Mainstream medicine

Mainstream Medicine

Mainstream medicine (pronunciation: /ˈmeɪnˌstriːm ˈmɛdɪsɪn/), also known as Western medicine, biomedicine, allopathic medicine, or modern medicine, is a term used to describe the dominant health care system in most developed countries. It is characterized by the use of scientifically tested and approved treatments and therapies.

Etymology

The term "mainstream medicine" is derived from the concept of a "mainstream" as the dominant trend in society, and "medicine" from the Latin "medicina", meaning "the art of healing".

Related Terms

Alternative medicine: Any of a range of medical therapies that are not regarded as orthodox by the medical profession, such as herbalism, homeopathy, and acupuncture.
Complementary medicine: Non-mainstream practices used together with conventional medicine.
Integrative medicine: Combines treatments from conventional medicine and CAM for which there is some high-quality evidence of safety and effectiveness.
Evidence-based medicine: An approach to medical practice intended to optimize decision-making by emphasizing the use of evidence from well-designed and well-conducted research.

Mainstream Medicine Practices

Mainstream medicine is based on scientific knowledge and clinical evidence. It includes a wide range of practices, such as:

Pharmacology: The study of drugs and their effects on the body.
Surgery: The use of operative manual and instrumental techniques on a patient to investigate or treat a pathological condition such as a disease or injury.
Radiology: The science dealing with X-rays and other high-energy radiation, especially the use of such radiation for the diagnosis and treatment of disease.
Psychiatry: The medical specialty devoted to the diagnosis, prevention, study, and treatment of mental disorders.
Pediatrics: The branch of medicine dealing with the health and medical care of infants, children, and adolescents from birth up to the age of 18.

Criticisms and Controversies

While mainstream medicine is widely accepted and practiced, it is not without its criticisms. Some critics argue that it is too focused on treating symptoms rather than addressing the root causes of disease. Others argue that it relies too heavily on pharmaceuticals and invasive procedures. Despite these criticisms, mainstream medicine continues to be the most widely used and trusted form of health care in most developed countries.