Integrating complementary and alternative approaches of healthcare to the western medical model

Integrating complementary and alternative approaches of healthcare to the western medical model

Integrating complementary and alternative approaches of healthcare to the western medical model is a reality that can be achieved. The sole purpose of both models is to enhance the healthcare of patients. The western medical model is guided by a set of scientific evidence which states how the human body should function (Kleinman, 2013). Likewise, it provides scientific solutions for the diagnosis of health issues and offers medical prescriptions. Complementary and alternative medical approaches, on the other hand, refers to non-standardized medical solutions (Micozzi, 2014). It includes methods such as the consumption of herbal medications and undertaking natural practices such as tai chi to calm the body and relieve it of stress. The two forms of medical models can be integrated since they both aim to treat patients of various health complications. Also, the fact that both models compensate for the other weakness means that incorporating them in patient treatment results in better and effective healthcare. For instance, while the western medication model is known to offer accurate health prescription, its shortcoming arises due to the failure to provide better solutions in preventing and diseases and offering a healthy lifestyle. Integrating the two models, therefore, is a better way to enhance people’s health.

Allowing the integrative medicine approach enables medical practitioners to align their activities within the core values of their profession. The value of social justice is seen in integrative medicine allowing people with diverse opinions to receive medical treatment of their choice. Social injustice in the provision of healthcare can be depicted by instances of certain people failing to get treatment as medical organizations do not offer the kind of services they require. For example, governments may ban the use of herbal medicine, causing injustice to patients who believe in such medications. Service as a social attribute is seen in integrative medicine allowing all citizens to be treated according to their beliefs. The importance of human relationships is seen in patients trusting different treatment models finding health practitioners accustomed to their treatment regimens hence facilitating a free communication environment.

Likewise, integrative medicine upholds the dignity and worth of diverse patients as the medical practitioners handling the cases are aware of their medical preferences and knows how to handle their patients in an honorable manner. It is the positive interaction between patients and medical practitioners, which strengthens the attribute of integrity between the two parties. Consequently, integrative medicine will allow patients to seek treatment from medical practitioners whom they trust as being capable of offering quality services, especially in the complementary health, which in the past has seen a lot of unregistered and unqualified people exploit those who believe in such medication.

My analysis of the healthcare sector paints a future of social work where western treatment works in tandem with complementary and alternative approach health to promote the general welfare of patients. In this combination, patients refer to a western medication when they are aware of specific medical complications which need a standard medical prescription. Also, patients will resort to complementary and alternative medical practices to keep their bodies healthy and free from factors that bring about health complications.

One kind of complementary and alternative health practice which I would like to be integrated into western medical tradition is the use of practices that relax the mind and body. The practice has played a crucial role in enhancing both the mental and physical health of individuals, thereby preventing them from contracting health complications such as chronic diseases. The exercises include tai chi, acupuncture, and massage therapy.

References

Kleinman, A. (2013). What is specific to Western medicine?. In Companion encyclopedia of the history of medicine (pp. 41-49). Routledge.

Micozzi, M. S. (2014). Fundamentals of complementary and alternative medicine-E-book. Elsevier Health Sciences.