Why Is the American Medical Community Resistant to Alternative Healing Methods?

The American medical community has been predominant in the performance of invasive allopathic pharmaceutical and surgical medicine, which has been enforced through state licensure acts and the establishment of the FDA within the federal government. However, this medical community is now facing a more diverse and open approach to healing through alternative methods, brought about by various factors including the approval of Integrative Medicine by the American Medical Association (AMA).

Historical Context and Current State of Medicine

Before the dominance of modern medicine, homeopathy was the leading school of thought among institutions for medical training in America. Homeopathy, which remains the leading form of medicine around the world, continues to thrive with many of its texts still reprinted from the original American manuscripts. On the other hand, the World Health Organization (WHO) acknowledges that American-styled medicine is not as accessible to the rest of the world, which relies heavily on botanical medicine.

Despite the high per capita spending on modern medicine, the health outcomes in the US do not reflect this expenditure. The United States ranks 49th among nations in health. Instances such as the health improvement seen during strikes of modern medicine, like in California, demonstrate the potential positive impacts of alternative approaches.

Comparison Between NMD and MD Training

The training of a Naturopathic Doctor (NMD) and a Medical Doctor (MD) can be compared to comparing apples and oranges. While MDs are heavily trained in hospital settings and focused on emergency and intensive care medicine, NMDs focus on outpatient compliance and holistic approaches.

Upon transitioning from the hospital setting to the civilian population, MDs often encounter a shift in their patient care context. The traditional role of the MD as a 'warrior' fighting against disease is not as relevant when dealing with chronic conditions and lifestyle-related health issues.

NMDs, on the other hand, are trained to focus on long-term compliance and the use of natural therapies to maintain and improve overall health. They understand the importance of patient education and partnership in managing chronic illnesses.

Barriers to Integrating Alternative Medicine

Traditional MDs often resist alternative methods because their training has taught them that if something were effective, it would have been used in hospital settings. Additionally, the complexity of understanding the hundreds of compounds in natural remedies can be overwhelming for clinicians trained in allopathic medicine.

Some MDs who have made the transition to an outpatient or holistic approach are more open to these methods, recognizing the importance of patient-centered care. These clinicians are honored as they serve as a vital link in maintaining the healthcare model.

Conclusion

The debate over whether traditional allopathic medicine or alternative healing methods are superior has been ongoing. Both approaches have their merits and limitations, and the focus should be on integrating the best aspects of both to provide the most comprehensive and effective patient care.

As the dialogue around alternative and integrative medicine continues, it is crucial to recognize the diverse and historically significant role of homeopathy and other natural therapies in the global medical landscape. A more inclusive approach to medicine, embracing the best of both worlds, could lead to improved health outcomes for all.