Ezgi Eröksüz - 7

Currently there is a trend towards the use of alternative forms of medicine. However, at best these methods are ineffective, and at worst they may be dangerous.

To what extent do you agree with this statement?

It is known that alternative medicine is not new and its foundation dates back to the 1960s. In line with the search for alternatives and the request in return to nature, it is also used all over the world for social, cultural and psychological reasons. I do not think that it is a dangerous situation. I believe alternative medicine could be effective as well as conventional medicine, especially when they give assistance  to each other.

There are several main reasons why traditional medicine communities are generally against alternative medicine. Firstly, there is almost nonexistent research on the alternative medicine. As a result, there is insufficient evidence to corroborate the assertions of its supporters. Simultaneously, it is thought that the absence of any certification will give patients unnecessary hope and create risks such as being removed from the treatments of common medicine methods. Another justification is the safety concerns of folk medicine practitioners. These treatments are seen beneficial for long-term chronic conditions. In cases where a more serious treatment is required, it is claimed that the patient can suffer a lot and even die if misdiagnosed with alternative medicine.

On the other hand, scientific and non-scientific circles constitute a larger community than those opposed to alternative medicine. Although there is no academic theorem, there is ample proof of methods used. There are allegations that alternative medicine practices evaluate people with their physical-psychic-spiritual dimensions with a holistic approach and protect the person from side effects. The worst case scenario is seen if there is not any change. If we give an example of alternative medicine methods, it could be massage therapy, which has a remarkable place in the physical therapy in modern medicine. This method includes exposing the patient to the steams of various substances, hot water therapies, and spa treatments that relax and rest the body.

In conclusion, I stand with the idea that both conventional and alternative medicine can be used together. Despite the fact that they can have different impacts, both can be utilized to cure some specific illnesses. It would be best to apply the alternative treatment methods to supplement or complement conventional medicine.