Here’s an overview of the major differences between these two schools of thought and the advantages to alternative and natural medicine practices.

While both conventional (also referred to as Western or allopathic medicine) and alternative medicine are based on science, conventional physicians do not have a background in natural plant medicines, or other alternative therapies, such as acupuncture, aromatherapy or therapeutic massage. Conventional medicine approaches illness from a symptom based perspective and manages treatment mainly with pharmaceutical (prescription and OTC) medicines. Allopathic physicians are not well-versed in nutrition. While they are certainly familiar with the idea that good nutrition plays a large role in everyone’s general level of health, they seldom prescribe nutrients as a treatment.

» Read more: Is There a Reason For Using Alternative Medicine