Medicine is part of modern living. At some point we have all taken some sort of medicine, whether aspirin for a headache, or something for the flu, we’ve all taken something. Medicine is not just a visit to your doctor, but it is the art and science of healing. It encompasses a range of health care practices evolved to maintain and restore health by the prevention and treatment of illness. Contemporary medicine applies health science, biomedical research and medical technology to diagnose and treat injury and disease. This happens typically through medicine, surgery or some other form of therapy.
Medicines or medication is a pharmaceutical drug and can usually be described as a substance intended for use in the diagnosis, cure, treatment or prevention of disease. Popular medicines or drugs that you hear about regularly are Claritin for the treatment of allergies, or Caduet which helps to lower blood pressure and cholesterol for certain people. Medications or medicines are classified in various ways such as by chemical properties, mode of administration, biological system affected or the therapeutic effects.
Traditional Chinese medicine includes a range of tradition medical practices originating in China. Although well accepted in the mainstream of medical care throughout East Asia, it considered an alternative medical system in much of the western world. Practitioners of pain management will often refer their patients to clinics that offer Traditional Chinese medical practices, such as acupuncture. Pain medicine is practiced widely in the United States and often alternative cures or treatments are sought to prevent addiction or other problems associated with pain management.
Homeopathic medicine or homeopathy is a form of alternative medicine that treats patients with heavily diluted preparations which are thought to cause effects similar to the symptoms presented. Homeopathic remedies are prepared by serial dilution with shaking by forceful striking. This process is referred to as potentization. Dilution often continues until none of the original substance remains. Apart from the symptoms of the disease, homeopaths use aspects of the patient’s physical and psychological state in recommending remedies.
Similar to homeopathy, naturopathy or natural medicine is an diverse alternative medicine that focuses on natural remedies and the body’s vital ability to heal and maintain itself. Naturopathic philosophy favors a holistic approach and minimal use of surgery and drugs. Naturopathy comprises many different treatment modalities of varying degrees of acceptance by the medical community. Naturopathy has its origins in the Nature Cure movement of Europe. The term was coined in 1895 by John Scheel and popularized by Benedict Lust who was know as the father of U.S. naturopathy.
Herbal medicine or herbalism is a traditional medicinal or folk medicine practice based on the use of plants and plant extracts. The scope of herbal medicine is sometimes extended to include fungal and bee products, as well as minerals, shells and certain animal parts. Many plants synthesize substances that are useful to the maintenance of health in humans and other animals. Many of the herbs and spices used by humans to season food yield useful medicinal compounds.
Nuclear medicine is a branch of medicine and medical imaging that uses radioactive isotopes or radionuclides in the diagnosis and treatment of diseases. You will most encounter this branch when you have x-rays taken or an MRI or CAT scan. Nuclear medicine relies on the process of radioactive decay. Nuclear medicine procedures use pharmaceuticals that have been labeled with radionuclides. In diagnosis, radioactive substances are administered to patients and the radiation emitted is detected.
As you can see, medicine does not just refer to a visit to your doctor or physician. There are many areas of medicine that help improve your life.
