Question of the week

Alternative medicine: humbug or helpful?

(Bild: ©behewa - stock.adobe.com)

Alternative medicine refers to medical and health practices that fall outside the spectrum of conventional medicine. These include, for example, homeopathy, chiropractic and herbal medicine. Most of these approaches lack scientific proof of their effectiveness. Nevertheless, there are people who trust them. How is it with you?

Advocates of these methods like to talk about a holistic approach that addresses psychological or spiritual issues as well as physical complaints. They also see fewer side effects, the often more personalized care, where more time is taken, and the non-invasive approach as advantages. On the other hand, there is the aforementioned lack of scientific evidence of effectiveness, the placebo effect. There are also concerns about the safety of such methods. If a demonstrably effective treatment is delayed or even replaced by alternative medicine, there is also a certain risk of harm. Last but not least, you also have to reckon with higher costs. 

What experience have you had with so-called alternative medical methods? Which ones are you convinced of, which ones do you think are pointless or even dangerous? What concerns do you have about the lack of scientific evidence and their safety? Do you believe that alternative medicine and conventional medicine can complement each other? We look forward to hearing what you have to say!