Difference Between Allopathic and Holistic Medicine

You may hear various difference terms when looking at treatments for your conditions. Two of the most common forms of treatment are allopathic and holistic medicine. In this article we will consider what each of these types of medicines are, where you will hear them mentioned and also what the significant differences between them are.

What is Allopathic Medicine?

Allopathic medicine is a term that is used to describe medical practice where a condition is treated with a medication that is designed to kill the illness. This may sound very familiar to you and it is largely because most of conventional medicine is effectively allopathic. You doctor will not tell you he is using allopathic medicine however that is what he is doing. You are more likely to hear the term when you visit a homeopath and that is largely because the differences are marked. In homeopathic medicine you will be given a substance that contains similar elements to your condition rather than those picked to kill it.

What is Holistic Medicine?

Holistic medicine is again quite a general term but it is a form of therapy that treats the person as a whole. Many alternative therapies are thought to be holistic. The aim with holistic medicine is to treat the mind, body, emotions and all elements of a person in order to bring about health. For example in a treatment like acupuncture the therapist will consider you, your background, how you react to things and your symptoms. This will allow them to develop a treatment plan that is specific to you, including your emotional, mental and physical needs. When looking into alternative therapies you will hear this term mentioned a lot of the time and so it is important to be aware what it is.

What is the difference between Allopathic and Holistic Medicine?

The main difference between allopathic and holistic medicine is the way in which treatment is approached. For example in allopathic medicine the aim is to treat the condition and to prescribe things to help you get rid of it. In holistic medicine although the aim is to also clear up a condition the focus is different. In allopathic medicine a doctor will focus on the condition only however holistic medicine will focus on the person, how that person reacts to that condition as well as their history.

It is worth mention that both of these terms are very broad and cover a large number of different therapies and treatments but that the general principles are the same based on which type of medicine it is. In addition if your doctor is prescribing allopathic medicine for you then it may be possible to use holistic medicine alongside this so that you can get the maximum benefits for you and your condition.

Conclusion

As you can see from the above, the concepts of allopathic and holistic medicine are quite different. It does not mean that one is better than another just that the focus is different. If you are looking for treatment it is important to make an informed judgement on what you are going for and to discuss with as many professionals as possible. It is also important to find a reputable therapist to ensure you get the best possible treatment