To what extent are alternative medical therapies valid compared to mainstream medical practise

TO WHAT EXTENT ARE ALTERNATIVE MEDICAL THERAPIES VALID COMPARED TO MAINSTREAM MEDICAL PRACTICE?

Libby Westwood (OHS)

Some may say that the NHS is the jewel in the crown of the UK, since it provides healthcare free of charge and impressive employment opportunities (1.7 million people are employed in the NHS, making it the world’s fifth largest employer). A survey conducted by ITV in 2018 revealed that the NHS was the British institution that was apprised most highly in the eyes of Britons, 54% of adults that undertook the survey were proud of the National Health Service, for reasons including its democratic nature, the kindness of staff and how the NHS saves and improves people’s lives on a daily basis. However the NHS has come under criticism for not providing a holistic approach to treatments (ITV News, 2018). A recent survey by the department of health found more than two thirds of doctors believe alternative therapies should be available free on the NHS. One in five Britons pay an average of £450 million a year for treatments such as acupuncture, osteopathy, homeopathy, chiropractic and aromatherapy. The validity of these treatments is still relatively unknown however, over the last decade, scientific research has shown that such treatments can work effectively alongside mainstream medical practice. The Foundation of Integrated Medicine (an independent body which aims to combine orthodox and alternative therapies) has said that complementary medicine is now available in 10% of doctors’ surgeries or alternative hospitals, but not without a significant price (MailOnline, 2019). Homeopathy is an alternative medical treatment that works in two ways, administering highly diluted versions of medicines or administering a substance that causes the symptoms of an illness, with the idea that it will help remove the symptoms. People suffering from asthma, ear infections, hay fever, arthritis and dermatitis will often approach homeopathy as a treatment (British Homeopathic Association, 2019). However, a 2010 House of Commons Science and Technology Committee report on homeopathy said that homeopathic treatment works in the same way as a placebo, therefore, it has no effect on the physical health but does have a psychological effect as it makes the patient think they have been cured, despite not actually having been cured at all. The report went so far as to say that homeopathy as a medical treatment

was scientifically implausible, as a result in 2017 NHS England advised GPs and other providers of homeopathic remedies to stop providing homeopathic courses of treatment (NHS, 2018). Acupuncture is a form of complementary and alternative medicine which is popular within the NHS used alongside orthodox treatments. It was derived from ancient Chinese medicine and involves the insertion of very fine needles into certain sites of the body to stimulate sensory nerves under the skin and in muscles. By stimulating these sensory nerves, substances created by the body are produced, for example commonly, pain relieving endorphins can be released, the pain relief given by acupuncture can be used to supplement drugs which provide the same effect, but for people that are allergic to the painkillers given in hospital such as codeine, oxycodone, hydrocodone and morphine, acupuncture can be an attractive option. Acupuncture is largely used to treat chronic tensiontype headaches, migraines, chronic pain, joint pain, dental pain and postoperative pain. The location of where the needles are inserted can be altered depending on the condition being treated (NHS, 2016). Chiropractic is a non-conventional treatment in which bone, muscle and joint pain can be relieved. Chiropractic is not offered widely across the NHS but, it is in certain areas. Chiropractic care is centred on spinal manipulation and is extremely popular amongst people suffering from back pain, in the US it was found that 74% of adults who had suffered from back pain in a point of their life had resorted to a chiropractor. Musculoskeletal disorders have put great strain on the NHS, which already has had to endure cut after cut in funding since the election of David Cameron and the Conservative Party in 2010. Therefore it is difficult for the service to provide support for mild muscular pain that is not affecting quality of life, especially because it has not been scientifically proven to be effective and it is very expensive (NHS, 2017). Aromatherapy is the form of alternative medicine which involves the use of essential oils to improve both health and wellbeing, it is a prevalent feature used in clinics which practice holistic medicine. It has limited availability on the NHS, similarly to many other alternative treatments, but is often used by cancer patients to treat symptoms of cancer and the side effects of cancer treatments such as radiotherapy and chemotherapy. Largely though, aromatherapy is believed to be more beneficial to one’s mental wellbeing than their overall physical health, it is said to also be very effective in relieving stress. Different essential oils provide different benefits, for example some have antiinflammatory properties that can be used in treating conditions like arthritis, some help fight infection and some can improve sleep patterns. The oils can be administered by either inhalation or rubbed into the skin (Cancer Research, 2018). Colonic irrigation is a method of alternative medicine which is used to remove toxins from the colon, warm

water is passed into the colon and carries out loose faecal debris and waste to effectively flush the colon. Colonic irrigation can increase the speed through which food is moved through the digestive system which subsequently leads to many benefits such as reduced numbers of headaches, less bloating and higher energy levels. Colonic irrigation is extremely useful when completed before a procedure such as a colonoscopy, whilst this is not used in the UK, it is popular in the US, in the UK bowel preparation involves a change in diet and a strong laxative powder, likely due to once again the expense (Mayo Clinic, 2018). In conclusion, alternative medical therapies can be useful in providing a holistic attitude towards healthcare, which not only looks after physical health but also mental health. From the most common of alternative medicine therapies, acupuncture is the most valid method of treatment, this is shown by the fact it is the only alternative medicine treatment offered relatively widely across the NHS and in hospitals. Whilst most alternative therapies can be effective in relieving pain, curing illnesses etc, there is no scientific proof of their effectiveness which means they could never be used alone, but alongside effective treatments under the NHS, there is no doubt that these alternative methods may help. Just because they cannot be used alone does not mean that they aren’t valid, they can be particularly useful if a patient is intolerant to an orthodox treatment.

Bibliography

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ITV News, (2018). Britons most proud of NHS, survey finds [Online] Available from:https://www.itv.com/ news/2018-06-07/britons-most-proud-of-nhs-surveyfinds/ [Accessed 13th April 2019]

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