Band 7+: Nowadays, a growing number of people with health problems are trying alternative medicines and treatments instead of visiting their usual doctor. Do you think this is a positive or a negative development?

In recent times, an increasing number of people are turning to complementary and alternative therapies such as aromatherapy, acupuncture and herbal medicine rather than seeking assistance from modern healthcare providers. Whether the growing preference for traditional medical practices over modern medical care is considered a positive approach can be subjective and depends on various aspects.

First, some people are seeking a holistic approach which is offered by indigenous medicine. Holistic approaches aim to maintain physical, mental, emotional and social well-being of individuals by incorporating a combination of mindfulness practices, natural remedies and personalised treatment methods. Since many diseases are related to stress and the density of life, these individuals tend to become less sick than other people thanks to their healthy mindsets and lifestyle choices. Choosing alternative treatments might be viewed as a sign of individuals taking control of their health decisions which cause them to feel stronger and more empowered. Consequently, by decreasing the number of patients in hospitals for minor problems, people having more serious health issues would have more chances to benefit from hospital services.

However, many alternative treatments approaches are lack of scientific validation which potentially put individuals at risk. Believing and trusting these ways may lead patients to forget about their physical well-beings and prevent them to realise the significant indications of an illness which also bring about a delay in timely diagnosis. For instance, in certain diseases such as cancer, tumour, or cardiac diseases, time plays a crucial role for the proper treatment to save patients’ lives. Unfortunately, some patients rely on traditional healing methods and postpone their treatments, which can lead to the worsening of medical conditions.

In conclusion, I believe that alternative ways can be used to maintain wellnesses in the case of minor diseases, contributing positively to the health system. However, it is crucial to note that alternative treatments may pose significant risks to people’s health, especially in the long-term, potentially leading to life threatening conditions.