Health Benefits of Allopathy

The benefits of allopathy and our modern medical system make them important contributors to holistic health care. Before exploring the pros and cons of allopathic medicine, here is a brief overview of this system of practicing medicine.

What is Allopathic Medicine?

Dr. Samuel Hahnemann coined the term allopathic medicine to describe the medical practice of the 19th century. He was disgusted with this system and wanted to differentiate it from his new homeopathic medicine.  

Other names for allopathy include: traditional western medicine, regular medicine, mainstream medicine, orthodox medicine, modern medicine and conventional medicine.

Generally this approach is 'body as a machine'. Early allopaths were called mechanics. Parts were, and still are, treated in isolation. Hence we have heart specialists, hand specialists, neurologists, ears nose and throat doctors, and so on.

Proponents of this medical system teach that disease, or its causes, usually originate outside the body. For instance, germs invade the body and make us sick. Germ theory led to widespread antibiotic use, pasteurization and improved sanitation. When the body has symptoms like pain, nausea or fever, the belief is that you 'caught a bug'. This disease or invader needs to be treated, usually with drugs.

If an illness could not be blamed on a virus or bacteria, then the genetics are at fault. Treatment for germs and genes is drugs or surgery. Under the allopathic medical model, localized problems that do not resolve must be removed surgically.

Pharmaceutical drugs play an important role in allopathic medicine. They were (and still are) developed to either mask symptoms directly or cause the body to alter the way it is meant to function. Drugs do not generally cure or prevent disease.

Unlike Hahnemann's system of homeopathy, in which like treats like, allopathic drugs  stimulate sluggish organs or sedate overactive ones. So we have medications to cause a weary pancreas to release more insulin and drugs to lower high blood pressure.

Despite this emphasis on blaming and treating parts, allopathic medicine comes under the umbrella of holistic healing when it is used as part of a whole person treatment plan. Although the modern medical system divorced itself from holism in the early 1900's, this rift is slowly mending as research and holistic doctors show support of holistic and more natural alternatives.  

What Are the Benefits of Allopathy?

• One of the most significant benefits of allopathy is that its practitioners and technologies excel at treating acute and life threatening illness and injuries. Modern imaging identifies problems in the body even in early stages. Surgical procedures repair or remove diseased or damaged organs and tissues. Serious infections are cured with potent medications. Broken bones are reset and damaged joints replaced. Disfigurements are reconstructed. The list goes on.

• Thanks to highly skilled doctors and modern technology, many lives have been saved and quality of life improved.  With the help of medical tests and training in diagnostics, doctors are able to figure out where things in the body have gone awry. They not only have the ability to diagnose problems in the body, they use advanced technologies for health care. Getting a proper diagnosis can be very helpful, whether or not you choose to avail yourself of conventional medical treatment.

• Patients have rights and protection under the law. Doctors, nurses, technicians, and medical facilities must be licensed and are held to high standards designed to protect patients and ensure quality care. Drugs and treatments must pass rigorous testing before being used on patients.

• An upside to the big business side of allopathy is that there is plenty of money for research and development. Research, including studies of alternative therapies, is continually conducted. Technological advances are continuously in progress for the benefit of patients. Medical facilities interested in being on the cutting edge of medicine, shell out lots of dollars for the latest and greatest diagnostic and surgical equipment.

• Pharmaceuticals help people manage illness and pain in the long and short term. Despite the fact that pharmaceuticals have a serious downside and natural remedies may be a better alternative at times, medication is one of the major benefits of allopathy.  Antibiotics have saved countless lives in the last hundred years. Pain meds are a godsend to those suffering from severe pain. Thyroid hormone replacement keeps people alive and well after removal from cancer. Pharmaceuticals and their close cousins are used before, during and after surgeries and for some diagnostics. Other medications help people manage mental health conditions so they can live more normal lives. 

Allopathy or Alternatives?

Some people 'throw the baby out with the bathwater' when it comes to allopathic medicine. They will not seek out this type of treatment unless their lives literally depend on it.

Although some aspects of the system do need to change, the benefits of allopathy cannot be denied. There is nothing better for life-threatening trauma, serious injuries, and medical emergencies.

Keep all yaur options open when choosing the type of holistic care you need. Avail yourself of beneficial allopathic diagnosis options and treatments.

Regardless of the type of health care you choose, take full responsibility for your health. Educate yourself about the potential benefits and drawbacks of available allopathic and alternative treatments relating to your health conditions. Research procedures and medications before using them. 

Keep an up-to-date copy of your medical records and understand what is going on with your health and treatments. This way you can minimize potential problems while optimizing the benefits of allopathy you will receive.

Continue Reading: The Drawbacks of Allopathy in Modern Medicine

Related Links:

What is Holistic Medicine and is Modern Medicine Part of It?

Pros and Cons of Alternative Medicine

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