The text describes treating the "whole person" (mind, body, and spirit), which translates directly to a holistic approach in the answer choices. Top 3 Study Tips for High-Quality Preparation
For those preparing for the IELTS, you can find the specific Complementary medicine: an overview reading answers and practice tests on platforms like IELTS Mentor IELTS Material vocabulary list related to this reading passage? Overview of Complementary Medicine | PDF - Scribd
Print the PDF and practice under timed conditions (20 minutes for the passage + questions). Then review each wrong answer using the explanation key—not just the correct letter.
Complementary medicine refers to a diverse group of medical and healthcare systems, practices, and products that are not presently considered part of conventional medicine. While conventional medicine relies on drugs, surgery, and radiation, complementary therapies use natural ingredients, mind-body techniques, and body manipulation. It is important to distinguish complementary medicine from alternative medicine. The former is used together with conventional treatment, whereas the latter is used in place of it. For example, using acupuncture to relieve nausea caused by chemotherapy is complementary; abandoning chemotherapy for an unproven herbal remedy is alternative. The text describes treating the "whole person" (mind,
This is a standard IELTS Academic Reading passage that you are typically expected to complete in about 20 minutes. It originated from a survey conducted by Professor Edzard Ernst, a prominent professor of complementary medicine, who polled British scientists on their views regarding various treatments such as acupuncture, homeopathy, and aromatherapy.
Paragraph A clearly differentiates the terms: "While 'alternative' medicine implies a total replacement of orthodox treatments, 'complementary' medicine refers to therapies utilized alongside conventional medical care..."
Despite its burgeoning popularity, complementary medicine is heavily criticized by mainstream scientific communities. The primary battleground is the lack of rigorous empirical evidence. Biomedical research relies on the Randomized Controlled Trial (RCT) as the gold standard for validating treatments. In an RCT, a treatment must prove significantly more effective than a placebo. Many CAM modalities fail to demonstrate efficacy under these rigid clinical trials. Critics argue that any therapeutic benefit derived from practices like homeopathy or crystal healing is purely the result of the placebo effect—a psychological phenomenon where a patient's expectation of healing triggers genuine physiological relief. Medical skeptics warn that relying on unproven therapies can lead patients to delay or completely eschew lifesaving conventional interventions. Then review each wrong answer using the explanation
Public perception and usage vary significantly across different regions:
Often seen as more effective by the scientific community because they involve physical manipulation. Homeopathy/Aromatherapy:
Treating the whole person (mind, body, spirit) rather than just the disease. It is important to distinguish complementary medicine from
When practicing with this specific passage, you will encounter distinct IELTS question formats. Here is how to approach them systematically. 1. Multiple Choice Questions
In the competitive landscape of IELTS Academic and General Training, reading comprehension modules often feature complex, academic texts designed to test your ability to understand complex arguments, identify viewpoints, and locate specific information. One such frequently cited text, often labeled "," provides a fascinating look into the world of alternative health practices.
4. The NCCIH only funds research on alternative medicine.