Alternative Medical Practices and their Underlying Principles

These are some common categories of alternative medicine, along with the principles/assumptions under which they claim effectiveness of their treatments. Not all practitioners of these methods would adhere to these assumptions, but many do, and you will find these assumptions commonly associated with these practices. What can you determine about the truth or falsehood of the assumptions of each practice? Is there evidence for or against these assumptions?

At the end of the list you will find Physical Therapy and Conventional Medicine, and their assumptions. Once again, not all practitioners would agree with all of them. Which of these assumptions are based on evidence?

Homeopathy

The Doctrine of Similars accurately tells us which drugs to use.  True or False?

Dilution causes an increase in potency of a drug.   True or False?

Anecdotal evidence is significant for determining effectiveness.   True or False?

Herbal Medicine

Plants and herbs contain useful drug substances.  True or False?

Plants and herbs are safer than drugs because they're natural.  True or False?

Anecdotal evidence is significant for determining effectiveness.  True or False?

Therapeutic Touch

There is an energy field surrounding a living body.  True or False?

A trained person can detect and manipulate the energy field. True or False?

Manipulating the energy field can heal injury and cure illness. True or False?

Acupuncture

Pain and illness are caused by blockages of nerve energy.  True or False?

Nerves are organized into meridians, which can be targeted.  True or False?

Anecdotal evidence is sufficient for determining the safety and effectiveness of a medical treatment.  True or False?

Reflexology

Internal organs are connected to specific body parts.  True or False?

One can detect an organ illness by testing the body part.  True or False?

Anecdotal evidence is significant for determining effectiveness.  True or False?

Chiropractic

Illnesses are based on blockage of nerve energy at the spine.  True or False?

Most illnesses can be treated by moving the joints of the spine.  True or False?

Massage Therapy

Relaxation is beneficial for a wide variety of illnesses.  True or False?

Massage is a good way to achieve relaxation and improve health.  True or False?

Physical Therapy

Injuries can be treated by a combination of therapies and exercise.  True or False?

The whole person should be treated, not just the injury site.  True or False?

Education of the patient is an important part of the healing process.  True or False?

Exercise, dietary habits, and improved style of movement can all help to reduce injury and promote healing.  True or False?

Conventional Medicine

Science is the way to determine effectiveness of treatments.  True or False?

Anecdotal evidence is unsatisfactory for scientific decision-making.  True or False?

Placebo effect may help someone feel better.  True or False?

A cure of the illness is better than temporarily feeling better.  True or False?

A doctor should cure the illness, ignoring the rest of the person.  True or False?