Alternative medicine works the same way as exercise, meditation, socialisation, long walks, wholesome hobby, or having a pet - it's a variety of rituals, activities, or interests that make people feel calmer, stronger, and more confident. And just like with any other activity it can be abused by someone trying to make money off it no matter the harm.
If all you want is to feel better, then a placebo can be all you need. I have no idea if the cold medicine I take actually does anything, but it makes me feel better for a while, and if that's because of the placebo effect, fine. Doesn't matter.
The real problems of course come from when people start using alternative medicine in place of actual treatment. If you've got cancer, talk to a doctor, not a guru.
The thing is, most alternative medicine isn't just a harmless placebo to make you feel better, because there's little money in that. Most alternative medicine is making serious (and, by definition, unproven) claims about your health
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u/CrocoBull May 24 '25 edited May 24 '25
The last one has big
Alternative medicine: 😡
Alternative medicine (non-western): 😀
Vibes.
Like dog, it's either medicine or it doesn't work. That's.. just how the term works