Holistic Hep C Treatments Versus Modern Medicine

Living with a chronic illness like hepatitis C brings a lot of changes to a person's life. One of the most universal and noticeable changes is how much time you will spend thinking about, researching, and sourcing all things "medical."

There will be a lot of choices in terms of the type of care you need and the type of care you want. Words like "holistic" and "modern" will pop up. You may be wondering what the difference is between the two. Today we will look at the differences between the two: their focus and philosophy, treatment approaches, and, lastly, the burden of evidence and regulation.

By the end of this article, you will have a comprehensive understanding of what each of these modalities can offer for your care.

Comparing approaches

The first comparison we will examine between holistic and modern medical approaches is regarding their focus and philosophies.

Modern medicine

Modern medicine, also called conventional, Western, or allopathic medicine, typically focuses on diagnosing and treating specific symptoms or diseases. This approach emphasizes basing treatment on scientific evidence and uses pharmaceuticals, surgeries, and advanced medical technologies. This approach aims to provide targeted interventions to address specific health issues.¹

Holistic medicine

Holistic treatments take a broader view of health and well-being, emphasizing the interconnectedness of various aspects of a person's life and well-being. It includes the emotional and spiritual dimensions of a person. Holistic medicine seeks to promote overall wellness and balance, often through lifestyle modifications, complementary and alternative therapies, and addressing the believed underlying causes of health issues.²

Treatment approaches

Treatment approaches between modern and holistic medicine can be quite different. Here are some of the finer points of the differences.

Modern medicine

Modern treatments often involve standardized protocols and guidelines based on scientific research and clinical trials. They focus on eliminating or treating specific symptoms or conditions, aiming to provide targeted and effective treatments, medications, or surgical interventions.³

Holistic

Holistic treatments emphasize individualized care. They take into account a person's unique circumstances, preferences, and overall well-being. They may incorporate a combination of therapies, including lifestyle changes, nutrition, herbal remedies, mind-body practices such as yoga or meditation, acupuncture, energy healing, and more.⁴

Evidence and regulation

The last point we are going to cover on the differences between modern and holistic medicine is regarding evidence and regulation.

Modern

Modern treatments are primarily based on scientific evidence and are subject to regulatory oversight. They undergo rigorous testing through clinical trials to evaluate their safety, effectiveness, and potential side effects before being approved for use.^5,6

Holistic

Holistic treatments may draw on a range of approaches, including traditional or cultural practices, and may not always have the same level of scientific evidence or regulatory oversight. While some holistic treatments have been researched and show promising results, others may lack robust scientific validation.⁷

It's important to note that modern and holistic treatments are not mutually exclusive, and that people may choose to incorporate elements of both approaches based on their needs and beliefs. Living with chronic health conditions necessitates finding comfort and relief from your care, and how you do that is important.

In some cases, an integrated approach that combines the best aspects of modern medicine and holistic practices may be the best way to achieve your desired level of care. It's advisable to talk to qualified healthcare professionals to understand the best treatment options for your health concerns.