Art and science of medicine

I REFER to the letter “Alternative medicine and the New Age” (The Star, June 18). The writer cannot lump every one of the alternative medicines together and claim that they all have the same basic philosophy! Homeopathy, ayurveda, siddha, yunani medicine, traditional Chinese medicine, chiropractice, acupuncture, reflexology, yoga, herbal medicine, etc, each evolved separately within its own philosophy and basis of practice.

Doctors of conventional medicine in their undergraduate days study psychological medicine and psychiatry. They are also taught to obtain the patient’s past history, family history and social history of illness during consultations. Besides that, family members often feature prominently in the patient’s management plan.