Abstract

Anthropologically, the rise of westernized medicine has occurred rapidly. Achievements have often been cited and in some cases are truly remarkable, including development of purified antimicrobials, supportive electrolyte care, and genetic modification. However, there are limitations of westernized medicine. The allopathic medical model, which focuses on westernized medicine, often looks at illness from a one-cause, one-disease or cure perspective. When a patient has high blood pressure, an allopathic physician may prescribe a drug to lower blood pressure. This fits in with a patient base that is not very committed to health, just looking for a quick fix and not serious lifestyle evaluation or alteration. However, some MD’s trained primarily in the way of allopathy, all naturopaths, and some patients want more. Why do some medical professionals and patients seek a deeper commitment to being an active participant in their own health? Modern medication and surgical intervention can address specific abnormalities, but also potentially creates serious side effects [1]. In addition, allopathic medicine typically fails to address a disorder’s underlying causes, such as obesity, excess alcohol intake, lack of physical activity, poor diet and chronic stress. The combination of being unable to address underlying causes of a disorder and the possibility that side effects overwhelm benefits are patient cited reasons for mistrust of westernized practice.