Page 19 - Ranger SPM 2022 - Science

Science SPM Chapter 10 Chemicals in Medicine and Health

10.1 Traditional Medicine, Modern Medicine
and Complementary Medicine

Penerbitan Pelangi Sdn Bhd. All Rights Reserved.
Criteria of Traditional, Modern and Complementary Medicine
1. Traditional medicine, modern medicine and complementary medicine are the three
types of medical methods that are commonly practiced.

Form 4

Traditional Modern Complementary
medicine medicine medicine

Figure 10.1 Medical methods
2. Traditional medicine is a method that involves the use of plant, animal and natural
substances in the diagnosis, treatment and maintenance of health.
3. Modern medicine is a method that involves different branches of knowledge
related to health science and biomedicine.
4. Complementary medicine refers to a variety of health care methods originating
from different cultures and has been practiced since time immemorial.

5. Table 10.1 compares the characteristics of traditional medicine and modern
medicine.

Table 10.1 Comparison between traditional medicine and modern medicine

Traditional Medicine Modern Medicine

Effectiveness is proven through experience Effectiveness is proven through clinical trials

Effectiveness of the treatment is slower and takes Treatment is quicker and more effective
time

The cost of treatment is low The cost of treatment is higher

The treatment utilises chemicals or
The treatment utilises natural substances extracted molecules which are synthesised in
from plants and animals
laboratories

137

F4 Chapter 10.indd 137 3/21/22 3:24 PM