Top 10 Commonly Confused Words in Integrative Medicine

Top 10 Commonly Confused Words in Integrative Medicine 1. Complementary vs. Alternative Often used interchangeably, these terms have subtle differences. Complementary therapies are used alongside conventional medicine, while alternative therapies are used instead of it. For example, a cancer patient might receive chemotherapy (conventional) and practice yoga (complementary) for relaxation. 2. Holistic vs. Homeopathic While both approaches consider the whole person, holistic medicine takes into account physical, mental, and social factors. Homeopathy, on the other hand, is a specific system of medicine that uses highly diluted substances to stimulate the body's healing response. 3. Herbal vs. Natural Herbal medicine involves using plants or plant extracts for therapeutic purposes. Natural medicine encompasses a broader range, including minerals, animal products, and even certain lifestyle practices. 4. Allopathic vs. Osteopathic Allopathic medicine, also known as conventional or Western medicine, focuses on treating symptoms. Osteopathic medicine, while also using conventional treatments, emphasizes the musculoskeletal system's role in health and disease. 5. Acute vs. Chronic