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David Gerard (talk | contribs) rv - that is the actual definition. else what is it "alternative" to? |
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====The placebo effect====
The [[placebo effect]] is a problem only when conducting research. In the treatment of patients, the placebo effect always benefits the patient (Benedetti ''et al.'' 2003). Alternative medicine tries to capitalize on the positive effects of the placebo effect.
The history of Western alternative medicine during the 19th century developed around curing patients with placebos. Isaac Jennings, MD during the health reform movement in America was famous for having cured patients with placebo pills made from bread. Part of the effectiveness of placebo treatments comes from the fact that many diseases are self-limiting. Placebo treatment also meant that patients did not develop secondary diseases from receiving 19th century conventional medical treatment.
==Contemporary use of alternative medicine==
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