Traditional, Western, and Alternative Medicine

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Questions and Answers

Which of the following best describes traditional medicine?

Medical practices based solely on scientific research and clinical trials.
Modern medical techniques developed in Western countries.
Knowledge, skills, and practices indigenous to different cultures used for health maintenance and treatment, whether explicable or not. (correct)
Surgical procedures performed by doctors and nurses in hospitals.

Where are traditional healing practices most commonly observed?

Australia and South America
Some parts of Asia and Africa (correct)
North America and Europe
Antarctica and Greenland

Which of the following is an example of a traditional healing practice?

Radiotherapy
Pharmaceutical prescriptions
Surgery
Acupuncture (correct)

What is the primary basis of Western medicine?

Modern medical and scientific teachings (C) Signup and view all the answers

Which healthcare provider is typically associated with Western medicine?

Doctor (B) Signup and view all the answers

What characterizes alternative healing practices?

Healing methods with medicinal effects that do not necessarily come from medical practice or scientific methods. (D) Signup and view all the answers

Which of the following is considered an example of alternative healing?

Christian faith healing (B) Signup and view all the answers

What is a common characteristic of alternative healing methods?

They are not always backed by scientific facts but have shown successful healing. (B) Signup and view all the answers

According to the WHO constitution, what is health considered?

A fundamental human right. (B) Signup and view all the answers

What is identified as an issue that needs resolution regarding global health?

The health of the majority of the world’s population remains an impending issue. (D) Signup and view all the answers

Flashcards

Traditional Medicine

Knowledge, skills, and practices based on indigenous cultures' beliefs and experiences used for health maintenance, prevention, diagnosis, improvement, or treatment of illness.

Western Medicine

Modern medical practices utilizing science, typically administered by doctors, nurses, and other conventional healthcare providers.

Alternative Healing

Healing practices with medicinal effects but not necessarily from medical practice or scientific methods; includes therapies not backed by scientific facts.

Health as a Human Right

The WHO constitution states that the highest attainable standard of health is a fundamental human right.

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Acupuncture

A traditional Chinese medicine technique involving the insertion of thin needles into specific points on the body to stimulate energy flow and promote healing.

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Herbalism

The use of plants and herbs for medicinal purposes, drawing on the chemical properties of plants to treat various ailments.

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Study Notes

Traditional medicine encompasses the knowledge, skills, and practices rooted in indigenous cultures' theories, beliefs, and experiences.
Traditional medicine is used for health maintenance, prevention, diagnosis, and treatment of physical and mental illnesses.
Traditional healing is prominent in parts of Asia and Africa.
Examples of traditional healing include acupuncture, herbalism, Chinese medicine, and rubs.

Western Medicine

Western medicine represents modern medical practices, often referred to as medical science.
Doctors, nurses, and other conventional healthcare providers typically administer western medicine and treatment.
Western medicine's practices and methods are based on western medical and scientific teachings and traditions.
Surgery is a prominent aspect of western medicine.

Alternative Healing

Alternative healing involves practices with medicinal effects that do not necessarily stem from medical practice or scientific methods.
Alternative healing includes a wide array of healing practices, healthcare, and therapies.
These alternative healings lack scientific validation but have shown success in healing illnesses and psychological strains.
Examples of alternative healing: Christian faith healing, traditional Chinese medicine, naturopathy, homeopathy, and chiropractors.

Health as a Human Right

The WHO constitution establishes the highest achievable standard of health as a basic human right.
The health of a significant portion of the world's population remains a pressing issue that requires resolution.