[Griffin Monster]

It is my planned topic for my research paper. Please help me understand their difference. ------

[shana34]

Hello friends

This paper will attempt to delineate the differences between and definitions of, conventional, alternative, traditional, complementary, natural, holistic, and integrative medicine. The author begins with the a priori notion that there are differences between these areas of medicine. Assumptions about and credibility of "a newly emerging field of medicine" is greatly impacted by one's understanding of the term used to describe that field. At least some other medical authors would concur that word meanings can have a significant impact on credibility, application and regulation in the profession of medicine.1,2
Clarification of the terms used to describe different areas of medicine should be based on appropriate word meanings as found in standard dictionaries. To define is to "set forth the meaning of; to determine or identify the essential qualities or meaning of; to fix or mark the limits of; to characterize (or) distinguish (something)."3 Definitions for conventional, alternative, traditional, complementary, natural, holistic, and integrative medicine need to convey the essential qualities and uniqueness of each field of medicine. Suitable definitions will benefit insurance companies, healthcare consumers and practitioners. Whether these definitions become standard appears to be a matter of politics, power and changing healthcare values of the American public.


Thanks

[alisha34]

• "Complementary medicine is used together with conventional medicine. An example of a complementary therapy is using aromatherapy to help lessen a patient's discomfort following surgery".
• "Alternative medicine is used in place of conventional medicine. An example of an alternative therapy is using a special diet to treat cancer instead of undergoing surgery, radiation, or chemotherapy that has been recommended by a conventional doctor".

But this is not an accurate distinction. Alternative practitioners don't suggest to their clients that they stop receiving conventional care. What most practitioners strive for is to develop a working relationship with a client's family doctor, with the client's health as their shared goal.