What Is Allopathic Medicine?
An allopathic approach (also called biomedicine, conventional medicine, mainstream medicine, orthodox medicine, and Western medicine) is a system in which medical doctors and other healthcare professionals (such as nurses, pharmacists, and therapists) treat symptoms and diseases using drugs, radiation, or surgery.
The word “allopathic” comes from the Greek “allos” — meaning “opposite” — and “pathos” — meaning “to suffer.”
A German physician Samuel Hahnemann in the 1800’s coined this word. Roughly the word refers to treating a symptom with its opposite, as is often done in mainstream medicine.
Constipation for example might be treated with a laxative.
Hahnemann was interested in other approaches based more on ancient principles of treating “like with like.” He later left mainstream medical practice and is considered to be the founder of homeopathy.
Based on the historical definition of the term, some physicians argue that it was used to falsely label mainstream medical practices. Many in mainstream medicine consider the term derogatory.
When To Avoid Allopathic Medicine?
You Don’t! Specially if you have a medical condition. Any kind of medical treatment should be tailored to the individual and treat the whole person, not symptoms alone. Make sure your primary care healthcare practitioner is aware of all treatments you are using.
Allopathic medicine or mainstream medicine is a system of healthcare. It has had the most evidence-based scientific research, data collection, and drug testing. It’s also regulated by the Food and Drug Administration (FDA).
However, other types of alternative medicine and supplements have been used for generations in some cases are show promising results. The action of long-used herbs and tonics are getting some research to support their use.
Allopathic or modern medical schools have recently added more study and information on how food and nutrition can help prevent and treat disease. More education is being offered on integrative approaches and potential interactions with mainstream medicine.
Other areas of study in allopathic medicine include exercise and reducing the use of antibiotics and other medications that may have harmful effects.
No healthcare system is perfect. Combining homeopathic, naturopathic and other alternative medicine with allopathic approach or mainstream medicine might work in treating people with some types of illnesses or ailments.
Magnesium Deficiency 101
Dr. Carolyn Dean
In this interview with Lars of the Body/Mind Institute, Dr. Carolyn Dean provides an excellent overview of magnesium deficiency symptoms and treatment protocols that can be used by the lay person or practitioner. Excellent, self-empowering information for health and well-being.