Homeopathy Vs Integrative Medicine

The famous spiritual leader Mahatma Gandhi said, "Homeopathy cures a greater percentage of cases than any other method of treatment. Homeopathy is the latest, most refined method of treating patients economically and non-violently” (Malik). However, Homeopathy is only one of the many natural forms of treatment that patients are utilizing in an effort to avoid conventional medicine. A clinic practice model that combines conventional medicine with Naturopathic, Complementary and other forms of alternative medicine all in one setting, is the new health paradigm called Integrative Medicine. With the public’s growing concern of being over-medicated by costly and sometimes violent conventional medicine, I am going to explain the movement towards

I also surveyed to determine if there is a public desire for an Integrative Medicine practice model. I surveyed 35 people of all ages and genders, of which 21 admitted to experiencing negative side effects from taking various medications. Additionally, 19 were taking prescription medications for a chronic condition, of which 18 stated the symptoms returned after discontinuing their medicine, thus concluding the medicine simply masked the symptoms. Out of 35 people surveyed, only one had previously heard the term Integrative Medicine. However, after learning what Integrative Medicine is, all 35 stated they would prefer the Integrative Medicine approach over the Conventional Medicine approach to healthcare. My survey confirms a public desire and need for Integrative Medicine, and demonstrates the urgency to educate the public on the meaning and benefits of an Integrative Medicine practice model. With the public’s growing concern of being over-medicated by expensive, and sometimes violent Conventional medicine, the movement towards an Integrative Medicine practice model is quickly approaching. This movement will have an impact on my future job as a physical therapist, and physical therapists already in

Physical therapy treatment ranges from short-term to long term treatment depending on the severity of the injury. “A career as a physical therapist requires a minimum of a bachelor’s degree in physical therapy, and then passing the certification exam” (Santiago). Physical therapy treatment takes an integrative approach with conventional medicine, but not with other forms of alternative treatment. As a result, the Physical Therapy program will need to be revised to include classes on Naturopathic, Functional, Holistic, Complementary, and other alternative modes of treatment so future Physical Therapists can be well educated on contradictory and complimentary treatments. There is also the potential for physical therapists to combine treatment with other alternative methods under an Integrative Medicine practice model, so incorporating additional training into the Physical Therapy Degree program will give future physical therapists the education needed to react to an Integrative Medicine