Schools of Medicine
Have you ever gone to the chiropractor when your back was aching? Or made herbal tea when you had a cold or cough? Did you know that these methods of healing do not fall under Western/ allopathic medicine?
There are multiple healthcare philosophies (see healthcare philosophies) practiced in the United States, and each philosophy has many schools of medicine under them. Today we will learn about four different schools of medicine and the healthcare philosophies that encompass them.
First, we’ll take a look at homeopathic medicine. Homeopathic medicine started in the late 18th century in Germany, and it is a form of medicine that utilizes plants, minerals, and animal substances in order to stimulate a person's immune system. In homeopathy, the person, not the disease, is treated. It follows a belief that if a substance that is used to treat a specific set of symptoms is the same substance that, if given to a healthy person, would cause the symptoms. This is more commonly known as the Law of Similars. Homeopathic (alternative) medicine also administers medicine in extremely small doses. These medicines are said to provide a gentle but powerful stimulus to the person’s defense system, helping the person recover.
Next, is Osteopathic medicine. Osteopathic medicine was created in the late 19th century with the intent of not using surgery or drugs to cure patients. Osteopathy is the knowledge of the structure, relation, and function of each part of the human body applied to the correction of whatever interferes with the body’s harmonious operation. Doctors of osteopathy ( DOs ) can now practice in all areas of medicine and surgery in all 50 states. The lines of distinction between a medical doctor and the osteopath arises because the osteopathic healer, in addition to using modern scientific forms of medical diagnosis and treatment, uses manipulation of the bones, muscles, and joints as therapy. The osteopathic doctor has the same legal power to treat patients as a medical doctor and typically goes through the same amount of schooling. Note that osteopathic and allopathic forms of medicine are the only schools of medicine that have a standard curriculum in the United States and can qualify to become board certified doctors (source).
One of the most popular forms of alternative medicine is Chiropractic medicine. Chiropractic medicine is a form of healing that focuses on the body's structure (mainly the spine) and its functioning. Chiropractic medicine was developed in 1895 by a storekeeper named Daniel David Palmer who was also known as the “magnetic healer”. The theory underlying this form of healing is that the interference with the transmission of mental impulses between the brain and body organs caused the disease to occur. The source of the interference is the misalignment of the vertebrae of the spine, decreasing the flow of energy throughout the body. Chiropractic treatment consists of manipulation of the bones to eliminate any interference and increase the flow of energy. One fact to note about Chiropractic medicine is that it is incredibly controversial among allopathic practitioners. Many disputes emerge when discussing the effectiveness of Chiropractic medicine, with some allopathic practitioners arguing that it is very helpful and others arguing that it can be very harmful. However, there is no empirical evidence that chiropractic medicine can restore or maintain health by itself (source).
Lastly, Christian science is a scientific system of divine healing that consists of two parts: discovering healing through a spiritual sense of scriptures, and the miracles of Jesus that exhibit a divine principle. Chrisitan science as a system of spiritual healing was first introduced by Mary Eddy Baker in her book called “Science and Health with Key to the Scriptures”. Christian Scientists are free to choose the method of healthcare they prefer and feel most effective, and their choice is not compelled by a church. They can take their stance on important social health matters such as abortion, birth control, blood transfusion, and organ donations. Christian scientists turn to the bible and the book “Science and Health with the Key to the Scriptures” for answers to humanity’s deepest questions (Spector 9e).
To conclude, there are numerous schools of medicine around the world, each embracing a healthcare philosophy.
By: Sreenidhi Saripalli
