An Analysis of the Use of Alternative Medicine

From Asia, to Europe, and now to America, alternative medicine is rapidly spreading into Western culture. Alternative medicine is the practice of treating the symptoms of disease, or injury that is not recognized as conventional medicine. Often, alternative medicine is a form of therapy or regimen that is vaguely founded on science and comes from a natural approach that does not involve chemicals or invasive procedures. Millions of people are being deceived by the façade that natural remedies are healthier and safer than conventional medicine. In fact, just because something is organic and pure does not mean that that it is benign or effective. Many forms of alternative medicine are not proven to be effective in the treatment of disease or injury.

As alternative medicine spreads globally, it is increasing in popularity and is becoming a mainstream practice in managing pain, disease and other ailments. According to research done by the National Center for Complementary and Alternative Medicine, nearly 40 percent of Americans over age 18 are treating personal disease or injury with some method of alternative medicine (The Use of 1). A contributing factor in alternative medicine’s popularity is the influence of celebrities. It is well known that the powerful and elevated members of America’s society are fans of alternative medicine. Even the rich and famous have fallen victim to the scam called alternative medicine. The famous believe in alternative medicine so much that their practices are in the daily news. While waiting to check out groceries, one can read a magazine article about Gwyneth Paltrow’s cupping therapy or the South Beach diet. Celebrities influence the public opinion by giving alternative medicine the glamour and ...

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