, and lifestyle changes to address it.
The complete range of physical, mental, social, emotional, spiritual, and environmental variables that influence a person’s health are addressed by functional medicine. Because it combines a wide range of elements with well-known traditional medical procedures and technologies to treat chronic illnesses, functional medicine is sometimes also known as integrated medicine.
So, what is Integrative Medicine?
Integrative medicine is a type of health care that incorporates all relevant therapeutic approaches (both mainstream and alternative) into a framework that prioritizes health, the therapeutic relationship, and the person as a whole.
Integrative medicine specialists often combine a traditional approach to health with numerous therapies such as chiropractic care, acupuncture, behavioral therapy, massage therapy, homeopathy, yoga, and energy work to provide comprehensive treatment in all areas because there are so many distinct elements to address. Interventions that are less invasive and more natural-based are favored and all variables that affect one’s health are considered. The healing disciplines used are to promote the body’s natural healing abilities. When these options have been explored or aren’t working, standard treatments are still used.
What is the Definition of Holistic Medicine?
Holistic medicine is a broad term that encompasses a wide range of therapies aimed at treating the patient as a whole person. Rather than treating an ailment like traditional Western medicine does, holistic medicine considers a person’s whole physical, mental, spiritual, and emotional well-being before proposing treatment. Holistic therapies emphasize a healthy diet and the avoidance of substances that contaminate the environment and the body, such as pollutants and chemicals. An imbalance in the body’s systems is perceived as an illness or disease.
Holistic medicine differs from integrated medicine in that it is employed instead of mainstream Western techniques, and it can even reject medical treatments outright.
CAM (Complementary and Alternative Medicine)
Complementary medicine refers to non-mainstream approaches that are used in conjunction with traditional medicine, whereas alternative medicine refers to non-mainstream practices that are used in place of conventional medicine. The strength of the evidence supporting methodologies is one of the primary differences between CAM and mainstream care. Mainstream medicine bases its decisions on the most conclusive scientific data. CAM, on the other hand, bases its practices on evidence-informed practices—practices based on the best available data, even if that evidence does not fulfil the most stringent efficacy and safety criteria.
In practice, CAM therapies aim to improve the healing environment and therapeutic connections, thereby maximizing the patient’s healing potential. Some therapies may include deep breathing techniques, yoga, qi gong, tai chi, mindfulness meditation, homeopathy, naturopathy, and energy therapy.
The terms “complementary medicine” and “alternative medicine” refer to a wide range of healthcare techniques that are not part of a country’s conventional medicine and are not fully incorporated into the mainstream healthcare system.
Weigh the Options and Consider the Risks
All types of medicine, including traditional Western medicine, come with their own set of risks and side effects. Alternative medicine of any type can be extremely harmful when taken in place of standard therapy without the proper cross-over or information being imparted. However, many kinds of alternative therapy, such as meditation, have few adverse effects and can be used without risk alongside conventional medicine practices.
There are also possible negative effects with some herbs, supplements, and vitamins. Just because something claims to be natural, it doesn’t automatically mean it’s safe. Ingredients, dosage, and manufacturing techniques might differ significantly from one product to the next. It is on the patient in question’s head to decide what is best for him or her.
With so many options available, it is always best to do thorough research before making any life-altering decisions that impact your health and wellbeing.