Holistic Medicine vs. Traditional Medicine i
How Does Holistic Medicine Affect the Mind and Body Differently
Then Chemically Engineered Drugs?
Kathryn Scutzlas
English 202, Section 038
Dr. Marlen Harrison
March 02, 2010
Holistic Medicine vs. Traditional Medicine 2
How Does Holistic Medicine Affect the Mind and Body Differently Than Chemically
Engineered Drugs?
Traditional medicine is practiced all over the world and is typically the first form of
medicine one resorts to when in need of medical attention. It is almost an immediate reaction to
reach into the medicine cabinet to grab an Advil, Excedrin, or Tylenol when a headache becomes
evident. However, is this quick fix really the best cure? The purpose of this research is to
investigate a new facet of science, holistic medicine, and compare it to conventional medicine.
Therefore, the question becomes, “How does holistic medicine affect the mind and body
differently than chemically engineered drugs?”
Holistic medicine and traditional medicine both have a large importance; however, which
one is more beneficial to one’s health? Holistic medicine is referred to by several names
including integrated, alternative, conventional, and also herbal medicine. According to the online
Medical Dictionary (1997), Holistic Medicine can be defined as, “Various systems of health
protection and restoration, both traditional and modern, that are reputedly based on the body’s
natural healing powers, the various ways the different tissues affect each other and the influence
of the external environment.” Holistic medicine refers to an approach to healing by looking at the
mind and body as a whole, through meditation, yoga, dieting, and through the use of medicinal
herbs and natural supplements.
Traditional medicine; however, is quite different than holistic medicine. It is more
commonly practiced, and sought after. Traditional medicine dwells on curing the mind and body
through surgery and synthesized drugs produced in a laboratory by pharmaceutical and organic
chemists. Prescription medicine requires a lot more attention than medicinal herbs. Prescription
medications work by a reaction taking place in the body. Once the medicine has been
Holistic Medicine vs. Traditional Medicine 3
administered, the drug begins to work with various receptors in the body and reacts with
different enzymes and cells. Enzymes are proteins, or protein-based molecules, that speed up a
chemical reaction in a living organism. An enzyme acts as a catalyst for specific chemical
reactions, converting a specific set of reactants, called substrates, into specific products
(“Definition of Enzyme”). Once the drugs have reacted with the enzymes, the chemicals in the
drug attach to the receptors, sending messages throughout the body. This is known as the lock
and key model.
Traditional medicine is often a pertinent method taken in order to heal certain ailments;
however, it has its pros and cons. Prescription medication, used in the practice of conventional
medicine often has severe side effects, and can be life threatening or at the very least,
uncomfortable. Conventional doctors are taught to diagnose patients, and cure ailments through
the use of prescription medication. However, a new approach is being introduced into the field of
medicine. Medical students are now being taught how to integrate holistic medicine into
conventional medical practices. According to an article written by Dr. John A. Austin (1998),
several patients are turning to the holistic health approach because of three reasons: they have
been dissatisfied with traditional medicine, they are investigating new approaches to healing and
see alternative methods of treatment, and also holistic health methods correlate to the patient’s
personal beliefs and comfort levels.
After much research, I have formulated my hypothesis accordingly. My hypothesis for
this research paper is that although conventional medicine is often required as a means to healing
a particular sickness or disease, there are alternative methods and approaches that can be taken in
order to gain a maximum well-being. I believe that there are initial steps that can be taken to gain
optimal health, and if failure in these processes pursue, conventional medicine can be
Holistic Medicine vs. Traditional Medicine 4
administered. My purpose for investigating both traditional and holistic medicine is to explore
how both forms of practiced medicine react with the mind and body, and I would like the readers
of my research paper, as well as myself, to gain a better knowledge on how to gain a maximum
well-being.
My focus group for my experimentation will be college students ranging in ages nineteen
to twenty-two. I plan to survey the sample group of students to determine how many college
students engage in the practice of holistic medicine, which can include everything from taking
vitamins and herbal supplement, to maintaining a healthy diet or keeping up with regular
exercise. My hypothesis is that most college students practice some form of holistic medicine
without being aware of it; however, most students have not implicated the use of medicinal herbs
and natural supplements in place of chemically formulated prescriptions and over-the-counter
medication.
Holistic Medicine vs. Traditional Medicine 5
References
Astin, J. (1998). Why Patients Use Alternative Medicine: Results of a National Study. The
Journal of the American Medical Association, 279(19). Retrieved March 1, 2010, from
http://jama.ama-assn.org/cgi/content/abstract/279/19/1548
Definition of Holistic Medicine. (2009). Retrieved March 1, 2010 from
http://www.mondofacto.com/facts/dictionary?holistic+medicine
Pajares, F. (2007). Elements of a proposal. Retrieved February 6, 2010
from http://www.des.emory.edu/mfp/proposal.html
Bradley, D. (1996). How Does Herbal Medicine Work? Retrieved February 6, 2010 from
http://www.sciencebase.com/science-blog/how-does-herbal-medicine-work
Definition of Enzyme. (1996). Retrieved February 6, 2010 from
http://www.medterms.com/script/main/art.asp?articlekey=3266
Karpowicz, Z., Harazduk, N., & Haramati, A. (2009). Using mind-body medicine for selfawareness and self-care in medical school [Electronic version]. Journal of Holistic
Healthcare, 6(2), 19-22.
Jadhav, V., Thorat, R., Kadam, V., & Salaskar, K. (2009). Chemical composition,
pharmacological activities of Eclipta alba. Journal of Pharmacy Research, 2 (8), 11291131. Retrieved February 17, 2010, from Academic Search Complete database.
Robinson, F. (2009). Empowering patients to self-care. Practice Nurse, 38(10), 9-10. Retrieved
February 17, 2010, from Academic Search Complete database.
Holistic Medicine vs. Traditional Medicine 6
Jackson, C. (2009). Keys to unlocking better care. Mental Health Practice, 12(9), 6-7. Retrieved
from Academic Search Complete database.